LONDON, United Kingdom — Filipino singer Matty Juniosa has made history on the international stage, earning his second Golden Buzzer of the season and securing a direct spot in the finals of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) Season 19. During the episode aired on April 25, 2026 (April 26 in the Philippines), Juniosa stunned both the judges and the live audience with a powerful cover of an Aerosmith classic.
Juniosa took to the stage to perform “Dream On” by Aerosmith, a song known for its demanding high notes and emotional depth.
- The Standing Ovation: The performance was met with an immediate standing ovation from the crowd at the London Palladium.
- Judges’ Critique: Alesha Dixon described the performance as “effortlessly sensational” and a “masterclass on how to deliver a Class A vocal.” Simon Cowell echoed these sentiments, praising Juniosa’s “incredible” range and “sweet” personality.
- The Golden Moment: Following a thunderous chant from the audience, judge Amanda Holden pressed the Golden Buzzer, showering Juniosa in gold confetti and sending him straight to the grand finale.
Juniosa is among a rare group of performers to receive two Golden Buzzers in a single season.
- The Audition: His first Golden Buzzer was awarded by Simon Cowell during the auditions phase after a soulful rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
- The Road Ahead: By advancing directly to the finals, Juniosa bypasses the semi-final elimination rounds. In the finale, his performance will be judged by a combination of cumulative scores from the panel and a public vote.
Matty Juniosa’s journey to international stardom began in the Philippines:
- Idol Philippines: He first gained national attention in 2019 as a contestant on the first season of Idol Philippines, where he reached the Top 12.
- The iDolls: Following the show, he formed the vocal trio iDolls alongside fellow contestants Lucas Garcia and Enzo Almario. The group was active for three years before disbanding in 2022.
- Solo Career: Since going solo, Juniosa has focused on expanding his reach, ultimately leading to his breakout success on the British talent circuit.
Following the broadcast, #MattyJuniosa and #BGT trended on social media platforms in the Philippines and the UK. Fans and fellow artists, including former Idol Philippines judges, took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the singer on his achievement, with many calling him the “Pride of the Philippines.”