America’s Got Talent season 20 opened with a barrage of excitement, including two golden buzzers, one used by judge Howie Mandel for a soulful singer with an incredible backstory, who made it clear he was in the competition to win. Throughout America’s Got Talent’s run, the show has featured some incredible performers who share their heart and soul on stage, no matter what their acts are. From singers to dancers, acrobats to comedians, and everything else under the sun, America’s Got Talent season 20’s had viewers readily anticipating talented acts who are ready to leave it all on the stage.
With America’s Got Talent season 20’s premiere seeing two golden buzzers, Howie’s was the second of the episode. Simon Cowell kicked things off when he emotionally rang his golden buzzer for tech-centric dance troupe, LightWire, which uses LED technology to create spectacular performances. Before ringing his golden buzzer, Simon called the performance “one of the most beautiful, stunning acts I’ve ever seen.” Howie used his buzzer on a performance by Jourdan Blue, a soulful singer from New Orleans who shared a tough backstory that helped him find his passion in music and brought him to find his true life passion.
Jourdan auditioned for America’s Got Talent with the song “Breakeven,” sharing prior to his audition that he’d found his passion for music from his grandfather, who got the chance to watch the audition on FaceTime from the stage’s wings. Jourdan’s girlfriend and young son watched from the audience, and though he performed beautifully, Jourdan was shocked to find Howie standing up to reach for the golden buzzer. As the confetti fell, America’s Got Talent welcomed in its milestone season with two incredible performances that left the judges and audience completely breathless.
What Howie & Simon’s Golden Buzzers Mean For AGT Season 20
The Judges Aren’t Afraid To Press Their Buttons
Although America’s Got Talent season 20 was always going to be a big milestone for the series, the premiere episode set the tone for the exciting season. With Simon first reaching for his golden buzzer shortly into the episode, it was clear that he was going to look for acts that truly wow-ed him to push forward in the competition. Rather than saving the golden buzzer for a later date, Simon was quick to push the button when something truly moved him emotionally and shocked him technically. Praising the act, it was clear that he felt strongly about the performance.
Related
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
For Howie, ringing his golden buzzer for Jourdan was an incredible display of understanding that America’s Got Talent is about truly finding talented people who deserve a break. Jourdan’s emotional story about his upbringing, his call to performing, and sharing that he’d nearly faced a life-ending tragedy while performing on the street in New Orleans resonated with all the judges, but his actual performance is what pushed things over the edge. Howie’s decision to use his golden buzzer and advance Jourdan likely would’ve happened with another judge if he hadn’t done it, but it was incredible to watch regardless.
Our Take On Howie & Simon’s Golden Buzzers
They’re Giving The Edge To Acts That Move Them
While the acts on America’s Got Talent can range from sincere to silly to spectacular, it’s always fascinating to see what resonates with the judges enough to see them ring their golden buzzers. In this milestone season, theAmerica’s Got Talent judges seem to be pushing toward using their golden buzzers in order to reward those who they find emotionally resonant and technically brilliant. While Mel B and Sofía Vergara still have the opportunity to send an act through to the next round, Howie and Simon using their buzzers so early on America’s Got Talent season 20 meant the world.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.
