Season 20 of America’s Got Talent is so golden!
Ever since the NBC show kicked off a new season on May 27, viewers have been entertained by a wide variety of acts hoping to win the $1 million cash prize.
While judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell have sat through some questionable performances worthy of the giant red X, they’ve also had a front-row seat to must-see talent.
This season, the judges — alongside host Terry Crews — had the opportunity to pick two acts worthy of the Golden Buzzer. Those lucky enough to receive the honor instantly advance to the live shows, bypassing the need for further deliberation or voting.
Sharon! Howie! Every ‘AGT’ Judge Through the Years
As the auditions for season 20 wrap up on Tuesday, August 5, Us Weekly is taking a look back on all the golden buzzer moments from season 20 below.
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Stream old episodes anytime on Peacock.
Jourdan Blue — Howie Mandel
In the May 27 episode of America’s Got Talent, viewers fell in love with aspiring singer Jourdan Blue. While the former homeless teenager got into some trouble, he began street performing in New Orleans.
Over time, he got back on his feet, became a father and developed a singing voice worthy of a golden buzzer.
“This is season 20,” Mandel shared. “I’ve seen dreams come true right where you’re standing, lives changed right where you’re standing and that stage and that moment can take you anywhere and this is just the beginning of where you can go.”
Charity Lockhart — Mel B
Mother of two Charity Lockhart faced a curveball during her audition. After her first song didn’t land with the judges, the singer switched it up with a rendition of “Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles.
What came next was a performance that left Mel B inspired.
“Every once in a while you see somebody and you connect with them and they just bring more and more to the table,” the Spice Girls member said. “I think you’re amazing.”
Light Wire — Simon Cowell
During the season 20 premiere of America’s Got Talent, viewers were introduced to Light Wire.
The performance group from Brazil combined art, projection and movement to transport audiences into a jungle filled with tigers, snakes and pure imagination.
“I’m not just saying this, this was one of the most beautiful, stunning acts I’ve seen across all of the Got Talents,” Cowell said. “It was magic.”
Messoudi Brothers — Mel B
On June 3, Soffien Messoudi and Karim Messoudi — better known as the Messoudi Brothers — returned to the show to perform a brand-new act. (In season 14, the duo made it to the semi-finals with a balancing act.)
This summer, the brothers juggled knives as they stripped down from their suits to their boxer briefs. As an added twist, the duo found a way to put their clothes back on — all while juggling nonstop.
“I didn’t think you could top it, and it was really frightening to watch you take [your clothes] off but I was also scared for you to put them back on,” Mel B said. “I do think I want to say one thing to you. I think you are perfect.”
The Funkateer Dancers — Terry Crews
Four lifelong friends from Detroit, Michigan — who have been dancing together for 45 years — showed off their moves to Rick James’ classic hit “Give It To Me Baby.”
“You are my golden buzzer. These are my people,” Crews explained. “It shows that age ain’t nothing but a number. I love you guys.”
The BoykinZ – Terry Crews
A powerhouse sister group from Georgia blended country, R&B, pop and dance while performing an original song called “Fell in Love With a Cowboy.”
While Mel B sang her praises for the girl group, it was Crews who made their dreams come true.
“It’s like the Supremes meets country,” the host said before the crowd began chanting “golden buzzer” from their seats. “This audience asked for a golden buzzer, and I’m going to give you one right now.”
Jessica Sanchez – Sofía Vergara
Twenty years ago, Jessica Sanchez made it to the semi-finals on season 1 of America’s Got Talent. Two decades later, the singer auditioned once again for NBC’s show with a rockin’ rendition of “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone.
“I think something very special happened on this stage with you,” Vergara said. “It’s so amazing that we’re on the 20th anniversary, the 20th season of AGT. You’re here again after 20 years. You’re pregnant. You’re so beautiful. You’re so ready to do this. I don’t understand what happened in these 20 years … but this was a special moment.”
Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir – Simon Cowell
Cowell was immediately intrigued by a choir that aims to provide a creative space for youth and young adults to share and develop their musical talents through proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“That was big,” he shared after the choir — led by Ahkeem R. Lee — delivered a powerful performance. “I could see and hear how much work went into this. Every single one of you played the perfect part. We had lead vocals. We had emotion and I’m so honored that you would come here on our 20th anniversary.”
Unreal Crew – Howie Mandel
A dance crew from Jaipur, India, spent five years preparing for their America’s Got Talent audition. As soon as they hit the stage with their scary-good dance moves, Unreal Crew received rave reviews from the judges.
“We see dance crews. We see contortionists, but to put it all together and show us something in a way we’ve never seen before … is amazing,” Mandel said. “You deserve everything.”
Stardust – Sofía Vergara
While the high-flying roller skating aerial stunt act disappointed Cowell when they competed on Britain’s Got Talent, everything changed when they participated in America’s Got Talent.
“That was great,” Vergara shared. “I can see moves that are difficult, that are different, that are special. I think you deserve this [Golden Buzzer].”
