Simon Cowell breaks major on-stage rule, shocking fellow judges

Britain’s Got Talent is back on our screens, once again searching for the nation’s most gifted performers.

Hosted by Ant and Dec, this season features judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, guest judge KSI, and, of course, the ever-present Simon Cowell—who found himself breaking one of the show’s long-standing rules after an emotional audition.

Over the years, BGT has delivered plenty of unforgettable moments—from Susan Boyle’s jaw-dropping debut to Stavros Flatley’s iconic dance routine. But on Saturday night (22 March), it was Electric Umbrella, an inclusive musical group from Watford, that stole the show.

Performing their original song ‘Acceptance,’ the group—made up of members aged six to 60—aims to empower learning-disabled and neurodivergent people through music and creativity. Their uplifting performance earned a standing ovation from the entire audience and all four judges.

Clearly moved, Cowell told them, “I feel a wave of goodness here. Everything about this was good. It was just spectacular. Look, the only downside to this is, I don’t have any Golden Buzzers left.”

The crowd immediately began urging another judge to use theirs, but Cowell had already used his Golden Buzzer on Scottish singer Vinnie McKee, who wowed him with an operatic version of The Proclaimers’ classic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)‘.

However, Cowell wasn’t about to let that stop him. Despite already using his buzzer, the 65-year-old went ahead and slammed it again, sending golden confetti raining down on Electric Umbrella and securing their place in the live shows.

The other judges looked stunned, but the audience erupted in cheers. Cowell then joined the group on stage, embracing them in celebration.

Fans took to social media to praise the heartfelt moment.

One viewer wrote: “Wow, Electric Umbrella on @BGT brought a tear to my eye. What an act, and what this show is all about.”

Another added: “They were brilliant and deserved the gold. Such a lovely group.”

A third simply said: “An extra Golden Buzzer for Electric Umbrella is just so rightly deserved!!”

With their place now secured in the live shows, Electric Umbrella has plenty of time to prepare for their next performance—one that’s sure to be just as powerful.