Louis Walsh Launches Stinging Attack on Britain's Got Talent
Music manager Louis Walsh has unleashed a blistering critique of Britain's Got Talent, declaring the long-running ITV talent show is "done" as it returns for its 19th series. The outspoken industry figure, who previously served as a guest panellist on the programme in 2010, made the controversial remarks just as the new season premiered on 21 February.
Questioning the Show's Relevance
In a candid interview with The Sun, Walsh cast serious doubt on whether audiences still care about the competition that once captivated the nation. "BGT, who cares?" he asked pointedly, before elaborating on his view that the programme has lost its cultural significance. "It's not what it was. Back in the old days, it was pulling in 12 million, and the whole country cared who won. Now it doesn't feel like that, who even won last year?"
The Irish music manager, who judged Ireland's Got Talent during its brief two-series run from 2018 to 2019, contrasted the show's current standing with its former glory days when viewing figures reached their peak.
Viewing Figures Tell a Complex Story
Recent ratings appear to support some of Walsh's concerns, though the complete picture reveals a more nuanced situation. Last year's finale, which saw magician Harry Moulding claim victory and the £250,000 prize along with a Royal Variety Show spot, attracted approximately 4.1 million viewers according to overnight television ratings. This represented the lowest-viewed finale in the programme's history.
Similarly, the first episode of the 2025 series drew roughly 5.5 million viewers, marking a decline of about one million from the 2022 launch. However, these traditional ratings figures fail to account for the significant shift in viewing habits, as they exclude streaming through ITVX and catch-up services.
A source close to Britain's Got Talent provided a contrasting perspective to The Sun, insisting the show remains in robust health. According to this insider, last year's series reached over 30 million viewers across ITV, ITVX, and various digital platforms combined. The source described Walsh's comments as "typical of Louis" while maintaining the programme has "never been better."
Walsh's History of Controversial Remarks
This is far from the first time Louis Walsh's unfiltered opinions have sparked controversy. Two years ago, during his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, he launched a verbal attack on former X Factor act Jedward, comprised of twins John and Edward Grimes. Walsh labelled the pair "vile" while boasting about earning "£5 million from them."
He has also publicly criticised former client Ronan Keating, describing the Boyzone frontman as a "little manufactured pop star, who actually believed his own publicity." Keating responded forcefully in a documentary about the band, accusing Walsh of being an inadequate manager who failed to address serious career concerns.
Support for Simon Cowell's New Venture
Despite his harsh assessment of Britain's Got Talent, Walsh expressed genuine hope for December 10, a new band assembled by the show's head judge Simon Cowell. The two music industry veterans share a long history from their time together as judges on The X Factor, where they helped launch acts including One Direction and JLS.
Walsh, who has managed successful groups like Boyzone and Westlife, stated he "genuinely hoped" December 10 would succeed for the sake of the young performers involved. He revealed particular empathy for artists when projects fail to gain traction, acknowledging "what it's like when things don't take off" and how difficult such outcomes can be for the talent themselves.
The contrasting perspectives on Britain's Got Talent's current standing highlight the evolving landscape of television entertainment, where traditional ratings tell only part of the story in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
