They did in our eyes, Michael should never have been treated the way he was by the judges or the audience, unfortunately it happens. They most probably saw that he was a nice ordinary bloke who they could take advantage of, because that is exactly what they have done to boost their ratings and give the audience something to scream about.

I was embarrassed to sit through that last night - they were completely taking the p*ss. Shame on them all for putting him through - sometimes its more kind to be cruel.

yep.. put through purely for the 'entertainment' that there would be an act the audience could boo and jeer at

I would be really annoyed if I was one of the better act who got through the auditions but not too the semi-final

He seemed that way to me. Even when they announced who had been put through to the semi final he was pleading his case to go through (Star Wars is ready, I've beeen practicing five hours a day etc.) He was desperate to go through to the next stage.

It's a case of if you can't stand the heat keep out of the kitchen. What would have happened if the audience had been supportive? He'd just carry on deluding himself that he's good when he isn't.

Although I don't approve of the audience behaving like louts, I can't imagine them sitting there quietly applauding him either. He shouldn't have been put through in the first place. I blame Piers and Amanda.

Last night was the first time I've seen this show and OMG I couldn't believe what I was seeing/hearing! It was such uncomfortable viewing! Yes the guy was probably deluded but to actually build him up and make him believe he is good just so people could laugh and humilate him is one of the biggest insults I''ve ever seen! Nobody deserves this!

I immediately swithched off in disgust after that and boy am I sure glad I've never seen it in the first place. If this is the way people are going to be treated then I want no part in it.

I'm going to say somthing I'm sure many of you are not going to like but I am really sorry to say that what happened last night was just plain out and out bullying! Now I HATE that word, I really don't like using it and accusing people of it because it's such strong word but I'm afraid that's exactly what I saw last night. It was like being at school again (which I have no happy memories of and don't miss it one bit). "Oh lets humilate and laugh at that dork! We are better him/her and don't care how he/she feels, as long as we're happy about ourselves and think we're better than everybody else then that's what really counts!"

You know what, I really don't think I can carry on with my Post anymore. I think you guys are getting what I'm saying now and the more I carry on, the more my blood is boiling so that's it from me.

That's a question that I, too, would like to know the answer to. I think it's because of the comedy he would give them and also bearing in mind his comments (about how he would come back with a vengeance), how they would have the chance to make mince meat out of him, which I find neither funny or entertaining.
But, to be honest, I think it was Piers who argued his case the most, though I couldn't really tell if he was really being serious about him.

It was very uncomfortable to watch. Whoever put him through obviously knew the reception waiting in the live shows, and thats why he was put through. Nobody even tried to stop the audience.

I felt really sorry for him, I wanted to turn over, but didnt....Lol.

It was just silly, he is very good at what he does, and I think the judges are being completly two faced, they put him through, and they knew what he was gonna do, like what his talent is, how is gonna perform, so there where obv interested, and then when he does come on, they just rip the poor guy apart.

And the little turd bags in the audince booing should be shot.

also agree with everyone whats been said,

even though Ant and Dec did ask a couple times for them to quiet down but they just ingorned them,

The crowd's reaction was a bit harsh but I really don't think he was being entirely serious with the act, you can tell by the look on his face.

The booing of that Dean lad when Piers saved him was what bothered me the most.