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Every Act That's Auditioned for AGT Season 18 So Far
See all of the amazing and memorable auditions from America's Got Talent 18 right here.
Summer 2023 has officially ushered in the beloved Auditions round of America's Got Talent!
For the next nine weeks, along with the AGT 18 Judges — Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, and Sofia Vergara — every Tuesday at 8/7c we'll be treated to a number of entertaining performances from countless Acts. They're all competing for the ultimate grand prize: $1,000,000 and their own show in Las Vegas.
RELATED: All 55 Acts Advanced to the AGT 18 Live Shows
To keep track of the latest and greatest, check back here every week as more and more Acts take the stage in hopes of earning the coveted title of AGT champion.
Duo Acero
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Pole dancing
Giselle Acero and her husband, Edison, make up the acrobatic pole dancing act, and admit their long relationship has played a part in how well they perform. They live in Colombia and have been together for nine years.
“Amazing, thank you for being here, I’m so proud!” Vergara said. “It was sexy, it was scary, I mean, it had it all. And it’s so beautiful to see you guys together as a family doing this.”
Summer Rios
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
19-year-old Pizza Hut manager Summer Rios hails from Brunswick, Ohio, with dreams of paying her bills and leaving her pizza cutter behind to become a singer. For her AGT audition, Rios sang Zach Bryan’s 2022 hit “Something in the Orange” (a familiar hit for Yellowstone fans).
“I feel like we just got a peek at what you can do,” Mandel said. “And you needed to open this door a crack, and you’ve opened it more than a crack to just take off.”
Leonard Lee
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Dog slam dunks
Pulse Percussion
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Drumline
Rob Potylo
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Guitar and singing
Dev the Devil
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Singing
Gabriel Henrique
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Sofia’s Golden Buzzer
Act: Singing
The Brazilian singer ignited the crowd with Whitney Houston's "Run to you", hitting breathtaking high notes and runs that left Sofia Vergara stunned.
“I mean I don’t have words, that was so perfect. Spectacular,” she said. “Your voice is beautiful. Your energy, who you are, it was, like, perfect.”
“I mean if Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey had a baby it would be Gabriel,” Heidi Klum saved.
Noodle and Bun
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Band
Zion Clark
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Wrestling
Zion Clark — who lives with caudal regression syndrome — is an all-American wrestler, MMA fighter, author, motivational speaker, Guinness World Record holder as the fastest man on two hands, and the subject of an award-winning documentary.
“I am so happy you came on the show. You have no idea. You have such incredible personality. You define the word inspiration. I listened to everything you said ... amazing," Cowell said.
True Villains
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Rock band
Twinjas
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: MMA, jiu jitsu
HB Monte
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: DJ
Bomba Trio
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Comedy ping-pong act
Kylie Frey
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singer
Inspired by Voice Coach Reba McEntire, rodeo girl and Louisiana native Kylie Frey sang her own original song “Horses In Heaven" for her audition.
“I wrote this song for my grandpa,” Frey told the Judges and audience. “He always told me, if I sing the National Anthem for every rodeo that I showed up to, that one day someone would ask me to sing the National Anthem at the NFR, which is the Super Bowl of rodeo, and that’s how I was going to get my start. Because that’s how Reba [McEntire] did it, and that’s how I was going to do it too.”
Sunny Chatum
Episode 8
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Comedian
Sunny Chatum seemed like a disastrous audition waiting to happen. The aspiring Texas singer seemed sweet at first, but continued to put off his Act, stalling until all four Judges gave him a Red X. That's when Chatum revealed themselves to actually be Krista Komondor, a New York-based comedienne and clown with many faces, according to her website.
“You’ve gone from being a most annoying contestant — genuinely — I’ve ever met in my life to suddenly, everyone loves you,” said Cowell.
