Simon Cowell Awards Golden Buzzer to Wheelchair Aerialist in BGT Premiere
The opening episode of Britain's Got Talent's nineteenth series witnessed an early and dramatic golden buzzer moment, as Simon Cowell was left stunned by a remarkable performance from Australian aerial silks artist Paul Nunnari. Paul, who performs entirely from his wheelchair, became the first contestant of the series to secure a direct pass to the live shows with his breathtaking routine.
A Daring and Unforgettable Audition
Paul Nunnari's audition occurred midway through the show, where he strapped himself into his wheelchair before using only his arms to scale the aerial silks. Gripping the material and a small loop at the top, he was joined on stage by another performer who swung around the ropes, enabling Paul to spin horizontally in circles.
The performance escalated as Paul repeated the feat without holding the loop, instead placing it around his neck. This allowed him to perform completely hands-free, attached only by his head, showcasing incredible strength and control. Simon Cowell, who admitted he is not typically a fan of aerial silks acts, was thoroughly won over and promptly hit the golden buzzer.
Paul Nunnari's Inspiring Journey
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Paul, a paralympian, revealed that he was confined to a wheelchair at age eleven following a spinal cord injury from a road trauma. He shared that during his hospital stay, his focus was on learning wheelies and chasing nurses, viewing his chair not as a deficit but as an opportunity.
"The chair has never been a barrier to anything," Paul stated, emphasizing his lifelong approach of focusing on how to adapt rather than on limitations. He expressed a desire not to be defined by his disability, which drives him to perform at an exceptional level.
Golden Buzzer Dynamics and Judge Rivalry
While this golden buzzer was deployed early in the series, it is not unprecedented; last year, Scottish bingo caller and singer-songwriter Vinnie McKee received the buzzer in the premiere episode of series eighteen. Traditionally, each judge has one golden buzzer use per series, allowing up to four total, meaning Simon Cowell is expected to be unable to press it again.
However, fellow judge Alesha Dixon hinted at a launch event that Simon might attempt to put another contestant through this series. She recounted how a dispute with Simon over the buzzer led to her injuring herself. "I injured myself trying to stop Simon pressing the Golden Buzzer," she said, describing diving across a desk to prevent him. Simon confirmed that the judges have been "fighting over the Golden Buzzer a lot" this series, suggesting he may have been keen to use it for another act as well.
The moment with Paul Nunnari was not captured during such a dispute, indicating Simon's clear enthusiasm for his performance. This early golden buzzer sets a high bar for the rest of Britain's Got Talent series nineteen, highlighting both incredible talent and inspiring resilience.
