Alesha Dixon was in "floods of tears" during Diversity’s powerful performance on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.
The 41-year-old judge admitted she was overwhelmed by the dance troupe’s recent routine, which was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and narrated the death of George Floyd, among other recent events.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "On the day of the performance, the camera didn’t actually pan to the judges and I was sitting there in floods of tears.
"I had this overwhelming feeling of, ‘Wow I can’t believe I am watching this on ‘BGT’.’ It felt really important."
She also heaped praise on Diversity star Ashley Banjo, who has stepped in for Simon Cowell on the panel for the current series.
She added: "He is the perfect person to step in for Simon – and talk about making an impact on your first week!"
ITV recently defended the group’s routine as an "authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020" after Ofcom received more than 23,000 complaints.
In a statement published on its website, a spokesman said: "’Britain’s Got Talent’ has always been an inclusive show, which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity’s performance on ‘BGT’.
"Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent, creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020."
Ashley has claimed that the recent backlash has helped to underline the importance of the routine.
He said: "A lot of the comments showed just why this performance was needed.
"Racism is very real. I knew it before, and I definitely know it now. After this performance, everything that we’ve received it’s been overwhelming in a negative sense sometimes.
"It’s been tough … I’m feeling so happy that we opened it up and if that’s what it takes it’s a price I’m willing to pay."