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What Is the Golden Buzzer on AGT?
It's the show's highest honor!
America's Got Talent has given audiences dozens—if not hundreds—of thrilling moments, but the AGT Golden Buzzer moments take the competition to the next level.
From the golden confetti and cheering applause to the tear-jerking response from the talented Acts, Golden Buzzer Auditions are always a special treat. But what is the meaning of the AGT Golden Buzzer? Introduced in Season 10, the AGT Golden Buzzer is hit by an impressed AGT Judge, allowing an Act to progress directly to the Live Shows. If a Judge hits their Golden Buzzer, the Act moves forward despite whatever red buzzers are pressed. There is a lot of power in the Golden Buzzer, and it's safe to say that every AGT Act's dream is getting one.
Golden Buzzers are not to be taken lightly: They mark some of the show's most captivating performances. Read on to learn the meaning of the AGT Golden Buzzer.
What happens when you get the Golden Buzzer?
Talented AGT Acts that earn a Golden Buzzer have the honor of progressing straight to the AGT Live Shows, which can be a huge game-changer. Typically, an Act will need to earn at least three "Yes" votes from the Judges to move forward and escape elimination. The Golden Buzzer is essentially a shiny gold exception to the typical AGT Audition process.
How many times can you press the Golden Buzzer?
The AGT Judges and Host can press their Golden Buzzer once during the Auditions phase of the competition, so it can get pretty competitive. The only exception is the Group Golden Buzzer, introduced in Season 16. The Group Golden Buzzer is pressed once per season by all the Judges and Host for an Act they feel is particularly sensational. That means only six Golden Buzzers happen each season: One for each Judge, one for the Host, and the Group Golden Buzzer.
Has Simon Cowell ever hit the Golden Buzzer?
Of course he has! He's a Judge!
Cowell has hit his Golden Buzzer for Calysta Bevier, Mandy Harvey, Michael Ketterer, Kechi, Tyler Butler-Figueroa, WAFFLE Dance Crew, Jane "Nightbirde" Marczewski, and Sara James.
Which Acts on AGT have received the Golden Buzzer?
Drew Lynch
Season 10 Auditions
Freckled Sky
Season 10 Auditions
Sharon Irving
Season 10 Auditions
Arielle Baril
Season 10 Auditions
Piff The Magic Dragon
Season 10 Judge Cuts
The Craig Lewis Band
Season 10 Judge Cuts
Paul Zerdin
Season 10 Judge Cuts
Siro-A
Season 10 Judge Cuts
Laura Bretan
Season 11 Auditions
Grace VanderWaal
Season 11 Auditions
Sal Valentinetti
Season 11 Auditions
Calysta Bevier
Season 11 Auditions
Dorothy Williams
Season 11 Auditions
Jon Dorenbos
Season 11 Judge Cuts
Sofie Dossi
Season 11 Judge Cuts
Malevo
Season 11 Judge Cuts
Jayna Brown
Season 11 Judge Cuts
Darci Lynne Farmer
Season 12 Auditions
Mandy Harvey
Season 12 Auditions
Christian Guardino
Season 12 Auditions
Light Balance
Season 12 Auditions
Angelina Green
Season 12 Auditions
Angelica Hale
Season 12 Judge Cuts
Chase Goehring
Season 12 Judge Cuts
Celine Tam
Season 12 Judge Cuts
Johnny Manuel
Season 12 Judge Cuts
Zurcaroh
Season 13 Auditions
Michael Ketterer
Season 13 Auditions
Courtney Hadwin
Season 13 Auditions
Amanda Mena
Season 13 Auditions
Makayla Phillips
Season 13 Auditions
Voices of Hope
Season 13 Judge Cuts
Angel City Chorale
Season 13 Judge Cuts
Quin and Misha
Season 13 Judge Cuts
Flau’jae
Season 13 Judge Cuts
Kodi Lee
Season 14 Auditions
Joseph Allen
Season 14 Auditions
Tyler Butler-Figueroa
Season 14 Auditions
Detroit Youth Choir
Season 14 Auditions
Luke Islam
Season 14 Auditions
Sophie Pecora
Season 14 Judge Cuts
V.Unbeatable
Season 14 Judge Cuts
Light Balance Kids
Season 14 Judge Cuts
Emanne Beasha
Season 14 Judge Cuts
Voices of Our City Choir
Season 15 Auditions
Roberta Battaglia
Season 15 Auditions
Cristina Rae
Season 15 Auditions
WAFFLE Crew
Season 15 Auditions
Brandon Leake
Season 15 Auditions
Northwell Nurse Choir
Season 16 Auditions
Nightbirde
Season 16 Auditions
World Taekwondo Demonstration Team
Season 16 Auditions
Jimmie Herrod
Season 16 Auditions
Lea Kyle
Season 16 Auditions
Victory Brinker
Season 16 Group Golden Buzzer
Avery Dixon
Season 17 Auditions
Maddie
Season 17 Auditions
Sara James
Season 17 Auditions
Mayyas
Season 17 Auditions
Lily Meola
Season 17 Auditions
Chapel Hart
Season 17 Group Golden Buzzer
Watch AGT: All-Stars Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on Peacock
