[bright tones]
[number pad beeping]
["Everybody Wants to Rule the World" playing]
* *
- * Welcome to your life *
* There's no turning back *
* Even while we sleep *
* We will find you acting *
* On your best behavior *
- That was just breathtaking.
- This is how it's done!
- * Everybody wants to rule the world *
* I can't stand this indecision *
* Married with a lack of vision *
- We love it when people come from all over the world
to audition.
- * There's a room where the light won't find you *
* Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down *
* When they do, I'll be right behind you *
* Say that you'll never, never, never need it *
- I have never seen anything so amazing!
- * Why believe it? *
* Everybody wants to rule the-- *
* The world *
- Welcome to "America's Got Talent."
I'm Terry Crews.
The auditions are over.
Tonight, as the judges make their final decisions
on which acts make it to next week's live shows,
we look back at some of the most memorable auditions
of the season.
Let's get started.
[crowd chanting] "AGT," "AGT," "AGT," "AGT"!
- Welcome to "America's Got Talent" season 18!
- My name is D'Corey Johnson.
- Anna DeGuzman. - Steel Panther.
- Hello! - You want talent?
I'm gonna bring you talent!
- It's so crazy to be here.
This is a dream come true.
- Let's get this show going!
[dramatic music]
* *
- Oh!
- * Smooth like butter, like criminal undercover *
- Hey, hey! - Yeah!
- * Breaking into your heart like that *
- What is the dream?
- To have my own show in Las Vegas.
- There's not many women magicians.
- I know. I'm one of the few.
And I hope to inspire more girls tonight.
- What was the card? - Two of spades.
- Oh, I got it right! [wild cheering]
- That's what you call a moment.
[BTS' "Butter"]
- No! [screaming]
- * Side step, right, left, to my beat *
* Get it, let it roll *
- Wow!
[all vocalizing]
* *
- That was so wow. What a--
[all screaming]
* *
- Ah! He is crazy!
* *
- [laughs] [horn honking]
OK, OK.
Jason Statham?
"I got one last job for ya."
[laughs]
- I used to be married. - Aw.
both: Aww. - I'm still in love with her.
- Oh, let's call her.
[phone line trilling]
- Hi, Faith.
I'm standing here next to this handsome firefighter.
All right.
If this works out, and you have a girl,
it better be called Heidi, OK?
- * Get it, let it roll *
- Fashion tips later, ladies.
* *
- He's on fire!
- * Get it, let it, roll *
- * Yeah *
- * Simon *
[hands squeaking]
* *
[buzzer]
- Oh, come on.
- What, Simon?
- You're fired.
- Well, you can't because you're a puppet.
- Ouch.
- Sofía is arguing with a puppet.
- This is the drawing you did choose--
the snake, slice of lime, a house, and some mountains.
Watch this.
[crowd exclaiming]
- Whoa, it says "SCAM" everywhere.
- Whoa. - Scam, scam, scam, scam, scam.
- Let's go.
- * High like the moon, rock with me, baby *
- That is how you do it.
- * Get it, let it roll *
- Whoa! - Whoa, whoa!
- Whoa, whoa, whoa!
- Oh, no.
- It's OK.
It's OK.
* *
- If you would help me choose the song--
[buzzer]
- Sunny, do you see this hand?
It's going very close to that red buzzer.
- No. - If you don't start singing--
- Please, no. - Right now--
- Please, no, OK. I'll sing, OK.
- Please. - I'll sing.
- OK. - Please.
- I'm gonna sing. - Sonny, tick-tock, tick-tock.
- OK, OK, I'm gonna sing. - Good.
Thank God.
- I'm sorry. I just got to tune up real--
[buzzer]
* *
[buzzers]
- Being a musician, man, I got to play
for different churches.
Black church, it's like, put your hands together for Jesus!
He's been too good!
And the white people be like, their Jesus is angry.
[laughter]
[cheers and applause]
- We've just seen some of the most amazing people.
- We are gonna have a really tough time deciding
who goes into the lives.
- I love everything that you were doing.
- Thank you so much. - Wow.
- I don't think you could have done it better.
- I think this is honestly one of the best seasons.
* *
- Next week, the live shows begin.
And one act that will be competing
is the Mzansi Youth Choir.
They will be trying to capture a bit of the same magic
they had in their audition, when the judges and audience
were so moved, they did something that has
never happened before on "AGT."
* *
- Hi!
- * Get it, let it roll *
- Hi!
- Well, welcome.
Well, tell us who you are, please.
- My name is Zoe, and we are the Mzansi Youth Choir,
all the way from Soweto, Johannesburg, in South Africa.
[cheers and applause]
- Yes!
- Tell me about the choir.
How did it start? Tell me everything.
- Well, it's a little bit of a sad story,
but it has a great ending, of course.
- OK.
- Exactly 20 years ago, our founders,
Jannie and Marina Zaaiman, were carjacked.
And to their surprise, it was done by young people.
And then they saw this as an opportunity
to change young lives.
And then they started this choir.
- Wow.
[cheers and applause]
And why did you decide to enter
"America's Got Talent" this year?
- Because "America's Got Talent"
is the biggest talent competition in the world.
[cheers and applause]
And it has the power to inspire and give hope to the people.
- Well, thank you for saying that.
OK. We're ready.
We're rooting for you. Good luck.
both: Thank you.
- Here we go.
- I'm excited.
[all vocalizing]
["It's OK"]
* *
- * I moved to California in the summertime *
* *
* I changed my name, thinking that it would change my mind *
* *
* I thought that all my problems *
* They would stay behind *
* I was a stick of dynamite *
* And it was just a matter of time *
* *
* Oh, dang, oh, my, now I can't hide *
* Said I knew myself, but I guess I lied *
* It's OK, it's OK, it's OK, it's OK *
* To be lost, we're all a little lost *
* And it's all right *
- * It's OK, it's OK, it's OK, it's OK to be lost *
* We're all a little lost, and it's all right *
* *
* I wrote a hundred pages, but I burned them all *
* Yeah, I burned them all *
* I drove through yellow lights and didn't stop at all *
* I didn't stop at all *
* Oh, dang, oh, my, now I can't hide *
* Said I knew what I wanted, but I guess I lied *
* It's OK, it's OK, it's OK, it's OK to be lost *
* We're all a little lost, and it's all right *
* It's OK, it's OK, it's OK, it's OK to be lost *
* We're all a little lost, and it's all right *
* Oh, oh, oh, oh *
* It's all right to be lost sometimes *
* Oh, oh, oh, oh *
* It's all right to be lost sometimes *
* Mm, mm, mm *
[cheers and applause]
- Bravo!
