Imagine stepping into one of the most iconic judging roles on TV, only to be met with a chorus of boos on your very first night. That’s exactly what happened to KSI, the YouTube sensation turned Britain’s Got Talent judge, during a recent audition in Blackpool. But here’s where it gets controversial... Was his honest critique of a parkour-performing dog act justified, or did he break an unspoken rule of the show? Let’s dive in.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, made his official debut as a full-time judge on the ITV talent show. Joining the legendary panel alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden, KSI was no stranger to the role—he’d previously filled in for former judge Bruno Tonioli during the 2025 season while Bruno was busy filming Dancing with the Stars in the U.S. KSI also stepped in when Simon Cowell took a break following the tragic passing of One Direction’s Liam Payne. After proving his mettle during the live semi-finals, KSI was officially confirmed as a permanent judge in September 2025, following Bruno’s emotional departure after three seasons.
In his farewell statement, Bruno reflected, ‘After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job that opened my eyes to so much incredible talent. While I’m excited to return to *Dancing with the Stars, I’ll miss the chaos and joy of BGT and the brilliant team behind it. I know KSI will be a fantastic judge—he’s already proven that this year.’*
Fast forward to Saturday night’s auditions, where a parkour double act featuring Dom and his dog Ninja took the stage. Their pre-performance video showcased jaw-dropping flips and jumps around Blackpool’s iconic landmarks, leaving the audience hyped. But when the duo finally performed live, KSI wasn’t impressed. And this is the part most people miss... He openly admitted his disappointment, sparking an immediate backlash from the crowd, who erupted into boos. Unfazed, KSI shot back, ‘Don’t boo my cats!’—a cheeky reference to his fellow feline lovers.
His fellow judges, however, sided with the audience, sending Dom and Ninja through to the next round. Co-host Dec couldn’t resist weighing in, teasing KSI with a playful warning: ‘You don’t say no to dogs on *Britain’s Got Talent, KSI. It’s the rules.’*
The incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with viewers divided over KSI’s candid approach. While some praised his honesty—like @ryanbirky1211, who called him ‘so refreshing as a judge’—others questioned his judgment. @Semaaa_WL even admitted, ‘I can’t believe the dog act has got me agreeing with KSI. But yeah, I agree with him—after the VT, the act was boring.’
Here’s the real question: Is KSI’s no-holds-barred style what Britain’s Got Talent needs, or is he crossing a line? Let’s be honest—the show has always thrived on its judges’ diverse opinions, but KSI’s unfiltered approach is undeniably polarizing. While some see him as a breath of fresh air, others worry he might alienate fans with his bluntness. And let’s not forget the unspoken rule Dec mentioned—is it ever okay to say no to a dog act on BGT?
As the season unfolds, one thing’s for sure: KSI is here to shake things up. Whether you love him or loathe him, there’s no denying he’s brought a new energy to the panel. But we want to hear from you—do you think KSI was right to call out the dog act, or should he have played it safe? Let us know in the comments below!
