Chapel Hart, Cristina Rae, Drew Lynch, Kodi Lee, Mayyas, Susan Boyle, V.Unbeatable and more acts headline “Jake’s Take’s Top 30 AGT Golden Buzzer” moments. (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
In 2014, America’s Got Talent (AGT) introduced an essential element that has transformed the show for the better. The Golden Buzzer gives the judges and (since 2016) hosts the ability to bring an act of their choice to the live shows. Countless acts have received this life-changing opportunity to advance to the live shows and compete for the show’s iconic prize, but to be a massive part of pop culture.
In honor of the Golden Buzzer’s tenth anniversary as part of the AGT franchise, Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar reveals the 30 greatest Golden Buzzer moments of all time.
#30 – Dustin’s Dojo (Howard Stern – AGT: Season Nine Participants [2014])
Physical comedy duo Dustin’s Dojo (Dustin and Terry) kicks off the countdown! The duo delivered an over-the-top hysterical audition that reminded me of old-school physical comedy. Sadly, Heidi Klum and Mel B were not laughing and pressed their Xs, forcing a deadlock between the panel. Howard Stern broke the deadlock and made show history as Dustin and Terry became the first Golden Buzzer act.
#29 – Sal Valentinetti (Heidi Klum – AGT: Season 11 GRANDFINALIST [2016])
Longtime Reality TV fans recognized Sal Valentinetti when he entered the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage. He previously auditioned for American Idol: Season 14 and received a Golden Ticket but was eliminated in favor of subpar singers such as future Why Don’t We member Daniel Seavey. Sal truly shined on stage when he sang Paul Anka & Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and delivered velvety vocals that melted the audience’s hearts. For his showmanship, Heidi did something that Mr. Nicole Kidman and the allegedly ex Mrs. Ben Affleck refused to do…help advance his career by giving him the Golden Buzzer.
28- Sharon Irving (Mel B – AGT: Season 10 SEMIFINALIST [2015])
Chicago native Sharon Irving was one of the Howard Stern era’s best vocalists. When she auditioned for the show’s tenth anniversary season, her cover of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” gave me goosebumps, earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer, and a spot at the Radio City Music Hall live shows. Sharon set the standard for singers to audition for the show.
#27 – Light Balance (Tyra Banks – AGT: Season 12 THIRD PLACE [2017])
Thanks to Fighting Gravity and Team iLuminate, glow-in-the-dark acts inserted themselves into the Got Talent encyclopedia. However, in 2017, Light Balance elevated this category to new heights with a jaw-dropping routine that told a story and entertained the audience. This rousing performance helped them put themselves on the map and earned Tyra Banks’ first Golden Buzzer.
#26 – Putri Ariani (Simon Cowell – AGT: Season 18 GRANDFINALIST [2023])
Putri Ariani traveled from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to audition for the show. She hypnotized the audience with her beautiful original song. However, Simon decided to ask her to perform another song personally. Her cover of Sir Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” melted the audience away, and the music mogul gave her his Golden Buzzer.
#25 – Jimmie Herrod (Sofia Vergara – AGT: Season 16 FINALIST [2021])
Jimmie Herrod boldly auditioned with one of Simon Cowell’s most hated songs: “Tomorrow” from Annie. Jimmie’s beautiful voice elevated the Broadway classic to a new level of excellence that made Simon a fan. Speaking of Simon, Sofia took a page from his playbook when she awarded Jimmie her Golden Buzzer.
#24 – Brandon Leake (Howie Mandel – AGT: Season 15 WINNER [2020])
Spoken Word artist Brandon Leake made show history when he auditioned for the show. During his audition, he performed in front of Howie, Sofia, and Simon at an empty Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Brandon’s poetry about his sister, Danielle, tugged at our heartstrings. It was an emotional performance that earned Howie’s Golden Buzzer and began his path to becoming the first poet to win the show!
#23 – Léa Kyle (Heidi Klum – AGT: Season 16 GRAND FINALIST [2021])
I have not been a massive fan of quick-change magic. However, that changed when Léa Kyle auditioned for Season 16. My jaw dropped when she used her magic to transform on stage. Léa’s flawless performance earned her Heidi’s Golden Buzzer and set the standard for future magicians.
#22- Murmuration (Howie Mandel – AGT: Season 18 THIRD PLACE [2023])
France-based dance troupe Murmuration brought the largest group of performers (65 people!) to audition for the show. Blindfolded, Murmuration executed one of the most flawless routines I have seen watching and covering the Got Talent franchise. Howie properly awarded his Golden Buzzer to this massive dance coalition.
