Southend Poet Sonny Green Secures Golden Buzzer in BGT Fourth Semi-Final
Southend market trader and poet Sonny Green has been awarded the golden buzzer by head judge Simon Cowell during the fourth live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2026, which aired on May 16. The emotional performance, which focused on Green’s relationship with his sons, moved the judges and audience alike, with KSI visibly in tears.
Green now joins an exclusive list of four acts that have been fast-tracked to the grand final via the golden buzzer in this year’s live shows. He will perform again in the final, scheduled for May 30, competing for the £250,000 prize and a slot on The Royal Variety Performance.
The Winning Moment
During the semi-final, Cowell initially questioned what would happen if he chose not to press the buzzer. Presenters Ant and Dec explained that the format would revert to the old system, sending the top two public vote-getters through. However, after Green’s performance, Cowell decisively hit the golden buzzer, sending the poet straight to the final.
Green’s poem, which detailed his bond with his sons, left a strong impression. KSI, known for his stoic demeanor, was brought to tears. “It really hit me,” the judge said. “I know my relationship with my dad isn’t the best, so hearing those words, it makes me really think about what I need to improve on.” Alesha Dixon described the performance as “magic,” adding, “It makes us feel something and I watched the whole thing with a smile on my face.”
BGT 2026 Semi-Finals and the Path to the Final
The fourth semi-final featured eight acts, including Welsh choir Glantaf Boys Choir, musician Epic Sax Guy, and singer Ren DMC. Before Green’s golden buzzer moment, Cowell had the sole power to send an act directly to the final. The show’s fifth and final semi-final is yet to air, after which the full lineup for the May 30 finale will be confirmed.
Green’s golden buzzer marks the fourth in this year’s live semi-finals. Previously, Amanda Holden pressed for singer Matty Juniosa, Alesha Dixon for dance group LMA, and KSI for fire-juggler Liwei Yang. Each semi-final also sends through a public-vote winner, meaning the final will feature five golden buzzer acts and five public vote winners.
Why Sonny Green Is a Frontrunner
Green entered the semi-final as a bookmaker’s favorite. Oddschecker reported his odds shifting from 6/1 to 7/2 before the show, reflecting strong public confidence. His initial audition, which featured a poem titled “What England Means to Me” — including the line, “England to me is a Tesco meal deal, don’t forget your Clubcard” — earned a standing ovation and Cowell’s praise as his “favourite of the night.”
Green’s background as a market trader from Southend adds a relatable, working-class charm that resonates with many viewers. His poetry, which often touches on everyday life and personal themes, has already gained national attention after being featured in London’s televised New Year’s Eve countdown.
Broader Implications: Poetry’s Growing Role on Talent Shows
Green’s success reflects a broader trend in talent competitions: the rise of spoken word as a mainstream performance genre. While singing, dancing, and magic acts have long dominated shows like BGT, poets like Green are proving that raw emotional storytelling can compete with more traditional acts.
The show’s 19th season has already seen diverse winners in the past, including magician Harry Moulding last year. Green’s advancement suggests that viewers and judges are increasingly valuing authenticity and vulnerability over polished spectacle.
If Green wins, he would be one of the few poets to ever take the top prize on a major talent show, potentially inspiring a new wave of spoken-word artists to audition in future seasons. His journey also highlights the show’s ability to elevate local voices to a national stage, a dynamic that has kept BGT relevant for nearly two decades.
What’s Next for Sonny Green and BGT Viewers
With the fifth semi-final still to air, the final field is not yet complete. However, Green’s golden buzzer status guarantees him a place in the finale, giving him time to prepare a new piece for the live broadcast. The winner will be crowned on May 30, with the prize money and a Royal Variety Performance slot on the line.
For fans of the show, Green’s journey has become one of the standout narratives of the season. His ability to connect emotionally with judges and viewers alike has already made him a strong contender. As one judge put it, his performance was not just about words — it was about feeling something real.
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