Simon Cowell gives comic the buzzer

Canadian comedian Kevin Finn got the buzzer from Simon Cowell on tonight’s live Britain’s Got Talent semi-final.

The stand-up, who deploys a lot of British regional accents in his set, got the sign of disapproval after joking that Scouse could have derived from the language in Pingu. 

Cowell said: ‘Without being rude, the audition felt like it went on forever and it didn't start well. The end maybe was better, but honestly, you're going to be disappointed, I think, when you watch this back because you're better than that.’

Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli also said Finn’s timing was off. He said: ‘This was like an accent marathon. So many accents, some of them I didn't even know existed. I actually didn't understand quite a few of them. But it doesn't matter. 

‘I think Simon has a point. I know we've all been there. Your timing tonight wasn't quite as accurate in delivering the punchlines…. there wasn't any breathing space. It was a bit off, but you do have a talent. And you know, we all have a night off, my darling, you'll be fabulous next time.’ 

Alesha Dixon added: ‘Coming out here and doing stand up comedy, I think is one of the toughest things you can do on the Britain’s Got Talent stage.

‘I loved your first audition. You are clearly super, super talented. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now. I'm sorry you got the buzzer. Tthat's the risk you take as a comedian. Some nights you land and some nights you don't. But you know what? You tried, my darling, you tried. You did it. Be proud of yourself not matter what.’

And  Amanda Holden: ‘I just want to tell you that there's lots of really good stuff in your act. There's you're very talented. Your accents are brilliant. There's a lot of really great stuff. 

‘Your first audition, you blew us away. We were laughing the place down. But as Simon said, it is a difficult genre. It's an immediate reaction., Tonight. It just didn't go your way. But that's how it goes when you're a comedian. Do not give up.’

Finn apparently wanted to say something in response, but thought better of it, staying only: ‘Well I had fun!’

Here’s his performance:

Published: 30 May 2024