‘AGT’ Fans Blast Show After Simon Cowell Gives Golden Buzzer to Choir
The Season 20 auditions continued on the Tuesday, July 8, episode of America’s Got Talent. Simon Cowell used his second Golden Buzzer of the season after the Birmingham Youth Choir performed.
“That was big,” Cowell told the young singers from Alabama. “I could see and hear how much work went into this. Every single one of you played the perfect part. We had lead vocals, we had emotion, and I’m so honored you came here on our 20th anniversary, and, in return, I want to give you something.” That was when he pushed his buzzer to send them directly to the live shows.
The decision caused quite a stir online, with many AGT fans on Reddit calling the Golden Buzzer pick “predictable” for the show. “As soon as they stepped in the stage you just knew they were going to get it,” one commenter wrote on Reddit. “Is just so predictable that it’s boring.”
Another person wrote, “As soon as I saw the choir about to perform I changed the channel because I KNEW a Golden buzzer was coming. The choir, the kids, and the tears are a guaranteed Golden buzzer.” Someone else agreed, adding, “Not hating. Just sick of the same performances getting the gold all the time. Always singers and sob stories. Would you pay money to see the choir in Vegas? I doubt very many people would.”
Despite complaints about the predictability of Cowell’s decision, the majority of viewers online felt that the kids in the choir were extremely talented. “THIS BEAUTIFUL CHOIR CAUSED EVERYONE TO BE FILLED WITH GENUINE HAPPY & EXCITEMENT…. THEY TOOK A GREAT HYMN & NOT ONLY PRAISED GOD… BUT WERE A WITNESS FOR GOD BEFORE THE WORLD. BEAUTIFUL!” someone commented on the YouTube video of the performance.
Someone else gushed, “Incredible. Agree with Simon. One of the best choirs ever on AGT. Great song, great energy, fantastic!!!!!” Another fan said, “This is exactly what the world needs right now. Just beautiful,” and someone else added, “This is exactly what this Country needs right now. That was amazing and just downright outstanding… congratulations, that was 110% earned !”
Do you think the choir getting the Golden Buzzer was “predictable,” or did they earn it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
America’s Got Talent, Season 20, Tuesdays, 8/7c, NBC
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Comments are closed on this story.
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O
I'd like to get back to judging the acts on talent and performance instead of sob stories. That way we could see more acts too. And we don't need the cutesy judge skits either. And if your country has its own version of AGT, you need to go on that one. Are Americans going on Britain's Got Talent?
17
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R
People that deserve the golden buzzer don't get it. If you tell a sad story of your past and cry, you'll get it and that's not right. Some ridiculous acts go thru and real talent get sent home. Mel B is always confused or didn't get it and says no to good acts that should go thru.
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P
As soon as I saw them, I said to my husband "Simon is going to give them the golden buzzer." And he did!! Very predictable, and sorry, I wouldn't pay to see that act. Let them perform, but please say "no". Not a million dollar act IMO.
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C
Long time AGT fan, but getting pretty tired of the judges always gushing over mediocre talent. And why can't the editing keep the camera on the talent and stop constantly switching to the judges and audience? So disruptive. I'm about over the show.
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B
Perfect synopsis, choir, sad story and boom, golden buzzer. Not that they weren't great but not $1mil. worth.
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P
Nope nope nope! NOT a million dollar act NOR should they, as a choir, be an act in Vegas! The guy after them with the light show was waaaaay better AND a Vegas act!
AGT just checking a box.
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P
I have been able to guess Golden buzzer winners 98% of the time BEFORE they perform! Agree with about 20% of them. The only fairly unpredictable judge left is Mel B and I almost always disagree with her no votes. There's no rhyme or reason to her decisions most of the time, except for when everyone says no.I liked Alysha, and even Heidi, much more.
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A
Why the fuss?!?
Just because one gets a golden buzzer doesn't mean they'll be the overall winner!
Just sit back and enjoy the show or watch a "dull the senses" reality show, e.g. Kardashians, Housewives, Bachelor/ Bachelorette mess!
