AGT
Richard Goodall might’ve saved the best to last, as the 55-year-old singer competed in the finals of America’s Got Talent.
The season 19 fan-favorite, Goodall stood and delivered a cover of Journey’s 1983 song “Faithfully,” a Billboard Hot 100 hit lifted from the Rock Hall-inducted band’s album Frontiers.
Wearing an all-black ensemble, with a black flat-cap, Goodall belted out the ballad, with support from a full band — and nailed all the high-notes.
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As his performance came to a close, Goodall was saluted with a standing ovation from the entire room, including the four judges.
During the semifinals, Goodall punched on with another ‘80s rock classic — Survivor‘s “Eye of the Tiger,” the theme from Rocky III.
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By day, Goodall is a shy school janitor. “I’ve been singing in the halls for 23 years,” he said during the semis. “I know how lucky I am to be here and it’s not wasted on me.” Those words and his performances (which have included Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”) have endeared him to millions.
Goodall is one of 10 finalists, facing off against dance troupes AIRFOOTWORKS and Brent Street, acrobatic group Hakuna Matata Acrobats, comedian Learnmore Jonasi, quick change artist Solange Kardinaly, dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm, aerial duo Sebastián & Sonia, drone group Sky Elements and fellow singer Dee Dee Simon.
Four of the finalists earned a Golden Buzzer during the quarter-final: AIRFOOTWORKS (Howie Mandel), Hakuna Matata Acrobats (Sofia Vergara), Sebastián & Sonia (imon Cowell) and Dee Dee Simon (Heidi Klum). The other six contenders were selected following last week’s semi.
Now, America votes. The winner will be announced during the finale on Sept. 24, featuring a line-up of special guests including Simone Biles, Michael Bublé, Neal Schon and members of Journey, Steve Aoki,, Gabriel Iglesias, Andra Day, Detroit Youth Choir and more.
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Just a man and his will to survive … and make it to next week’s America’s Got Talent finals.
On Wednesday’s semifinal episode of AGT, fan-favorite singer Richard Goodall proved just how much he wanted to stay in the competition by choosing to cover the ultimate fighting song: Survivor‘s “Eye of the Tiger,” the theme from Rocky III.
He rose to the occasion of the classic track — a six-week No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 — by squeezing every ounce of drama out of it, opting for a slowed-down a cappella intro before forging into the famous chorus with a full band behind him. Fiery graphics and pyrotechnics lit up the stage behind him as the 55-year-old singer nailed Jim Peterik’s sky-high vocal riffs for the pumped-up crowd.
And it worked: We learned on Thursday night’s (Sept. 12) episode that Goodall is one of six contestants moving forward to next week’s finals, before the season 19 AGT winner is crowned Sept. 24.
The judges were in the palm of Goodall’s hand following his Survivor cover, with Simon Cowell saying, “There’s something ironic about the fact that you’ve chosen a real underdog song, and you are like the underdog in a way, but in a really positive way. And it was like you just got to the top of the steps,” he said, referencing Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky running up the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs. “I love that!”
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Sofia Vergara added, “I love that you picked such an iconic song. The people love you. It was amazing. I’m so happy for you. Enjoy this,” while Howie Mandel praised Goodall’s warmth throughout this season: “I’m pumped but not as big as the heart this guy has. You have the biggest heart in this whole competition. We feel the love, and we love you.”
But no one was more pumped up than Heidi Klum, who simply asked Goodall after the song: “Are you kidding me right now? Epic performance. I thought that you could not top what you did last time, but you topped it. America, you have to vote for Richard!”
America clearly listened, and you can catch Goodall on next week’s final performance episode, airing Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Watch Goodall’s “Eye of the Tiger” performance below:
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Pranysqa Mishra, a 10-year-old singing sensation from Tampa, Fla., delivered a jaw-dropping rendition of Miley Cyrus’ hit “Wrecking Ball” during the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent‘s 19th season.
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Known for earning Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer earlier in the season, Mishra once again proved why she is a standout contender in her latest showstopping performance on Sept. 3.
Taking on the emotionally charged ballad, Mishra performed with grace and maturity beyond her years, drawing rave reviews from the judges. “You didn’t have a drummer or bass to hide behind. It was just you and the piano,” Heidi Klum told her. “You did it so amazingly. Congratulations.”
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Simon Cowell was also blown away by Mishra’s talent, saying, “You sounded amazing, seriously. Your potential is really exciting.”
Howie Mandel added, “You’re 10 years old, but you have the talent of someone who’s been performing for decades.”
The young singer’s journey has been remarkable. Mishra has performed the American national anthem at major sporting events, including the Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz NBA game and the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament.
Her AGT performance, however, pushed her into new territory, taking on a Miley Cyrus anthem that was no easy feat.
