“America’s Got Talent” will end the audition phase of the competition on July 9. With all of the other judges having pressed the Golden Buzzer to send an act straight through to the live performances, we know that Julianne Hough will be doing likewise on this sixth episode devoted to the auditions.
While the last new episode on June 25 did not include any Golden Buzzer acts, the previous four did. Hough’s fellow rookie judge, Gabrielle Union, kicked things off on the premiere when she chose singer and pianist Kodi Lee. Simon Cowell followed with 11-year old violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa; and Howie Mandel opted for rapper Joseph Allen. And on the episode that aired on June 18, new host Terry Crews sang the praises of the Detroit Youth Choir.
The July 9 episode will be the final chance to see the best (and worst) auditions on “AGT.” An act must get a yes vote from at least three of the four judges to move on to the the next round. Conversely, if at least two judges buzz an act, it is immediately eliminated.
SEE Everything you need to know about season 14 of ‘America’s Got Talent’
Below, read our “America’s Got Talent” Season 14, Episode 6 recap of the acts in the order in which they took to the stage on Tuesday’s episode:
8:03 p.m. – Tonight’s first audition came from Tokyo resident and tambourine player Gonzo. To make his routine more entertaining Gonzo incorporate comedic elements, including 80s fitness music and costuming. The comedy did not stop the judges from recognizing his actual talent in playing the instrument off of different and unexpected parts of his body. Howie loved the intensity in the performance and Gabrielle respected his level of commitment. All in all, it was “bonkers,” as Simon said as he refrained from voting Gonzo through, but he received a YES from the other three judges and moved on to the next round.
8:10 p.m. – Next up was Olivia Calderon, a detention officer and singer from Arizona. As soon as Olivia began singing, the worry on Simon’s face melted away and Gabrielle settled back into her chair to take in the beautiful Spanish language serenade. By the end it was an easy standing ovation for her performance, though Howie earned some boos for saying that her style isn’t his cup of tea. Still, the other three were as impressed as the crowd and sent her through to the next stage of the competition.
8:20 p.m. – The next audition was a dancing couple that thought it was in their best interest to perform a never-ending kiss. They locked lips and danced while staying connected with their mouths, earning an X from Simon and a NO from the other judges.
8:22 p.m. – That failed audition set the stage for the next, acrobatic dance partners and couple Duo Maintenant. Their performance was also sexy, but in a more respectable way and much more technically proficient. They included tumbling, balancing and trust and strength moves with one another. Julianne was blown away by their precision and Simon compared them to Olympians, which is funny since they were actually Olympians. With the ecstatic raves coming in, it was a clear YES to the next round, the first unanimous vote of the night.
8:33 p.m. – Singer Rah’ed came to the stage next in an extravagant gold cape and matching gold hat, shirt and platform boots. Tonight he sang an original song, “Celebration,” that described his experience having the chance to perform on the show. Unfortunately his theatrical vocal style wasn’t good enough for Howie and Simon who both hit their buzzers quickly, followed by Gabrielle and Julianne who couldn’t handle it once he broke into whistling. With four X buzzers, it was a no to the next round, despite the chants of support from the audience.
8:44 p.m. – Up next for their chance at the million was Revolution Queens, a large dance group of women from Argentina. With drums strapped across their shoulders, the women erupted into a powerful cultural performance that also included whips and chains. Gabrielle was moved by their passion and drive exuded through their dance. In the explanation of the dance and because Howie prompted the discussion, they performed something traditionally reserved for men to dance and so that’s why their call themselves a revolution. All of the judges were on their side and gave them a full slate of YES votes to send them through.
8:54 p.m. – Prior to performing, The Sentimentalists predicted that they’d get three YES votes and one NO. For their audition they had the judges and everyone in the audience draw a simple image on paper. For the first mental trick, they correctly said that Gabrielle drew a tree. For the second trick they had all the drawings put in a wind box with Terry who randomly chose one. They successfully drew a heart on paper which matched the one Terry chose and then also guessed that someone in the audience by the name of Chelsea had drawn it. Julianne called them “magical and mysterious,” but Howie and Simon thought their presentation style was a bit off. It was a YES from Julianne and Gabrielle, but a NO from Howie. And just as they predicted, Simon threw them their third YES not the promise that they’d up their game in the next round.
9:06 p.m. – After declaring this one of the best crop of contestants ever, the judges settled in for the next audition–Swedish singer Chris Klafford. He played his guitar and sang “Imagine,” immediately sending tears down the cheeks of audience members. Chris himself became emotional after he finished, something that matched the emotion the judges had felt in his performance. Simon liked that he reinterpreted the well-known song and called what he did “special.” At one point it seemed like Julianne might give him the Golden Buzzer, but she didn’t–instead he had to settle for a unanimous vote to the next round.
9:18 p.m. – Late blooming acrobat Matthew Richardson was next on stage, decked out in silver body paint, glitter and briefs. For this performance he worked first within a ring hanging from the ceiling–impressive enough–and then brought the ring down to the floor and worked within it again while spinning it around on his own. His moment was controlled and strong, earning a huge set of applause when he finished. Howie said that his athleticism and grace set him apart from other hoop performers in the past and though Simon warned him that he’ll need to show more next time, it was a resounding YES from all the judges for him to move on.
9:27 p.m. – Robert Finley came to AGT on the cusp of being totally blind, but at 65 years old he says he’s finally living his childhood dream. The judges loved his bluesy, rock n roll vibe and moreso that he’s going after his dream despite the physical setback. The panel happily gave him a YES down the line in order to hear him sing again in the next round.
9:40 p.m. – Next to audition was Texan by way of Hollywood Kara with a K to deliver her comedy set. Her energy was wild throughout a set revolving around her struggles with weight and beauty issues. But it was her physical humor that really set the crowd ablaze, as well as an up close and personal interaction with the judges that involve her giving them fries from inside her bra and stealing Simon’s drink. The judges loved everything about her performance and delivery and so sent her through with four enthusiastic YES votes.
9:51 p.m. – The final audition came from Luke Islam. He sang “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical “Waitress.” After he called Julianne his favorite judge, and knowing that he was the last performer and she still had her Golden Buzzer to give away, we knew he’d be good. Sure enough, Luke slayed his vocal, completely blowing away the judges from start to finish. The final run of big notes were exceptional. After the judges lavished him with praise for his poise and astounding range, Julianne got the opportunity to deliver what we’ve been waiting for her to do all season–the Golden Buzzer!
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