Golden Buzzer Direct Pass on ‘AGT’ is a Game Changer

Sometimes, the contestants on America’s Got Talent just have that x factor. When celebrity judge Sofia Vergara recognized talent in an acrobatics team in the Aug. 13 episode, she gave them a Live Golden Buzzer. This is a first for the show, but it’s definitely a big deal and more significant than the standard Golden Buzzer.

For those who aren’t aware, the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent is something one judge is allowed to give an act during the quarterfinals to propel them forward in the competition. Only one Golden Buzzer can be given out each week. Sofia’s gift of the Live Golden Buzzer is unique, marking a new twist for the show.

The Live Golden Buzzer is similar to the Golden Buzzer but comes with a crucial difference. On a specific night during the competition, each judge gets a Live Golden Buzzer for a live show that they can hand out during the quarterfinals. This is what Sofia gave to one of the acts, and it ensures they move directly to the finals regardless of viewer votes.

Sofia decided to give the Hakuna Matata Acrobats a spot in the finals with the Live Golden Buzzer to ensure they have a solid chance of winning the $1 million prize. “This is definitely one of the most ambitious acts I’ve seen on AGT,” Sofia remarked. “I mean, I can see the difference from the audition. You guys deserve to be here.”

The standard Golden Buzzer has always helped acts move to the live shows. But the Live Golden Buzzer guarantees those who receive it a clear path to the finals, with four Live Golden Buzzer spots reserved in total.

In the finals, which take place at the end of any given season, four acts who received those coveted Live Golden Buzzers head into the final competition. Additionally, six acts voted on by viewers join them. From there, the 10 acts perform for their last shot at winning the $1 million prize that America’s Got Talent offers.

Watch America’s Got Talent on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.

Source: NBC