Poetic Flight
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Pilots
BJ Griffin
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing and electric cello
BJ Griffin is a 34-year-old entertainer based in Virginia Beach. He appeared on stage and sang while playing his electric cello, explaining he had good reason to audition on AGT.
“I’m done holding myself back,” said Griffin. “So, I came on to win AGT and achieve my dream of sharing healing through my music with the world.”
Phil Wright and Parent Jam
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing
The dance group Parent Jam auditioned for America's Got Talent, proving to kids watching from home that spending time with your mom and dad can be a ton of fun. They're led by choreographer Phil Wright.
"The Parent Jam started in a very small hip-hop studio in Los Angeles," Wright told the audience. "It's a collection of parents and kids dancing with one another."
Enishi
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
Enishi's unique brand of magic some him transform and take-on the faces of each AGT Judge in a thrilling performance.
Timothy Fletcher
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Drumming
Following the murder of his close friend who encouraged him to play drums, the 26-year-old Baltimore native was inspired to continue playing the instrument.
“When he got killed, I was like, ‘I’m gonna do what he told me to stick to,’” Fletcher told the Judges. “He even told me one day I’d be here, so now I’m here.”
Galactivators
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Singers
Lance Armlong
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Golfing skit
Gorilla
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Circus Act
Koko Hayashi
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Face yoga
Judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel were unimpressed with face yoga pro Koko Hayashi, but Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara were nothing but smiles during the unconventional act.
“Simon, this is a natural alternative to plastic surgery,” Hayashi told him after the veteran Judge gave her the red X.
“I know, but we’re looking stupid,” Cowell replied. On the other hand...
“Do you do, like, private sessions?” Vergara asked.
“Of course,” Hayashi replied.
Rybka Twins
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing and acrobatics
Duo Just Two Men
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Hand balancing
Cakra Khan
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
Though Khan started out with Foy Vance's "Make It Rain", Cowell interrupted the song to have the performer sing something else. Khan then belted out Bob Marley's “No Woman, No Cry" in a perfect raspy tone.
“You have a very unique, very sexy, very raspy voice," Klum said. "You do have a voice that really stands out, that you will not forget. It's very very special.”
Magic Mike Jacobson
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
Atai Show
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing
2 Moms United By One Heart
Episode 7
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
Mariandrea
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing
Mariandrea told the Judges she’d been dancing since she was 5 years old, but never in front of an audience that large. She danced to a cover of “Mad World” by Tears For Fears. Judge Simon Cowell praised her song choice.
“You have a real presence about you,” Cowell said of the audition. “And I loved the choice in music as well. I think you’re unbelievably talented. This is what you’re meant to be doing.”
82nd Airborne Chorus
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus “hail from North Carolina” and “represent the 19,000 men and women that support and serve the Airborne Division." The broke out into the pop culture favorite “My Girl,” originally made famous by The Temptations, and earned four "Yes" votes.
Artem Schukin
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
Channeling Uncle Fester, Schukin was inspired by The Addams Family for his magical Act, using the show's famous theme song as he background music for his performance.
MOS
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Band
The Japanese four-woman brass band performed a high-energy version of the pop hit “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J.
“I mean, I don’t think it sounded great the whole time,” Cowell said to boos from the audience. “However, when it did sound great, it was amazing. The four of you are just so cool — I loved it.”
40 Pounds
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dance
Let It Happen
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Dance
The Zoo
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dance
Oswaldo Colina
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Finger dancing
The Venezuelan performer used his hands for a unique dance performance, debuting his finger dancing on the AGT stage.
Trent Toney
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
Toney came to the AGT competition with his original song, “Always and Lately,” saying he wrote the ballad about his ex-wife, Faith.
“I used to be married,” Toney told the Judges. “I think we were immature; I think we both made a lot of mistakes, but I don’t think getting married to her was one of them.”
Klum helped Toney call Faith so she could witness his audition and romantic gesture. And though the two remain friends and have not gotten back together, Toney was advanced to the next round of competition.
