‘AGT’ Recap: Unique Rap Artist Mama Duke Earns Mel B’s Golden Buzzer
Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC Reading Time: 4 minutes
America’s Got Talent returned to NBC live on Tuesday night with the next round of the quarterfinals. Judge Mel B had this week’s Golden Buzzer pick, she hit it for singer/rapper Mama Duke.
Mel B Hits Golden Buzzer for Second Act of The Episode
The quarterfinals two began with dance/cheer group EDT Dance Team. They performed a routine to “Hot To Go” by Chappell Roan and “Pump It” by The Black Eyed Peas. Judges loved this performance, Simon Cowell even called it “spectacular,” pointing out how talented the group is.
Second act of the night was singer/rapper Mama Duke. She returned to the stage with another original song, that was written after her audition. The rap song was extremely unique, including footage of both Cowell and Mel B praising her audition song. This performance, once again, impressed all of the judges, especially Mel B, who loved Mama Duke in the auditions.
“What can I say? I loved you the first time and I love you even more right now,” Mel B said before hitting the Golden Buzzer for the rapper. “You know what? Missy Elliot better be watching out for you because you’re coming right now!”
Golden Buzzers Return to Stage, Impressing Judges
Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer, Unreal Crew, returned with a story package about how B Unique Crew was apart of their dance studio and left to form their own group. Their act once again involved the group doing an intricate dance routine. After saying that B Unique Crew was better last week, Mandel was thrilled to see Unreal Crew step up their game.
Vergara’s Golden Buzzer Duo Stardust returned to the stage with a another roller skating act. The pair performed a roller skate and aerial strap act, where they had multiple fake-drops. Vergara was the first to comment on the act, saying she would give the pair another Golden Buzzer if she had it.
Judges Give Harsh Comments on Multiple Groups
Magician Alain Simonov took the stage to perform an act where he made glass and apples appear. This act moved pretty slowly, so it wasn’t a surprise that Mel B hit her red buzzer. Eventually, Alain made the apple levitate and circle him, before the chair behind him levitated then pieced back together.
“I actually really do believe in magic, but I really didn’t believe in your magic,” Mel B said.
Mel B then gave Alain credit for how hard he works on the show. Mandel then admitted that AGT fans have seen Shin Lim in the past, but compared to Shin, Alain is boring.
Second group to receive harsh commentary was Jonglissimo. The group performed another colorful juggling act to “Happy” by C2C ft. Derek Martin. Mandel and Mel B were impressed by the act, while Cowell was conflicted. He usually doesn’t like juggling acts and he isn’t sure if the background was enough to differentiate them from others.
Boston Dynamics’ dancing robotic dogs also received harsh commentary. The group was buzzed by Cowell, who admitted he wished the robots got a makeover for the episode. He was “kind of disappointed” with their overall show.
Dancer Alex Zinger and his female dancers returned to the stage, dancing to a mix of Rhythm Is A Dancer by SNAP! and “Gonna Make You Sweat” by C+C Music Factory. Mandel buzzed this act.
“Look I don’t want to offend anybody but if that were under the comedy category you’d have a golden buzzer,” he said. “You’ve seen a lot of dancers on this show and you think it’s better or as good as other things you’ve seen?”
He finished his commentary saying the act is like “your uncle showed up drunk at a burlesque club.”
Did These Acts Do Enough to Earn Your Vote?
Other acts of the night included Leo High School Choir, who sang “Believer” by Imagine Dragons. All judges were seen standing after the performance was over. Sofia Vergara called their act “one of the best things I’ve seen tonight.”
Viral veteran singer Benjamin Hightower sang ’80s classic, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. Benjamin’s dialed back rendition featured him playing piano and singing the song with a slower tempo. Mel B called the performance a “brave choice” and also a “big risk,” then stating that he did a great job.
The final performer of the night was 10 year old Bay Melnick Virgolino. He took the stage playing guitar and singing “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Vergara called Bay a “mini rockstar” saying he was the perfect act to finish off the show.
Voting for the first AGT quarter final ends tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27 at 7 a.m. ET. Be sure to tune into the show tomorrow to see who will be continuing on into the finale.