The judges all stood in awe of her rendition. Sofia Vergara called it “breathtaking,” and said, “You deserve for everybody to vote tonight for you.” Mandel praised her, saying, “You could win this whole thing.”
Mishra humbly responded, “I’m so blessed to sing on this world’s biggest stage in front of the beautiful audience.”
“Wrecking Ball,” originally performed by Miley Cyrus, became a pop culture sensation when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in 2013 and has received over a billion views on YouTube.
The pint-sized powerhouse’s journey on AGT continues, with fans eagerly watching her next steps in the competition. Check out her performance below.
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Dee Dee Simon made a lasting impression during the Quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent 2024 with her high-energy performance of “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.
The Oakland nurse, who has been balancing her day job with her passion for music, delivered a standout performance on Aug. 27 that not only had the judges on their feet but also earned her a direct ticket to the finals thanks to Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer.
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From the start, Dee Dee brought an exciting energy to the stage as she wowed the crowd with her vocal brilliance. Halfway through the song, she kicked off her shoes, letting the moment take over as she poured her heart into the performance. The judges couldn’t help but take notice.
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“You knocked your shoes off. You knocked my shoes off,” Howie Mandel said, nodding to Dee Dee’s spontaneous decision to perform barefoot. “You made the song your own, and you were amazing.”
Simon Cowell, never one to hold back his opinion, was hugely impressed by the powerhouse performance, saying, “This is what it’s all about—someone who isn’t a full-time singer seizes the moment and shows the world who they are. Dee Dee, I think you’ve got a real shot at winning this competition.”
Sofia Vergara, clearly impressed, added, “This was your lane, and you took control of it. This performance topped your audition—you’re a star tonight.”
But it was Heidi Klum who sealed the deal. “Dee Dee, your voice has such a rich tone, and you look stunning tonight. But I felt like something was missing—like a sparkly belt, a sparkly ring, something gold,” Klum said, just before she hit the Golden Buzzer, sending the singer straight to the finals amid a shower of golden confetti.
“My stomach was talking to me, and you were the best tonight—you’re amazing!”
As the confetti fell, Dee Dee stood in disbelief, thanking the crowd and the judges. “Oh my God, thank you so much, America. I love you.”
“Lose Control,” the song Dee Dee performed, has been a major hit for Teddy Swims. The track debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023 and climbed to No. 1 in March this year. It would go on to stay on the chart for a whopping 54 weeks.
The competition may be tough, but with this performance and the Golden Buzzer, Dee Dee Simon has positioned herself as a serious contender for the AGT 2024 title.
Watch Dee Dee Simon’s Golden Buzzer performance in the America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals below.
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America’s Got Talent Season 19 reached a dramatic peak on Aug. 20 when Japanese dance and acrobatic group Airfootworks delivered a performance that ignited a heated response from the judges.
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The group’s gravity-defying routine set off a friendly clash between Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, culminating in an unprecedented double Golden Buzzer moment (kind of).
As Airfootworks concluded their intricate and masterfully executed performance, which was set to “Celestial” by Ed Sheeran, Simon exclaimed, “Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,” before lunging for the Golden Buzzer.
However, Howie, who was officially assigned the buzzer for the night, quickly intervened. In a split-second move, Mandel pressed the buzzer just before Cowell could, securing Airfootworks a direct path to the finals.
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The ensuing moment was filled with lighthearted chaos, as both judges vied for credit. A video replay confirmed that Mandel had narrowly outpaced Cowell to the buzzer.
“I feel like I’ve been abused!” Mandel quipped, as the two exchanged playful banter over who deserved the accolade.
Mandel then joined Airfootworks on stage to personally commend them, saying, “You guys are athletes, you guys are dancers…you guys are magicians. I don’t know how you do it, but what you just did was absolutely brilliant.”
Cowell, still reveling in the moment, admitted, “I just couldn’t help myself! It was such an amazing performance that I felt like I had to be a part of it.” He added, “This is what this show is all about—finding acts like this that are truly world-class.”
This season, Cowell has already caused a stir by awarding a second Golden Buzzer to Sky Elements during the auditions, a move that led to all judges receiving an extra buzzer push.
With Airfootworks now fast-tracked to the finals, the remaining contestants from the night face an uphill battle as they compete for one of the three remaining spots through audience voting. The stakes are significant, and the competition is fierce.
The results of this live show will be unveiled during a special episode on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Viewers will learn which acts will advance alongside Airfootworks, moving one step closer to the ultimate victory.
Check out Airfootworks earn a Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent below.
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After a two-week break for the Paris Summer Olympics, America’s Got Talent returned on Aug. 13 with the first of four live quarterfinal rounds.
Eleven acts took the stage, but it was Peoria, IL, native Liv Warfield who stole the show with her powerful rendition of “The Unexpected,” a song written for her by Prince.
