Britain’s Got Talent has been hit by ‘cheat’ claims in the first live show of the series after a technical hitch.
St Patrick’s Junior Choir Drumgreenagh were first up on stage in tonight’s semi-final but things didn’t go to plan as they were out of time with the backing track.
Ant and Dec looked flustered and called a stop to the performance after the school choir of eight to 12-year-olds didn’t start singing, but their voices were heard on a pre-recorded track.
Trying to address the situation, Dec said: “Just a couple of technical issues – the first act of the semi-finals.”
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The 36-strong group sung their hearts out to Katy Perry’s Roar – managing to bravely continue despite the technical issues.
After their performance, Dec explained: “Sound issue there, they couldn’t hear the track so we let them start again.”
Complimenting the singers, David Walliams said: “I thought it was fantastic and well-recovered from that technical hitch because it can throw people.”
Amanda Holden called the school choir a “breath of fresh air”, while Alesha Dixen was also a big fan of their perfromance.
Simon Cowell added: “What makes me laugh is that I know the chaos going on in the gallery and you were so calm.”
The school choir of eight to 12-year-olds have dreams of performing in front of the royals – which may have been dented by the technical glitch.
(Photo: © Tom Dymond)
BGT viewers took to Twitter to ask if the choir were “miming” during their performance.
One viewer said: “Are they miming after “that” techical error?????!! #BGT”
Another added: “#BGT first act are miming”
“Did they just give away that they’re lipsyncing??? #BGT,” asked a third.
A fourth said: “#bgt is it me or is this kids choir lip syncing #cheat #omg”
* Britain’s Got Talent airs tonight on ITV at 7.30pm