Britain’s Got Talent star Stacey Leadbeatter has issued a heartbreaking message following backlash from viewers, urging them to remember that she is a “human being”.
Stacey advanced to the grand final of the ITV reality show after winning the public vote in Saturday’s (3 May) semi-final, with the singer wowing both the judging panel and audience with her rendition of Demi Lovato’s ‘Anyone’.
Despite her progress being largely welcomed, Stacey and the show faced backlash in certain quarters as some fans argued that other acts were worthier of a place in the final, with a smattering of boos allegedly being heard in the live audience upon the results announcement.
Addressing the backlash, Stacey took to Instagram to remind disgruntled viewers that she had “feelings” too, beginning: “I have seen so many not so kind comments since waking up this morning! Which I guess is understandable!
“As people get upset, angry and frustrated when they don’t get the results that they want. But please remember I am a human being and I have feelings! All the other contestants who you all supported are beyond amazing and all deserved a spot and are now my lifelong friends.
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“But I can assure you that if they read some of the comments you’re saying they would not agree with the hurtful things you’re saying. But I’d like to add. I am strong! I am proud. I am on top of the world and nothing anyone says can bring me down off this little cloud I am on.
“I am overwhelmed, I am ecstatic, I am excited, I am in awe. Most of all I am thankful and very very lucky ❤️,” concluded the singer, who progressed to the live semi-finals after being awarded a Golden Buzzer by KSI.
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Stacey, who hails from Yorkshire, was greeted by several messages of support in the comment section, with one follower writing: “Well done sweetheart ❤️you were amazing ❤️you will have my vote in the final xxxxx”
“You deserved you spot and well done to you 👏👏 your voice is unreal. Block out the hate and lap up the love ❤️” wrote one supportive fan, with another adding: “You were fantastic last night. Well done. Don’t worry about the haters. They are going to hate. Just be yourself.”
Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
Read more Britain’s Got Talent news on our dedicated homepage
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.