“America’s Got Talent” season 19 continued Tuesday, July 23 with another two-hour episode of first-round auditions. Once again, this season’s hopefuls are judged by executive producer Simon Cowell on one end of the dais and Howie Mandel on the other. Seated in the middle are Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara, with Terry Crews on stage as the lively host.
In the audition phase of “AGT,” an act needs at least three of the four judges to give them a “yes” vote to advance to the next round. If two or more judges buzz the act, they are immediately eliminated. For the first time ever, each judge has not one, but two chances to hit the “golden buzzer” and send an act straight through to the live performances. Terry had one chance of his own, totaling nine acts overall that will earn the special path to the final phase of the competition.
In “Auditions 1” on May 28, Terry used his golden buzzer on comedian Learnmore Jonasi from Zimbabwe and Heidi used her first of two on 55 year old singer Richard Goodall.
In “Auditions 2” on June 4, we got a glimpse into the decision for each judge to get two Golden Buzzer uses when he first sent singer Liv Warfield through and then later couldn’t help but decide to send drone artists Sky Elements through as well.
In “Auditions 3” on June 11, Sofia put her support behind Argentinian dance group Legion following a thrilling routine involving flaming boots.
In “Auditions 4” on June 25, Howie used his first Golden Buzzer to send Australian dance troupe Brent Street through to the live shows.
In “Auditions 5” on July 2, Heidi used her second Golden Buzzer on 9-year-old powerhouse singer Pranysqa Mishra.
In “Auditions 6” on July 9, Howie bestowed his second Golden Buzzer on 14-year old vocalist Reid Wilson.
In “Auditions 7” on July 16, Sofia surprised with her second Golden Buzzerpick going to Japanese comedy duo Schumacher.
Below, read our minute-by-minute “America’s Got Talent” recap of Season 19, Episode 8 to find out what happened Tuesday, July 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite acts on NBC’s long-running reality TV show and who you think will ultimately join the AGT list of champions.
8:03 p.m. – The night started with the four members of Xpogo and their attempt to “save the sport” of pogo sticking. Sofia mentioned how difficult it looks and Simon said “all ages are gonna love it” Heidi called it “epic” and Howie said it’s something that should be considered for the Olympics. The guys sailed through with four easy yeses to the next round.
8:06 p.m. – Another group of four followed in the shape of Russian acrobats Prilepin Quartet. Sofia thought it was “so exciting” and Heidi loved their costumes. Howie enjoyed The Beatles theme and Simon appreciated that all four of them “had the hard part” in the routine. Once again, all four judges wanted to see them again in the next round.
8:13 p.m. – Japanese gymnast Black Peppers misled the judgesintbo believing he’s at an Olympic level, but they quickly realized his routine was not quite athletically up to par. Instead it was a comedy routine using another person’s arms as his legs in a series of optical illusions. Sofia thought it was “super ambitious” and Heidi, Simon, and Howie all agreed that Japanese humor is a cut above. While not the athlete they expected, the judges all voted yes for this “inventive” comedy act.
8:23 p.m. – Aerialist Haley Viloria fell in love with her “destiny” after seeing her first circus show. Simon was impressed that she’s self-taught and Sofia said there were really dangerous tricks. Heidi liked that it was clear she’s fighting for a spot, but Howie said she “did your job” despite no wow moments. Howie said “no,” but the three “yes” votes from the other three helped her advance. Simon advised her to not dress like a circus act next time.
8:29 p.m. – 33-year old Kelsey Jane from Las Vegas was another aerialist, but shocked the judges with the day job of dentist. This time it was a standing ovation from the judges. Sofia called it “beautiful and refreshing,” Howie found it “amazing,” and Heidi “loved the emotions in your face.” Simon concluded that because this is not her main profession it’s “so much more exciting.” All four judges voted “yes” for Kelsey to advance.
8:40 p.m. – Next up was 9-year old Journeyy who played the keys and sang for his audition after being recommended to the show by one of Simon’s friends. Simon said that he’s “just got it” and loved hearing an original song. Heidi said he should be very proud, Sofia called him a “superstar already,” and Howie called him “amazing.” There was no doubt that the full panel would vote Journeyy through with four yeses.
8:52 p.m. – Cuban balancing act Alejandro Licea Pellon dreams of directing his own show for Vegas and told the judges that his “performance is his life.” Sofia called it “nerve racking,” Howie said “our hearts were beating out of our chest,” and Heidi said “it was one amazing move after another.” Simon gave him the advice that there “has to be a progression,” but still joined the other three for unanimous votes to the next round.
9:03 p.m. – Coming from Amish country, comedic magician Jonathan Burns was hoping to finally go viral among people that use technology. After his routine, Howie called him a “great comedian and personality,” Sofia thought it was “a little slow” and Heidi found it “unusual and memorable.” Simon said he doesn’t believe it’s a winning act. Heidi and Howie said no, but under pressure from the crowd Sofia was convinced to say “yes” as well so that he’d advance.
9:15 p.m. – Mentored by former winner Kenichi Ebina, the judges had high expectations for dance crew Airfootworks. They did not disappoint Heidi who said they “piled in a lot of really cool elements.” Howie “absolutely loved it,” Sofia called them “perfect” and Simon said they “did it immaculately.” With some “obviously” additives, the judges were happy to say “yes” to the group.
9:25 p.m. – Stand up comic Corkey Miller told the judges she was “going to try” comedy for her act, suggesting she might not be ready yet. After a set about the animals she takes care of and the “old woman things” that occupy her daily life, Heidi called her “very likable” and Howie said she has “freshness” because she’s not that experienced. Sofia also “really liked it” and Simon said because she’s “real,” she’s funny. All of the judges gladly voted for Corkey to move on to the next round.
9:34 p.m. – Singer Sophie Lennon‘s rendition of “Believe” led Simon to push her toward theatrical singing instead of recording albums. His impression of 19-year old Brooke Bailey‘s take on “Ain’t No Way” was the opposite — suggesting that she’d be really good with a band supporting her on stage. Heidi said she belongs on stage, Howie said she has “an amazing instrument,” and Sofia likes that she puts her feeling into it. Easily, all four judges wanted to see her perform again in the next round.
9:47 p.m. – The last act to audition this season was Nick Manning from Australia who attempted the world record for “Most Underpants Put On in 30 Seconds.” To do so he’d have to put 24 pairs on, signified by a golden pair in his set. After one attempt, Nick failed because of a few stumbles. Instead of trying again, Nick asked everyone to join him in achieving a different record: “Most People Gathered in One Place Wearing Underwear on Their Heads.” So, the judges joined the audience members in putting underwear on their head for a full minute in order to collectively enter The Guiness Book of World Records with 1,250 participants. Sofia was not fascinated by the record breaking so she voted “no” and Simon questioned the difficulty. Heidi said it was “not a talent” and so it was a solid “no” from the judges.
9:58 p.m. – In the final moments, Terry teased a new twist that will take the Golden Buzzer to the live shows with the judges each getting a chance to send an act straight to The Finals.
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