America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals 2: Simon Cowell Tries to Steal Airfootworks, Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer Moment
America’s Got Talent Season 19 kicked off week 2 of the Quarterfinals as 11 more acts vyed for either a golden buzzer that sent them straight to the finals or as one of three acts voted through to the semi-finals by America. This week was Howie Mandel’s week to pick the golden buzzer act, but the moment fellow judge and producer of the show, Simon Cowell nearly hijacked the moment. (Read our Recap)
The recipient of that golden buzzer moment was Japanese acrobatic and animation dance group Airfootworks. Season 8 AGT winner, Kenichi Ebina inspired the group and currently mentors them. Takashi, the leader of the group stated that watching animation dance as a kid led him to pursue dance in Tokyo. However, while convalescing from an injury, a workout video inspired him to create this act made up of a variety of dance types. The uniqueness of the act’s audition wowed the judges. Kenichi helped them prepare for this week’s act, in which they hoped to impress.
The act began with some animations and the group hanging onto a bar from a structure on the stage as they dance to “Celestial” by Ed Sheeran. The night sky-themed act mesmerized as it appeared the group levitated in mid-air. Well-timed, the strength of some of the members combined with the breakdancing member made the act a unique combination of styles. Airfootworks is one of the best acts of the season.
Tale of the tape: Did Simon get to Howie’s Golden Buzzer first?
All four judges as well as the crowd gave the group a standing ovation. Simon said, “I’m about to get myself fired” as he reached over to the golden buzzer. At the same time, Howie who had the job of giving a golden buzzer also reached over to it. The group celebrated on stage as the confetti fell down. Both Simon and Howie raced up on stage. Simon tried to take credit for Howie’s golden buzzer. Howie insisted, “it’s my golden buzzer.” He called the group “athletes,” “dancers,” “creatives,” and “magicians.” The group leader stated, “I’ve dreamed all the time of this moment.” Then, replay footage revealed that Howie got to the buzzer first.
Airfootworks deserved the Golden Buzzer, and it is nice knowing that an act of their caliber is advancing to the finals. Standout acts included Ashlee Montague. Howie criticized her challenging ballet balancing act on champagne as not enough of a step up from her audition. The other acts included Sky Elements who’s drone act is a crowd-pleaser even if it doesn’t always translate the best on TV, Bboy Samuka also continued to wow with his break-dancing, and Nini who is one of the most unique musicians to appear on the show due to her use of traditional Chinese instruments in rock music. Despite some whiffs, the top acts really showed up.
