KSI Joins BGT Judges in Blackpool for 2025 Series Launch

On October 15, 2024, the judges and hosts of Britain's Got Talent gathered in Blackpool, UK, to celebrate the commencement of the 2025 series. This event took place ahead of the new season's airing, which is scheduled for next year. The gathering included prominent judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and special guest judge KSI, who is stepping in for Bruno Tonioli. KSI's involvement is particularly noteworthy as he will have the privilege of using the golden buzzer, a feature that allows judges to fast-track contestants to the live finals. The decision to include KSI as a guest judge reflects ITV's strategy to attract a younger audience, leveraging KSI's substantial social media following of over 80 million fans. His participation is expected to enhance the show's appeal and engagement, especially among younger viewers who are familiar with his work as a YouTuber and musician. The filming of the audition rounds is taking place earlier than usual due to scheduling changes, which have created a unique opportunity for KSI to contribute significantly to the show. Despite only appearing in one episode, KSI's role is designed to mimic that of a full-time judge, indicating ITV's commitment to maintaining high viewer interest. The inclusion of an additional golden buzzer act this year is anticipated to make the finals more thrilling, as it will showcase the judges' abilities to identify potential winners. Overall, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter for Britain's Got Talent, with the combination of established judges and new faces like KSI poised to create memorable moments for contestants and audiences alike.