The AGT quarterfinals for Season 15 came to a close on Tuesday night. Eleven acts performed, but only five will make it through to the semifinals. Voting will be open until 7 am ET on Wednesday morning.
Judge Howie Mandel had high expectations for Tuesday’s performances, and a lot of the acts didn’t meet them. He told many of the acts that they didn’t live up to their first performances, and he even buzzed one of the routines in the middle. Maybe he was just making up for Simon Cowell’s absence.
However, things started to turn around toward the end of the night. Watch the latest performances in the video below, and vote to keep your favorites in the competition.
These Texas cheerleaders performed from their hometown of Plano. They showed off some incredible flips and leaps. Heidi Klum said they’re “explosive,” but Howie Mandel questioned if they were better than the last time. Sofia Vergara said they were.
This teenage singer-songwriter performed outdoors at the piano, once again singing an original song. Howie questioned the song choice, which sparked boos from the virtual audience. Sofia said it was “beautiful.”
This puppetry group performed from Romania, telling a story inspired by the pandemic. Howie buzzed the act in the middle, and later said he found it “depressing.” Heidi said it sent a “nice message.” Sofia said their first performance was better.
This singing group lost gigs because of coronavirus, but fans’ supportive words motivated us to keep going. This week, they performed “Fall On Me” by Christina Aguilera and A Great Big World. Howie said they’re “beautiful.” Heidi called them “three little angels.”
This team performed from a football field, showing off gymnastics flips and energetic drumming. Heidi said she was inspired by all of them. Howie called it his “favorite act of the night,” and Sofia agreed with him.
Tonight, this singer performed “Strong” by London Grammar. Sofia said she was “the highlight of the night,” and added that she would give her a Golden Buzzer if she could. Heidi said she “nailed it.” Howie said that America would remember her.
Noah loves to portray characters when he performs on the stage. Tonight, he performed his signature dance moves against some epic backdrops. Heidi called him “the new Maddie Ziegler.” Sofia predicted that he’s going to be “huge.”
This comedian auditioned for the show previously, but the judges were insulted by him. This time, he’s been more successful. Tonight, he read a funny picture book poking fun at the judges and host. Howie called him “the new, young Don Rickles.” Sofia buzzed him during her critique.
This music duo got a second chance in the competition after being eliminated in the Judge Cuts. They performed “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2, with both of them playing guitar. Howie thought they were good, but wondered if it was big enough for the AGT stage.
While rehearsing for the live shows, one of the sisters was injured, but she kept going. Tonight, the trio performed from Germany. They showed off some amazing balance moves. Sofia said they were “spectacular,” and Howie said it was exciting to see three women doing an act like this.
Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer act is the show’s first spoken-word poet. Tonight, he performed an emotional speech that touched on issues of racism and police brutality. Heidi thanked him for using his platform. Sofia said it was a great way to end the night. Howie called it “the conversation America needs to have.”
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
