Current:Home > Invest'AGT': Simon Cowell says Mzansi Youth Choir and Putri Ariani deserve to be in finale -Aspire Money Growth
'AGT': Simon Cowell says Mzansi Youth Choir and Putri Ariani deserve to be in finale
View
Date:2025-04-17 01:06:31
"America’s Got Talent" is entering its golden era.
Golden Buzzer acts Mzansi Youth Choir and Putri Ariani landed spots in the Season 18 finale after charming viewers with standout performances Tuesday.
Mzansi Youth Choir, which won the first-ever audience Golden Buzzer with its acapella cover of "AGT" contestant Jane "Nightbirde" Marczewski's song "It's OK," returned to the "AGT" stage in full force with an uplifting rendition of "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac.
Judge Howie Mandel, who called the South African vocal ensemble "magnetic," celebrated the group's full-circle victory.
"What's amazing about this is they were so moved by something that happened on this stage with Nightbirde, and they were so moved that they came here and that movement continues," Mandel said. "With their culture and their beauty and their talent, you moved America."
Ariani, an Indonesian singer-songwriter who earned judge Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer with a pair of stellar vocal performances, blew the judges away with a powerhouse acoustic rendition of U2's "I Still Haven’t Found What I'm Looking For."
Although Cowell was disappointed with the elimination of aerialist ensemble Warrior Squad, which made the top 3 alongside Ariani and Mzansi Youth Choir, he said the strength of the Golden Buzzer acts’ performances speaks for itself.
"Both acts so deserve to be in the final," Cowell said. "I’m gutted for the group that came (in) third because they couldn't have done any more, however, that shows just how good these two who got through are."
Who went home on 'AGT'?
Warrior Squad wasn't the only contestant eclipsed by this week's Golden Buzzer acts.
The other contestants whose "AGT" journeys came to an end include acts such as singer Summer Rios, dance group Phil Wright & Parent Jam, tap dancer Justin Jackson, sword-swallowing aerialist Herwan Legaillard, comedian Barry Brewer Jr. and magician Trigg Watson.
Violinist Philip Bowen and brass quartet MOS, who inched close to finale fame with their placement in this week’s top 5, were also sent home after failing to secure viewers' votes.
Who else is heading to the 'AGT' finale?
Mzansi Youth Choir and Ariani won't be alone in their quest for "AGT" glory in the season finale.
Last week, comedian Ahren Belisle and dance group Murmuration were also voted through to the next round of the competition.
Joining Mzansi Youth Choir and Ariani in the finale are dog owner duo Adrian Stoica and Hurricane and singer Lavender Darcangelo, who emerged victorious after the first week of live shows.
'AGT':Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer singer Putri Ariani delivers 'perfect act' with U2 cover
'AGT':Howie Mandel, Terry Crews' Golden Buzzer acts face off in Top 2 finale showdown
veryGood! (31)
Related
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Most student loan borrowers have delayed major life events due to debt, recent poll says
- Kermit Ruffins on the hometown gun violence that rocked his family: I could have been doing 2 funerals
- California shooting that left 4 dead and earlier killing of 2 cousins are linked, investigators say
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- It's not just a patch: NBA selling out its LGBTQ referees with puzzling sponsorship deal
- Arizona Coyotes to move to Salt Lake City after being sold to Utah Jazz owners
- Jenna Bush Hager says 'mama's done' after losing kid at daughter's birthday party
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Maryland teen charged with planning school shooting after police review writings, internet searches
Ranking
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Nevada Supreme Court rulings hand setbacks to gun-right defenders and anti-abortion activists
- Jimmy Kimmel mocks Donald Trump for Oscars rant, reveals he may now host ceremony again
- What's the mood in Iran as Israel mulls its response?
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Tech has rewired our kids' brains, a new book says. Can we undo the damage?
- Motorist dies in fiery crash when vehicle plows into suburban Chicago highway toll plaza, police say
- Ex-youth center resident testifies that counselor went from trusted father figure to horrific abuser
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Arizona Coyotes to move to Salt Lake City after being sold to Utah Jazz owners
Motorist dies in fiery crash when vehicle plows into suburban Chicago highway toll plaza, police say
Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years: Trey Lance, other 2021 QBs already infamous
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will miss play-in game vs. Chicago Bulls with sprained knee
Chicago’s response to migrant influx stirs longstanding frustrations among Black residents