#21 – Malevo (Guest judge George Lopez – AGT: Season 11 SEMIFINALISTS [2016])
The Argentinian-based dance troupe brought the heat during Simon Cowell’s first season as a judge. In the Judge Cuts round, the group delivered a fiery routine that oozed charisma and on-point choreography, delighting the audience and Mel B! I was so happy when guest judge George Lopez awarded them his Golden Buzzer.
#20 – Aaron Wheelz (Nikki Garcia – AGT: Extreme RUNNER-UP [2022])
In 2022, Aaron Wheelz wheeled his way into Got Talent history. The wheelchair bound stunt performer performed one of the most dangerous stunts in show history. Unfortunately, his first try was unsuccessful and despite the hesitation of Simon and production, Aaron performed the stunt again but this time he executed it perfectly. Aaron’s perseverance showcased the heart of the champion and earned Nikki Garcia’s Golden Buzzer.
#19- Chapel Hart (Group Golden Buzzer – AGT: Season 17 GRANDFINALISTS [2022])
Chapel Hart delivered “You Can Have Him, Jolene,” one of the best original songs that I have heard in my time covering the show. The ladies’ harmonies and energy shook the Pasadena Civic Center to its core and earned the show’s second Group Golden Buzzer. I am so proud of all that Chapel Hart has accomplished and how they broke down the door for future music groups.
#18- Darci Lynne (Mel B – AGT: Season 12 WINNER [2017])
Darci Lynne’s Season 12 Judges’ Audition brilliantly combined comedy, music, and ventriloquism. I was very impressed with her cover of the classic standard “Summertime.” That performance not only led her to the Season 12 title, but how she became one of her generation’s top performers.
#17 – Freckled Sky (Howard Stern – AGT: Season 10 QUARTERFINALISTS [2015])
Freckled Sky founder Val Syganevich merged multimedia and dance into one unique act. Their performance at the Season 10 auditions remains one of my all-time favorite moments in AGT history. The dancers brilliantly brought Val’s vision to life, making the audience’s jaws collectively drop. I was so happy that Howard used his final Golden Buzzer on them.
#16 – Susan Boyle (Mel B – AGT Champions: Season One FINALIST [2019])
In 2009, singer Susan Boyle’s game-changing Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) audition went viral on YouTube. The singer became an international household name thanks to her beautiful vocals. While she lost BGT, Susan became a world-renowned recording artist and one of Got Talent’s most successful alumni. Ten years later, Susan competed in the first season of America’s Got Talent: The Champions and delivered a robust cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” which gave the audience goosebumps and earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer.
#15 – Angelina Jordan (Heidi Klum – AGT Champions: Season Two FINALIST [2020])
Initially, I had low expectations for Norway’s Got Talent winner Angelina Jordan when she first took the stage. But I must admit that I was wrong when Angelina sang an acoustic version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” She delivered a spectacular cover that hypnotized the audience and earned Heidi’s Golden Buzzer. Howie was right; this performance did change Angelina’s life as the singer is signed to Republic Records.
#14 – Zurcaroh (Tyra Banks – AGT: Season 13 RUNNERS -UP [2018])
Zurcaroh was the first massive dance troupe in the first Simon Cowell era that blew me away! The troupe featured professional and amateur dancers and delivered a combination of death-defying stunts and superb choreography that wowed the audience and earned then-host Tyra Banks’ final Golden Buzzer.
#13 – Piff the Magic Dragon (Guest judge Neil Patrick Harris – AGT: Season 10 FINALIST (2015)]
Piff the Magic Dragon is one of AGT’s most prominent characters from the Howard Stern era. Piff and his trusty sidekick, Mr. Piffles, blended comedy and magic with hilarious results that astounded the audience. This performance earned NPH’s Golden Buzzer and secured his place in AGT history.
#12 – Mayyas (Sofia Vergara – AGT: Season 17 WINNERS [2022])
The late Nightbirde inspired the Lebanon-based dance troupe to audition for the NBC talent competition in 2022. Mayyas’ hypnotic choreography left the audience spellbound, became Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer act, and made history as the first dance troupe to win AGT.
#11 – Sofie Dossi (Guest judge Reba McEntire – AGT: Season 11 FINALIST [2016]; Heidi Klum – AGT: Fantasy League FINALIST [2024])
Sofie Dossi is one of her generation’s top artists! The self-taught contortionist blew guest judge Reba McEntire away with her breathtaking Judges Cut performance that earned her first Golden Buzzer in 2016. Eight years later, Sofie returned to AGT: Fantasy League after conquering YouTube and delivered one of the season’s most jaw-dropping performances, earning Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer.
#10 – Nightbirde (Simon Cowell – AGT: Season 16 [2021])
The late singer-songwriter Nightbirde kicks off the Top Ten! She sang her haunting original track, “It’s OK,” and the world fell in love. The piano-backed track gave me goosebumps, and her Ellie Goulding-esque voice filled the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. It earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer and skyrocketed to the top of multiple streaming platforms. We love you, Jane! Thank you for the music!