[soft piano music]
* *
- Wow.
- What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful person.
* *
- Wow.
My gosh, gosh, gosh, gosh.
* *
- For anyone who doesn't know,
we lost a very, very special person from our "AGT" family.
Her name is Jane.
Her nickname was Nightbirde, and she sang the song.
So it has a very special meaning in my heart.
It was really beautiful. Thank you.
- Thank you. - Thank you so much.
- Amazing.
- What a surprise to hear that song.
And your voices are fantastic.
That was the perfect "AGT" audition.
* *
- I'll always remember Nightbirde.
And to see that it touched people on the other side
of the globe, unbelievable.
You deserve so much more than a yes and to be here.
You deserve a thank you.
Thank you so much.
[crowd chanting] Golden Buzzer!
- Can I ask why you decided
to sing that song?
- When we heard Nightbirde singing this song
on this stage, we were very inspired
and touched by her story that we decided to record the song.
To our surprise, she responded so beautifully.
This song has been such a pillar of strength for us
as a choir through difficult times.
- Yes.
- We just want to continue her legacy.
And that's why we chose the song.
- Bravo! - Beautiful.
[cheers and applause]
* *
This brought back so many memories for me.
Gosh, it was--whoa.
* *
It's hard.
Oh, gosh, give me one second.
I know how much this would have--
Would have meant to her.
It would.
* *
Right until the end, she was so passionate
about sharing her music.
And this has gone all over the world.
And you've come back here with the most amazing tribute.
It was just breathtaking, honestly.
- Thank you.
[crowd chanting] Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer,
Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer!
- I want to suggest something.
We've never done this before.
But we've always discussed one day
giving the audience something.
* *
[cheers and applause]
[crowd chanting] Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer,
Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer!
- Look at that.
[Bailey Rushlow's "Your Song"]
- * My gift is my song *
- So this is for you and you.
This is for Jane.
- Here we go.
[cheers and applause]
* *
- * And you can tell everybody *
* That this is your song *
* It might be quite simple *
* But now that it's done *
* I hope you don't mind *
* I hope you don't mind that I put down in words *
* How wonderful... *
- Mzansi Youth Choir, you have just
received a Golden Buzzer from the fifth judge,
the "AGT" audience!
[wild cheering]
- * I hope you don't mind *
* I hope you don't mind *
- That was the most beautiful thing
I've ever heard in my life.
- Aw, you guys are unbelievable.
- You have no idea how much that would have meant to her.
* *
- This is from them.
* *
- Can't wait to see you come back for the live show!
Are you ready?
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
- Welcome back.
As we get ready for next week's live show,
tonight, we continue our look back at the most
memorable auditions.
Let's keep this party going with some acts
that are so unique the judges just have to see them again.
- * New York, New York *
- The judges haven't seen anything like us before.
- * No place that I'd rather be *
* Where else can you do a half a million things *
- Hi.
- We are MOS!
- And where are you from? - We are from Japan.
- Welcome.
- What has been your favorite thing so far in America?
- We ate cheeseburgers.
- So yummy.
["Bang Bang" playing]
- Oh!
* *
- Yeah!
- Never in my wildest dreams would I
imagine a girl group to come on and play that song
with those instruments.
[cheers and applause]
Four yeses.
[cheers and applause]
- Thank you.
[Huey Lewis and the News' "The Heart of Rock & Roll"]
- * They say the heart of rock and roll is still beating *
- Do you have a day job?
- I'm a dog coach.
- And what will you be doing tonight?
- He will be doing a dog act.
- I will play with Hurricane.
- Yeah. - The stage is yours.
- * They say the heart of rock and roll is still beating *
- * Now the old boy may be barely breathing *
- * But the heart of rock and roll, heart of rock and roll *
* Is still beating *
* *
- Oh!
- We weren't expecting that.
[soft piano music]
- And where are you guys from?
- From Ukraine. - From Ukraine.
- It was really a long trip for us.
It's really important to be here, and it's really amazing.
- * Oh, let's go down *
* In the moment we're lost and found *
* *
* I just want to be by your side *
* *
- We have seen a lot of mixture between technology and reality
put together, but never quite like this before.
It was incredible. Well done.
- You've got four yeses.
[cheers and applause]
- That was--wow.
I've never seen anything like that in my life.
- Hello. - Hello.
- We are Avantgardey from Japan.
- Welcome.
- What makes you guys different than other dance groups
that we've seen before?
- [speaking Japanese]
- Because we have an original dance piece
filled with the Japanese soul.
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
- [singing in Japanese]
[upbeat music]
* *
- Yeah!
[cheers and applause]
- I've never seen anything like this before.
I'm gonna start off with your first yes.
- Thank you.
* *
- I'm gonna give you your fourth yes.
[cheers and applause]
- * The heart of rock and roll is still beating *
- Whoo!
[wild cheering]
- Welcome. - Thank you very much.
- Tell us who you are, please. - We're from East Africa.
And together...
both: We are the Ramadhani brothers.
- So you've flown a long way to come on the show.
Why?
- Our biggest dream is to perform
in Las Vegas "AGT" show.
[wild cheering]
- I don't know if I can watch this.
[dramatic music]
- No! - You've got to be kidding me!
[cheers and applause]
* *
- There's no nets!
* *
- Oh, my God!
[wild cheering]
* *
- Oh!
* *
- That is the scariest, most dangerous act I have ever
seen on "America's Got Talent."
- This is how you do it!
* *
- I've done the numbers.
It's about 4,000 yeses.
- * They say the heart of rock and roll is still beating *
* Now the old boy may be barely breathing *
* But the heart of rock and roll, heart of rock and roll *
* Is still beating *
- That was good. - Oh, my God.
