Tensions ran high on the August 20 episode of America’s Got Talent as a playful feud between judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel took center stage during the live broadcast. The drama unfolded after AIRFOOTWORKS, an air-dance group, wowed the audience and judges alike with their electrifying routine set to Ed Sheeran‘s “Celestial.”
Following the performance, which received a standing ovation, Simon, 64, shocked everyone by declaring, “Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,” before dramatically hitting the coveted Golden Buzzer. The twist? It wasn’t his to give.
Howie, 68, had the sole Golden Buzzer of the evening, and the confusion that ensued left everyone in stitches. As golden confetti rained down and the members of AIRFOOTWORKS celebrated on stage, Howie rushed to assert his rightful ownership of the moment.
“Simon wants to take the credit. Howie, this was your Golden Buzzer!” host Terry Crews announced as Howie quickly clarified, “This is mine! This is mine!”
Despite the chaos, Howie didn’t let the mix-up overshadow the group’s achievements, praising them as “athletes, dancers, and creators.” Founder Takashi Jonishi expressed his joy, stating, “I dreamed all the time for this moment!”
The lighthearted tension continued after a commercial break when Terry Crews replayed the moment in slow motion. “Simon jumps — Howie gets to it first, but Simon tries to hit the Golden Buzzer,” Terry narrated, leaving Howie feeling a bit slighted. “It is me, right? I feel like I’ve been abused!” Howie quipped, to which Simon cheekily responded, “Look, I think when you watch the tape back, you’ll find that my finger got there just before Howie’s.”
“Well, keep your fingers off of my buzzer!” Howie fired back, ending the playful exchange on a humorous note.
AIRFOOTWORKS, formed by Takashi after a back injury inspired his unique vision, now advances straight to the finals thanks to the Golden Buzzer. Reflecting on the journey, Takashi shared, “I want to show our style of dance to the world… Tonight, the world will see AIRFOOTWORKS at its best.”
The introduction of the Live Show Golden Buzzer has added a new layer of excitement to this season of America’s Got Talent. This new twist allows each judge to send an act directly to the finals during the quarterfinals, bypassing the usual elimination rounds. AIRFOOTWORKS now joins Hakuna Matata Acrobatics, who received Sofía Vergara’s Golden Buzzer in the previous episode.
As the quarterfinals conclude, 12 acts will advance to the semifinals, competing for six spots determined by viewers’ votes. Those six acts, along with the four Live Show Golden Buzzer recipients, will vie for the ultimate title in a two-night finale beginning September 17 and concluding on September 24.
With high stakes and even higher emotions, this season of America’s Got Talent promises to be one of the most thrilling yet.