Warfield, who had already made waves with her Golden Buzzer-winning audition, brought an emotional intensity to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium that left the judges in awe.
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Backed by her horn-laden band, she delivered a performance that Simon Cowell described as “unbelievable.” “If this was the Olympics for singing, you would have won the gold medal,” Cowell said. “It felt to me like all those years you’ve been climbing the ladder to where you want to be, it all came out in those three minutes.”
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Sofia Vergara was equally impressed, calling Warfield’s performance “Perfection,” and adding, “Your outfit, your voice, the song—it’s amazing to have an artist like you here with us.”
Howie Mandel, a self-proclaimed Prince fan, offered his own high praise. “I’m a huge Prince fan, and he knew what he was doing when he gave you this gem. That was a million-dollar performance. America is crazy if they don’t vote for you, that’s your drop-the-mic moment.”
Warfield’s connection to Prince is both deep and personal. As a former member of his New Power Generation, she was mentored by the legendary artist, who not only shaped her career but also wrote “The Unexpected” specifically for her.
In a heartfelt pre-performance interview, Warfield reflected on her journey: “I’ve been grinding for a long time. Backing up Prince was a dream. But I still haven’t reached the heights I know I can reach. The golden buzzer … when I got home I cried in the car … I cried hard. I didn’t think this would be happening. I’m just everyday people.”
The audience’s response was immediate, with fans taking to social media to voice their support. One commenter noted, “Liv is one of the most talented people that AGT introduced to me,” while another added, “The fact she shared a stage with Prince and sang a song he wrote for her—that alone is amazing. You got my vote.”
As the live rounds continue, Warfield stands out as a top contender, with many eagerly awaiting her next performance.
In addition to her success on AGT, Warfield has made notable achievements on the Billboard charts. Her album The Unexpected reached No. 3 on the Top R&B Albums chart in 2014, and her single “Stay – ‘Soul Lifted’” made an impact on Adult R&B Airplay.
Watch Liv Warfield’s America’s Got Talent performance below.
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When Reid Wilson, a 14-year-old singer from the heart of Alabama, stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, his nerves were palpable.
But as soon as he began belting out Lesley Gore’s 1963 hit “You Don’t Own Me,” those nerves vanished, replaced by a voice so powerful and a presence so magnetic that it left the judges and audience stunned.
“I am definitely nervous, but I am going to put my all into this and sing my heart out and try not to miss a note,” Wilson declared before his performance. And boy, did he deliver!
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His soulful, gritty rendition of the classic tune showcased not only his incredible vocal range but also his ability to pour his heart into every note.
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The judges were clearly taken aback by Wilson’s unexpected song choice and undeniable talent.
Simon Cowell couldn’t help but admit, “We weren’t expecting that.” Heidi Klum, visibly impressed, gushed, “I think you’re absolutely incredible. I loved when you took the mic off [the stand] and gave a little more stage presence. Well done.”
Simon added that his parents must have good musical taste, to which Reid quipped “no,” getting a laugh from the judges and the audience.
Sofia Vergara, who had initially been concerned about Wilson’s nerves, was thoroughly impressed: “You were so nervous at the beginning. I was, ‘He’s not going to be able to put his stuff together,’ but you did, and you did amazingly. It sounded spectacular from here.”
But it was Howie Mandel who had the most profound reaction to Wilson’s performance.
Visibly moved, Mandel shared, “I was bowled over because I was surprised. You know what? That stage is where dreams come true. Do you believe in dreams?”
When Wilson answered affirmatively, Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending a shower of glittering confetti raining down on Wilson and his proud mother, who had rushed onto the stage to embrace her son in a moment of pure joy.
Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” was a bold choice for the young singer.
The song, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, has been a feminist anthem for decades. Written by John Madara and David White, it showcased Gore’s powerful voice and became one of her signature hits.
Gore, already famous for her hit song “It’s My Party,” recorded “You Don’t Own Me” when she was only 17 years old. It was later featured on her album Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts.
Backstage, Mandel couldn’t stop raving about Wilson’s raw talent.
“I did it because of the sound and who you are was nothing close to anything I was expecting. You are a big talent,” he told the young singer, who was still trying to wrap his head around this life-changing moment.
For Wilson, whose musical hero is none other than the legendary Aretha Franklin, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I would love to be the next superstar,” he confessed. “I sing at family gatherings every now and then but nothing big.”
Now, armed with a Golden Buzzer and a ticket to the live shows, Wilson has the chance to make that dream a reality.
Watch Reid Wilson perform Leslie Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” on America’s Got Talent below.
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Tuesday’s episode (July 2) of America’s Got Talent introduced viewers to an incredible young talent — 9-year-old Pranysqa Mishra from Tampa, Fla.
Pranysqa’s powerful rendition of Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High” left the judges and audience wildly impressed, ultimately earning her the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum.
