KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, pressed the golden buzzer to send Liwei Yang to the Britain’s Got Talent final after a spectacular fire stunt during the third semi-final
During the third live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent, held as part of the show’s 19th series, KSI — whose real name is Olajide Olatunji — hit the coveted golden buzzer to send a single act straight to the final.
The moment unfolded on Saturday, May 9, 2026, when audiences at home and in the studio watched a daring performance that combined danger and poise. In the context of the live shows, that single press guarantees immediate progression, making the golden buzzer one of the most dramatic elements of the competition.
The semi-finals serve as the last hurdle before the grand final, with acts competing not only for a place on stage at the Royal Variety Performance but also for the show’s cash prize. Saturday night’s line-up included a variety of disciplines: acrobatics, dance, choir, comedy and a high-risk daredevil routine.
The episode aired on ITV and ITVX at 7pm, and viewers were reminded that the semi-finals run on consecutive Saturdays, culminating in the grand final scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026.
The moment that changed the semi-final
The act that prompted KSI to slam the button was the daredevil performer Liwei Yang, who delivered a tension-filled routine involving flames and balance. Joined onstage by her husband, she controlled a burning umbrella and balanced a giant spinning wheel engulfed in fire using only her feet. The sequence combined precise timing with visible risk, drawing audible gasps from the audience and strong praise from the judging panel. After the routine, KSI described the performance as phenomenal and magical, then chose to send Yang straight to the final as golden confetti fell and the pair embraced amid cheers.
Other performers and judges’ responses
Standout routines
The show opened with the dance troupe Playground, whose energetic choreography mixed contemporary hits into a tightly executed routine that earned positive feedback. Mizuki Shinagawa, an acrobatic artist, also impressed the panel and audience with feats that earned Amanda Holden’s remark that the act was “utterly out of this world.” Harpist and singer Niamh Noade offered a slowed, atmospheric take on an 1980s hit, while comedian Ted Hill — previously given a golden buzzer by Ant and Dec — returned to deliver a set that left judges and viewers laughing. These varied performances highlighted the breadth of talent vying for the final places.
Judges’ critiques and a controversial pre-record
The judging panel, which this week included Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell and guest judge KSI, reacted strongly throughout the night. Amanda said she was “gobsmacked” by Yang’s routine, Simon called parts of the show “spectacular,” and Alesha described Yang’s performance as “exhilarating” and hypnotic. By contrast, the Ukrainian group Antigravity faced criticism for their pre-recorded segment; Simon said it felt less human and more like a production piece, which prompted debate about the place of prerecorded footage in a live contest.
What comes next
With Liwei Yang automatically through to the final, the other semi-finalists must rely on the public vote to secure a place in the grand final. Viewers were reminded that previous golden buzzer recipients already booked into the final include Matty Juniosa, Anastasiia and her dog Salsa, Fabian Fox, and the duo Sadeck Berrabah & LMA. The remaining acts from each semi-final compete for the audience’s favour, and the programme announced a special live performance from Westlife to appear during the show as an additional treat for viewers.
Saturday’s episode illustrated both the spectacle and the unpredictable nature of the competition: high-risk stunts, emotional choir moments and laugh-out-loud comedy all shared the same stage. For audiences who want to follow the remaining qualifiers, Britain’s Got Talent continues to air on Saturdays at 7pm on ITV. As the contest progresses toward the grand final on May 30, 2026, the balance between judge decisions, the golden buzzer moments and the power of the public vote will determine who ultimately reaches the coveted final spots and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
