America's Got Talent season 19: Who won the Golden Buzzer in Quarterfinals 2?

America's Got Talent season 19 brought fresh excitement and surprises this week. This season introduced a new Golden Buzzer format that allowed each judge to send acts directly to the finals. As the quarterfinals unfolded in the recent episodes, the competition intensified as it featured various performances from singers and dancers to magicians and acrobats.

The second quarterfinal episode of America's Got Talent, which aired on August 20, 2024, was particularly notable for its dramatic moments. The awarding of the Golden Buzzer to the dance group AIRFOOTWORKS sparked a humorous dispute between judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel.

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America's Got Talent: Japanese dance group AIRFOOTWORKS wins Golden Buzzer in Quarterfinals 2

In the August 20 episode of America's Got Talent, the stage was set for AIRFOOTWORKS, a dance group that captivated the audience with their performance of Ed Sheeran's Celestial. Their routine, which combined intricate choreography with impressive aerial manoeuvers, earned them a standing ovation from both the judges and the crowd.

However, the excitement was overshadowed by a humorous dispute between judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel over who would take credit for the Golden Buzzer. Despite Howie Mandel being the judge assigned to the Golden Buzzer for that episode, Simon Cowell reached over and pressed the button, sparking a playful argument. As he made his move, Cowell joked:

"Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,"

Host Terry Crews clarified that Mandel was the intended judge for the buzzer that night. But the incident was captured in a slow-motion replay, highlighting Cowell’s quick reflexes and Mandel’s comical response. Mandel remarked:

"It is me, right? I feel like I've been abused! Well, keep your fingers off of my buzzer!"

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The new Golden Buzzer format

AIRFOOTWORKS' win with the Golden Buzzer (Image via NBC)

Season 19 of America's Got Talent introduced a significant change to the Golden Buzzer format, allowing all four judges to send acts directly to the finals. This new twist was designed to add a fresh element of surprise to the 'Live Shows' segment. It provided an automatic pass to the finals, bypassing the usual elimination process.

AIRFOOTWORKS' win with the Golden Buzzer placed them alongside Hakuna Matata Acrobatics, who received Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer the previous week. This adjustment to the Golden Buzzer format altered the dynamics of the competition, giving judges more influence and increasing the stakes for each performance.

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AIRFOOTWORKS’ journey and performance

AIRFOOTWORKS, led by Takashi Jonishi, was formed after Jonishi suffered a back injury during his rehabilitation. Inspired by a workout video he watched during recovery, Jonishi envisioned a unique style of dance that incorporated aerial techniques and dynamic choreography.

The group’s act on America’s Got Talent impressed the judges. They showcased their ability to blend athleticism with artistic expression. Jonishi expressed his dreams for the group, saying:

"I dreamed all the time for this moment!"

He emphasized the group's desire to bring its distinctive dance style to a global audience. AIRFOOTWORKS' success in the quarterfinals solidified its place in the finals.

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Looking Ahead

With the conclusion of the second quarterfinals, the competition will move to the semifinals. Twelve acts will fight for a place in the finals, with the top six acts advancing based on viewers' votes. These finalists will join the four Golden Buzzer winners in the grand finale, which will take place over two nights - beginning on September 17 and ending on September 24, 2024.

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Watch America's Got Talent on NBC every Tuesday at 8 pm ET. Viewers can look forward to more exciting performances and dramatic moments in the finale.