#9 – Kodi Lee (Gabrielle Union – AGT: Season 14 WINNER [2019]; Howie Mandel – AGT: Fantasy League FINALIST [2024])
Singer and pianist Kodi Lee is one of AGT’s beloved winners. His powerful interpretation of Leon Russell’s timeless “A Song for You” earned him Gabrielle Union’s Golden Buzzer, which led him to the Season 14 crown. Five years later, Kodi paid homage to his mom with his moving original song: “Journey of You and I,” during the AGT: Fantasy League semifinals. The song made the audience smile and earned a second Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel.
#8 – World Taekwondo Demonstrative Team (Terry Crews – AGT: Season 16 FINALISTS [2021])
The World Taekwondo Demonstrative Team arrived to compete on AGT: Season 16 as the country was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The group delivered outstanding stunts, including high-power kicks, flips, and wood breaking, that impressed the judges. They earned Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer and generated countless viral views.
#7- Tom Ball (Group Golden Buzzer – AGT: All-Stars FINALIST [2023])
I fell in love with Tom’s voice when he competed on BGT and hoped that he would go on to compete in a Champions-esque season. I smiled when Tom walked onto the AGT: All-Stars stage, where he delivered one of the best vocal performances of the decade with his take on Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” His omnipotent voice shook the competition and earned him the Group Golden Buzzer.
#6- Angel City Chorale (Guest judge Olivia Munn – AGT: Season 13 SEMIFINALISTS [2018])
Angel City Chorale was the first massive choir to grace the AGT stage. Founded by Sue Fink, the 180+ member chorus comes from unique backgrounds in life to unite and build communities one song at a time. After a surprisingly excellent opening audition of their unique cover of Toto’s “Africa,” the group followed up with a moving cover of “Baba Yetu.” The performance gave me chills, earned Olivia Munn’s Golden Buzzer, and led them to the Live Shows. While they were robbed in a spot in the Season 13 finale, the Angel City Chorale provided a roadmap for choirs who made it to their respective finals.
#5 – Cristina Rae (Heidi Klum – AGT: Season 15 THIRD PLACE [2020])
Cristina Rae is one of the best singers ever auditioned for the show! She auditioned in hopes to change her life. While I fell in love with her voice when she sang Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” I became a massive fan when she sang The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” She electrified the stage, earned Heidi’s Golden Buzzer, and began a journey that led to both Off-Broadway (Little Shop of Horrors) and Broadway (The Wiz).
#4 – Drew Lynch (Howie Mandel – AGT: Season 10 RUNNER-UP [2015])
Drew Lynch was the first Golden Buzzer recipient that emotionally moved me to tears. In 2015, the comedian who suffered a stutter from a sports injury auditioned for the show. His routine that tackled working at a fast food restaurant and voice being part of the GPS left me in stitches. I was thrilled when Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer for Drew, who has gone on to do incredible things in the comedy world.
3 – Mzansi Youth Choir (The Audience – AGT: Season 18 FINALISTS; [2023])
The Mzansi Youth Choir traveled from South Africa to pay homage to Nightbirde, whose story inspired them to compete in the NBC talent competition. When I first heard their version of “It’s OK,” I prayed they would not butcher Jane’s song. Mzansi Youth Choir elevated the tune, giving me chills and making me weep. They also received the first Audience Golden Buzzer for their magnificent performance.
#2 – Alfredo Silva (Heidi Klum – AGT Champions: Season One TOP 12 [2019]; Terry Crews – AGT: Extreme WINNER [2022])
Alfredo Silva is the only person in AGT franchise history to get TWO GOLDEN BUZZERS for two separate but dangerous acts. In 2019, Alfredo entered AGT: Champions with Deadly Games as the knife-throwing act gave Heidi Klum goosebumps that she awarded them a spot in the Top 12. Three years later, Alfredo returned with the Cage Riders, and they delivered high-flying stunts that earned them Terry’s Golden Buzzer and sent them on the path to win the show!
#1 – V.Unbeatable (Guest judge Dwayne Wade – Season 14 FINALISTS [2019]; Howie Mandel – AGT Champions: Season 2 WINNERS [2020]; Heidi Klum AGT: Fantasy League THIRD PLACE [2024])
V.Unbeatable’s electrifying performances wowed the audience and the show’s fanbase. Each time the dance troupe took the stage, their outstanding choreography made my jaw drop. Also, they are the only act in AGT franchise history to receive THREE GOLDEN BUZZERS! V.Unbeatable has the standard for danger and dance acts for years to come.
What are your favorite Golden Buzzer auditions?
