The AGT golden buzzer is a coveted prize for every contestant in America’s Got Talent 2024. In fact, for season 19, the audience and the judges like the golden buzzer so much that the NBC talent show has changed the usual rules for it. For viewers, the golden buzzers are a great way to narrow their attention on the frontrunners, given how many acts go through to the semi-finals. Here’s a quick explanation for how the golden buzzers work and a list of which contestants have received a golden buzzer so far for AGT 2024.
What is the golden buzzer on AGT?
The golden buzzer on AGT is a special tool given to each judge that sends any act straight to the semi-final live shows.
If a contestant impresses one of the judges, which includes Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mendel (in addition to host Terry Crews), that judge can press the golden buzzer in front of their podium during comments. This triggers a blast of golden confetti as well as a golden background, with the contestant typically in shock at their great fortune.
For Season 19, each judge has two golden buzzers they can use during the auditions instead of just one. In the past, there’s also been a golden buzzer that was given out by the entire panel in case the judges have run out of them, so that’s still a possibility.
These golden buzzer acts also tend to receive millions of views on YouTube, providing a lot of interest and attention on social media. So even if they don’t win the $1 million prize, the increased attention can lead to more followers and career opportunities after the season is over.
Which acts received the golden buzzer on AGT 2024?
[Update] The following acts have received a golden buzzer during AGT 2024. At the time of writing, there are seven contestants so far who have gotten a golden buzzer, so there are still three more left to give out. We’ll keep this article updated with more acts as the auditions continue throughout July 2024.
Richard Goodall
The shy, humble janitor Richard Goodall surprised the judges with his incredible voice, singing “Don’t Stop Believin'” with as much power as Steve Perry from Journey. He easily received a golden buzzer from Heidi Klum for his performance.
Learnmore Jonasi
Comedian Learnmore Jonasi received the golden buzzer from Terry Crews for his well-timed jokes. The 6-feet-tall Jonasi originally hails from Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. According to his home page, he was the winner of the 2023 Boston Comedy Festival, so he’s no stranger to the stand-up circuit.
Liv Warfield
The singer Liv Warfield from Chicago received a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell for her performance to an original song named “Stare” alongside a live band. Warfield was a part of the Prince’s New Power Generation in 2009 and has released various albums throughout her career, including Embrace Me (2006), The Unexpected (2014), and The Edge (2023).
Sky Elements
The drone act Sky Elements delivered a space-themed nighttime performance that dazzled the judges and the audience outside of the theater. Simon Cowell was thoroughly impressed and gave them a golden buzzer. Sky Elements has performed many drone shows throughout the United States with various themes, like Star Wars and ’80s pop culture.
Legión
The Argentinian Malambo company Legión had a stirring dance performance. With their feet set ablaze, they synchronized difficult, forceful steps while playing drums, clashing swords, and using metal boleadoras. The group received a golden buzzer from Sofia Vergara.
Brent Street
Brent Street is a contemporary dance group from Australia. Their choreography in a performance to the rap song “Hope” by NF impressed Howie Mandel enough to earn them a golden buzzer.
Pranysqa Mishra
The 9-year-old singer Pranysqa Mishra performed a booming cover of “River Deep – Mountain High” by Tina Turner, impressing Heidi Klum who gave her the golden buzzer. Mishra said on stage that her other favorite artists are Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, so it’s possible that we might see her sing songs from them in the live shows.
Reid Wilson
The 14-year-old singer Reid Wilson sang a soulful rendition of “You Don’t Own Me” with power and vocal control that belies his age. Howie Mandel was impressed enough to give him a surprise Golden Buzzer.
Schumacher
The comedy duo Schumacher from Japan confused Sofia Vergara so much that she gave them a Golden Buzzer. The comedians, Ryu Taro and Yuya Gomi, transform into extremely crude versions of animals using bodysuits and props. We’re not sure how far this novelty act is going to go over time, but at least they made a huge first impression.
