Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer act’s secret connection to Simon Cowell amid show ‘fix’ row
BRITAIN’S Got Talent hopeful Taryn Charles was left stunned by getting the golden buzzer on Sunday night’s show – but in some ways it was a long-time coming.
The Surrey teacher appeared on stage on Sunday, and impressed the judges with her performance of the iconic (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin.
Bruno Tonioli gave her a ticket straight through to the live semi-finals by giving up his one-a-season golden buzzer as a result of the performance.
However, it seems Simon Cowell was the person she was hoping to win over most after a chance encounter over two decades ago.
“When I was growing up, he worked at a record label near our house,” Taryn told the Mirror.
“I met him when I was 15 and said to him, ‘You’re gonna give me a record deal one day’.”
Since then, Taryn has been working to make her dream come true – previously appearing on another ITV talent show, Starstruck, last year.
Following in the footsteps of 90s smash hit Stars In Their Eyes, Starstruck saw members of the public impersonate showbiz stars – with a celeb judges panel handing down their verdict.
Olly Murs hosted with Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight on the judges panel, while contestants were turned into the likes of Lady Gaga and Michael Buble.
Taryn appeared as a Whitney Houston impersonator on the series, performing I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).
But it seems she’s finally got a shot at the big time thanks to Bruno’s buzzer back-up.
“I don’t remember the Golden Buzzer moment at all,” she told The Mirror.
“I remember jumping up and down and suddenly screeching that I’d wet myself. I hadn’t really, but it was the only thing I could think of to say.
“I didn’t feel I sang my best, so the Golden Buzzer was very unexpected.”
Britain’s Got Talent continues next week, and is available to catch-up and stream on ITVX.
Britain's Got Talent 2024 Golden Buzzer Acts
Each year, the judges and hosts Ant and Dec are given a 'golden buzzer' to send one act through to the finale. Here's who they've picked this year so far..
Ravi’s Dream Team (Buzzed by Alesha Dixon) – Ravi left viewers and the audience in tears with their performance of A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman. Ravi, a young boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour, helped create the 50-strong choir with the supporters who got him through the surgery and diagnosis.
Ssaulabi Taekwondo Troupe (Buzzed by Ant and Dec) – With a routine involving stunts and taekowndo tricks, this South Korean group left the audience in awe – and Ant and Dec reaching for the buzzer.
CyberAgent Legit (Buzzed by Simon Cowell) – This dance troupe stormed the stage with their futuristic-inspired performance. The live audience were so impressed they started chanting for a golden buzzer for them.
Sydnie Christmas (Buzzed by Amanda Holden) – The singer charmed the live audience and the judges with her performance of Tomorrow from Annie. Amanda later declared it the ‘best version she’d ever heard’.
Taryn Charles (Buzzed by Bruno Tonioli) – The Surrey-based special needs teacher and singer wowed the judges with Aretha Franklin’s iconic song (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.