Simon Cowell Responds To Britain's Got Talent 'Fix' Controversy

The show returned to ITV on Saturday following a two-year absence - and viewers got to see Amanda Holden use the first Golden Buzzer of the series, which offers the lucky act a pass straight through to the semi-finals. 

Singer Loren Allred blew the judges away with 'Never Enough' from The Greatest Showman. 

However, it was revealed that while Allred didn’t appear in the movie, she did provide the vocals for the track she ended up singing on stage. 

Some viewers were left less than impressed after discovering a professional singer had been given the Golden Buzzer and took to Twitter to vent. 

Now, Cowell has hit back saying there are actually fewer professional acts on this year’s show than usual. 

"We started by opening the show to anyone regardless of a day job or hidden talent that they want to show to the world.

"This is the place to do it and thank God that's the show it's evolved into. We don't really have any rules on it.

"Wherever you're from, whatever you do, you are welcome.”

Angry viewers flocked to social media after the show aired to complain about Allred’s Golden Buzzer. 

One wrote: "You’re seriously trying to tell me Simon Cowell (one of the biggest record executives in the business) had no idea that his 'favourite song' Never Enough was actually sung by Loren Allred? BGT loses credibility with every passing second So contrived! #BGT."

Another said: "Used to watch #bgt with the kids so gave it a go last night. Used to love terrible amateurs doing their best & finding an un, not the obvious #FIX of wheeling out an established singer & a surprised dad already wearing a mic."

Someone else tweeted: “So an actress and professional singer worth 2 million dollars and who has toured with Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli gets the golden buzzer - hate to say it but #BGT sounds like a fix! It is Simon's favourite film- like he doesn't know who she is!”