Britain's Got Talent's Amanda Holden 'in tears' as show interrupted seconds into episode

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden admitted she was in tears following a surprise performance at the start of this Saturday's (12th April) episode.

This week's episode kicked off with Amanda arriving with her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon on the red carpet.

The panel were quickly stunned into silence when the crowd suddenly burst into a rendition of the Electric Light Orchestra's Mr Blue Sky just minutes into the show.

The presenters were clearly shocked by the surprise audition, which took place at BGT series 18's photocall back in January this year.

Holden wasn't even sure if the unexpected act should be considered an official audition as she turned to Simon to ask "Is this an audition?"

Simon conducted the choir to an earth-shattering crescendo which earned a well-deserved round of applause from the judges and the crowd.

By the end of the performance, Amanda was clearly emotional as she exclaimed it was "absolutely gorgeous".

"What a massive surprise," she said. "I felt really tearful when you all started singing. It was absolutely gorgeous."

Alesha chimed in: "What a lovely surprise. A colourful, joyful burst of loveliness. Well done."

"Absolutely!" Bruno exclaimed. "You make me feel hot, and it's freezing! Unbelievable."

In a huge BGT format change, presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were brought out to the red carpet to give the impromptu audition by Pop Voices Choir from Shirley, West Midlands an incredible six 'Yeses'.

As the judges headed inside to get the show started, Simon gave a huge thumbs up to the camera and said enthusiastically, "That was great!"

Despite upending the show's usual format, fans watching at home were thrilled with the surprise change.

One viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "What a surprise from Pop Voices Choir. It's a yes from me."

"Now that's what you call a choir #BritainsGotTalent," someone else commented.

And another said: "Such a unique way to audition on #BGT regarding the Choir."

Will we see more of Pop Voices in the coming weeks? Tune in to find out.

Britain's Got Talent series 18 continues Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.