Entertainment

Who Is Matty Juniosa? 5 Things About the Singer Who Got the BGT Golden Buzzer

It was Simon Cowell who pressed the golden buzzer!

Firas Abboud

by Firas Abboud

Published on Mar 29, 2026

Matty Juniosa receiving the BGT golden buzzerPhoto via Instagram/itsmemattyj

There is no denying that the Filipino talent, especially when it comes to singing, is world class. Adding further proof to the aforementioned statement is Matty Juniosa, who recently received the golden buzzer on the 19th season of Britain's Got Talent.

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Matty's emotionally-charged and powerful performance of Purple Rain by Prince earned a standing ovation from the audience and the four judges—Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI. Driven by the famous "press the gold" chant from the audience, Simon gave Matty the golden buzzer, which sends him straight to the semi-finals.

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Who Is Matty Juniosa? 5 Things About the Singer Who Got the BGT Golden Buzzer

1. He is a Cancer

Born on July 13, 1998, the 27-year-old singer grew up in Mandaluyong City, where he discovered his love for music. In 2022, he moved abroad to pursue a musical theater degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He has been living in Glasgow, Scotland for three years now and he currently works as a part-time waiter.

2. He was a contestant on Idol Philippines

Back in 2019, Matty became part of Idol Philippines, where he made it all the way to the top 12. He auditioned with Aretha Franklin's Natural Woman and performed hits such as I'll Make Love To You, I Have Nothing, and Proud Mary.

Simon Cowell and Matty Juniosa
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Photo: Instagram/itsmemattyj

3. He used to be part of an all-male vocal trio

Alongside fellow Idol contestants Lucas Garcia and Enzo Almario, Matty was part of iDolls. The trio released music that spoke to the queer community and experience. In 2021, the trio joined the third season of Your Face Sounds Familiar, where they finished in fourth place.

4. He is a professional theater actor

Extending his passion for music to theater, Matty has played several roles since 2024: Sonja in Oscar At The Crown, Lola in Kinky Boots, Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Muzha in Ne Zha.  

5. He has a great sense of humor

Matty exhibited his quick wit and sense of humor during the BGT auditions. After confessing that he lost Idol Philippines, Simon asked him whether he has seen Star Wars. His response? "No, I'm too gay for it," which elicited thunderous laughter from the judges and the audience.

Firas Abboud

Firas is an eclectic millennial whose life revolves around beauty, books, and banter. He is guided by Joan Didion and Carrie Bradshaw.

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