Who Got Kenan Thompson’s Golden Buzzer? Recap

The Quarterfinals continued with 11 more performances during the September 1 episode of America’s Got Talent. Of the 11 acts that took the stage, only four will move forward in the competition.

One of those will be revealed before the end of the night, with guest judge Kenan Thompson getting this week’s Live Golden Buzzer to send his favorite act straight through to the Finals. Then, viewers will get to vote for their favorites of the remaining 10 contestants, and three of those will make the Semifinals during the September 2 results show.

With Simon Cowell still away from the judges’ table due to his back surgery, Thompson filled in alongside Sofia Vergara, Mel B., and Howie Mandel. Below, we’re giving live updates of the night’s performances and what the judges had to say. Scroll down for more and keep refreshing throughout the show!

Holland & Sienna

After having a few things go wrong during their audition, aerialist duo Holland and Sienna came to the Quarterfinals with an act that nobody else in the world does. Their rope was attached to the ground and a motor, and they noted that it’s even more difficult than it seemed.

“It was so scary, so wonderful, so amazing,” Mandel said, although he admitted he wasn’t sure it was better than the audition, which received boos from the audience.

Vergara said, “That was mesmerizing. It was flowing, it was so elegant, you make this seem so easy. But we know how hard this is.” Mel B. added that the routine was “pure perfection on every single level,” while Thompson called the duo “the perfect pair.”

Isaac Atkins

Up next was one of Mel B.’s audition Golden Buzzers, Isaac Atkins, a singer who was formerly in the military. For the Quarterfinals, he sang “Way Down We Go” by KALEO.

“That voice is just everything,” Mel B. confirmed. “The depth, the grit. I mean … it’s a lot and it’s a good a lot.”

Mandel once again thanked Isaac for his service and added, “You do have a great, amazing voice.” However, he said, “I think you could do a lot more. I know you have more range.” Thompson agreed with the audience that Mandel deserved some boos. “Boy, you got soul. I liked that, man!” he gushed, but admitted he felt Isaac could do more with his “range,” like Mandel said.

“I think it’s so impressive,” Vergara insisted. “This is only your second time on a stage like this. Your energy, your confidence, was amazing. And your voice, of course, is super unique.”

Maria

Maria is a contortionist from Germany, and AGT has never seen anything quite like her on the show.

Vergara was on her feet after the performance. “Your whole story is amazing, but we’ve seen a lot of contortionists on this show … but there’s something about your act,” she gushed. “There’s some moves we really have never seen. You are really impressive.”

Thompson called the performance “literally amazing” and admitted it was “kind of painful to watch” because of all the positions Maria put her body into. Mandel added, “You are so unique. So wonderful. I love what you just did.”

Finally, Mel praised Maria for “stepping it up” from her audition performance.

Elsie

After getting Cowell’s vote of confidence in the Judges’ Callback Round, singer Elsie came to the Quarterfinals ready to go. She sang a version of “House of the Rising Sun” that “no one’s ever heard” before, she revealed.

“When you were at Simon’s house, I loved what you did,” Mandel began. “I don’t know if it’s the pressure of the live show, but I feel that shield is back up again, that’s how I feel.”

Vergara called Mandel “the Grinch” and said she felt Elsie was “amazing,” adding, “I do think you made that song your own version. Your voice is one of the best voices this season.” Thompson also praised the performance and told Elsie her kids should be proud of her.

“I think it’s been really beautiful to see you coming out of your shell more and more,” Mel said. “Your voice is so much better than I think you even know. I think you were safe tonight. You deserve more than that song. I want you to give us a ‘wow’ moment.”

Acro Canine Crew

Terry Crews‘ audition Golden Buzzer, the Acro Canine Crew, a group that combines dogs and acrobatics, was up next with another high energy routine. The performance got a standing ovation from all four judges.

“You guys are one of my favorites, for sure, this season. There’s so much chaos happening. There’s so much fun. The dogs are having the best time. You girls are perfection,” Vergara raved.

Thompson said, “What an amazing act. Your choreography was perfect. What an amazing concept.” Mel B. praised Crews for hitting the Golden Buzzer for the group. She agreed that the “choreography was perfect,” too.

Mandel concluded, “You check every box. Everybody loves a dog act. You are tumbling. You do acrobatics. You do dancing. We smiled from beginning to end.” He also called it “the best act tonight” so far.

Herwan Legaillard

Aerial sword swallower Herwan Legaillard was advised by Cowell to make his routine “a little less dangerous” in the Quarterfinals, but said he would be doing “the opposite,” noting that his act was “the most dangerous” one ever seen before.

“I think tht this stage in the competition you really have to pull out all the stops,” Mel B. said. “I do understand when the sword goes down your throat, you have to keep your body a certain angle … maybe I’m just not seeing it from the right angle, but it just didn’t look as dangerous. Maybe I’m confused. … It didn’t do anything for me.”

Thompson disagreed. “I saw it. I was blown away. Good job. It’s very dangerous.” Vergara said the routine was “incredible” and shut down Mel, adding, “I saw it from every angle!” Mandel admitted that he didn’t find the performance as good as Herwan’s audition.

Guy Kelton Jones

Guy Kelton Jones, a spoken word poet, was next to hit the stage. Mandel told Guy that he “took [him] to church,” and called him “my new favorite act of the night.”

“That was so beautiful, so creative,” Vergara said. “To mix the poetry with the singing was my favorite part. You are unique and America is going to vote for you, for sure.” Thompson called Guy “unbelievable,” while Mel told him, “That really, really resonated with me. Everything you were saying. I was choked up. I was crying. I haven’t cried in a long time. I just think you’re amazing.”

America’s Got Talent, Season 21, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8/7c, NBC