ITV Britain's Got Talent star who earned 'quickest Golden Buzzer ever' has hidden TV past

Britain's Got Talent has just witnessed one of its most promising acts yet. Teenager Maya Giotea secured the "quickest Golden Buzzer in BGT history", but this isn't her first time performing for a large TV audience.

When 14-year-old Maya from Romania graced the stage, she introduced herself as a 'schoolgirl by day', quickly winning over the audience.

The hopeful informed the live audience and ITV viewers at home that her parents were present, with the camera panning to show them already in tears in the crowd.

"This has been a big dream for such a long time, and I'm here. I'm here!" an excited Maya shared, before judge Alesha Dixon encouraged: "Well listen, you look excited and raring to go so we wish you the best of luck."

Alesha then pointed out that Maya had "picked one of the hardest songs to sing in the world", as the teenager began singing Listen, a song performed by Beyonce in the popular film Dreamgirls

From her very first note, Maya captivated the audience, flawlessly belting out the song and showcasing her remarkable talent, reports the Mirror.

Even before the backing track ended, Bruno Tonioli couldn't resist reaching over and hitting the Golden Buzzer, propelling Maya straight through to the semi-finals.

Maya received a standing ovation, with her tearful parents watching as she crouched on stage and covered her face with her hands. She then leapt up as Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno rushed over to give her a hug.

Judges heaped praise on the youngster, with Simon Cowell saying: "This was the most mature, accomplished version of this song that I've heard from someone so young. The depth of tone, the feeling was totally real. You killed it."

KSI added: "With confidence like that, you just blew me and everyone here away, honestly."

Amanda Holden said: "From the minute you walked on stage, I just knew it. Your parents must be super proud of you at this moment."

She added: "Grab some of that golden dust and put it in your pockets because you are not going to forget this moment." She later noted: "That must be the quickest Golden Buzzer in BGT history."

It has since emerged that Maya is no stranger to the Got Talent circuit, having appeared on Romania's Got Talent last year where she wowed with her performance of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing. According to her Facebook page, she has also performed at other competitions and festivals.

One fan took to X, formerly Twitter, to say: "Mia Giotea is the sort of act that deserves a golden buzzer. I am delighted for her. I remember seeing her singing Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing on Romania's Got Talent. Outstanding."

Britain's Got Talent returns next Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.