Britain's Got Talent Announces Spectacular 20th Anniversary All-Stars Series
Simon Cowell has officially revealed that Britain's Got Talent will celebrate its monumental 20th anniversary with a special all-stars series, bringing back former contestants for an epic competition. The music mogul, aged 66, confirmed that producers are planning an extraordinary celebration for the milestone 20th season next year, promising to invite what he described as 'the best of the best' returning competitors.
Legendary Contestants and Returning Judges
The announcement confirms that legendary star Susan Boyle will be among the returning contestants, marking a significant moment for fans who remember her iconic 2009 audition. When questioned about whether Susan would participate, Cowell enthusiastically declared: 'She has to!' This confirmation comes sixteen years after Susan was catapulted to international fame during the show's third series, where she narrowly lost to dance troupe Diversity.
Cowell also confirmed that the current judging panel will return intact for the anniversary season. The panel consists of Simon Cowell himself alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and newcomer KSI, who was upgraded from guest judge to permanent position this year following Bruno Tonioli's departure at the end of 2025.
Susan Boyle's Remarkable Journey
Susan Boyle's original audition remains one of television's most memorable moments, where she shared her aspiration to become a singer 'as successful as Elaine Paige' before stunning the world with her performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables. Judge Amanda Holden famously called it 'the biggest wake-up call ever' following the audience and judges' initially skeptical reaction.
Since her breakthrough, Boyle has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. Her debut album, I Dreamed a Dream, became the world's best-selling album of 2009. She made UK music history by having three successive albums debut at number one in less than two years, and to date has sold an impressive 25 million records worldwide.
Unexpected Celebrity Endorsement
In a surprising development, Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet recently revealed his admiration for Susan Boyle during promotional interviews for his film Marty Supreme. When asked which British celebrities deserved limited-edition jackets from his film, Chalamet included Boyle alongside names like Lewis Hamilton and the Beckhams.
Facing laughter from the interviewer, Chalamet doubled down on his choice, stating with sincerity: 'She dreamt big. She dreamt bigger than all of us.' He added: 'Who wasn't moved by that story? I remember that like it was yesterday. That was like the advent of YouTube, you know?'
Simon Cowell shared his reaction to Chalamet's unexpected endorsement, telling the Daily Mail: 'I saw the clip! That was so sweet, what he said, and coming from him that meant a lot.'
Boyle's Emotional Response and Comeback
Susan Boyle herself was deeply moved by Chalamet's words, taking to Instagram to express her gratitude. She wrote: 'This has been so incredibly touching to read. I'm very flattered. Those early days were quite something, and to know that that moment meant something to you all these years on truly humbles me.'
The Scottish singer added: 'We all start somewhere, with a dream and a bit of hope, don't we? We should all dream big! I wish you every success as you continue to dream your own dream. Thank you for your kindness and for remembering that moment so fondly.'
Boyle is currently preparing for her return to the music scene after six years away, following a series of significant health challenges. In May, she shared photos from what she described as a 'wonderful' and 'emotional' day in the recording studio, revealing she is working on new material.
Overcoming Health Challenges
This musical comeback follows a difficult period for Boyle, who suffered a stroke in 2022 that left her struggling to speak and sing. Having experienced one stroke made her more vulnerable to another, requiring her management team to carefully manage her return to public life. Boyle also lives with diabetes and was warned by doctors during the pandemic that she had a high risk of contracting coronavirus.
The upcoming Britain's Got Talent anniversary series promises to be a celebration of the show's most memorable moments and contestants, with the special all-stars competition bringing together exceptional talent from throughout the program's history. Cowell explained the concept: 'You get the best contestants from all over the world and you re-compete in a big competition so, I like those kind of things.'
This year's regular season of Britain's Got Talent is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, February 21, setting the stage for next year's landmark 20th anniversary celebration that will feature both returning favorites and new talent competing for the prestigious title.
