America’s Got Talent returned on Tuesday night with a special episode themed to Independence Day. The episode, titled “July 4th Party in the USA,” took a look back at some of the most memorable America-themed acts, as well as acts that embody the American Dream.
AGT Celebrates July 4th in New Special
Tuesday’s July 4th AGT special featured the show’s judges (Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell) and host Terry Crews enjoying a barbecue while looking back at some unforgettable acts from past seasons of the show.
The episode featured different sections focused on various types of acts and why they embody the American Dream. That included military acts (including Season 21’s Golden Buzzer recipient Isaac Atkins), acts from other countries (including past winners Adrian Stoica & Hurricane and Mayyas), magicians, danger acts, comedians, and more.
The episode also showcased a few fan-favorite AGT acts who were self-taught. That includes aerialist Aidan Bryant, who finished Season 16 in second place; Season 12 winner Darci Lynne Farmer, a self-taught ventriloquist; incredible Season 11 contortionist Sofie Dossi; and Season 14 winner, singer and pianist Kodi Lee.
Other highlights included Broadway-style singers such as Luke Islam, Jimmie Herrod, and Angelica Hale (who is now a Broadway star). Simon Cowell admitted that he previously wasn’t a fan of Broadway musicals, but acts like these have made him appreciate the style.
During Tuesday’s AGT special, the judges and host also looked back on some of their favorite Golden Buzzer acts. That includes Detroit Youth Choir, who received the honor from Terry Crews in Season 14. Although they didn’t win, Crews pointed out that they’ve still found success since the show.
The show also remembered Season 19 drone act Sky Elements, whose patriotic performance wowed Cowell so much, he decided to break the rules and press the Golden Buzzer for a second time that season.
The episode ended with a tribute to the show’s audience, as Cowell said half of his decisions are based on how they react to the acts. An example was the Mzansi Youth Choir, whose emotional tribute to the late AGT contestant Nightbirde in Season 18 earned the first-ever audience Golden Buzzer.
What did you think of this week’s July 4th special? Were you disappointed that the show didn’t air any new auditions on Tuesday night? Let us know in the comments below.
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
