Sydnie Christmas’ Britain’s Got Talent glory has sparked a rather mixed reaction from ITV viewers at home after she saw off magician Jack Rhodes in the final two.
The singer took to the stage on Sunday evening to belt out her own rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow which blew the judges away.
Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden all heaped praise on Christmas for her vocals and tipped her for success.
Christmas’ victory already seemed a shoo-in before the finale even kicked off with bookmakers heavily favouring the performer to bag the £250,000 jackpot.
The 28-year-old admitted earlier in the process that she had attempted to receive her big break in the performing world prior to the show but seemingly hadn’t been so lucky.
However, eagle-eyed ITV BGT fans have since discovered that Christmas has enjoyed quite the career on stage already, with her Instagram littered with snapshots from her background performing across the globe.
ITV BGT: Sydnie Christmas and Jack Rhodes made it to the final two
ITV
Christmas toured Germany as part of the Starlight Express crew as well as playing Rizzo in a stage production of Grease.
She also landed a leading role in Lazarus at King’s Cross Theatre, and even played Bridget Jones in one of her first stage appearances.
So when an emotional Christmas was crowned this year’s victor, several took to social media to lodge their complaints.
Replying to the BGT account’s celebratory X post about the win, one fan fumed: “Yet she’s already been on the west end. Feel like some of the others should have been given a chance.”
A second agreed: “Total fix as she has been in theatre and she was acting all shy in her audition. The blind people should have gone through and won this year’s BGT … BGT time has come to an end for me. Total refusing to watch next year.”
“BGT = Britain Got Tricked. Simons protege was always gonna win,” a third claimed before a fourth pointed out: “Ain’t it weird act that goes first, second or third never wins, why… Because fixed they put ones they want to win last.”
Elsewhere, a fifth hit out: “She’s already a professional singer. She has already sung in the West End, and around the world, and has songs currently on iTunes. How is this fair?! Something doesn’t feel right about this…”
And another blasted over on Instagram: “Absolutely didn’t deserve to win. She’s a professional singer and famous already! Why apply for BGT? Jack Rhodes on the other hand was absolutely incredible and will go far.”
However, some were quick to congratulate Christmas on making BGT history.
“Oh my god, congratulations! I voted for you tonight, and you absolutely deserved to win the competition! #WellDeserved #ProudMoment,” one person praised before a second simply put: “Superb performance.” (sic)
ITV BGT: Sydnie Christmas’ win has sparked a ‘fix’ row among fans
ITV
Christmas ignored the controversy when she recorded a video message for BGT fans soon after her victory.
Shared on the show’s X account, Christmas said to the Britain’s Got Talent fandom: “I’ve never felt anything like this in my life.
“Obviously! Oh my god, that was magic. I feel like I’m dreaming completely.
“Thank you everyone who voted for me,” she signed off.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
