KSI issued a public apology to the entire nation during the live semi-final of Britain's Got Talent, acknowledging that his Golden Buzzer choice had gone awry. The YouTube star and judge had selected Mr Cherry, a stunt performer, for a fast track to the semi-finals, but the act's performance left viewers and fellow judges bewildered.
Mr Cherry's Semi-Final Performance
During the Saturday (May 23) live episode, Mr Cherry delivered an elaborate routine that involved smashing watermelons with his backside and stuffing a balloon into his shorts as a makeshift tail. The performance, which aimed to entertain, instead horrified home viewers and drew sharp criticism from the judging panel.
KSI, clearly feeling accountable, declared: 'I'd like to apologise to the whole of the UK. I don't know what I've done.' He added: 'Mr Cherry, I mean I love the energy. I love the pants with my face on it. I love that you were smashing watermelons, interesting. But in terms of the whole act, as a semi-finalist, maybe it wasn't the best.'
Judges' Reactions
Fellow judge Amanda Holden offered her own assessment, saying: 'I mean you've got a very strong bum, but that's where it ends. Bottom line, it was pants.' Simon Cowell also weighed in: 'I thought it lacked a little polish tonight. It was like you'd drank a million cups of coffee and then decided to come out and sit on loads of watermelons.'
Viewer Backlash
ITV viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their bewilderment. One wrote: 'Why are we forced to tolerate this utter b*****ks.' Another raged: 'WTF is this RUBBISH?? Sticking a balloon up his a**e??' A third criticised: 'I flat out HATED that. How the hell did he get through?' And a fourth added: 'What a load of b******ks that was.'
Prior Support
Despite the backlash, Mr Cherry had won over some viewers during the audition phase. Earlier in the live broadcast, one enthusiastic fan posted: 'Mr. Cherry is the only person who can save this show so far #BGT.' Another expressed support: 'MR CHERRY ON BGT TONIGHT!!!!! He HAS to win this year!! #TeamCherry.'
Britain's Got Talent continues to air on ITV and is available to stream on ITVX.