Puppet Simon & The Cow Belles
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Puppets, comedy, singing
A puppet version of Cowell helped lead a rousing and exciting rendition of Britney Spears' "Toxic" and "Somebody to Love" by Queen.
Duo Desire
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Aerialists
“We’re going to be performing together our love story in the air,” Jilliana, one half of Duo Desire, said before taking the stage. “Today, we chose scary tricks, more dangerous tricks, because we dream to perform in AGT Live at Luxor in Las Vegas.”
Presley & Taylor
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Singing
Despite their best efforts, the sisters and singing duo didn't quite make the cut and weren't able to earn enough "Yes" votes from the Judges.
Andrew Stanton
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Knife swallowing
The danger Act had the crowd on the edges of their seats, and the Judges itching to advance him to the next round.
Lavender Darcangelo
Episode 6
Judge’s Vote: Heidi’s Golden Buzzer
Act: Singing
Darcangelo, who's blind and autistic, sang her heart out to Fame's Oscar-nominated ballad "Out Here On My Own". She charmed the Judges, particularly Heidi Klum who awarded the performer her Golden Buzzer of the season.
“I feel like I just fell in love," Klum said. "And you know this AGT journey is an amazing journey. And I would love to be your cheerleader and hold your hand all the way to the finish line. What do you say?”
Sharpe Family Singers
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
The group is comprised of New Jersey-based family, the Sharpes: Ron Sharpe and Barbra Russell-Sharpe and their four children Samantha, Logan, and twins Connor and Aidan. Ron and Barbra first met while performing on Broadway and their kids ae equally as talented. For their AGT audition they sang "How Far I’ll Go” from Disney's Moana.
“You guys don’t even look real,” Vergara said. “And you sounded amazing.”
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dog training
Stoica and his dog Hurricane came all the way from Italy for a charming performance, pulling off a series of tricks as Stoica acted out an engaging skit.
Chen Lei
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Acrobatics
Lei thrilled (and frightened) the audience and Judges when he pulled off a series of high-stakes hand balancing Acts.
Trailer Flowers
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singers
Being on AGT was a dream for the roommates turned bandmates, who met after moving to Nashville. They performed two songs: Luke Bryan's “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)" and an original song "Daughter of a King".
Erica Coffelt
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dance
The 36-year-old mother and speech pathology coach fulfilled her dream by dancing on the AGT stage. After her audition, Coffelt was moved to tears as she was overcome with emotion and pride at her accomplishment.
Ryland
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
The 10-year-old's magical performance was so impressive that it nearly cured Cowell, who hasn't been able to speak at times throughout auditions.
“You have given me, almost, my voice back,” he said. “You really have magic powers.”
M
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Piano and dancing
Unfortunately, this creepy piano Act didn't make the cut for the Judges.
Barry Brewer Jr.
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Stand-up comedy
Despite his broken leg, the comic still impressed as he played the piano while pulling off a hilarious stand-up routine that compared the unique differences between Black and white churches.
Justin Jackson
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Tap dancing
Jackson was moved to tears after his flawless tap routine brought the entire room to its feet and he received four "Yes" votes.
Ryan Hayashi
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Magic
Despite his best efforts, Hayashi's Act didn't quite the mark to receive enough "Yes" votes from the Judges.
Sangsoon Kim
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
A confident Kim compared himself to Season 17 expert illusionist Yu Hojin before he even begun his Act. But after pulling off the unexplainable with various pairs of sneakers, it was clear that he could be in the same class as the AGT alum.
Lachuné
Episode 5
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singer
As the final Act of the night, Lachuné was the perfect person to end the show as she executed a dreamy cover of Coldplay's "Yellow". The music teacher made the choice to audition when she decided it was time to have as much confidence in herself as she encouraged in her students.
“I’m very happy that you put yourself first,” Judge Heidi Klum said. “And that you came today. And you showed us who you are. I have a feeling that you just scratched the surface of what you can do.”
