America’s Got Talent LIVE Shows: Hakuna Matata’s “ambitious” performance nabs Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer
After a few week hiatus due to the Olympics, Season 19 of America’s Got Talent returned in exciting fashion with the live shows with a new twist. Each of the four quarterfinals now have a golden buzzer pick from a different judge each week. This week it was Sofia Vergara’s turn to send one act to the finals. She waited for the perfect moment as many acts were solid in the first half of the show, but none were as impressive as rolla bolla and hand balancing group Hakuna Matata. (Read our Recap)
The four members of Hakuna Matata, from Tanzania, are in their 30s. They hope the show can change their lives as well as their family’s lives. They have made an adjustment to their act as the board they used for their rolla bolla in their audition was too thick, leading to mistakes in their routine. Now the board they are using shouldn’t bend, and they hope this time around they can do the act without mistakes.
Hakuna Matata starts their performance with an impressive rolla bolla trick. They then move into a hand and head balancing formation showcasing their balance and strength. The group then combines the two, ending it with a crazy impressive formation where it appears they may fall as some members are upside down, and hands are shaking as a member balances his hand on another’s head. It’s tough to explain in words, but it’s the type of act that makes you go speechless. It truly is rolla bolla taken to the next level.
Sofia Vergara hits her golden buzzer for Hakuna Matata
Simon Cowell called it “one of the most difficult, dangerous acts we’ve seen on a live show,” saying the group has “arrived.” Howie Mandel made a joke that “three of them are carry-on.” He thought the combination of rolla bolla and hand-balancing was “above and beyond.” Heidi Klum called it “death-defying”. Sofia called it “one of the most ambitious acts” she has seen. Then she added, “I don’t think you guys need any help from anyone, but regardless…”, before pushing her golden buzzer. The group celebrated as Sofia said “everything, all of it” when Terry Crews asked what made her push the golden buzzer.
This golden buzzer sends Hakuna Matata past the semifinals, straight into the finals. They were well-deserving and will likely place high unless they make a mistake. Based on this performance they know how to continue to step it up.
Other acts that stepped it up and wowed were Arshiya, a frightening young contortionist who may not be everyone’s cup of tea but nevertheless is very talented. An act that could also be advancing is Roni Sagi & Rhythm a dog act that dances. Honorable mentions go to the audition golden buzzers, Liv Warfield and Richard Goodall, who didn’t necessarily elevate their game, but still did well in their own rights. Liv is a great vocalist even if her presentation at times felt a bit dated. Richard is a raw vocalist but feels wholesome and is great at emoting.
