Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left divided after Avenue Q puppets opened the ITV semi-final
Ant and Dec host Britain’s Got Talent(Image: ITV screengrab)
Britain’s Got Talent audiences were baffled as puppets from Avenue Q performed during Saturday evening’s programme.
The ITV show’s semi-final on May 9 began with a performance featuring characters from the musical. They entertained the programme‘s judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI, along with the studio audience, reports the Daily Star.
While those present appeared delighted by the puppets, viewers at home held mixed opinions. Numerous people took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts, with one asking: “Just turned BGT on… WTF are we watching?”
“What a strange start to the show!” another agreed. A further viewer complained: “What’s this opening act? What are we watching… the worst ventriloquist act ever? So dull and boring and just a waste of a slot.”
Puppets from Avenue Q performed on the show(Image: ITV screengrab)
“What the hell was that opener?” questioned another person.
Nevertheless, others appreciated the look at the enduring comedy musical.
“Loving this puppet stuff,” one viewer posted on the platform. “It will be the best talent on the show tonight.”
Another observed: “Avenue Q opening the show is a BOLD choice for 2026! It’s been 20 years since they hit the West End and they’re still more entertaining than half the human acts we see. Simon’s face says it all!”
Four acts have already secured their places in the Britain’s Got Talent final, presented by Ant and Dec. Vocalist Matty Juniosa progressed after receiving Amanda’s golden buzzer, while Anastasiia and her dog, Salsa, captured the public vote with a captivating dance performance that delighted both the judging panel and home viewers.
The judges seemed impressed by the puppet performance(Image: ITV screengrab)
During the second semi-final, Alesha was selected to wield the golden buzzer and chose to award it to dance troupe LMA.
Magician Fabian Fox subsequently earned his place in the final through the public vote.
For the third semi-final, rapper and boxing star KSI was granted control of the golden buzzer, giving him the power to send one semi-final act directly through to the last stage, where they will compete for the £250,000 prize and the chance to appear at the Royal Variety Performance.
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturdays at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.