- That was the scariest act I've ever seen.
- Yes.
[heart thumping]
- * I got a feeling *
- Welcome back to "America's Got Talent:
Road to Lives."
Next up is a group I'm particularly a fan of.
- Oh, my goodness.
[kids cheering]
- How's it going?
[playing drums and chanting]
- Can I be in your group?
- Yes!
- Hi, I'm Terry, and what is your name?
- My name is Chioma, and this is the Atlanta Drum Academy.
- The moment that Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy
took the stage, I knew they were something special.
So I wanted to be sure we would see
them again in the live show.
[cheers and applause]
- * That tonight's gonna be a good, good night *
- Hi. - I already love them.
Look at that smile.
[cheers and applause]
- Tell us your name and why you're here today, please.
- Chioma Narcisse-Williams.
- Use the mic.
[laughter]
[cheers and applause]
- What? - Yeah, we'll start again.
Yeah, so tell us your name and why you're here, please.
- My name is Chioma Narcisse-Williams.
And I am eight years old.
- Eight years old.
[cheers and applause]
And where are you from?
- I'm from--I'm from Georgia.
- Oh, OK.
Now, do you think you can win?
- Definitely. - Definitely.
- Yes. - Right!
- OK.
I'm guessing you're gonna play the drum.
- Yes.
- Shall we start the act?
- Yes. - Yes.
Thank you.
[cheers and applause]
- Hello.
all: Whoo!
all: All right!
[all chanting]
* *
- Whoo!
- * Oh, my God *
[Usher's "OMG"]
* Got me like, oh, my God, I'm so in love *
* I found you finally, you make me want to say *
* Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh *
all: Oh, my God!
- * Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh *
- Yeah!
- * Make me wanna say *
- * Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh *
- * Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh *
* *
all: Boom! Drop that beat!
[Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)"]
- * Whoomp, there it is *
* Whoomp, there it is *
* There it is, there it is, there it is, there it is *
all: * Whoomp, there it is *
* *
[wild cheering]
[One Direction's "Live While We're Young"]
- * Hey, girl, I'm waiting on you *
* I'm waiting on you *
* Come on and let me sneak you out *
- Oh, my God!
- * And have a celebration, a celebration *
* The music up, the windows down *
- There is no need to vote!
No need!
Oh!
Chioma, you told me backstage that you
dreamed about being on "AGT" and getting a Golden Buzzer.
[wild cheering]
Now, Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy,
I am honored to make that dream come true!
- He's going to do it!
[wild cheering]
- * Tonight, we are young *
[fun.'s "We Are Young"]
* So let's set the world on fire *
- Yeah!
- * We can burn brighter than the sun *
- Yeah!
- Wasn't that amazing?
They're going to win.
- * Carry me home tonight *
* Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na *
* Just carry me home tonight *
* Na-na-na-na-na *
* Carry me home tonight *
- Come here, Chioma!
Oh, give me your biggest hug.
How do you feel?
Your dream has just come true, sir.
- It is amazing!
[cheers and applause]
- Atlanta Drum Academy, you are my Golden Buzzer!
- Yeah!
- * Tonight *
- All right now!
- So tell me where you think we are this year.
Good? - Oh, beyond.
- On a scale of 1 to 10? - What do you mean, good?
- 11.
People are still doing things in a way I've
never seen it done before.
This is the season of mashups.
- * And it goes a little something like this *
* Here we go *
- Good evening.
- Hello.
- What will you be doing for us today?
- Let's see.
- Oh, it's a surprise.
- No more questions.
Good luck.
[dramatic electronic music]
* *
- * Don't that feel real funky, y'all? *
* *
- Whoa!
[cheers and applause]
* *
- I love the combination.
We've seen a lot of people do hula hooping,
but never like this.
- Wow!
* *
- I can't wait to see what you're gonna do next.
I can't wait.
- Now, everybody, are you ready to get into a magic mood?
[cheers and applause]
OK, here we go.
Now, Howie, I want you to think of any word at all
in the English language.
- OK.
- Now, would you be impressed
if the word you were thinking of
was written on a piece of paper
in the bag in front of you?
- More than impressed.
- Please open the bag.
[soft music]
- It's a dictionary.
- Unbelievable.
- You're a very good magician.
You're funny. I love you.
I'm a huge fan of yours.
[exciting music]
- Tell us who you are, please.
- We are Sainted.
- And we are a trap choir,
meaning that we sing trap songs.
[cheers and applause]
["Show Me Love" playing]
- It's time to party, "AGT."
[vocalizing]
* *
- * Baby, if you want me *
- * You got to show me, you got to show me *
- * You've got to show me love *
- * Words aren't so easy to say *
- * Words aren't so easy to say, all right *
- * You got to show me *
- * You've got to show me love *
- * I need your love *
- * You got to show me love *
- * You got to show me *
- * You got to show me, baby *
- * You got to show me love *
- * I need your love *
- * You got to show me * - * You got to show me *
- * You got to show me love *
[cheers and applause]
- * Oh *
- It was creative.
The voices are amazing.
I mean, you guys have done a really good job.
- Do you ever watch people's videos
and imagine jumping inside their world for a second?
[upbeat music]
* *
[cheers and applause]
- I have never seen anything like it.
This was so different.
* *
- It's still magic.
But it's different.
- Yeah.
* *
- I love it.
* *
- We've seen sword swallowing before.
Now you're hanging in the air.
- I've never seen this combination,
and you looked so good doing it.
- * Here we go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go *
* *
- You can see it!
* *
- Oh, my God! - No!
No!
[cheers and applause]
- All right, Penelope. It's our big moment.
Are you ready for me to cue the music?
- I don't want to sing anymore.
- What?
This is what we've practiced for weeks.
- It's been done.
They want to see something else, something new.
- [chuckles]
- But we haven't practiced anything else.
What's your plan?
- I've got it.
Mentalism!
- Mentalism? - Wait, what?
[soft music]
I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
- It's OK. We'll use a deck of cards.
Check your pocket.
- Wait, what?
- Ta-da!
