BRITAIN’S Got Talent has found itself in a fresh fix row as a West End star auditioned for the competition during Saturday night show.
Singer Nic Vani impressed viewers and the judges with his jaw-dropping performance of The Lion King’s Circle Of Life, but it turns out he’s already an established performer.
Appearing on this weekend’s bout of auditions, Nic received a standing ovation from the crowd and judges Amanda Holden, KSI, Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon.
The judging panel, which saw Stacey standing in for Simon Cowell, also sent him through to the next round with a no-brainer four yesses.
Nic, a dad of three, described himself as a singer but told the judges he had never been at the front in his career, something he is ready for now.
But after doing some digging, viewers of the show realised that Nic is actually a West End star already.
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Nic has previously starred in West End’s The Book Of Mormon, portraued Simba in The Lion King and has even toured with Oti Mabuse.
With the show’s intention to discover new talent across the country, some fans were left outraged by Nic’s background.
One wrote on X: “Nic vani.. the guy who literally played simba in the lion king.. why are they letting people like this on #bgt ??“
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti even wished Nic luck in the competition, writing on Instagram: “I love you so much and I hope this is the start of a beautiful journey for you”.
However, a show source explained that despite Nic’s experience on the West End, he was never a leading character.
They said: “Nic loves performing and has been grafting in musical theatre for decades, but he has always been the swing player waiting in the wings and never the headline West End star.
“BGT has opened doors for all kinds of stage talent and Nic stepping out of the shadows to show his singing to the world could be the moment to change his luck.”
While a spokesperson for the show said that the auditions are an open playing field for all.
“Anyone can apply for Britain’s Got Talent whether they are professional or amateur, irrespective of their experience,” they shared.
They continued: “All contestants are auditioned on merit and judged on their performance on the day.
“Some of the acts appearing on the show may have tasted a level of success in their craft, but are not household names. All enter the contest with the hope of elevating their career to the highest level.”
Despite his professional background, many fans were convinced Nic deserved the golden buzzer for his stellar performance.
“This man was phenomenal!!!! And should have had the golden buzzer!!!
“His performance made the hairs on my neck and spine stand on end!! Amazing!!!!” wrote a viewer.
Many others raged that Nic should have got Stacey’s golden buzzer, after disagreeing with the act she did give it to during the episode.
Stacey decided to hit the buzzer for a primary school group during the episode.
Braunstone Community Primary School impressed with their rendition of All Things Bright And Beautiful but with a twist.
They then performed a comedy skit halfway through, which was met with a huge applause by the crowd, before other members of the group from the audience made their way to the stage to join them and dance.
Following the performance, Stacey sent the act into a frenzy by hitting her golden buzzer – but not everyone agreed with the decision.
