Howie, Heidi, Terry, Sofia, and Simon pose together during a taping of AGT: Season 19. (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 19 Judges Auditions continue! This season has been groundbreaking as the rulebook has been thrown out the window regarding the Golden Buzzers as the judges can award the Golden Buzzer to two acts.
Series creator Simon Cowell already gave out his two Golden Buzzers to singer Liv Warfield and drone group Sky Elements, while Heidi Klum gave out her first Golden Buzzer to singer Richard Goodall. Sofia Vergara gave her first out to Argentinian Malambo group Legion and Howie Mandel selected Australian dance troupe Brent Street as his first Golden Buzzer recipient. Finally, Terry Crews gave comedian (and massive superfan) Learnmore Jonasi his ticket to the Season 19 live shows!
Tonight, a new set of contenders hoped to get the magical three or four Yeses that are needed to be considered for the live shows. Which acts were buzzed out of consideration? Did Howie, Heidi, or Sofia use their final Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out!
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After the judges spoke with the press and Heidi revealed that she would be pressing the Golden Buzzer tonight, Terry commented on the audience’s energy level until Owl Man walked onto the stage. Sadly, his version of Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out” received the first four red Xs. America’s Golden Tiger continued the hot red X train, and then Goat vs. Fish also got on the train. That was the worst set of opening auditions in show history!
The TT Brothers came from Tokyo, Japan to audition for their chance to win the $1 million prize. Their presentation about what they did this morning using the letter “T.” Despite incorporating Terry, I wanted to buzz them. This was a stupid audition from start to finish and a complete waste of time. I was surprised that Simon gave them a standing ovation. I agree with Heidi that I lost my mind while watching the TT Brothers. I cannot believe they received the first set of four Yeses of the evening!
Oscar Stembridge took the AGT audience on a tour to Sweden before he left his home and auditioned for the judges. After getting an encouraging hug from his mom, Oscar walked onto the stage and faced the judges. The 16-year-old performed an original song that melted the hearts of all the women in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Oscar had Ed Sheeran vibes surrounding him, and he could be the NBC talent competition’s Ed Sheeran. I agree with Howie; this performance would be life-changing. Simon called the song “beautiful” and loved the tune’s first half. Oscar received the second set of four Yeses of the evening.
Sebastian and Sonia first met on Instagram and eventually fell in love. The duo hit the one-year mark and performed as acrobats together. They started slow but made jaws drop when they hit Sofia’s X. Their choreography was superb, and I loved the element of danger. They received the first four judges’ standing ovation of the evening. Sofia called the audition “perfection,” and Heidi called it “beautiful to watch.” Simon added that he would use them as a benchmark for future aerial acts performed in Season 19. They received the third set of four Yeses of the night!
The kids took over the next bit of the show. Bboy Nana delivered one of the best solo b-boy auditions I have seen and got four Yeses. Jollux dedicated a beatbox to Sofia, and he picked up another set of four Yeses. 8-year-old Boss Baby Brody made his national debut with a superb solo that surprised the judges. His performance reminded me of the first time I saw Arcadian Broad audition for AGT: Season Four back in 2009 and the first time I saw Benji Schwimmer, Kent Boyd, and the late Stephen “Twitch” Boss audition for So You Think You Can Dance. He has the potential to be one of his generation’s top dancers. All four judges gave him a standing ovation. Heidi called the performance “incredible,” and Sofia called him “spectacular.” Brody earned four Yeses and the audience’s love.
BGT veterans Attraction Juniors visited the AGT: Season 19 Judges Auditions. They were the junior version of the BGT-winning shadow dance group Attraction. The group’s story focused on a young girl’s journey to audition for AGT. It gave me chills, and I loved that they added a singer-guitarist to the act. Attraction Juniors could be another set of Season 19 frontrunners. Attraction Juniors received the magical four Yeses.
After Heidi kissed Sofia and Heidi on the AGT kiss cam, Erica Rhodes revealed her long journey of becoming a standup comedian. I loved Erica’s interaction with Howie before she got into her set. She spoke about being a participating trophy wife, being relatable to thrift stores, and being heartbroken by a guy for a record-setting 15 times. Erica’s material made me smile and laugh. Sofia proclaimed Erica was the best comedian she had seen as a judge. Erica received a well-deserved set of “Four Yeses.”
Simon gave the latest version of Menudo high fives before they took the stage. The judges were shocked to see the newest generation of Menudo. The quintet sang their first song in Spanish, and while they were finally able to get the crowd on their side, Simon stopped the music and asked for another one. I danced in my seat during their second song. The group is solid and entertaining and reminded me of Travis Japan. Heidi loved their look and sound, while Howie was not impressed. Simon also advised them to make their own decisions before the vote. Despite Howie’s “No” vote, Menudo made it to the next round with three “Yeses.”
Personal trainer Connett Croghan inserted rock and roll jump rope into the AGT vocabulary. The 30-year-old definitely can jump rope but is it worth a $1 million? I don’t think so. He received four “No’s.”
Magician Chris Wilson came from Toronto to audition for AGT. The 38-year-old has been doing magic since middle school but wanted to follow in Mat Franco and Shin Lim’s footsteps. However, he decided to flick off the audience with his dirty magic. Sadly, his decision to flip off the audience received four “No’s.”
Thankfully, a real sorcerer showed up! Korean magician Young Min stunned the audience with his Judges’ Auditions performance. Using sand, he magically transformed the sand into solid objects. Young Min’s showmanship was spectacular and left the judges with diverse reactions. Howie and Heidi gave him a standing ovation, while Sofia stated that the presentation was ‘theatrical.’ On the other hand, Simon had a different take on the performance. Despite his reservations, he decided to advance Young Min to the next round, adding an element of surprise to the show’s dynamics.
The last performer of the evening was 9-year-old Pranysqa Mishra! The Tampa, Florida native was scared and excited as she spoke with Heidi Klum. I was surprised she mentioned Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston as her inspirations because I was expecting Ariana Grande or Bebe Rexha. She sang Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High,” and a young singer made me smile for the first time in years! Pranysqa has a phenomenal voice that reminds me of Celine and Ariana. I believe Tina Turner would be so proud of that performance. Heidi gave her the second Golden Buzzer!
Next week, the AGT: Season 19 Judges’ Auditions enter the home stretch.