[laughter]
Heidi, I'd like you to cut the deck one time.
* *
Howie, I'd like you to take the top card.
- All right.
- Then look away and close your eyes.
Show me the card.
- What do I do now?
- Just concentrate.
- OK, I'm focused.
I see.
I think it's black.
- That's it. Keep thinking.
- It's a club.
Is it the seven of clubs?
- Open your eyes.
- Oh, my gosh!
- That's amazing.
That's crazy.
- You never want to see the same thing
again but not quite as good.
You want to see it better or different.
And that's what you did.
- That was a perfect audition.
It was exciting. It was fun.
It was unique.
- Thank you.
- We should vote now.
OK, my vote is a yes.
- Thank you. - A big fat yes.
- Thank you.
- It's a yes. - Oh, thank you so much.
- Four yeses.
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
- Season 18 is just blowing my socks off.
* *
- Are you guys ready for your next act?
[cheers and applause]
- Who's next? - There's a lot of chairs.
There's gonna be a sitting-down choir.
- Do you think so? - Oh, my God.
Is this, like, a big group of people?
- Maybe. Simon, what do you think?
Too bad you can't speak today.
- OK, here we go, guys. Clearing stage, here we go.
- Howie loves an act that can go viral.
And that definitely was the case
with Murmuration's audition.
I don't even know how to describe this act.
With over 40 million total views online,
they will be real contenders in the live shows
that begin next week.
[cheers and applause]
- Hello. - Hello, hello, everyone.
- Hello, hello.
So tell us, what's your name, and where are you from?
- My name is Jibril Maillot.
I'm 32 years old, and I'm from France.
- Bonjour. Welcome.
- Bonjour. Ca va?
- And what is your talent?
- I bring some friends.
And we are there to represent the new creation of my brother
Sadeck, who create this piece.
We call that Murmuration.
And we bring 65 dancer on stage.
- Ooh, that sounds very nice.
- I don't think we've ever had anything like that before.
I'm very excited to meet all your friends.
Good luck to you. - Thank you.
Thank you so much. - Thank you.
[cheers and applause]
- Look at all the people.
- Oh, wow.
- It keeps going.
- There's a lot. - 65.
- [speaking French]
- They're gonna be blindfolded?
- Ah.
[soft music]
* *
[cheers and applause]
- Wow.
* *
- Whoo, yeah!
[cheers and applause]
* *
[wild cheering]
- Murmuration!
[chanting in French]
[Sia's "Bird Set Free"]
* *
- * Clipped wings, I was a broken thing *
* Had a voice, had a voice, but I could not sing *
* You had worn me down *
* I struggled on the ground, whoa *
- I was mesmerized.
* *
I find what you do hypnotic.
And I think it's very original, and I find it almost more
magnificent when you get a large group of people
and the movements are smaller but perfect, you know?
It blew me away.
[cheers and applause]
Even sitting here, you want to do something.
I want to do something.
- You can come with us.
- I just want to do-- I want to--
- I think-- - I don't know how to--
I want to--I want to--
I don't know. [cheers and applause]
- Oh. Oh!
[soft music]
* *
- * I don't care if I sing off key *
* I find myself in my melodies *
* I sing for love, I sing for me *
* I shout it out like a bird set free *
- Murmurations!
You just got the Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel!
* *
Yes!
They are headed straight to the live show.
- Aw, they're all crying.
- Thank you so much.
- Give it up one more time, y'all!
Murmurations!
- * I don't care if I sing off key *
* I find myself in my melodies *
* I sing for love, I sing for me *
* I shout it out like a bird set free *
* No, I don't care if I sing off key *
- Great job, everybody.
- You know, dreams come true when you walk out.
And I'm really proud of everyone.
[cheers and applause]
- You were just amazing. You're mesmerizing.
You're original. You just moved me.
- Thank you so much!
* *
- Auditions for next season are officially open.
- This really is what the show is all about.
- Go to AGTauditions.com for your chance to perform
for the ultimate prize.
- Who here thinks they're gonna win the million dollars?
- There you go.
- As we get ready for the best of the best
to start battling it out live starting next week,
let's continue looking back at the most memorable auditions.
- We've seen some amazing people.
I mean, seriously amazing.
- My name is Lambros Garcia.
I am ten years old, and I am a dancer.
- My name is Mitch Rossell.
I'm 35. I'm from East Tennessee.
- Can we see your eyes? We can't see your eyes.
There we go. - Oh, there you are.
- My name is Orlando Leyba from Miami, Florida.
- My name is Philip Bowen.
[soft music]
- My name is Lachuné, born and raised in South Carolina.
* *
- We are the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus.
* *
- I'm Alfie Andrew.
I'm 12 years old, and I'm from Manchester, England.
- Ooh. - Welcome, welcome, welcome.
- Who do we have here?
- My name is Lavender.
I will be singing a song.
I'm also autistic as well as blind.
- We are the Freedom Singers.
- We're located in a community called Skid Row.
- Are you houseless in Skid Row?
- Not anymore, but I was.
[applause]
- I think we are seeing more people
with, like, regular jobs,
and this is kind of like their dream.
- I am a project manager.
- I'm a voice teacher, and I'm also a student.
- I was a satellite engineer for another network
that is not this network, but, you know.
[laughter]
- Do you come from a family of musicians?
- No, like, my dad works for, like, cars,
and then my mom does, like, nails.
- And why did you want to be on "AGT"?
- Because I have a lot of dreams.
[cheers and applause]
- My mom used to put me in karate classes,
and I heard the music through the wall
because there was a dance studio right next.
- Why have you waited so long to do something like this?
- I just never pictured myself actually
having the moment to be on stage and things like that.
- And now you're here on the biggest stage in the world.
- What a journey, man.
- Last week, we lost one of our soldiers,
Specialist Elijah Crawford.
So we're dedicating this performance to him
and all of the soldiers that have passed before him.
- The way I got into music is my dad.
When I was a kid, I would ride with him in the car,
and we'd just listen to country music together.
I lost my dad suddenly when I was a kid
and, um, had a hard time writing about him.
And I had a son of my own, and I think that really
allowed me to finally write about it
and bring it full circle.