Before her Season 19 audition, Pranysqa shared her lifelong passion for singing, which dates back as far as she can remember.
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“I always just love singing. It makes me feel happy. Even when I was four years old, I would pretend that I have a microphone, and I would sing like I’m singing to the whole world,” she enthused.
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Pranysqa credited her grandmother as her main inspiration and the driving force behind her burgeoning career, along with her musical idols Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston.
Despite admitting to some nerves, particularly about performing in front of the notoriously tough Simon Cowell, Pranysqa’s confidence shone through the moment she began singing with a commanding voice that defied her youth.
The judges were visibly stunned, exchanging looks of disbelief as her powerful vocals filled the auditorium.
“Oh my gosh, I did not expect that. We expect a lot of things, but I did not expect that,” Heidi Klum exclaimed.
Without hesitation, Klum hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Pranysqa straight to the live shows. “I want you to call your grandmother and say that Heidi Klum pushed the Golden Buzzer for you,” she told the young singer.
When the golden confetti rained down on Pranysqa, she began crying tears of happiness, clearly in shock that she had earned the golden honor. “My dream is coming true. I can’t believe it,” she said, reflecting on her grandmother’s prediction that she would one day perform on a big stage.
Pranysqa’s family joined her on stage for an emotional celebration, with tears of joy and hugs all around. Klum then helped Pranysqa call her grandmother to share the incredible news.
“You are absolutely incredible,” Heidi Klum told the pint-sized powerhouse after her performance.
Watch Pranysqa Mishra perform the Tina Turner classic “River Deep, Mountain High” on America’s Got Talent below.
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The bright lights, the big stage, the long haul. None of it fazed Brent Street, the dance group that enjoyed a glittering audition Tuesday night (June 25) on America’s Got Talent.
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Hailing from Sydney, the modern troupe’s performance was part-drama, part-magic, and completely mesmerizing.
Performing to “Hope” by rapper NF, the 20-plus dancers, dressed all in white, powered their way through multiple, seamless routines, impressing everyone in the room with a combination of power, finesse, timing and coordination.
At the conclusion, all four judges joined the audience for a standing ovation.
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Heidi Klum launched in, describing the dance as exciting, beautiful and “something we haven’t seen before. Really entertaining. Very well done.”
“The beginning was spectacular,” added Sofia Vergara, “and the rest was as good as the beginning. That was for sure the coolest thing I’ve seen today.”
Simon Cowell lauded the creation as a cerebral one. “Apart from what they were doing with their bodies,” he remarked, “it was what they were doing with their brains, because this was such a really well though out creative, original performance.” That is “the kind of audition we love on the show.”
Teenage group leader Zack Degersigny, 17, admitted the performance was months in the making.
Howie Mandel had the last word. “I thought everything you did was amazing. It was a surprise.” Mandel had a surprise of his own; he smacked that Golden Buzzer, and the ceiling rained with glitter.
The team from Brent Street, which describes itself as “Australia’s Home of Performing Arts,” progresses in NBC’s talent quest.
Watch below.
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If every dog has its day, today very much belongs to Hurricane.
Hurricane, a Border Collie, and his human Adrian Stoica are the winners of the latest, 18th season of America’s Got Talent, their dog show capturing the hearts of the American public.
Magician Anna DeGuzman came second in the 2023 competition, announced Wednesday (Sept. 27), and dance troupe Murmuration came third.
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Indonesian singer Putri Ariani and acrobat duo the Ramadhani Brothers respectively round out the top 5.
The top ranked singer this year, Putri made a notable impression on the judges, particularly Simon Cowell, who gave the teen his Golden Buzzer. “Nobody can take away the fact that you are an amazing, amazing singer. And performer. And person,” Cowell told Ariani.
The judges also adored Stoica and Hurricane’s double-act, apparently as much as armchair voters.
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“I was on my feet then I sat down, then I was on my feet. It just shows you how tough it is,” Howie Mandel enthused earlier in the season, following an act to Smash Mouth’s “I’m a Believer.” “We didn’t know whether to stand, we didn’t know whether to sit. He’s a dog, he gets more cues than we do. That’s my favorite dog Act ever on AGT.”
Sofia Vergara though the dog-and-man show “was perfection” and Heidi Klum remarked, “it is mind blowing to me how you do this routine with him.”
Added Cowell earlier in the season: “I think in terms of stepping up from the audition to the Live Show, this is the best act we’ve seen tonight. This was live, and that was a tricky routine. She was amazing.”
Stoica and his canine buddy collect the $1 million prize and a coveted Las Vegas residency.
The two-hour finale on NBC featured special performances from 30 Seconds to Mars, Jason Derulo, Jon Batiste, Leona Lewis (in a duet with Putri) and Season 17 winners The Mayyas.
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