AGT Semifinals Recap: 11 Epic Acts Take the Stage

The 20th Season of America’s Got Talent Heats Up

As the 20th season of America’s Got Talent approaches its conclusion, the competition has become more intense than ever. On Tuesday, September 16, eleven acts took the stage during the Semifinals, each striving to capture the hearts of viewers and judges alike. Host Terry Crews welcomed a lineup of performers that included musicians, dance troupes, acrobats, and magicians, all showcasing their unique talents in hopes of advancing to the finals.

The six acts that make it through to next week’s Finals will face off against those who received a Golden Buzzer during the Quarterfinals, including Micah Palace, Mama Duke, Team Recycled, and Steve Ray Ladson. Fans have the opportunity to vote online or via the AGT or NBC mobile apps, with up to 10 votes allowed per viewer until voting closes on Wednesday, September 17, at 7 a.m. ET.

Notable Performances from the Semifinals

TT Boys: Breaking Records

The TT Boys made headlines by attempting to break a record with forty continuous backflips. After an initial failure, the acrobatic duo successfully completed the feat, earning praise from the judges. Howie Mandel expressed regret that he couldn’t give them a Golden Buzzer, while Simon Cowell declared that “America wants you in the Final.”

Zak Mirz: A Magical Performance

Inspired by his children, Zak Mirz delivered a magical performance that involved audience participation and guessing a clue hidden inside a balloon. While the judges enjoyed the act, they had mixed opinions, with Sofía Vergara and Cowell preferring his previous performance. However, Mel B. praised the final result as “priceless.”

Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir: Emotional Uplift

The Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir delivered an emotional performance of Alicia Keys’ “No One,” accompanied by heartfelt video messages from family and friends. The performance moved Mel B. to tears, and Howie Mandel called it “the medicine that I needed.” Cowell praised the group, expressing confidence in their future success.

Chris Turner: A Hilarious Rap Act

Chris Turner impressed the judges with an original rap song that incorporated lyrics from random objects handed to him on the spot. His performance, which included references to a tampon, left the judges stunned, with Mandel calling it the “best act of the night” so far.

Unreal: A Creative Dance Performance

The dance crew Unreal brought a snake-inspired number filled with body contortion and creative choreography. While the judges praised the originality, Cowell admitted he found the performance slightly boring, which disappointed the audience.

Bay Melnick Virgolino: A Young Rock Star

Bay Melnick Virgolino wowed the judges with a high-energy performance of Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” The young rock star showcased impressive vocals and guitar skills, with Vergara and Mandel declaring he was “born for this.”

Sirca Marea: High-Flying Aerial Act

The aerial duo Sirca Marea performed dangerous moves while blindfolded, leaving the judges in awe. Cowell called the performance “seriously brilliant,” and Mandel urged voters to support them in the finals.

Jessica Sanchez: A Powerful Redemption Story

Jessica Sanchez, a Season 1 alum, delivered a powerful rendition of “Golden Hour” by JVKE. While the judges were impressed, Cowell called the performance “a moment performance,” expressing confidence that she would make it to the finals.

Leo High School Choir: A Motivational Performance

The Leo High School Choir performed a motivational version of “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy, which had Crews dancing along. Mandel praised the group for checking every box, calling the performance “great.”

LightWire: A Technological Light Show

The Brazilian group LightWire combined dance and technology for a stunning nature-inspired light show. Cowell called the performance “perfection,” while Mandel offered some criticism, comparing the experience to a dinner theater at the Rainforest Cafe.

Jourdan Blue: A Pitch-Perfect Vocal Performance

Jourdan Blue delivered a strong performance of “Stargazing” by Myles Smith, earning a standing ovation from the audience. While Cowell encouraged him to take more risks, Mandel called the performance “pitch perfect.”

Who do you think should make it to the finals? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! America’s Got Talent continues on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.