- I have three young kids,
and I want to show them that it is never too late
to chase down a dream.
- If this is their life, if this is gonna change
their life, as you say--
- Two minutes literally can change your life.
So good luck.
- Those aren't words. That is true.
- * I drew a line *
* I drew a line for you *
* Oh, what a thing to do *
* It was all yellow *
- I'm very happy that you showed us who you are.
I have a feeling that you just scratched the surface
of what you can do.
- * Hold my hand, hold my *
* Hold my hand, my hand *
* I'll be right here, hold my hand *
- I think that people are gonna remember you,
and you're so cool.
- * I heard a story *
* A girl, she once told me *
* That I would be happy again *
- Wow!
- * Oh, yeah *
* Oh, yeah *
- I think you're gonna be a rock star!
- * Son, I hope you *
* Know how much I love you *
* And when you're not with me *
* I'm always thinking of you *
* You're the drive inside my heart *
* The reason I reach for the stars above *
- The words and the emotion that you sing with...
- * He said my world revolves around you *
* That's why I call you son *
- Such simple brilliance.
- They don't even know how good they are.
And then the entire room is standing for them.
- I know. - Yeah.
- They call it Old Faithful because Old Faithful
always goes off right on time,
plus or minus ten minutes.
It reminded me of me in my 20s.
I was like, I remember when I could do that.
[laughter]
Yeah.
- It felt like you were telling us something
that really happened.
- It really did.
- Well, no, I believe that.
[energetic violin music]
* *
- Whoo!
I got it.
Let's go!
* *
- I would be practicing my violin in the mirror,
and I'd say, the crowd goes wild, ahh.
And have the crowd actually go wild--
[cheers and applause]
Oh, man.
- It may even change your life because this was the place
you were supposed to be.
- Yes, yes.
- * Lonely as I am *
* Together we cry *
* *
* I don't ever want to feel *
- * Oh, the pain, the hurt *
- This was more than just a song,
more than an audition.
It was needed, and thank you for informing,
entertaining, and blowing the roof off this place.
- * I guess you'd say *
* What can make me feel this way? *
* My girl *
- My favorite auditions actually
are the people who aren't kind of, like, professionals,
who do something else,
but they have a passion for something else in addition.
And obviously, you all have a passion for singing.
- [vocalizing]
- I'm so happy you've come to the show.
- * Always remember who you are *
* Open up your eyes *
* It's time to realize now is the time to shine *
* It's the time to shine *
* Baby, you're-- *
* Everybody knows you got it and it goes from your soul *
- Wow.
- * Can't nobody bring you down *
- You have a natural stage presence,
and that's something you can't fake.
[cheers and applause]
[soft music]
- He's crying.
- * Sometimes I wonder *
- Tell us why you are so emotional.
- I get a little bit bullied at school.
And, um, this solo really meant a lot to me.
- Aw.
[cheers and applause]
* *
- If they start again, those bullies, you tell them me,
Terry, and Howie-- actually, I'm gonna
bring Heidi and Sofía as well.
- Exactly.
- We're coming down to sort them out.
- * We're always proving who we are *
* Always reaching *
* For that rising star *
* To guide me far and shine me home *
* Out here on my own *
* *
* But when I'm down and feeling so blue *
* I close my eyes *
* So I can be with you *
I got to say that "AGT" is my favorite show because it's
about being different.
And, like, I don't know.
I'm just not normal.
- Uh, well, I think I'm speaking for all of us
because we love you just the way you are.
[cheers and applause]
And you know what?
We make the show because we get to meet people like you.
- Oh, really?
Oh, thank you. - Let's do this!
- * This is where our dreams begin *
* Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh *
* Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh *
- Twins.
- * Oh, right now, this is where our dreams begin *
* There's a light in the dark *
- What are you feeling right now?
- I'm feeling powerful.
* *
- I don't know if this is a dream or if I'm really awake.
[cheers and applause]
- This is what "AGT" is all about.
- Hello, Mom.
- Thank you for being so kind to my son.
- These contestants and more will all
compete in the live shows starting next week.
- Happy tears!
- And you won't want to miss what they'll do next.
- Amazing, right?
- Stay tuned for more "Road to Lives."
- * This is where our dreams begin *
- I'm literally so excited right now.
I'm gonna fly on a plane to America
to do "America's Got Talent."
Oh, my God.
- * Are you ready, ready to go? *
- See you later.
- Well, here goes nothing.
- We love it when people come from all over the world
to audition on this show.
- What is the name of your act?
- We are Chibi Unity.
- Dance group Chibi Unity came all the way
from Japan to audition.
And, boy, was it worth it.
Their mind-blowing performance earned them
our group Golden Buzzer and a place in the live shows,
where their chance to win is up to you.
- OK, here we go. Grab your seats, please.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Hello!
Hello! - Hi!
- Whoo! - How are you?
- I'm so good.
- And who are you, please?
- Oh, my name is Bunta from dance team Chibi Unity.
- OK.
[cheers and applause]
Whereabouts do you live?
- Niigata in Japan.
- So you've flown all the way just to perform on our show?
- For this, yes.
- I've always wanted to go to Japan.
- Same.
- OK, so why did you enter the show?
- Japanese is OK? - Yes.
[speaking Japanese]
- When we saw Mayyas, the champion of "AGT" last year,
we thought, we have to get on the stage of "AGT."
[cheers and applause]
- I think the Mayyas, in my opinion,
I think, are the best dance act we've ever, ever had.
- Yes, I think so too. I think so too.
- Are you better?
[both speaking Japanese]
- Please looking forward to our act.
- OK.
You're not giving anything away, are you?
No more questions, I promise you.
- Sorry.
- Now we just want to see your act, please.
[cheers and applause]
- Thank you so much.
- Ooh.
- Whoa.
[crowd exclaiming]
- What happened?
- We'll see. - It looks like eyes.
Look at the purple light.