El Invertebrado
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Pole dancing and contortion
Freedom Singers
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
The Freedom Singers — who were founded in the hope of supporting the houseless from L.A.'s Skid Row — chose the 1992 hit single “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for their song.
“All your voices together harmonize so beautiful, and I want to thank you,” said a tearful Crew. “I want to thank you so much for what you do for the community, for what you do for so many people. I am completely touched right now.”
Warrior Squad
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing and acrobatics
Dani Kerr
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
Kerr had plenty of nerves when she first started her audition, causing Cowell to halt her performance and try a second time. Kerr then performed another original song with even better results.
“I love your songs. I think you’re a great writer,” Cowell said. “Authentic, and importantly, your voice is so distinctive and not only distinctive, you have a beautiful voice.”
Poose The Puppet
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Ventriloquist
Though unique, the alien-hotdog ventriloquist's unorthodox Act did not charm the Judges enough to be moved on to the next round of the competition.
Sweaty Eddie
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Comedy
The bizarre comedy Act didn't quite make the AGT 18 cut.
Steve Goodtime
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Rock ‘n’ roll circus performer
Joy Booker
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Singing telegram
Eseniia Mikheeva
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing
The 7-year-old was an instant charmer with her adorable demeanor
Murmuration
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Howie’s Golden Buzzer
Act: Dancing
The French dance troupe, led by choreographer Sadek Waff, are inspired by the synchronization of birds.
“I was mesmerized," Mandel said before awarding them his Golden Buzzer. "I find what you do hypnotic. I think it's very original and I find it almost more magnificent when you get a large group of people and the movements are smaller, but perfect. It blew me away.”
Charles Haycock
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: No
Act: Stand-up comedy
Maureen Langan
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Stand-up comedy
Anna DeGuzman
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
Ninah Sampaio
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Rubik’s cube and singing
Thomas Vu
Episode 4
Judge’s Vote: Yes
Act: Rubik’s cube on fire
John Wines
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Electric guitar
Wines shredded his way to roaring applause and reception from the AGT Judges, who all gave him a resounding "Yes."
Brynn Cummings
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Ventriloquism and mentalism
The 12-year-old's mind-boggling Act was inspired by Season 12 AGT winner Darci Lynne Farmer.
Roland Abante
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
"This is my big dream, to be here," Roland told the Judges before starting his emotional Act: a powerful vocal rendition of Percy Sledge’s "When a Man Loves a Woman." Abante sounded stunning with each demanding note, leading to a resounding "Yes" from the Judges.
“I don’t think you could have done it better,” Klum said. “You left it all on that stage. You were amazing. You should be very proud of yourself.”
Alex and Alex
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Harp and guitar
Alex and Alex's Act was a beautiful harp and acoustic guitar arrangement that sounded straight out of a fantasy film. The Act was entertaining, but not quite fitting for a stage like AGT, leading them to not move forward in the competition. "I don't see this as a show in Las Vegas," Cowell told them.
Ricardo Pace
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Hand-squeaking
Pace may go down in AGT history books for his silly bait-and-switch Act. The Italian native first took the stage in a dapper tuxedo, and just when the Judges and audience thought Pace would break out in a beautiful opera, he shocked them all by hand squeaking Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This." Cowell was instantly fed up with the Act, but the rest of the panel was impressed.
Ahren Behlile
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Standup comedy
Despite being mute, Behlile delivered a side-splitting stand-up Act through a text-to-speech app, which had the Judges in stitches. “You were funny, making fun of yourself," Vergara told him. "Your energy, you're having such a good time out there. I hope that you are the one comedian that finally wins AGT."
Grace Good
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Hula-hooping aerial acrobatics
Good, a 30-year-old Las Vegas native, had the audience on the edge of their seats with her three-in-one hula hoop, aerial, and fire-swallowing Act. Klum was instantly on her feet, and Good earned a resounding "Yes" from all the Judges. "It was amazing," Klum said. "And you should be in Las Vegas."
