Simon Cowell blasted over 'brutal' remarks to 15-year-old singer Tia Connolly on Britain's Got Talent

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was blasted by viewers for his critique of young singer Tina Connolly's performance.

After 15-year-old Tia belted out Katy Perry's hit Firework in the second live semi-final on Tuesday (May 30), Simon bluntly told her she was put through from the audition stage "not because you're the best singer in the competition, but because you've got guts." Fans thought Simon had reverted back to his days on The X Factor as he then went on to tell her that she should join a group instead.

Amazed viewers took to Twitter to have their say on his remarks. @bugisnotonfire said: "Not over Simon saying ur not the best singer u jus have guts as if she’s not stood right there #bgt." And @WhoPotterVian tweeted: "'Not because you're the best singer in the competition...' - Erm, you do realise she's stood right there, Simon?" READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community @AshleyTMN asked: "Seems unduly negative feedback to this very young lady from the panel.

Why put them in the semi finals just to knock them down?" And @bugisnotonfire yelled: "SIMON WAS SO SHADY 'not the best singer just got guts' LMFAOOO." Fellow judge Alesha Dixon voiced that she wasn't keen on the choice of song. @Ariadne_Reviews commented: "Alesha saying 'I wish you were singing something younger and more contemporary' to a girl singing Firework has aged me to dust." And @jackryanmiller said: "Simon crushing the girl’s hopes and dreams on live tv." But @FcbRobbie wrote: "#BGT #BritainsGotTalent Simon Cowell is the only judge that gives his honest true opinion." And @Yousaf_S_1987 defended: "The old Simon Cowell has come out...Thank goodness.