Simon Cowell was in hysterics during the final semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent on Friday at the prospect of trouser-wearing comedy act Tonikaku performing for the royal family.
As well as winning a cash prize of £250,000 this year, the person who comes out on top will also have the chance to perform at the upcoming Royal Variety Performance.
And after Tonikaku took the stage, a stunned Simon couldn’t hold back his laughter at the prospect of dancing his pants in front of King Charles.
Fan favorite Tonikaku entertained viewers by wearing nothing but a pair of Y-fronts during his act, striking various poses on stage to make it look like the underwear was gone and like he was, in fact, naked.
Simon gave his feedback after Tonikaku’s performance, saying, “When you think about all the acts we’ve had tonight, it’s like, ‘My God!’ I am dizzy’. What makes me laugh so much is that the winner of this show gets to perform for the royal family.’
Amused: Simon Cowell was in hysterics during the final semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent on Friday at the prospect of trouser-wearing comedy act Tonikaku performing for the royal family
Incredible? After Tonikaku took the stage, a stunned Simon couldn’t contain his laughter at the prospect of dancing in his pants in front of King Charles.
Simon could be heard giggling as he made his remarks, much to Tonikaku’s delight.
Unfortunately, Tonikaku didn’t make it to this year’s series finale on Sunday, finishing in third place during Friday’s semifinal.
But there is still a chance he could find a place in the final as the judges have yet to choose their wild card act to advance to Sunday’s final.
While some viewers praised Tonikaku for his efforts, it seems many were just as stunned as Simon.
One show fan wrote on Twitter, “If the trouser man comes back as a wild card then I’m done.”
Another shared, “The pants man on #bgt is simultaneously the best and worst thing I’ve ever seen.”
Another person commented, “Someone told me I don’t feel like disliking the pants man who is the worst act of the entire season. Please!!! At least I look forward to real talent and I fully support it.’
While someone else shared, “How can a guy in pants be in the last 3, he just wasn’t funny!”
“Hahaha all those people tried so hard to lose to a man in pants,” laughed another viewer.
Pity: Tonikaku wearing pants looked disappointed after making it to the last three but missed out on Sunday’s final
Watched: While some viewers praised Tonikaku for his efforts, many seem to be as stunned as Simon
And someone else posted, “The pants man is a certain level of genius and I’m all for it.”
Another viewer tweeted, “Tonikaui .. my god. I cried with laughter. (Almost weed my pants) What a great guy! Push him through!!!’
Cillian O’Connor won the final semi-final, with dancer Lillianna Clifton chosen by the judges to join him in the final this weekend.
The pair defeated the trouser-wearing Tonikaku after making it to the final three, with judges Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden all voting for Lillianna, meaning she received the majority of the panel’s votes.
Schoolboy magician Cillian told presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly of his triumph after winning the public vote: ‘I feel brilliant. I thank my family there, and the entire audience. Thank you!’
About what she had planned for the finale this weekend, Lilianna told the hosts, “Bigger and better than this!”
Tonikaku jokingly said he was incredulous that he didn’t make it to the finals of this year’s show.
The comedic act drove the crowd wild during the live semi-final when he struck a number of poses while wearing a pair of Y-fronts, the underwear appearing to disappear as he moved around the stage.
Champ: Schoolboy magician Cillian O’Connor won Britain’s Got Talent final semi-final on Friday night
Success: dancer Lillianna Clifton will be with him in the final on Sunday, after being chosen by the judges
When the judges asked him to strike one last pose, he appeared sour and disappointed before leaving the stage.
The acts sent home during the final semi-final of this year’s series were dance troupe The Pixiebelles, dance duo Romeo and Icy, comedienne nurse Georgie Carroll, singer Cammy Barnes and dance troupe Unity.
Those who will compete in the final on Sunday are choirboy Malakai Bayoh, dangerous aerial acrobatics artists, Duo Odyssey, amputee dancer Musa Motha and singer Amy Lou.
They are joined by clown and comedian Viggo Venn, singer Olivia Lynes, dance troupe Ghetto Kids and singer Travis George.
However, things will change for Sunday as it was revealed that the judges would make a decision on a wildcard pick to return to the show for the finale, with the act revealed during the upcoming schedule.
Thursday’s semi-final was a tense showdown, with judge Alesha Dixon, 44, saying ahead of the vote: ‘I’m really afraid someone great is going home. It’s going to be a tough one tonight.’
Amanda Holden, 52, added: ‘There were so many acts that deserved to keep going.’
After the public vote, Cillian, Lillianna and Tonikaku were announced as the top three.
End of the ride: dance troupe Unity were among the acts to go home during Friday’s semi-finals
Goodbye: The Pixiebelles parted ways, despite Simon praising them for being a brilliant all-round act
Not anymore: Comedienne nurse Georgie Carroll waved after it was announced she had not progressed in the competition
Picked at the post: Vocalist Cammy Barnes was voted out of the contest, meaning he didn’t make it to Sunday’s final
The highest-grossing act was magician Cillian, who was thrilled to go straight to the final.
It was then up to the judges to choose between Lillianna and Tonikaku, with Bruno Tonioli, 67, who voted first for Lillianna, describing her as ‘the best dancer’.
Both Alesha and Amanda agreed and voted her through to the final before Simon could reveal his choice.
The Britain’s Got Talent final will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday at 7.30pm.