The first season of America’s Got Talent was broadcast on NBC in 2006. But it was only in 2014 that the now famous buzzer was incorporated into the show. Since then, there have been many memorable Golden Buzzer moments that were featured on the show.
Recently, judge Simon Cowell looked back at some acts that received coveted honor and named his favorites.
Here are five of his personal picks.
1. Grace VanderWaal
Simon Cowell loves a good singing act. The opportunity to discover amazing singers on AGT has been one of the main reasons that compelled Simon to step in as a judge on the show in the first place.
And that’s precisely what he found in Grace VanderWaal. For her audition, the young singer performed an original tune, “I Don’t Know My Name,” and wowed the judges with her unique voice, incredible ukulele skills, and songwriting talent.
Looking back at this moment, Simon admitted that he wanted to hit the buzzer himself to praise Grace for her act, but ultimately judge Howie Mandel was the one who got to it first.
https://youtu.be/eNxO9MpQ2vA
2. Zurcaroh
Competing in season 13 of America’s Got Talent, Zurcaroh is the performer who has received the most WOWs in a row from the judges.
The 40-plus-member group of Austrian acrobats got praise from all the judges. Commenting on their high-energy, perfectly-synced performance, Simon had this to say: “I’ve done this a long time, and this is, honestly, one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen on any of these shows.”
He’s right; this is one of the show’s most remarkable Golden Buzzer moments. Take a look:
3. Nightbirde
Simon Cowell deemed singer Jane Kristen Marczewski (known professionally as Nightbirde) his all-time favorite Golden Buzzer recipient.
Looking back at Nighbirde’s audition which consisted of her performing an original song, Simon got particularly emotional, given that the 31-year-old artist sadly passed away from cancer in February.
“No one else, in my opinion, could be number one,” said Simon reminiscing about all the AGT entertainers to receive the Golden Buzzer throughout the years.
Watch Nightbirde’s powerful audition in the clip below:
4. Mandy Harvey
Singer Mandy Harvey has an exceptional voice and an amazing life story. The artist surprised everyone when she disclosed that she had lost her hearing 10 years prior but still enjoyed singing and playing the ukulele.
For her audition on America’s Got Talent, Mandy performed an original song called “Try.” Her emotional performance prompted Simon to hit the Golden Buzzer, a decision he never regretted.
This is one of those rare Golden Buzzer moments that made AGT history. Hit play and enjoy!
https://youtu.be/ZKSWXzAnVe0
5. Darci Lynne
Darci Lynne, a young star known for her incredible singing talent and entertaining audiences of all ages, got her big break on America’s Got Talent when she was just 12 years old.
The talented entertainer dazzled the judges with her rendition of the 1930s jazz song “Summertime,” which she masterfully built into a ventriloquist act.
Reacting to her phenomenal audition, Mel B. was the one who hit the buzzer for Darci, who went on to be crowned the season 12 champion. Simon was also impressed by Darci’s performance, giving her an ovation.
https://youtu.be/rk_qLtk0m2c?t=2
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