[Cleopatrick's "Hometown"]
* *
- * She says she'd be down to hang out *
* With her parents out of town *
* And she was hoping I'm around *
* For a party at her vacant place *
* *
* I said I'd come *
* Showed up and felt out of place *
* So I headed home *
* She broke my spine *
* And in that pain, I realized *
* Every dime I'd ever saved *
* Wasn't worth anything *
* What's the drive in being alive *
* If you don't know who you are? *
* If it's me or the booze that really gets wasted *
* I don't even taste it *
* I'm throwing the shots as if it's a race then *
* Quickly chase them *
* Without a mouth I'm so down *
* But my hometown, it only makes me feel alone *
* And just when I *
* Hometown girls are my greatest fear *
* So in a couple days I'll be off to college *
* Without a mouth I'm so down *
* And just when I think I'm in the clear *
* She hooked her hair behind her ears and said *
* I'm going down *
* She said, baby, it's OK to feel the way you do *
* If you keep it to yourself *
* Life is a bitch with no mouth and no lips *
* But it sure ain't no fun with no teeth and no tongue *
* Life is a bitch with no mouth and no lips *
* But it sure ain't no fun with no teeth and no tongue *
* Life is a bitch with no mouth and no lips *
* I said, life is a bitch with no mouth and no lips *
* *
[cheers and applause]
* Without a mouth I'm so down *
* My hometown only makes me feel alone *
* Then just when I think I'm in the clear *
* She says, babe, are you aware *
* Of who I am? *
* *
[wild cheering]
[Calum Scott's "Rise"]
* *
- * I've been hiding in the shadows *
* Wondering if I'm... *
- They're amazing.
- That was great.
- * Some place I've never been *
* Is this how it all begins? *
* *
- It was so powerful, so original,
so incredible.
- Bravo! - I mean, amazing.
- Yes!
* *
- Thank you so much.
* *
- I think right now, we're all thinking the same thing.
- Yes.
- Right?
Terry? - Yeah.
[cheers and applause]
- We all loved you so much
that we collectively would like
to give you something special.
[crowd chanting] Golden Buzzer, Golden Buzzer!
- * Oh, 'cause I've got my best suit on, and I'm ready *
* I've got my sleeves rolled up *
- Ready?
* *
- * While my heart's thumping, boom-boom, boom-boom *
- Ready? Go!
- * You're gonna see me rise *
* *
* Oh, rise, rise *
* Oh, rise, yeah *
- Chibi Unity, you just received
the group Golden Buzzer!
* *
You are going straight to the live show!
- Congratulations!
[cheers and applause]
- You are gonna make this season very, very special.
* *
- * You're gonna see me rise *
- We love you.
- Aw, thank you!
- * Rise, rise *
* You're gonna see me rise *
[upbeat electronic music]
- In all my years here, this is my favorite season of talent.
- Are you serious? - Absolutely.
- Why?
- Because everybody upped their game,
I've been surprised more than I've ever been surprised
by how good they were, how young they were,
how old, how scary it was.
- Actually, that I will agree on.
- Yeah.
- What's your name?
- Mariandrea Villegas.
- How old are you? - 14.
- Ah. - And I will be dancing.
- I can't wait to see what you do, young lady.
[dramatic music]
* *
- Oooh-ho-ho-ho!
[wild cheering]
- * Get down, get down, get down, get down, get down *
* Look at me *
- You look like this cute girl.
And then, all of a sudden, she's possessed.
- Exactly. - You got four yeses.
[Lady Gaga's "Stupid Love"]
- Thank you.
* *
- Do I give a thumbs-up when I'm ready, or what do I do?
- A stage manager will talk to you about that.
- OK.
- Hello.
I am a certified speech language pathologist.
- Oh.
- And I'm gonna be dancing for you today.
- * What you want, bump double-click pump *
* Ride, ride swamp dump off homie, jump up *
* Do your thing, let me do my thing *
* I mean, do your thing, let me do my thing *
- Oh!
* Move, move, move, move *
[cheers and applause]
- * Or could this love protect me from the pain? *
- It could have been very bad.
And it was fantastic.
- * Freak out, freak out, freak out *
* Look at me *
- Adorable.
- Who is this beautiful little girl?
- My name is Eseniia.
- Who is your favorite judge?
- Mm...
[laughter] - [whispering] Simon, Simon.
- Simon.
[Lady Gaga's "Stupid Love"]
- Are you ready to dance?
- Yeah!
- OK, let's go.
- * Hey, yeah *
* I want your stupid love *
* *
* We got a stupid love *
* *
* I want your stupid love *
[cheers and applause]
- She's a firecracker.
- * I want your stupid love *
* *
- Most of you look super confused right now.
So let's talk about the elephant in the room.
[laughter]
I know what you're all thinking.
Who ordered Stephen Hawking off of wish.com?
[laughter]
He might be smarter than me.
But I would beat him in a race.
[laughter]
We also have different conditions.
He had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
And I am Canadian.
[laughter]
[cheers and applause]
- All right!
[Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours"]
- I think, sir, you're not gonna be
doing engineering much longer.
I think you're gonna be full-time performing.
That's my prediction.
- That was so surprising.
- It was.
* *
- Hi, what is your name, how old are you,
and where are you from?
- My name is John Wines, I'm 59 years old,
and I'm from the South Coast of the UK.
- All right. - I'm a music teacher.
And now I'm here, and I can't believe it.
- All right. Good luck.
[rock music]
* *
[wild cheering]
[Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours"]
- * Then that time I went and said goodbye *
- I was not expecting that.
You look so normal and nice and sweet.
And then you turn into somebody else when you perform.
I love that.
- You got four yeses!
- * Here I am, baby *
* Oh *
- We had our dream.
- "America's Got Talent." - Yep.
- Look, Mom, we made it. - [laughs]
- * Here I am, baby *
* *
- Tell us who you are, please.
- My name is Corinne Wold.
- Oh. - And I'm 85 years old.
- Oh, you look amazing.
- And I'm Ray, Ray Wold.
- Ray, are you married?
- No, no.
This is my mom.
- Oh.
- What?
- He's my number three son out of eight kids.
- Wow. - Whoa.
- The stage is yours.
[dramatic music]
- Ahh! - No!
* *
- He's throwing knives at his mom!
* *
- My God.
- Help!