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G
yes sobbing stories let you know this act will go on to round 2 or even better the golden buzzer. This choir was good, but it was the childrens' tears that sealed the act. Simon is rude to people in other acts, even disrespectful at times, but knows when to be extremely interested in other acts that possibly could cause him extreme backlash.
3
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O
They would have to pay me to listen to a religious show
3
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O
It was either going to be oh my goodness poor kids Simon or you should not even have to perform Mel as Mel only seems to like a certain category of performers.
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G
I thought this choir was outstanding! They definitely deserved the golden buzzer. The vocals of the two girl singers was pure perfection. I am not one to always go for the choir groups or the kids dances troops, but this group was unbelievable.
2
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O
Please send Mel B packing , almost did not watch this season
1
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O
Yeah we fast forwarded the recording we were watching at that point. Simon's comment about them being one of the best choirs on the show tells me he's getting Alzheimers if he doesn't remember some of the others that have been on. And can somebody tell me why Howie is still on the show? He's an idiot. He knows nothing about music and judges music acts on what he doesn't know but raves about the stupidest acts. He is so frustrating! There have been many seasons we haven't watched because of who won the year before. Rigged maybe.
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P
Truthfully i told my wife they always do it for the story. I just was wrong on person. I predicted it would be terry.
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G
No way they did not deserve, it was hard to understand what they were singing. AGT is a joke!
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N
My house stopped watching AGT years ago when it became just another singing competition with dance crew performances thrown in occasionally. The golden buzzers started being used to override the other judges and push someone YOU believed in straight through. Now it's just used for show, on acts they were going to vote through anyway.
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P
I quit watching years ago too because it’s not really interesting anymore! You’re right it’s sad stories that win more than anything, or Simon has to grade things to absolute extreme bc it’s not dangerous enough for him! BS. The ones who deserve to win never do! Same DWTS blah!😑
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O
HATERS ALWAYS GONNA HATE . THEY WERE FANTASTIC.
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R
It was predictable but never would have a chance to win it all. I've watched every season if AGT and this 20th is a huge disappointment hilited by the annoying, pathetic, clueless, rude Mel B.
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G
I thought they were good but not Golden buzzer Worthy. There were acts that were better than that and should have maybe gotten the golden buzzer. Oh well Simon cowell's choice not mine
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O
They earned it.
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G
AGT is so hard to watch. There is a good act on and they show about half of the act, with the other time allocated to showing the judges and audience saying how great the act is that you are no longer seeing….
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O
It was terrific, we need this joy NOW!
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O
I think the golden buzzer should have went to the 10yo prodigy on the guitar then the choir, I mean he was 10yo wow
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P
I enjoy watching AGT but they have the dumbest acts that go out on stage and such a waste of time to go out on stage . I think they do it on purpose for laughs . That choir should have never gotten the golden buzzer that shouldn’t have happened. I actually think that little boy who sang and played guitar was really good should have gotten the golden buzzer .
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O
America's Got Talent...but you flew in from Europe to be on the show? Ummmm....
Anyway, how is a choir a $1M act? Seriously. Were they good? I don't know. I turn the channel or fast-forward whenever there's a choir. Why? Because it's a choir. They stand and they sing and maaaaaybe have a little choreography, but that's all. Talent? Sure. But $1M talent that people would pay to watch stand and sing in Las Vas aka Sin City??? Not. A. Chance. (Don't try to school me. I have 30+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Choirs are not $1M talent. Full stop.)
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O
Predictable community singing group with average talent. I feel they got the golden buzzer for being from a, perhaps, less than wealthy community. Not fair.
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C
I knew as soon as they walked out this was going be golden buzzer. Choir was good and proud they earned their way to the auditions. It does seem like groups does go straight through to finals.
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R
The choir did an excellent job!! I think they earned it. The 2 leads could really sing. Good job Simon! Anyone who feels they didn't deserve it, should really check their heart
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P
I agree, as soon as the choir walked out on the stage, we knew they would go through. What we were surprised at was, Mel B didn’t have something bad to say about their performance. We’re hoping Mel doesn’t come back next season!!
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C
I didn't see the show. So, what happened? Simon sent Whoopi Goldberg and her Sister Act 2 cast through?
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