Alfie Andrew
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
Andrew, 12, stunned the crowd with his powerful cover of Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand." “I want to buy your record already, right now,” Vergara gushed after his mesmerizing performance. “I think you’re going to be a rock star!”
David "Record-Breaker" Rush
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Record-breaking
AGT fans may remember Rush from his Season 15 T-shirt-ripping session with Crews. For Season 18, he recruited Mandel to beat a fist-bumping record. Rush may not have earned a pass from the Judges, but he broke the record by a landslide.
Alexandr Leshchenko
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: 3D dancing
Leshchenko combined digital art and beautiful choreography with his electrifying Season 18 Act, accompanied by the Foresight Art Group. Leshchenko's Act was one of the most memorable of the night, earning him a "Yes" from every Judge. "That was the best thing I've seen this season," Vergara told them.
Herwan Legaillard
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Sword-swallowing aerials
Legaillard's haunting sword-swallowing and aerialist Act was truly a suspenseful affair. "You are incredible, I have to say; I love the combination," Klum told the French performer. "I've never seen this combination, and you look so good doing it."
Chioma and The Atlanta Drum Academy
Episode 3
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Drums
Chioma told the Judges he was confident he could win AGT this year, and once he and The Atlanta Drum Academy finished their incredible musical performance, everyone saw why. The dozen-plus youth drummers delivered a spellbinding percussion set that was so good, Host Terry Crews awarded them the Golden Buzzer.
Lambros Garcia
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Dancing
10-year-old Lambros Garcia opened up to the Judges about being bullied at school, and they offered him a ton of support after his audition.
“Don’t let anyone stop you! They bully you because they envy you,” Sofia Vergara said. “They can’t do what you can do. They’re afraid of you. So don’t pay attention to them — that was spectacular.”
Sainted
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Trap choir
The choir brought trap music to the AGT stage and performed hits from the Migos and Lil Uzi Vert, with Vergara calling them "one of my favorites" Acts of the season.
“It was creative, the dancing was great, it was fun, the voices are amazing. I mean, you guys have done a really good job," she said.
Ramadhani Brothers
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Head to head balance
The Ramadhani Brothers brought their Act from Tanzania and had the Judges and crowd on the edge of their seats with their unbelievable head to head balancing Act.
“The scariest most dangerous act I have ever seen on America’s Got Talent. I am speechless," Mandel said.
Virginia Stone
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Husband calling
Avantgardney
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Dance group
"That was genius," Simon Cowell said of their quirky routine. "I'm really, really, really happy you've come all the way from Japan to here, so thank you."
Putri Ariani
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer
Act: Singing and piano
After the 17-year-old performed her original song, Cowell asked Putri Ariani to sing one more time. This time she took on Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” and Howie Mandel called the Indonesian teen an "angel". Moved by her voice and story Cowell awarded Ariani, who is blind, with his Golden Buzzer of the season.
Cowell added, “You are, I think, one of the best singers we’ve ever had on our show."
Mandy Muden
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
Zoe Erianna
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
The 6-year-old instantly charmed the Judges with her adorable demeanor and confident rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way".
“I like all the Judges,” she said, “but I like Sofia the most.” Vergara later said, “Zoe, I am your favorite judge, and you’re one of my favorite contestants ever.”
Muhamed Kahrimanovic
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Coconut smashing
Mitch Rossell
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
Rossell opened up to the crowd with his heartwarming country song, "Son", which he wrote as an ode to his late father who died in a drunk driving accident.
“I went for years and never wrote a song about it, and had a son of my own, and I think that finally allowed me to really write about it and bring it full circle,” he told the Judges.
Ray Wold
Episode 2
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Fire danger act
With the help of his mother, Wold brought the heat with a nail-biting fire danger Act in which her hurled flaming knives at his mom.
