Dance group Diversity left viewers in awe during the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday. The contemporary hip-hop squad, which won the show in 2009, returned to the stage to perform a rousing routine inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The performance was led by Ashley Banjo, who is standing in as a guest judge for Simon Cowell while he recovers from a back injury. The number began with the poem “The Great Realisation” by Tomfoolery, which explores racial tensions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It then transitioned into the song “Black Lives Matter” by Dax before ending with “Pushin On” by 2WEI and Marvin Brooks.

Throughout the piece, the troupe carried out their signature flips and precise formations while incorporating gorgeous lyrical moments that underscored the issue of police brutality and the importance of Black Lives Matter demonstrations. “One day we will look back and realise 2020 was the year everything changed,” Banjo captioned a video of the performance on Instagram. “In the present moment though there is still so much to say… But I will Just let this performance say it for me. For the thousands of supportive messages of Love and inclusion – Thank you 🙏🏽🖤 And for the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance I’ve received – Thank you… You highlight exactly what needs to change and why this was so important to me and the rest of @diversity_official
Sending nothing but love and positive vibes to everyone 🙏🏽🇬🇧 Stronger together ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏽 #wearediversity #change #nextchapter.” Watch Diversity’s powerful staging above!