Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left outraged as teenage singer Sarah Ikumu was booted out of the competition.
The 15-year-old from Milton Keynes stunned audiences and the panel with her rendition of Prince’s Purple Rain on Wednesday, but missed out on a spot in the final.
Judge Simon Cowell looked shocked as the results of the public vote were announced after the third round of the ITV contest’s live semi-final.
Now that…THAT is a voice. Amazing, @sarahikumu. 🎤⭐️ #BGT pic.twitter.com/CAEsTUd3q4
— Britain’s Got Talent (@BGT) May 31, 2017
He pressed his Golden Buzzer for Ikumu at the beginning of the series and on Wednesday described her as “the best singer we have ever had on the show”.
David Walliams added: “The competition may as well go home now.”
Instead, the finale spots were claimed by nine-year-old cheeky comedian Ned Woodman and pianist Tokio Myers.
Congratulations to tonight’s winner @tokiomyersworld and runner-up @RealNedWoodman! You’re through to the Live #BGT Final. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/a0GO7QR6Kd
— Britain’s Got Talent (@BGT) May 31, 2017
But not everybody was happy with the result…
#bgt. Ridiculous result. How did Sarah go out?
— martin roper (@martthemaestro) May 31, 2017
@BGT shocked at the publics decision. Sarah was final worthy. But a talented cheeky nine year old has nothing on the voice of Sarah . CLASS
— Ian Doran (@Ianadoran) May 31, 2017
But while Sarah missed out on an official place in the final, viewers are already convinced she will return to the competition as the wild card contestant.
#PurpleRain I’m sure Sarah will get the wild card @BGT
— Ali (@ajhembery) May 31, 2017
If there’s any justice then Sarah’s the wild card, hands down the best singer ever on the show #BGT
— Holly Jones (@Hjones96) May 31, 2017
The two chosen acts impressed judges as well as voters with their performances, with David predicting that singer Kanye West would soon be knocking on Tokio’s door for a collaboration.
Ned and Tokio will join the line-up of finalists alongside magician Issy Simpson, comedian Matt Edwards, mystical duo DNA and teenage singer Kyle Tomlinson.
The winner will earn themselves a slot in the programme for this year’s Royal Variety Performance.
The timing for the live showdown this weekend has been moved from Sunday to Saturday to make way for the One Love Manchester benefit concert.
Britain’s Got Talent returns to ITV at 7.30pm on Thursday.