Heading into the second America’s Got Talent live show of Season 21, judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell were looking for one act from the field of 11 performers to honor with the next Live Golden Buzzer. At the first quarterfinals on Aug. 18, Howie gave the prize to the magician group Hundred Fingers.
For the 10 acts not selected by a judge during tonight’s Quarterfinals 2, their fate will be left in the hands of America’s vote, with results being announced on Wednesday where only three more will advance.
Taking the stage in Week 2 are the following: Spanish singer Bety, sideshow duo Brad & Tracy, vocal duo Butter & Grit, Korean dance group Come Here, magician Geno Ploeger, rapper LaRussell, British singer Mackenzie Sol (Mel’s Golden Buzzer), Thai singer Nene Royal, vocal duo Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, German dance Patrox, and acrobat/aerialist Veronika Goroshkova (Sofia’s Golden Buzzer).
Terry Crews in America’s Got Talent Season 21Trae Patton/NBC
Read on for our performance recap of America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals 2, which aired Aug. 25 on NBC.
At the top of the show, Terry Crews revealed that Mel B was in control of the Live Golden Buzzer, holding the power to send her favorite act straight through to the final, but that wasn’t the biggest news of the night. Simon’s chair was noticeably empty at the judges’ dais due to a non-emergency medical procedure that he couldn’t postpone. While everyone wished him a speedy recovery, it must have been a small relief to the performers who remember that Simon hit the X buzzer for an act the previous week in the first quarterfinal. Will Mel B, Howie or Sofia live up to Simon’s legacy instead? Let’s find out!
LaRussell
The uplifting rapper and youth mentor guided his Bay Area company of young musicians through a school-themed performance and rap song about “making it work” to achieve one’s dreams that “don’t come for no reason.” For an opening number, the judges and audience response was a bit tepid, despite the green and gold streamers descending across the auditorium.
Judges’ comments: “I love what you guys stand for and I could feel the energy literally bouncing off the stage,” said Mel B. “I did find it a little bit chaotic; there was a lot going on… I almost wish you had a few more das to rehearse it.” Sofia countered Mel B’s point by addressing their performance as a “step up from your audition” and calling out LaRussell’s charisma.
Veronika Goroshkova
Sofia referred to her Golden Buzzer act as “mesmerizing” ahead of her second performance that was promised to be “something bigger” with a “high level risk.” Veronika was inspired by Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” as she twisted and spun on an aerial pole directly above the judges before transitioning to a second pole on the main stage that she ascended to the top of, blindfolded herself, and then slid to the very bottom to stop just before falling.
Judges’ comments: “Now you know why I gave her the Golden Buzzer,” exclaimed Sofia. “You make it seem so easy, so effortless. You make it seem like I can do it.” Howie assured Sofia that she “can’t do it” and warned his own granddaughter to never try something like it.
Bety
Following an 18th birthday celebration with her family this week, Bety delivered a powerful cover of the Sam Smith track “Fire on Fire” surrounded by — you guessed it — fire.
Judges’ comments: Mel B called herself a “massive fan” of Bety’s “velvet” voice despite thinking that she played it “a bit safe.” Sofia thinks that she “already looks like a star” and Howie referred to her as “one of the best singers we have this season,” but did not think that the song had enough range compared to what she’s capable of.
Come Here
Just 36 hours before the performance show, the Korean dance group was saddled with the setback of their choreographer having not arrived in the States, but that didn’t stop them from maximizing the 12 hours they did have with her before taking the stage. The result was a thrilling and symphonic performance of Robyn’s rousing ballad “Indestructible.”
Judges’ comments: All three judges stood in ovation with Howie calling them a “unique blend of contemporary and ballet.” Sofia liked that there was “no tricks, no flips” and somehow it was still “perfect.” Mel B was mind blown and gave the choreographer credit for “an amazing job.”
Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm
Brothers Nyjah and Zyah describe their history as a vocal duo as “falling into harmony” with one another after recognizing early on that they have different types of voices. Simon warned them that their lack of experience worried him and so they entered their performance of “I Swear” by All-4-One “with more confidence.” Unfortunately, Mel B did not notice an improvement strong enough to stop her from hitting the red X.
Judges’ comments: Howie didn’t buzz off the brothers, but acknowledged Simon’s comments that they still need to gain more experience and that eventually they will do well with their talent. Mel B explained her buzzer to emphasize more of the same, saying she did them “a favor” so that they can spend more time practicing.
Geno Ploeger
As a former intern to AGT champion Mat Franco and the grandson of a magician, Geno had no choice but to follow an inate passion for magic. Howie challenged Geno to do something uniquely him instead of reminiscent of Mat and so he focused his tricks on his grandfather’s legacy. The entirety of the trick was performed at the judges’ dais and included Sofia’s own ring, a sticker book for Mel B to play with, and an old photo that somehow had Howie’s name on it when lit up by a lighter.
Judges’ comments: Amidst chants from an audience standing on their feet to give him the Golden Buzzer, Mel B was left speechless and so Howie and Sofia gave him praise for an impressive performance that was exactly what Howie asked him to do this time around.
Patrox
The difficulty in Patrox’s choreography comes in the fact that it only makes sense when seen in reverse. The dancer from Germany went through three full backwards replays tonight, but received a muted response due largely to the shared confusion over when exactly the performance was over.
Judges’ comments: Sofia called the act “clever” even if she didn’t “fully understand what the hell is happening.” Mel B gave him credit for being “so excited,” clearly holding back from giving the harsh criticism that she seemed to want to offer.
Nene Royal
Rock music influencers reacted strongly to Nene’s first audition, calling her natural rock star that was born to do what she does. She lived up to that hype when enveloped by big stage production as she erupted to her solo version of “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden. It’s undeniable that she diffused an unreal amount of energy throughout the auditorium, lighting up the audience and the judges in a major way.
Judges’ comments: Howie wished he had the Golden Buzzer tonight, pleading that “NBC give her the million right now.” Sofia also told Nene that she can win, but she was drowned out by a crowd that demanded that Mel B award her with the night’s biggest prize. Mel B started by referring to Nene as the “most quietest, humblest, sweet young lady” backstage compared to the “different vibe” she brings to the stage. Mel B acknowledged that rock music is not her vibe, but “how could I not do this” despite that as she slammed down on that Golden Buzzer!
Mackenzie Sol
Mackenzie first auditioned for Simon as a 4 year old on The X Factor in the UK, only to make his way to AGT 20 years later after a rough go in the industry as a young performer. Tonight he brought the Tate McCrae ballad “you broke me first” to the stage with the hopes that the American public will embrace him in a way British record labels didn’t.
Judges’ comments: Mel B called it “so good” because of “the feelings, the trills, the voice.” Sofia told him that the girls “are gonna go crazy” due to his handsome look and beautiful voice while Mel B spoke over Howie to beg the audience to vote him through.
More to come…