EXC: Amanda Holden says she was ‘blown away’ by Golden Buzzer act Olivia Lynes, 11

Amanda Holden has said she was ‘blown away’ by the ‘wonderful’ Olivia Lynes after encouraging the schoolgirl to audition for Britain’s Got Talent.

The 52-year-old judge pressed her Golden Buzzer for the schoolgirl during Saturday night’s episode following her incredible rendition of Defying Gravity from Wicked, which left fellow panelist Bruno Tonioli holding back tears.

In an exclusive conversation with MailOnline after the show, Amanda admitted that she had “no idea Olivia could sing” when she met her the previous day to tell her that her mother and grandmother had entered her into her contest.

Despite not knowing if she was allowed to “press the button,” the TV personality pressed the Golden Buzzer after her performance received a standing ovation.

Amanda explained, “So I didn’t know if I could print it for her because I’d met her the day before as part of our golden moments and encouraged her to come down and audition.”

The presenter continued: ‘But when I met her I had no idea if she could sing, and then I was completely blown away by her performance.

And it’s just so typical of what I’d press my buzzer for. I almost thought, “Oh my god. It’s got to be this because I love it. She’s amazing.”

During the show, fans watched Olivia nervously walk on stage as her mom and grandma fought back tears as they joined Ant and Dec.

Seeing her, Amanda exclaimed, “Yes! Olivia we meet again!

“She went on the show Matilda and I was in the box office. I told her to come down because her mom and babysitter said she had a great singing voice.’

The schoolgirl brought the audience and Bruno to tears after singing the musical’s hit song, prompting Amanda to hit the buzzer.

Viewers at home were equally impressed by Olivia’s performance, with many taking to Twitter to express their delight.

One person wrote, “#BGT very well deserved gold buzzer to Olivia. She is only 11 and has a great voice very well deserved young lady xx.’

While someone else shared: ‘Purely natural God-given talent!! OMG! What a voice! From a child!! Wow!’

“Oh my that little girl Olivia was absolutely amazing. One of my favorite songs too #bgt #goldenbuzzer thank you @AmandaHolden,” another show fan tweeted.

“Gold buzzer for Olivia yes @AmandaHolden fantastic Choice!!!” someone else wrote.

Someone else posted: ‘That was a golden buzzer!!! My God, that girl can sing.’

While another fan posted, “Now that’s what you call magic and talent. What a brilliant voice Olivia has. A fantastic audition and well deserved Golden Buzzer well done Olivia.’

Someone else posted: ‘Another well-deserved Golden Buzzer! Congratulations girl! I’m so happy for her.’

She deserves that golden buzzer!! What a voice for a tiny girl. Such a beautiful soul!” wrote another viewer.

While another person posted, ‘h I’m so glad Amanda used her gold buzzer on the little one singing as she defied gravity! she was great.’

Elsewhere, Amanda gave a behind-the-scenes look at the panel as she discussed this year’s favorite snack.

Well, now Alesha has reintroduced the cheesy Ritz cookies and they’ve been up in a storm. He loved them. I love them. So we ate the Ritz cheesecakes.”

She continued, “They are just so delicious. The tangerines clearly showed their faces and the blueberries are still there. But Simon has this great ginger tea that’s like drinking straight tequila. It’s so strong!’

Speaking about what she would like to see in the talent show, she added, “I would really like to do an international one.

“The Got Talent format is in 70 foreign countries around the world, so I think it would be great to do a Eurovision-esque special where one act from each region competes under one roof.

‘Imagine that! Of course I should be the judge from Great Britain!’ she joked.