America’s Got Talent kicked off its live quarterfinals on August 19, launching the show’s 20th anniversary season with a slate of 11 acts competing for a spot in the semifinals. Three acts were lined up to receive Golden Buzzers from the judges during the auditions, while three more semifinal berths would be decided by viewer votes announced on August 20.
Golden Buzzer acts returning for the live rounds
– Light Wire (multimedia dance group) — Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Light Wire opened the night with a high-tech, storytelling performance that thrilled the judging panel. Simon Cowell praised it as “one of the best live performances” he’s seen, likening the impact to an Olympic opening ceremony. Sofia Vergara called it special and mesmerizing, while Howie Mandel described it as something fans would pay to see in Las Vegas.
– Charity Lockhart (singer) — From Cleveland, Ohio, Lockhart offered a powerful vocal performance that left Mel B feeling moved and reminded Simon of Broadway potential. Howie Mandel noted the singer’s moment-to-moment growth, while Sofia Vergara praised the rendition as beautifully transforming the song.
– Jourdan Blue (singer) — A New Orleans artist, Blue delivered a rock-tinged performance that impressed Simon, who acknowledged her grit and strength after a recent illness. Howie supported the belief that she could win, and Sofia highlighted her star quality and consistency.
Other acts performing in the first Quarterfinals
– Phobias (horror magic trio) — An Italian act blending horror and magic, the trio earned mixed reactions: Mel B gave a red X, while Simon and Sofia offered cautious praise about the act’s dark, unique vibe. Howie praised the performance as complex and impressive in its execution.
– CitiLimitz (vocal trio) — From Chattanooga, Tennessee, the group faced critiques about dialing up the originality and connection during the live show, with judge opinions ranging from optimism about their vocal control to concerns about whether the performance pushed far enough.
– Sirca Marea (trapeze duo) — A duo performing aerial feats from Argentina and Chile, their set drew rave reactions from Howie and Sofia, who called the act both dangerous and beautiful. Simon described it as spectacular and uplifting, noting the story and technique were on point.
– Steve Ray Ladson (band) — A Hopkins, South Carolina-based group, Ladson earned a Golden Buzzer from Sofia Vergara for their engaging stage presence and entertainer’s energy, even as she noted the song choice wasn’t her favorite.
– Loco Pop Familia (dance group) — A Tokyo-based troupe, their high-energy routine drew positive comments from Howie and Sofia, who highlighted its fun factor and entertainment value, with Simon praising the sheer joy and execution.
– Shuler King (comedian) — The Charlotte, North Carolina, comic delivered a performance that impressed Howie with authenticity and storytelling, while Simon noted the strength of a narrative that keeps audiences laughing. Sofia encouraged continued momentum, saying it was even better than the audition.
– B Unique Crew (dance group) — Hailing from Jodhpur, India, the group delivered a standout, original number that had Howie excited about a “7 to 9” scale from him and inspired comments about their growth and potential.
– Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras (band) — West Hollywood-based act led by Sandoval, known for his Vanderpump Rules notoriety, faced a tougher round as Simon critiqued the sound quality, though the other judges found the performance entertaining and praised the group’s fun, engaging stage presence.
What’s at stake
– This first Quarterfinals round features a mix of singers, dancers, a trapeze duo, a comedian, and a rock band, highlighting AGT’s 20th anniversary season’s broad talent spectrum. The competition will determine which three acts advance to the semifinals beyond the Golden Buzzer recipients, with voting results announced on August 20.
Overall sense and outlook
– The opening night showcased a broad range of genres and genuine moments of risk and spectacle. The Golden Buzzers underscored the judges’ confidence in Light Wire, Charity Lockhart, and Jourdan Blue as standout acts, while the rest of the field delivered high-energy performances across dance, magic-horror, and comedy. As the audience votes in the coming weeks, fans can expect a continued mix of awe-inspiring stunts, emotional vocal performances, and humorous storytelling that define AGT’s signature variety show.
Additional notes for readers
– AGT’s 20th season is described as featuring 44 live show acts, continuing a tradition of presenting diverse talents from around the world. Expect deeper stories behind the acts, as well as the evolving dynamics among judges as the competition intensifies toward the semifinals. The season also continues to follow cast member Tom Sandoval’s efforts to reshape public perception amid ongoing media coverage of his personal life.
Summary
– The first Quarterfinals delivering a blend of vocal, dance, and performance-art acts set the tone for AGT’s 20th anniversary run, with three Golden Buzzers and several strong contenders aiming for a spot in the semifinals as the competition unfolds in the weeks ahead. The show remains a showcase of both prodigious talent and compelling personal narratives.