KSI Joins Britain’s Got Talent as a Guest Judge, and Fans Are Unhappy About It
In a surprising turn of events, YouTuber-turned-boxer and musician KSI has stepped into the role of a guest judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
He will be replacing the beloved Bruno Tonioli for three days of auditions in Blackpool. The shake-up, announced by BGT producers, is part of a temporary arrangement.
Tonioli is fulfilling his commitments to Dancing With The Stars in the U.S. While KSI’s addition has been touted as an effort to bring a “fresh perspective” and attract a younger, tech-savvy audience, the decision has left fans divided.
KSI’s Excitement to Join the Panel
KSI, real name Olajide “JJ” Olatunji, couldn’t contain his excitement when he got the call to be a guest judge on the hit talent show.
“I’m so excited to be a guest judge for BGT. When I got the call-up, I couldn’t believe it,” KSI said. “I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my a**e off. I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark,” he added. KSI emphasized how much of a fan he’s been of the show in the past.
Sharing the news on Instagram, KSI also posted a video of himself reacting to a past audition. He wrote: ‘Absolutely BUZZING! See you all in Blackpool! #BGT @bgt @itv @itvxofficial @simoncowell’.
The post quickly gained attention from his fans, further highlighting his enthusiasm for the opportunity.
His addition to the BGT panel is part of the show’s ongoing effort to refresh its lineup and bring in new energy. KSI has over 80 million followers across his social media platforms.
He represents a younger generation of entertainers who thrive on YouTube and social media, rather than traditional media outlets.
This shift is not just strategic for the show but also speaks to the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping modern entertainment.
Fans Aren’t Convinced
However, despite KSI’s enthusiasm, not all BGT fans are happy with the decision. Social media quickly filled with mixed reactions.
Some expressed disappointment and frustration over what they saw as a questionable move by the show’s producers.
Comments on platforms like Instagram and Reddit revealed how divisive the decision was.
One user remarked, “The irony of KSI judging a talent competition is amazing…,” while another commented, “Worst decision I’ve seen yet. The guy with no talent, judging people with talent, what a joke.” These sentiments reflect a broader issue.
Many viewers feel that KSI’s background as an internet personality and boxer doesn’t align with BGT’s judging criteria. The show has traditionally relied on experts from the entertainment industry.
On Reddit, one user bluntly criticized, “Surely you have to have talent to judge it in others.”
Another brought up KSI’s controversial past, saying, “Remember when he said p*** on camera and nothing happened? That KSI?”
These comments showcase a common critique. KSI’s fame comes from areas outside the core of what Britain’s Got Talent is about—showcasing exceptional talent.
A New Perspective or Just a Popularity Play?
Despite the criticism, BGT insiders have been clear about why KSI was chosen to fill in for Tonioli.
A source explained, “Their new judge doesn’t just know a thing or two about entertaining. He has a colossal following who are largely young and tech savvy. That’s just the sort of viewer that the show now thrives on.”
In fact, BGT is no longer just a television show. It’s a global phenomenon on the internet. Clips of the acts are watched billions of times, and the show’s social media presence plays a huge role in maintaining its relevance.
The producers see KSI as the perfect fit for this strategy. His music alone has been streamed 2.7 billion times.
By bringing in a judge with such a massive digital footprint, the show hopes to engage younger viewers who might not typically tune in for more traditional acts.
But some fans see this as part of the problem. For them, the show’s focus should be on the talent on stage, not the social media reach of the judges.
One fan summarized this view on Instagram, saying, “Talentless judges judging a talent contest. Seems like a ploy for more views.”
KSI’s Response and the Bigger Picture
As the backlash grew, KSI took it in stride. He focused on the positive side of his guest appearance.
In his announcement video, he joked with Simon Cowell about his new role, saying, “I’ll be sure to leave a mark.”
His easy-going attitude has been embraced by his core fanbase, many of whom were thrilled to see him take on such a mainstream role.
Still, the controversy raises important questions about the future of Britain’s Got Talent and talent shows in general.
Is bringing in celebrity judges from non-traditional backgrounds the right move to keep the show relevant in an era dominated by TikTok and YouTube stars? Or should the show stick to judges with experience in the performing arts and entertainment industry?
A Divisive Outcome
In the end, KSI’s appearance as a guest judge seems destined to remain divisive. While some fans have welcomed the change, others see it as a step too far in BGT’s effort to modernize.
Only time will tell if KSI’s appearance will prove to be a smart decision for the show’s long-term success. For now, one thing is clear. His presence has sparked a conversation about what it means to be a judge on a talent show in today’s media landscape.
As the debate continues online, Britain’s Got Talent producers will likely keep experimenting with new formats and personalities. KSI’s stint will undoubtedly serve as a key case study in how far the show can push the boundaries of its traditional format.
Would KSI’s massive following be enough to sway opinion in his favor, or will the skepticism of long-time viewers remain? Only time—and the ratings—will tell.
