From Audience Member to Golden Buzzer Semifinalist: Rapper Luke Taleno Keeps His Word to Simon Cowell on ‘AGT’
From sitting in the studio audience cheering on a friend a year ago to commanding the main stage, Luke Taleno has fulfilled his promise to judge Simon Cowell by officially punching his ticket to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent.
The live results show delivered an unforgettable milestone for the 28-year-old rapper from Hialeah, Florida. Following a high-octane performance of an original rap during Tuesday’s quarterfinals, Taleno secured enough viewer votes across the country to emerge as one of the week’s top qualifiers.
1. A Prophetic Exchange with Simon Cowell
Taleno’s journey on this season of America’s Got Talent stands out as one of the competition’s most compelling storylines:
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Audience to Audition: Last season, Taleno sat in the live audience to support his friend, Jourdan Blue (who went on to finish in third place). During a break, Taleno told Simon Cowell directly that he intended to audition and earn a Golden Buzzer in 2026.
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Keeping His Word: Cowell encouraged him to “give it a go.” Taleno not only followed through, but earned judge Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer during the June auditions before continuing his dominant run into the live rounds.
2. High Praise Across the Judging Panel
Taleno’s dynamic quarterfinal performance drew unanimous acclaim from the judges:
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Simon Cowell: Commended the rapper for stepping up his craft significantly compared to his first audition, praising him for possessing “a very, very, very special talent.”
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Sofia Vergara & Mel B: Vergara celebrated his authenticity and predicted that audiences nationwide would fall in love with him, while Mel B praised his infectious energy and undeniable passion on stage.
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Howie Mandel: The judge who originally pressed the Golden Buzzer for Taleno jokingly remarked that he planned to start spelling the name of rap icon Eminem as “LT.”
3. The Quarterfinal Results Breakdown
Out of eleven acts that performed live on Tuesday, Taleno was the final semifinalist announced on Wednesday evening. He moves forward alongside dog-dancing act Olivia Befus and visual effects troupe Royal Lasers (illusionist act Hundred Fingers had already secured their spot via Mandel’s live Golden Buzzer).
The results marked the end of the competition for several strong contenders, including mentalist duo James & Marina, the CommUNITY ATL choir, comedian Cris Sosa, the Jesse White Tumbling Team, vocalists Ashford Sanders and Brook Lynn, and dancer Sando.
Ecstatic on stage after learning his fate, Taleno shared his gratitude: “All the glory goes to God. Thank all of you for voting. There’s might to fight for. Baby, let’s go!” Having turned a casual conversation in the audience into a semifinal run, Taleno heads into the next round with major momentum.