* *
[cheers and applause]
[wild cheering]
- Do we want to see a son throwing flaming daggers
at their mother again?
[cheers and applause]
The answer is yes, we do.
- * Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours *
- That was wow.
- That is a wow.
You know, this has been the year of surprises.
[cheers and applause]
- Who are you, and where are you from?
- My name is Gabriel Henrique.
I am from Brazil.
- And how old are you?
- [speaking Portuguese]
- He's 27 years old.
- So tell us, what is your talent?
What will you be doing for us today?
- [speaking Portuguese] I sing.
- I can't wait to hear what you have to give.
- * I want to run to you *
* I want to run to you, you *
* *
* Tell me, will you stay *
* Or will you run away? *
[cheers and applause]
* Run away *
* Ooh, I need you here *
* I need you here to wipe away my tears *
* To kiss away my fears *
[high-pitched vocalizing]
* If you only knew how *
* *
- I mean, I don't have words.
That was so perfect, spectacular.
Your voice is beautiful.
What I really want to do is this.
[cheers and applause]
* Or will you run away? *
* *
- Gabriel!
You are going straight to the live show!
- "America's Got Talent" is where people
come to compete with the very best for that ultimate prize.
- If you win this thing, you could win $1 million
and headline the "AGT" Superstar Show
in Las Vegas at Luxor.
[upbeat music]
When Shadow Ace from the Philippines took the stage
this season, it was clear to everyone that he would be
a real contender for the million dollar prize
and the headlining show in Vegas.
- What do you do?
- So I'm going to revive
a lost art, shadow art.
- Oh, like shadow puppets and like--
- Yeah. - Yeah.
- I can do a dog.
- OK, so how does a young man get into shadow?
- So as a kid, growing up, we don't have
electric power in our house.
It's like an entertainment for me
using candle lights in a wall.
So that's it. - Oh, wow.
Do you think this could be a Vegas show, an arena show?
- Yes. - OK.
And who do you look up to in the world of show business?
Who's your favorite artist?
- So my favorite artist is actually Beyoncé.
[cheers and applause]
- Wow.
- Yes, because I know that Beyoncé is
watching "America's Got Talent."
Hi, queen.
[laughter]
And since I know that last year's winner, the Mayyas--
- Yeah.
- They got them into her concert in Dubai.
- Yeah, they did.
- This is one of my biggest dream, to meet Beyoncé.
[laughs]
- Well, the stage is yours.
- Thank you. Thank you.
[Ginuwine's "Pony"]
* *
- She's shaving her legs!
- * Girl, when I break you off *
* I promise that you won't want to get off *
* If you're horny, let's do it *
- Oh!
- Ride it!
- * My saddle's waiting *
* Come and jump on it *
[Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball"]
- * I never meant to start a war *
* I just wanted you to let me in *
[laughter]
* I guess I should have let you in *
* *
* Don't you ever say I just walked away *
* I will always want you *
* I came in like a wrecking ball *
* I never hit so hard in love *
* All I wanted was to break your walls *
* All you ever did was wreck me *
* Yeah, you, you wreck me *
[PSY's "Gangnam Style"]
* *
- [singing in Korean]
* *
[horse whinnying]
* *
- [grunts]
* Oppa Gangnam style *
* *
* Gangnam style *
* Op, op, op, op *
* Oppa Gangnam style *
* Hey, sexy lady *
[whistles] * Op, op, op *
* Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey *
* Oppa Gangnam Style *
[cheers and applause]
[Daryl Hall & John Oates' "You Make My Dreams"]
* *
- * What I want, you've got *
* And it might be hard to handle *
* But like a flame that burns a candle *
* I can't explain, oh, yeah, well, well, you *
* Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh *
* You make my dreams come true *
- I mean, it was spectacular.
This was a show, a real show, spectacular.
- I could watch this all night. - Yeah.
- A lot of these shadow acts,
they can be actually quite boring.
That was the opposite.
Kids are gonna love this.
I loved it.
I think it's exactly what we're looking for.
It's fun it's original, silly, stupid,
all the things that I love.
[cheers and applause]
- * Well, well, well, you *
* *
- If it is true, usually, it is kind of like
a more sad story with a deeper meaning
and all of that stuff, and it was just fun.
[cheers and applause]
You know, we were laughing.
I mean, you had us entertained the entire time.
So bravo to you.
- Thank you.
- It was surprising.
It was amazing-- the music choices, the comedy,
just the dexterity that you have,
and people are just gonna want to see more and more and more.
And that's why we're gonna vote.
- Thank you.
- Simon?
- I really, really, really like you.
And, you know, not only that, it's your imagination.
You know, you are very talented.
And for that reason, I'm gonna say yes.
- * You're making my dreams come true *
- Definitely yes.
- You get your third yes from me.
- And you have four yeses!
- You're through to the next round!
Congrats.
[cheers and applause]
- Shadow Ace will be one of the contestants
competing in the live shows that begin next week.
* *
- Finally made it to the flight.
I almost missed it, but we made it.
See you in LA.
- * If I could wish upon a star, I'd wish that I... *
- It's gonna be wild.
- * Over the hills and far away *
- Yay. Finally we arrived at LA.
- Welcome to "America's Got Talent."
- Where are you from? - Indonesia.
- Welcome back to "America's Got Talent: Road to Lives."
Putri Ariani is a blind teenage singer
who came all the way from Indonesia
to the "America's Got Talent" stage to fulfill her dream.
She is on her way to making that dream
a reality, competing in the live shows starting next week.
Here's a reminder of how her journey began.
[applause]
- Good evening.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Thank you for coming to "AGT."
What is your name?
- My name is Putri Ariani.
I'm 17 years old.
I'm from Indonesia.
- Bravo!
Putri, is this is your first time in America?
- This is my very first time.
I'm so excited. I love all the things here.
[cheers and applause]
- What is your talent?
- I am a singer.
- How long you been singing?
- Maybe since I was born.
[laughs]
[laughter]
- And what is your dream?
- My dream is being the biggest diva in the world
like Whitney Houston and win a Grammy award.
- Oh, wow.
[cheers and applause]
- Yes.
- Are you going to school now?
