Britain’s Got Talent Finale 2023: Record Low Viewership Rating
Introduction
The finale of Britain’s Got Talent 2023 recorded its lowest ever viewership ratings in the show’s 16-year history. As the reality show’s popularity dwindled, its latest season finale was viewed by just 5.3 million people, significantly less than last year’s 6 million viewers. While Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn emerged as the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2023, many viewers have criticized the public vote and called for the show to be cancelled.
How Low Did the Ratings Drop?
The audience figure of 5.3 million does not include viewership on catch-up or online platforms. The show has seen diminishing viewership over the years despite being a ratings juggernaut for ITV. In 2009, its heyday, the show witnessed over 18 million people tune in to watch Diversity win the competition over classical singer Susan Boyle.
Why was the Show Criticized?
Many viewers took to Twitter to voice their displeasure with the results of the public vote. Some viewers called for the show to be cancelled after dancer Lilliana Clifton, 13, and 14-year-old magician Cillian O’Connor missed out on the £250,000 prize pot to comedian Viggo Venn. The controversy around the winner and the show’s ratings slippage may have further reduced its popularity.
The Norwegian Comedian’s Winning Performance
Viggo Venn’s final performance consisted of him dancing to Daft Punk’s “One More Time” in a hi-vis jacket. Despite being named the winner, cheers did not accompany his name after the announcement, and instead, the studio audience was heard booing. It was an underwhelming end to a controversial and already poorly rated season.
Simon Cowell and His Therapy Sessions
X-Factor creator and judge Simon Cowell has revealed that he started seeing a therapist due to his obsession with audience figures for his TV shows. Cowell admitted that his obsession with ratings added to his stress, and he wished that he had sought professional help 20 years ago. He urged everyone struggling with anxiety or stress to consider seeking therapy.
Susan Boyle’s Comeback
The most entertaining moment of the evening was not the winner but a surprise appearance by Susan Boyle. She returned to the show to perform “I Dreamed a Dream” with the current West End cast of Les Miserables. After the performance, Boyle revealed in an interview that she had suffered a minor stroke last year and was thrilled to be back performing on stage.
Judges Lineup for the Season 2023
The show’s latest season saw a change in its judging lineup, with Bruno Tonioli replacing David Walliams on the judges’ panel. The latter left after being embroiled in controversy for his alleged disparaging and sexually charged comments about contestants. Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden have been judges on the show since its debut season, while Alesha Dixon joined in 2012, following the departures of Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff.
Conclusion
While Britain’s Got Talent 2023 may have been one of the most controversial and poorly received seasons of the show, it has given viewers several talking points. From a record low viewership rating to controversies surrounding the winner, the show has been hotly debated on social media and in the press. Nevertheless, the show’s judges and producers seem to have weathered the storm and will no doubt be back again next year.
FAQs
1. Why did Britain’s Got Talent’s ratings drop significantly in 2023?
The show’s ratings have been decreasing over the years, but the latest season finale recorded the lowest ever viewership ratings. Several viewers have voiced their displeasure with the results of the public vote, and the show may have hit a saturation point.
2. Who won the grand finale of Britain’s Got Talent 2023?
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn emerged as the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2023 as he danced to Daft Punk’s “One More Time” in a hi-vis jacket.
3. Why did Simon Cowell start seeing a therapist?
Simon Cowell’s obsession with audience figures for his TV shows added to his stress, leading him to consider seeing a therapist. He admitted that he wished he had sought professional help earlier in his career.
4. Who were the judges on the show’s 2023 season?
Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden have been judges on the show since its inception, while Alesha Dixon joined in 2012. David Walliams was replaced by Bruno Tonioli due to controversial comments he allegedly made about contestants.
5. Who made a surprise appearance on the show’s 2023 season finale?
Susan Boyle made a surprise appearance on the show’s latest season finale, performing “I Dreamed a Dream” with the current West End cast of Les Miserables. It was an emotional moment for Boyle, who revealed in an interview after the performance that she had suffered a minor stroke last year.