On a recent episode of America’s Got Talent, the judges were moved by an incredible performance from AIRFOOTWORKS, a Japanese acrobatic dance group.
Their act was so good that it sparked a friendly tussle between Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel over who got to press the Golden Buzzer.
The episode, which aired on August 20, 2024, showcased AIRFOOTWORKS’ breathtaking performance to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Celestial’. Their routine, a blend of acrobatics, dance, and visual effects, left the audience and judges spellbound.
The group’s founder, Takashi Jonishi, had dreamed of this moment, having formed AIRFOOTWORKS after a back injury led him to explore new forms of movement during rehabilitation.
What made AIRFOOTWORKS’ performance truly stand out was their innovative use of the stage. They incorporated a video wall that synchronized with their choreography, creating a magical visual spectacle.
Howie Mandel, visibly impressed, noted, “You guys are athletes, you guys are dancers, you guys are creators!”
The drama unfolded when both Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel reached for the Golden Buzzer. Simon, in a moment of playful rebellion, declared, “Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,” before attempting to hit the buzzer. However, it was Howie who officially secured the honor, as it was his designated night for the Live Golden Buzzer.
This led to a humorous exchange between the judges. Howie, feeling a bit “abused” by Simon’s attempt to steal his moment, quipped, “Keep your fingers off of my buzzer!”
Simon, not one to back down easily, insisted, “Look, I think when you watch the tape back, you’ll find that my finger got there just before Howie’s so that’s the way it is.”
The incident sparked a light-hearted debate among the judges. Heidi Klum, speaking to Parade after the show, shared, “They were, ‘I want to see the tape. I want to see the tape.’ Simon was, ‘My finger was there faster.’ Let him have it. He was like a little kid in a sandbox.”
Despite the playful controversy, the judges were unanimous in their praise for AIRFOOTWORKS. Sofia Vergara expressed her agreement with Simon that the group deserved the Live Golden Buzzer.
Howie elaborated on why he chose AIRFOOTWORKS, stating, “They checked so many boxes. They’re great athletes, they have great strength, great artistry and it’s a dance I’ve never seen before.”
It’s worth noting that AIRFOOTWORKS had a special connection to the show. They were mentored by Kenichi Ebina, the winner of ‘America’s Got Talent’ in 2013.
Ebina’s unique blend of dance and performance had inspired the formation of AIRFOOTWORKS, and his guidance clearly played a role in their success on the AGT stage.
The Live Golden Buzzer is a new addition to the show’s format for Season 19. It allows each judge to send an act directly to the finals during the four weeks of quarterfinals. This change adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition.
With their Golden Buzzer win, AIRFOOTWORKS has secured a spot in the finals, bypassing the semifinals. They join Hakuna Matata Acrobatics, who received Sofia Vergara’s Live Golden Buzzer in the previous week’s episode.
The road ahead for these talented performers leads to the two-night finale, scheduled to begin on September 17 and conclude on September 24.
WATCH: AIRFOOTWORKS Gives Breathtaking Performance on America’s Got Talent
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