The 2026 season of Britain’s Got Talent ended with a historic victory as the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir became the first choir ever to win the competition. The group, which was formed with support from Jeremy Clarkson, claimed the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance after a public vote decided the final result.
But while the choir celebrated, a very different conversation exploded online.
Almost immediately after the result was announced, social media filled with posts from viewers insisting that Matty Juniosa should have won. Fans praised his performances throughout the season and argued that he delivered some of the strongest vocal moments of the entire competition. Many supporters claimed they were shocked to see another act take the title.
The controversy quickly turned into accusations that Jeremy Clarkson’s involvement gave the choir an unfair advantage.
Clarkson was one of the group’s most visible supporters throughout the competition. He attended performances, promoted the choir publicly, and celebrated their progress to the final. Because of his enormous public profile, some viewers began suggesting that his support influenced the outcome.
However, there is currently no evidence that the competition was rigged.
Reports from the final indicate that the winner was determined through a public vote involving more than one million votes. Britain’s Got Talent’s format places the final decision in the hands of viewers rather than the judges or celebrity supporters.
That has not stopped the debate.
Supporters of Matty continue arguing that he deserved the title, while fans of the choir point to their emotional performances, their message about supporting farmers, and the historic nature of their achievement. The choir’s original song and focus on raising awareness of mental health challenges in farming communities resonated strongly with many viewers.
Adding fuel to the discussion is the fact that the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir had already become one of the season’s biggest success stories before the final. The group earned a Golden Buzzer earlier in the competition and developed a passionate following that extended far beyond Clarkson’s fanbase.
Meanwhile, Matty’s supporters have turned their disappointment into a rallying cry. Across social media, many viewers insist that finishing second will not slow his momentum and believe his performances during the series have already opened doors far beyond the competition itself.
Whether fans agree with the result or not, one thing is certain:
The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir made BGT history.
Matty Juniosa won the hearts of countless viewers.
And days after the finale, Britain is still arguing about who really deserved the crown.
