Britain’s Got Talent 2026 has its first major breakout star locked in for the Grand Final. Filipino singer-songwriter Matty J (formerly known as Matty Juniosa) became the first act this series to receive two Golden Buzzers — one from Simon Cowell in the BGT auditions and a dramatic live Golden Buzzer from Amanda Holden in Semi-Final 1 on April 25.
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Join NowThe 27-year-old’s show-stopping performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” left the judges and audience in awe, with Amanda slamming her buzzer mid-song and sending him straight through to the May 30 Grand Final.
Watch the full Semi-Final 1 moment here:
Who Is Matty J?
- Real Name: Matty Juniosa
- Stage Name: Matty J
- Age: 27
- Background: Filipino pop singer-songwriter and musical theatre performer
- Current Base: United Kingdom (graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – RCS 2025)
Originally from the Philippines, Matty first rose to national fame as a contestant on the very first season of Idol Philippines.
He has since built a career blending powerful pop, soul, and musical theatre, known for his emotional vocal range, charismatic stage presence, and ability to deliver both heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems.
After graduating from the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2025, Matty relocated to the UK and began carving out a name for himself in musical theatre and live music scenes.
The Audition Golden Buzzer (Episode 5)
In Episode 5, Matty stepped onto the BGT stage with quiet confidence and delivered a soaring, emotional performance that had Simon Cowell pressing his Golden Buzzer almost immediately — even though Simon had already used it earlier in the series on another act. The rest of the panel (Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI) joined a standing ovation, visibly moved.
Social media exploded with clips of the moment, with viewers calling it “pure goosebumps” and “one of the best vocal auditions in years.” Matty later shared that growing up watching the show — and being inspired by Susan Boyle — made the experience feel surreal.
The Semi-Final 1 Live Golden Buzzer (April 25)
Matty returned for Semi-Final 1 and raised the bar even higher with a powerful rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” His vocal control, raw emotion, and stage presence turned the performance into a career-defining moment.
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Amanda Holden, clearly overwhelmed, hit her live Golden Buzzer, making Matty the first act to receive two buzzers in the 2026 series. The judges were unanimous in their praise, with Simon calling it one of the standout vocal moments of the entire season.
Previous Achievements & Journey
- Competed on Idol Philippines Season 1, impressing judges with his vocal power and charisma
- Trained professionally at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating in 2025
- Built a growing UK fanbase through musical theatre roles, original music releases, and live performances
- Known for his ability to connect deeply with audiences through genuine emotion and technical excellence
Where the Competition Stands Now (May 2026)
Since Matty’s Semi-Final 1 triumph on April 25, the show has moved forward rapidly. Semi-Final 2 aired on May 2, with two more acts securing their places in the Grand Final. As of May 8, three semi-finals have now passed, and the Grand Final is just over three weeks away on Saturday 30 May 2026.
Matty remains one of the strongest vocal contenders and a firm favourite with both viewers and the judges. He has been using the time since his semi-final to prepare new material and rehearse with the BGT production team, while sharing occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses with fans.
What’s Next for Matty J?
Matty J is now a confirmed Grand Finalist and one of the hottest favourites for the £250,000 prize and the Royal Variety Performance slot. He will face the top acts from the remaining semi-finals in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive finals in recent BGT history.
Catch full performances of both his audition and Semi-Final 1 on ITVX catch-up or on the official Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel — both clips continue to rack up millions of views.
Follow Matty J on Instagram (@itsmemattyj) and his other social channels for behind-the-scenes updates, new music teasers, and final preparations as the Grand Final approaches.
Did Matty J’s journey give you chills? Are you backing him to win the 2026 series? Drop your thoughts below! 🎤🇵🇭
