Filipino singer Matty Juniosa earned Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent after a Prince cover that earned a standing ovation, sending him straight to the live rounds.

The Golden Buzzer bypasses auditions and pushes Juniosa directly into the live phase of the competition.

Cowell praised Juniosa's audition for generating one of this season’s biggest audience reactions, even joking he could have given him two Golden Buzzers.

Prior to this, Juniosa competed on Idol Philippines in 2019 and was part of the finalist group iDolls with Lucas Garcia and Enzo Almario.

Britain's Got Talent 2026 marks the 19th edition of the international franchise.

GMA Integrated News places Juniosa's moment within broader coverage of Filipino talents gaining recognition on international stages.

Now 27, Juniosa has been living in Glasgow, UK for three years, working part-time as a waiter while pursuing music, and views this audition as a career turning point.

In Glasgow, he balances part-time work with a full-time musical pursuit and says the audition proves he is more than a singing competition finalist.

Juniosa has spent three years in Glasgow, citing personal motivation to prove he’s more than a ‘singing competition loser.’

Earlier attempts in the Philippines preceded his broader search for opportunities abroad.

Juniosa expressed disbelief and excitement about joining the new season, noting he grew up watching the show and viewing it as a major chance.

Season 19 is expected to reach its finals in May, with Juniosa already advancing to the live rounds.