Britain’s Got Talent has witnessed one of its most powerful young vocal moments in recent years, and it came from 14-year-old Maya Giotea. Her audition didn’t just impress the judges — it made history. Maya received what was described as the quickest Golden Buzzer in BGT history, instantly placing her among the standout acts of the 2025 season.
Maya, a schoolgirl from Romania, told the live audience and ITV viewers that her parents were there to support her. Cameras captured them already emotional in the crowd, fully aware of how important this moment was.
“This has been a big dream for such a long time, and I’m here. I’m here!” Maya said, visibly excited before stepping into the spotlight.
Judge Alesha Dixon wished her luck but also pointed out the risk she was taking, reminding everyone that “Listen” by Beyoncé is considered one of the hardest songs in the world to sing. From the very first note, however, Maya proved she was more than ready. Her voice was strong, controlled, and filled with emotion, instantly silencing the theatre and drawing the audience in.
Before the backing track even finished, Bruno Tonioli slammed the Golden Buzzer, sending Maya straight through to the live semi-finals. Gold confetti filled the stage as the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Overwhelmed, Maya crouched down, covering her face, while her parents watched through tears. Bruno rushed over to hug her, clearly moved by what he had just witnessed.
“This was the most mature and accomplished version of this song I’ve ever heard from someone so young,” Bruno said. “The depth of tone, the emotion — it was completely real. You killed it.”
Alesha congratulated her warmly, while KSI admitted that Maya’s confidence and delivery blew everyone away. Amanda Holden added that she knew something special was coming the moment Maya walked on stage, encouraging her to remember that Golden Buzzer moment forever. She also noted that it may have been the fastest Golden Buzzer moment in the show’s history.
Maya’s performance didn’t come out of nowhere. A year earlier, at just 13, she appeared on Romania’s Got Talent, where she performed “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston and received a standing ovation there as well. Her social media pages show multiple performances at events and competitions, revealing a young singer already experienced under pressure and comfortable on big stages.
Following her BGT audition, Maya became one of the most talked-about contestants of the season. Her Golden Buzzer clip spread rapidly online, gaining huge view counts and praise from fans across Europe. Many viewers highlighted her emotional control, vocal power, and stage maturity, often saying her voice felt far beyond her age.
Maya advanced to the live semi-finals, where she performed again and showed a different side of her artistry. Although she did not go on to win Britain’s Got Talent 2025, her journey left a strong impression. Fans online expressed disappointment that she didn’t reach the final, with many calling her one of the strongest vocalists of the season regardless of the result.
Today, Maya Giotea is widely seen as one of the most promising young singers to come out of Britain’s Got Talent in recent years. While she remains focused on school and vocal development, her Golden Buzzer moment gave her international exposure and a growing fan base. For many viewers, Maya didn’t just earn a place in the semi-finals — she earned recognition as a young artist with real potential and a bright future ahead.