America’s Got Talent Kicks Off Quarterfinals: Hundred Fingers Stuns Again, Securing Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer

The first 11 quarterfinal acts officially hit the America’s Got Talent Season 21 stage, but only one earned Howie Mandel’s fast pass straight to the Finals.

The Live Shows of America’s Got Talent Season 21 officially kicked off on Tuesday night, August 18, as 11 of the 44 quarterfinalists took the stage to fight for their survival in the competition.

In this round, power largely shifts to the viewing audience. Following each performance, viewers cast their votes to send three acts into the Semifinals. Additionally, each week gives one judge the power to trigger the Live Golden Buzzer, sending a single standout act bypassing the Semifinals straight into the Finals.

For Week One, that coveted Golden Buzzer rested in the hands of Howie Mandel—and he didn’t need much time to make his choice.

CommUNITY ATL Choir Delivers High-Energy Opener

Hailing from Atlanta, CommUNITY ATL Choir had the daunting task of opening the night, selecting Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” for their performance.

Dressed in light blue outfits accented with yellow flowers, the ensemble quickly brought the crowd to their feet with a vibrant showcase and powerhouse harmonies.

Sofía Vergara deemed it a flawless kickoff to the Live Shows, praising the group for bringing pure joy to the AGT stage.

While Simon Cowell wasn’t completely sold on the song choice, he acknowledged their execution was impressive, calling it a “stunning” performance.

James & Marina Draw Simon Cowell’s Red Buzzer

One of the night’s most polarizing moments came courtesy of mentalist duo James & Marina.

During their routine, the pair attempted to translate audience members’ thoughts and memories onto canvases. Marina revealed intricate personal details ranging from zodiac signs and birthdays to childhood pets.

However, the pacing dragged, eventually testing Simon Cowell’s patience until he hit his Red Buzzer mid-act.

James & Marina pressed on to complete their act, picking an audience member to name her favorite judge—Mel B—before revealing a pre-drawn portrait featuring both Mel B and that spectator.

Howie Mandel admitted he had contemplated buzzing as well due to the slow tempo, but held back after Cowell previously advised against it.

Despite pacing critiques, the panel recognized their sheer mentalist skill. Mel B fiercely defended the pair, calling them “amazing.”

Cowell later reflected on the moment, admitting he might have acted too hastily by buzzing them.

Jesse White Tumbling Team Electrifies the Room

Up next was the Chicago-based Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The acrobats delivered a high-octane routine set to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat,” executing gravity-defying flips down the aisles and leaping cleanly over their own teammates.

Vergara loved the group’s infectious energy and community representation.

Cowell noted the live routine surpassed their audition, labeling them pure inspiration.

Howie Mandel and Mel B chimed in with praise for their collective power and precision.

Ashford Sanders Brings Personal Struggle to the Stage

Singer Ashford Sanders, who has overcome severe health battles, chose an emotional anthem: “All That Really Matters” by Illenium and Teddy Swims.

Sanders poured raw emotion into every lyric, drawing varied reactions from the judges.

Howie Mandel felt the performance fell short of Golden Buzzer caliber, while Mel B called the song selection a major “risk.”

Sofía Vergara praised his commanding stage presence, noting he truly “owned” the moment.

Cowell found the song a bit “mushy,” but credited Sanders for genuinely connecting with the message.

Sando Bets on the Biggest Production of His Career

Sando entered the Quarterfinals promising the “biggest production” of his life—and delivered.

Flanked by backup dancers, Sando mixed comedic antics with signature viral choreography, including his famous “worm” dance move.

Simon Cowell surprisingly hailed it as the best act of the night, predicting it would rack up more online views than almost any other performance.

Mel B confessed she still didn’t fully grasp his appeal, while Vergara applauded his transition from internet fame to the grand AGT stage.

Hundred Fingers Demands Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer

If one act completely owned the spotlight, it was Hundred Fingers.

The illusionist troupe previously awarded Mandel’s Golden Buzzer returned with an even grander, more complex spectacle.

Members seamlessly transformed cards, masks, and fans into explosive bursts of confetti, incorporating real fire into a mesmerizing sequence that held the entire room spellbound.

The routine bowled Mandel over once again.

Rising to his feet, Mandel slammed the Live Golden Buzzer, launching Hundred Fingers straight into the Finals.

Celebrating with the group onstage, Mandel declared: “That’s the best thing I’ve seen. One word: magic.”

Brook Lynn Performs Original Song

Dutch singer Brook Lynn continued her AGT journey with an original track inspired by her personal roller-coaster journey on the show.

Vergara praised her songwriting and execution, while Mel B marveled at her vocal range.

Howie Mandel expressed pride in her vulnerability on stage.

Both Vergara and Cowell noted the track carried an epic, James Bond-like cinematic flair.

Royal Lasers Level Up Their Light Show

Royal Lasers, who secured Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer in Auditions, amplified their scale with denser laser grids, enhanced visual effects, and a larger dance crew.

A standout moment featured a CGI avatar of Terry Crews ripping his shirt open onstage, injecting wild humor into the tech spectacle.

Cowell highlighted how the act proves the technological evolution of AGT over the years.

Mel B remarked she would eagerly take her kids to a headline show, though Mandel remained unconvinced it topped their original audition.

Olivia Befus and Her Canine Crew Steal Hearts

Olivia Befus delivered one of the night’s most charming spectacles.

Having spent years training dogs, Olivia engineered a fast-paced racecar-themed obstacle routine loaded with intricate tricks.

The joyful energy kept the judges smiling throughout.

Mel B noted how visibly happy the dogs were while performing.

Vergara admired Olivia’s self-taught training journey, giving the act an authentic touch.

Mandel applauded the major upgrades, while Cowell dubbed it “absolutely fantastic,” adding that Olivia was every bit as impressive as her four-legged stars.

Cris Sosa Charms with Stand-Up Comedy

Comedian Cris Sosa chased his dream with a punchy, physical stand-up set.

He wove personal anecdotes about teasing his parents in the audience, doomscrolling social media, childhood boxing rivals, and his quirky nickname “killer dolphin.”

Howie Mandel loved his physical comedy and actively urged viewers to vote.

Mel B wished the set had lasted longer, while Cowell praised his natural comedic instincts, predicting American audiences would fall in love with him.

Luke Taleno Closes with Bilingual Rap Anthem

Capping off the opening quarterfinal was Luke Taleno, another of Mandel’s Season 21 Golden Buzzer recipients.

Taleno delivered an original bilingual rap track that had the arena clapping and bouncing along.

Cowell judged the performance significantly stronger than his audition.

Vergara offered high praise: “I think America’s gonna fall in love with you.”

Mandel went so far as to compare him to rap royalty, joking he would now spell Eminem as “L.T.” for Luke Taleno.

Viewers Hold the Contestants’ Fates

Following the performances, the outcome shifted entirely to public voting.

Out of the 11 acts, only three would advance to the Semifinals alongside Hundred Fingers, who are already locked for the Finals.

The live results aired on August 19, officially wrapping up Quarterfinal Night One and setting the stage for an increasingly ruthless season.