Who is Jasmine Rice? Amanda Holden Sparks Backlash Over Awkward Comment on BGT Drag Queen’s Performance

Britain’s Got Talent returned with its third semi-final on Saturday night, but it wasn’t just the performances that had viewers talking. A comment made by judge Amanda Holden after a drag queen’s operatic performance sparked major debate online.

The moment unfolded when contestant Jasmine Rice, a drag queen opera singer, delivered a powerful rendition of Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. Her performance was met with a standing ovation from the judges and audience alike, and Bruno Tonioli hit the Golden Buzzer in a dramatic show of approval.

Bruno praised her, saying, “Talk about a belting diva! Every bit of your body was resonating with passion — outstanding!”

However, things took an awkward turn when Amanda Holden compared Jasmine’s version of the song to Loren Allred, the original singer of Never Enough who had previously performed on BGT.

Amanda said:

“The Greatest Showman is one of my all-time favourite things to listen to and I’ve never heard it sung like that before. Loren Allred sang it and you nailed it tonight.”

Her remarks were seen by many as dismissive of Loren’s iconic original version. Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration. Some called Amanda’s comment “offensive,” while others criticized Jasmine’s performance as being over-the-top or undeserving of the Golden Buzzer.

Critics wrote:

• “Loren Allred wipes the floor. Offensive comment, Amanda.”

• “Why is Jasmine Rice screaming Never Enough?”

• “That was the worst Golden Buzzer of all time. Nothing original.”

Despite the criticism, many other viewers were deeply moved, with one fan posting:

“Jasmine is killing this version of Never Enough! Goosebumps!”

Even Simon Cowell backed Jasmine up, telling her:

“Go tell those complete idiots from the opera world they’re idiots, because you proved them wrong.”

Jasmine herself was emotional after the buzzer moment, saying:

“I feel so welcome and at home here. There is so much energy — I never want to wake up, I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Adding to the awkwardness, later in the same episode, Loren Allred appeared on stage for a duet with Sydnie Christmas, performing Over the Rainbow. The timing made Amanda’s earlier comment even more noticeable.

Elsewhere in the show, Amanda clashed with Simon Cowell over her critique of a breakdancing duo from Liverpool, Harry and Lewis. Amanda said the act didn’t feel like a “step up” from their audition, which prompted boos from the audience.

Simon responded with a cheeky dig, saying:

“I think you’re skewered toward a younger audience,” implying Amanda’s taste may be outdated. The crowd laughed as Amanda reacted in shock.