TREX
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Breakdancing and acrobatics in a dinosaur suit
Despite his unorthodox talent — and dinosaur costume — the breakdancing Trex won over the Judges and delighted the crowd, even earning a standing ovation.
"I am so, so happy that I did not say no to you," Sofia Vergara said. That tells you we should never, never judge a book without reading it before."
Philip Bowen
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Violin
The Detroit project manager and father of three played an electric System of A Down cover on the violin, surprising the crowd and bringing Bowen to tears.
"When I was a little kid I would be practicing my violin in my room, and I would look at myself in the mirror, and I'd say 'The crowd goes wild, ahhh!'" he said. "And to have the crowd actually go wild..."
Steel Panther
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Heavy metal band
The energetic rock band took the audience back to the 1970s and '80s and excited the Judges, with Vergara even revealing that her husband, Joe Manganiello, had hired them to perform at his 40th birthday party.
"I've seen these guys," she said. "And it was the best birthday he ever had and you guys are amazing."
Allan Reinikka
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Pole dancing
Reinikka's moves didn't quite cut it for the Judges, with Simon calling it "so boring".
Nancy La Fancy
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Comedy
Nancy's bubbly and colorful Act earned a Red Buzzer from Mandel and Cowell. "Comedy is very subjective," the executive producer said. "I'm gonna be very honest with you. I found it a bit boring."
Three G
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Acrobatics
The acrobatic trio pulled off impressive gravity-defying stunts, but unfortunately fumbled others when one of the members, Sofia, fractured her elbow in the midst of their routine. The Act had the Judges holding their breath, as Three G worked their way through their performance. "I can't watch this," Mandel said.
Despite these setbacks, the group pushed through and earned unanimous "Yes" votes from the panel.
Trigg Watson
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Magic
Watson combined his illusionist skills with technology for an amazing and unexplainable performance that brought various objects from the screen to real ife.
"It felt like I was watching a dream, it didn't look real," Mandel said. "I think you could win this season with that."
Kozo
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: No
Act: Helicopter landing
Kozo traveled all the way from Japan to land a model remote control helicopter on his derrière. Despite his best efforts, his Act didn't connect with the Judges and he went home with three Red Buzzers, save for an amused Mandel.
D'Corey Johnson
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Singing
The 11-year-old singing sensation with dreams of making it to the Broadway stage tackled Journey's "Open Arms". And though he hit some unreal notes, it wasn't until Cowell directed him to sing without the background music that he truly won the Judges' hearts.
“Bravo,” Vergara said. “I thought that that was amazing, D'Corey. I think that you definitely have a place on Broadway.”
Shadow Ace
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Shadow art
The Beyoncé superfan aimed to "revive a lost art" by bringing shadow art to the AGT stage by simply using his hands, light, and a screen to tell a series of surprisingly hilarious stories set to songs like Ginuwine's "Pony" and Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball".
"We were laughing, you had us entertained the entire time. So bravo to you," Klum said.
Orlando Leyba
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Yes
Act: Standup comedy
With jokes about his wife and love of Yellowstone, Leyba found the Judges and audience's funny bone with his hilarious standup routine.
“I love you, too. I love your top bun. I love your face. It's super cute,” Klum said. “You made us laugh and that's what a comedian is supposed to do. So well done.”
Mzansi Youth Choir
Episode 1
Judges' Vote: Extra Golden Buzzer
Act: Choir
The South African choir earned Season 18's first Golden Buzzer after a moving performance of "It's OK", a song written by late Season 16 contestant Jane "Nightbirde" Marczewski. The display was so touching that it brought Cowell to tears.
“This brought back so many memories for me," he said. "I know how much this would have — would have meant to her. Right until the end, she was so passionate about sharing her music, and this has gone all over the world, and you come back here with the most amazing tribute.”
This story was originally published on May 31, 2023. It was updated on June 7, 2023.