- Yes, I'm in high school.
But I hope that I can get in Juilliard College of Music
for my college program.
[cheers and applause]
- Why "AGT"?
Have you always wanted to come here?
- I hope that I can win "America's Got Talent"
so I can reach my dreams.
[cheers and applause]
- OK, we're so happy that you're here and excited.
We want to see you.
- Thank you so much. - Good luck.
- She's so sweet.
- So cute. - Yeah.
- Does that mic feel like it's a good spot for you?
Cool. Are the keys good?
- Yes. - OK, cool, have fun.
["Loneliness" playing]
* *
- * I remember when we still one *
* Your laugh, your voice, and your bright eyes *
* We're together in this love *
* Promise we'll forever *
- Oh, my gosh.
- * And now you left me alone *
* 'Cause you'll find someone better *
* You're in that way with her *
* And one thing I know *
* You break my heart, break my hope *
* Make me so down in loneliness *
* 'Cause you left me when I deep *
* Thought you were my best scene *
* Being my prince, but I was wrong *
* Oh, baby, you changed a pink *
* Into the blue *
* *
* Ooh *
- That was amazing.
- * You break my heart, break my hope *
* Make me so down *
* In loneliness *
[cheers and applause]
* You break my heart, break my hope *
* Make me so down *
* In loneliness *
* You left me, you left me *
* When I'm in love *
* I was wrong *
* Whoa *
[wild cheering] - Oh, yes!
- * Do I fall *
* In you? *
[cheers and applause]
[soft music]
- Thank you!
- This is amazing!
- What's he doing there?
- I don't know.
[cheers and applause]
- What's he doing there?
- I don't know.
[cheers and applause]
- Hi, Putri. This is Simon.
- Yeah.
- Her voice is amazing. - Yes.
- And you're her father? - Yes, I'm her father.
- Very nice to meet you.
- Yes, nice to meet you.
- Does Putri have a second song?
- Yeah. - Yeah.
- You want to sing for Simon?
- Yeah. - Yeah.
She wants to sing for you.
- Yes, thank you.
[cheers and applause]
- What did you want?
- Well--
- Another song?
You didn't like that one?
- I just said to Putri I like her voice so much--
- Thank you so much, Simon.
- I want her to sing a second song, please.
[cheers and applause]
- This song is special for you, Simon.
- Well, thank you.
["Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" playing]
* *
- * What do I got to do to make you love me? *
[cheers and applause]
* What do I got to do to make you care? *
* *
* What do I do when lightning strikes me *
* *
* And I wake to find that you're not there? *
* *
- What a voice.
- * What do I got to do to make you want me?
* *
* What do I got to do to be heard? *
* *
* What do I say when it's all over, baby? *
- Whoo, yeah!
- * Sorry seems to be *
* The hardest word *
* *
* It's sad, so sad *
* It's a sad, sad situation *
* And it's getting more and more absurd *
- She just feels it.
- * It's sad, so sad *
* Why can't we talk it over?
* Ooh, it seems to me *
* Sorry seems to be *
* The hardest word *
[cheers and applause]
[Keala Settle's "This Is Me"]
- My God.
* *
- * I'm not a stranger to the dark *
* Hide away, they say... *
- That was incredible!
* *
- Thank you!
- * Run away, they say, no one'll love you as you are *
* But I won't let them break me down to dust *
* I know that there's a place for us *
* For we are glorious *
- Putri, how do you feel?
- I feel so excited.
I can't believe it, actually.
I can't be here now.
- It was amazing! - Thank you.
- We're all mesmerized by you.
Your voice, you're an angel.
- Thank you so much.
- I think you just used the word, you know?
A lot of people don't believe in angels,
and I think one just landed on our stage.
- Thank you.
- You're a superstar.
- Yes!
- You sounded so beautiful tonight,
especially the very first song that you sang, like,
how you switch from your chest voice to your head voice--
- That's my-- - Sorry?
- Yeah, that's my original song.
- Oh, wow. - I loved it.
That's even more amazing. - Beautiful.
- Bravo. - Thank you.
- Very, very, very good. - Wow.
Wow.
- I thought it was, like, a pop song.
That was so good.
- Thank you.
- You didn't even tell us that.
[cheers and applause]
- They're going crazy for you.
- Thank you so much.
- Well, I think we're all feeling the same thing.
[cheers and applause]
You're 17.
You write songs.
You've got an amazing distinctive voice.
- Thank you so much.
- I mean, really, really good.
You have a kind of a glow about you.
[cheers and applause]
And tell me about--
you're waiting for something at your school?
- Um, I really want to go to Juilliard.
- OK, I don't know
whether this is gonna make a difference or not.
However...
- He's standing up.
[cheers and applause]
- * When the sharpest words want to cut me down *
* I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out *
* This is brave, this is bruised *
* This is who I'm meant to be *
* This is me *
* Look out 'cause here I come *
* And I'm marching on to the beat I drum *
- Thank you so much.
- That was amazing.
- Amazing, amazing.
- You are, I think, one of the best singers
we've ever had on our show.
[wild cheering]
- Bravo!
* *
- I don't believe it.
- It's true.
There's the gold.
- Yeah, yeah.
- What a moment. - I know.
- * I'm not scared to be seen *
- One more time for Putri Ariani!
- * Whenever the words come *
* Whenever the words come *
- I am blown away.
And you're a great songwriter as well.
- You make my dream come true.
- You make my dreams come true.
- * This is who I'm meant to be *
* This is me *
- The judges have chosen 55 acts to battle
it out in the live shows.
If you want to see who they pick,
go to the "America's Got Talent" page
on NBC.com for the full list.
See you next week, live.
[dramatic music]
- This year, we are meeting the most amazing people.
[cheering]
- That was the most magical moment I have ever experienced
on "America's Got Talent."
- It was amazing, and you should be in Las Vegas.
- You have a very big chance to win this competition.
- This is what I think you were born to do.
* *
- The world's toughest talent competition
is about to get even tougher.
* *
One act earning $1 million and a starring role
at Luxor, Las Vegas!
* *
America, are you ready to choose a champion?
[dramatic rock music]
* *