‘America’s Got Talent’ Makes Major Change On How The Golden Buzzer Can Be Used

Season 19 of America’s Got Talent has made an exciting change to how the Golden Buzzer can be used.

Season 19 of America’s Got Talent started last week, and this time, the competition is shaking things up with a change in the Golden Buzzer rules.

As usual, AGT will air its auditions, featuring eight different two-hour episodes this season. Each act needs a majority of votes from the judges to move to the next round. However, dedicated viewers know that a judge can press the Golden Buzzer in special cases, sending the act directly to the Live Shows.

The Golden Buzzer, introduced in Season 9, has been a key part of the competition ever since. So, what’s new this season? In previous seasons, each judge and the host could use the Golden Buzzer only once. However, in Season 19, judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel can use the Golden Buzzer twice, allowing them to send two acts directly to the Live Shows. Host Terry Crews will still have one Golden Buzzer, making a total of nine Golden Buzzers available this season.

The Golden Buzzer has already seen action, with two contestants already receiving the honor during the season premiere.

Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old janitor from Indiana, took his first-ever flight to pursue his passion and nervously performed Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin’.” His story and talent touched everyone, leading Heidi Klum to press the Golden Buzzer and send him straight to the Live Shows.

“Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet!” Klum exclaimed. “We all had the best time with you up on that stage. I really feel something when I see you up there. This is what I’m going to do for you, because I love you,” she said as she pressed the button, and golden confetti rained down.

The second Golden Buzzer went to Learnmore Jonasi, a comedian from Zimbabwe. His stand-up routine impressed host Terry Crews so much that he used his only Golden Buzzer of the season to send him directly to the Live Shows.

“Hold up, hold up, hold up!” Terry said as he ran on stage to talk to Learnmore. “Learnmore, you were backstage and you were telling me that you were taking 14-hour bus trips to go perform for five minutes, and then having to take 14-hour bus trips back home. Brother, you will never have to go back home again because you are here with us!”