A Britain’s Got Talent contestant has urged fans to remember she’s only ‘human’ after receiving intense backlash during Saturday’s semi-final.
Yorkshire native Stacey Leadbetter, 29, who made it through auditions after wowing the judges with her voice, was in the line-up for semi-final number two.
And she took to the stage to perform a stirring rendition of Demi Lovato’s song Anyone, which was released in 2020 and performed at the Grammys that year by Demi.
She brought the house down with her version of the song, which judge Simon Cowell described as a ‘regular’ person living out their dream to ‘do something else’.
Her performance clearly won over those watching at home as well, with Stacey progressing into the final alongside Golden Buzzer dance act Olly Pearson.
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Upon finding out she was in the final, she said: ‘I can’t even explain it, thank you so much! Oh my god, I don’t have the words! Thank you so much for believing in me, it means everything to me.’
However, when you’re on your way to making thousands of friends, you’re unfortunately bound to make a few enemies too – and Stacey felt their wrath over the weekend.
After the result was revealed, several people took to social media to call Stacey a ‘pub singer’ and argue that fellow singer Linda Mudzenda should have progressed to the final the previous night instead.
Those who watched the live show also claimed to have heard booing from the audience as impressionist Will Burns was eliminated in second place.
Who has gone through to the Britain’s Got Talent 2025 final?
Vinnie Mckee – Won the public vote
The Blackouts – Golden Buzzer
Stacey Leadbetter – Won the public vote
Olly Pearson – Golden Buzzer
There were even accusations that BGT bosses had ‘fixed’ the result and that a ‘mediocre’ act shouldn’t have made it through to the live finals.
Stacey, having seen such comments, took to Instagram on Sunday morning to address the backlash and defend her rightful place in the final.
‘I have seen so many not so kind comments since waking up this morning! Which I guess is understandable, as people get upset, angry and frustrated when they don’t get the results that they want.
‘But please remember I am a human being and I have feelings. All the other contestants who you all supported are amazing, beyond amazing and all deserved a spot and are now my lifelong friends.’
She continued: ‘But I can assure you that if they read some of the comments you’re saying they would not agree with the hurtful things you’re saying.’
Hold her head high, she concluded: ‘But I’d like to add. I am strong! I am proud. I am on top of the world and nothing anyone says can bring me down off this little cloud I am on.’
Stacey then said she was ‘overwhelmed and ecstatic’ to be in the final and, above all, ‘very, very lucky’ to be singing on a national stage on the ITV talent show.
Last week’s first semi-final of BGT 2025 saw singer Vinnie McKee and LED dance act The Blackouts make it through, with Stacey and Olly now set to join them.
Next week will see semi-finalist act Teddy Magic finally take to the stage after withdrawing unexpectedly from the first live semi-final round in April.
Watch Britain’s Got Talent on ITV on May 10, 7pm.
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