ITV Britain's Got Talent viewers fume as 'American professional singer' wows judges: 'What a con!'

WATCH HERE: CJ Emmons performs on Britain's Got Talent

ITV
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 24/05/2025

- 20:07

Updated: 24/05/2025

- 22:49

CJ Emmons impressed the judges and audience members with his vocals

Britain's Got Talent was back with its last semi-final show on Saturday, and the show's second act left viewers divided.

Singer CJ Emmons explained he sings professionally but often "in the background," and cited his work on Dancing With The Stars, the US equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing.


He took to the stage to sing James Brown's It's A Man's Man's Man's World. His vocal talent impressed the judges and the audience members were pleading for him to receive the golden buzzer, meaning he'd be guaranteed a place in the final.

Judge Alesha Dixon admitted: "I can't use the words that I want to use at the moment, because we're on live television, but oh my goodness, watching you just then... all the years you've been working towards this very moment, I feel you put it all on the stage there with your heart and soul."

CJ Emmons

BGT fans were divided over CJ Emmons being in the semi-final

ITV

She continued: "It was sensational, the falsetto, everything," before guest judge KSI gave his feedback.

"I mean, CJ, you know you 're good - you know you're an incredible singer, don't you?" the influencer and musician commented.

He continued: "I mean, you blew everyone away, they're telling me to press the golden buzzer..."

However, despite pressure from the audience and KSI being the one to choose who got the buzzer this week, he didn't end up pressing it for the singer.

BGT judges

The BGT judges were on their feet over CJ's performance

ITV

"You gave the most sensational performance this evening," Amanda Holden beamed as she began her feedback.

She went on: "You smashed it, you lifted the roof. You've clearly for the audience behind you.

"I think people are going to pick up the phone, I don't think we've got any worries here, people are going to pick up the phone and vote for you, for sure."

However, fans weren't happy about how CJ is a "professional singer," coupled with the fact he is from America.

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Taking to X, one complained: "#bgt What a load of pants, an American trained professional singer!!!!"

"I mean he's good but he's American and a professional singer??? #bgt," a second echoed.

"An American professional singer steals the show...what a con #bgt," fumed another.

"Sorry wait, we literally have an American professional singer on Britain's Got Talent? What? #BGT," another shared.

One more noted: "Whilst CJ has an incredible voice. His career background is insane, why is he even on this show? He’s a professional #bgt."

Others didn't think CJ's background was of importance though, with many others pointing out his talent.

"I don’t know why it matters that he’s a professional singer… loads of the other acts “professional”- as in their act is their profession. For some reason people assume if you’re a professional singer then you’ve made it #BGT," one posted.

Someone else penned: "Wow, I mean wow, CJ Emmons once again that was absolutely outstanding, my word. That’s talent. #BGT #BritainsGotTalent @BGT."