The 19-year-old singer was voted straight into the final by the viewing public tonight (May 9) after his performance of 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls.
© Rex Features / Ken Mckay/Thames
While being heavily praised for his acoustic cover, Amanda Holden requested that he "kick it up" for the final and sing a rockier track after performing two acoustic ballads.
Holden told him: "That's the second time you've done something beautiful. If you go through I'd like you to kick it up a bit. I would like to hear you get more rocky because I think you've got that in you."
However, Simon Cowell disagreed, saying: "I totally disagree with Amanda. This is exactly what you should be doing. It's just about you, your voice and a great song. You sound like a recording artist and you've got charisma, brilliant."
Later on ITV2's Britain's Got More Talent, Holden reiterated her point, saying: "I loved Sam, I think he's got a beautiful voice, but he's done two ballady songs. I want him to kick it up a little bit more, to sing something sexy, because he's got sex appeal."
© Rex Features / Ken Mckay/Thames
David Walliams sided with Cowell, replying: "He's got sex appeal because he plays it down, because he's all shy and plays his guitar."
Holden jokingly replied: "But on a third date, you want him to do something. You know what I'm talking about!"
Walliams later joked: "He needs to follow his own instincts, he shouldn't be swayed by people. [It's too important] to be guided by Amanda Holden!"
Sam Kelly and dance troupe Nu Sxool were voted through to Saturday's final, where they will join Ashleigh & Pudsey, Only Boys Aloud, Jonathan & Charlotte, Kai & Natalia, Loveable Rogues and Molly Rainford.
Britain's Got Talent continues tomorrow (May 10) for its fifth and last semi-final airing at 7.30pm on ITV1.
