Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your seats because Tuesday night’s episode of “America’s Got Talent” was nothing short of extraordinary! Judge Simon Cowell made history by pressing the coveted Golden Buzzer not once, but twice in one episode, sending two incredible acts straight to the live shows.
The night started with a bang as Chicago-based singer Liv Warfield took the stage with her band and delivered a performance that left the audience in awe. After her electrifying act, Cowell couldn’t contain his excitement. “That wasn’t long enough,” he said, visibly impressed. “It was like being, in a good way, being punched in the face by your energy, the band. All these years of frustration and you come on here and I’m sorry, I can’t give you a yes, I’ve got to give you one of these.” With that, Cowell hit the Golden Buzzer, showering Warfield and her band in a cascade of golden confetti.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Later in the episode, a group of six men known as Sky Elements took to the stage to perform a mesmerizing drone light show. The dazzling display of lights and precision left everyone spellbound. In a move that shocked everyone, including his fellow judges and the production team, Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer for the second time that night. The reaction was immediate, with fellow judges Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel, as well as the audience, expressing their confusion and excitement.
“Simon, what are you doing?” a producer asked, echoing the sentiments of everyone watching.
Mandel chimed in, “You already had one. That’s his second one.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Cowell responded with conviction. “I had to.”
After some logistical discussions, the rules for season 19 were changed on the spot, allowing judges to press the Golden Buzzer twice for acts they believe deserve a spot in the live shows. This unprecedented change added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling season.
Just last week, during the season premiere, Klum had used her first Golden Buzzer for 55-year-old janitor and singer Richard Goodall from Indiana. Goodall’s heartwarming story and powerful rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” captivated the audience and judges alike. Speaking with host Terry Crews before his audition, Goodall shared his journey from being a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School to standing on the “AGT” stage, driven by the encouragement of his students.
After his performance, a visibly nervous Goodall was reassured by Cowell, “Shake off those nerves. We’re here, we’re rooting for you.” And root for him they did. Klum was so moved by his performance that she pressed the Golden Buzzer, saying, “Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet. I mean, we all had the best time with you up there on that stage. I really, really feel something when I see you up there and hear you up there, and now this is what I’m going to do for you because I love you.” The room erupted in celebration as Klum ran to the stage to give Goodall a big hug.
With the new rule in place, this season of “America’s Got Talent” promises even more surprises and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned as these incredible acts continue to inspire and entertain, making their way to the live shows and beyond. You won’t want to miss a single moment!
