‘AGT’ Recap: Judges Axe Semifinal Golden Buzzer, Acts Stun With Finale-Like Performances
Photos by: Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 4 minutes
America’s Got Talent returned on Tuesday, September 16 for the AGT live semifinal. In a crazy turn of events, the highly anticipated, brand new Semifinals Golden Buzzer was axed. Although the show had been teasing a group golden buzzer by judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, the new formatting was axed, for an undisclosed reason.
America’s Got Talent Axes Semifinals Group Golden Buzzer
The episode began with Terry Crews acknowledging that the show’s new formatting would not be used during the episode. No further explanation was given, yet some fans are convinced it’s due to Mastermind withdrawing from the competition.
The performances of the night began with acrobat group, TT Boys. The group managed to bring their act up a level by adding fire and height to their acrobat act. They even had fans count the number of times they flipped. Mandel, of course, joked that fans are still giving him a hard time for not giving them a Golden Buzzer. Even Cowell admitted that Mandel should’ve hit the buzzer last week.
Up next came magician Zak Mirz. He returned to the stage with another audience-based magic act. The magician first spoke about how he didn’t grow up with a father. He then listed all of the key moments he missed out on. He had each audience member pick a number then do a series of counting, where every person landed on “learning to ride a bike.”
Then, judges were given balloons, that contained envelopes that include other memories. Judges picked to experience Cowell’s memory, which was “blowing bubbles.” In a prediction, Zak revealed a banner saying judges would pick this experience.
Freestyle Rapper Steals Show
Golden Buzzer recipient Birmingham Youth Chir returned to the stage singing “No One” by Alicia Keys. The judges were moved by this performance, especially Mel B, who cried. She explained she got emotional during the song, since it was her walking down the aisle song at her wedding.
In a turn of events, freestyle rapper Chris Turner stole the show mid-episode. The rapper returned to the stage, having each judge pick a few things from members of the audience. He then created a freestyle rap made up using a hat, notebook, keychain, tea, taffy, tissue, fan, and makeup.
Chris then went to through the audience, continuing to pick items throughout the audience and continue his rapping. Cowell was speechless after the performance, while Mandel called him the best act of the night.
Next up was Unreal Crew, who began their dance reminiscent of winners The Mayyas. The group started in a line, showing off their precision as a group. They then later did another contortion-based dance act where they acted out being both spiders, and snakes, before pretending to break a dancer’s spine.
Frontrunners Shine in Semifinals
The current front runners of the competition stunned during tonight’s show. 10 year old singer and guitar player Bay Melnick Virgolino returned to the stage with “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Judges were shocked by just how good Bay is at being a rockstar, noting that he’s extremely comfortable on stage.
Trapeze group Sirca Marea surprised with a scary, yet elegant, act. The trapeze act was based purely on senses. After doing a few warm-up flips, both members got blindfolded and performed their impressive flips and death drop.
Major front runner and mother-to-be Jessica Sanchez took the stage singing “golden hour” by JVKE. Nerves overtook the singer during the beginning of the song, then she was able to really each note. Vergara was the first to comment on the performance, saying how “perfect” she was in all ways. Mandel on the other hand, said the song choice was incorrect for her.
Judges Admit Groups Need to Take More Risks
Near the end of the night, Leo High School returned singing “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy. The judges loved this performance, but noted they aren’t necessarily the best choir ever to step on stage. That being said, each of the judges commented on the group’s work ethic.
Next up was LightWire, who once again used innovation to create a tech-based silhouette routine. Cowell admitted he is always impressed by the group, while Mandel admitted he felt he was “at dinner at The Rainforest Cafe.”
The final act of the night was none other than singer Jourdan Blue. He returned with a passion-filled version of “stargazing” by Myles Smith. Although the judges absolutely loved this performance, Mel B admitted that Jourdan felt a bit reserved tonight, Cowell agreed, saying that the singer is playing it safe.
Voting is now open for the America’s Got Talent 2025 semifinals. Be sure to tune in on Wednesday, September 17 at 8PM ET to see who makes it into September 23’s Finale.
