If you’ve ever watched America’s Got Talent and felt your heart stop when golden confetti rained down, you know exactly why the Golden Buzzer is the most coveted moment in talent show history. It’s not just a shortcut to the live shows—it’s a career-changing second that can launch an unknown performer into international stardom.
Since its introduction, AGT has awarded Golden Buzzers across multiple seasons, with judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum (now Mel B), Sofia Vergara, and host Tyra Banks each pressing it for acts that moved them in unforgettable ways. From 12-year-old ukulele prodigies to deaf singers, acrobatic dance groups, and ventriloquists with big voices, these moments define what AGT is all about.
But what happened to all these Golden Buzzer recipients after the confetti cleared? Some won the entire competition, others became viral sensations, and a few faced heartbreaking challenges. Here’s your complete guide to every AGT Golden Buzzer winner and where they are now in 2025.
Every AGT Golden Buzzer: Season, Act, and Judge Who Pressed It
Let’s break down every confirmed Golden Buzzer moment from AGT history. Note that the Golden Buzzer was introduced in Season 11 (2016), and each season typically features one Golden Buzzer from a judge or host.
Season 11 (2016) – The Golden Buzzer Era Begins
- Sal Valentinetti — Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer. The 73-year-old Italian-American singer from New Jersey wowed judges with his classic “The Way You Look Tonight.” He finished in the top 5 but didn’t win.
- Calysta Bevier — Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. An American Sign Language instructor and singer from West Virginia who performed “Amazing Grace.” She made it to the semifinals.
- Laura Bretan — The young classical singer received a Golden Buzzer and competed in Season 11.
Season 12 (2017)
- Mandy Harvey — Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. The deaf singer from Florida performed her original song with ukulele, communicating entirely through American Sign Language. She made the finals and became an ambassador for No Barriers, a nonprofit helping disabled people. She’s now a married mother to a son named Lewis and continues performing.
- Angelica Hale — Chris Hardwick’s (guest judge) Golden Buzzer during Judge Cuts. The 9-year-old Filipino-American singer from Georgia performed “Girl on Fire.” She finished as Season 12’s runner-up and now has nearly 3 million YouTube subscribers, consistently posting music videos.
- Darci Lynne Farmer — The ventriloquist received a Golden Buzzer and went on to win Season 12, earning the $1 million prize and the most votes in the show’s history. Now 19, she tours nationwide with her Darci Lynne & Friends tour, releasing music both with and without her puppet characters. Her second single, “Someone Wake Me Up,” is out now.
Season 13 (2018)
- Courtney Hadwin — Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer. The 13-year-old rock vocal powerhouse from England performed Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle.” After AGT, she signed with Simon Cowell’s label, competed on The Voice Kids UK, and in 2025 released her debut album Little Miss Jagged. She performed at London’s Fiddler’s Elbow in May 2025, marking her evolution as an independent artist.
- Zurcaroh — Tyra Banks’ Golden Buzzer (host). The Austrian acrobatic dance group, founded in 2009, performed jaw-dropping gymnastics and acrobatics. They finished as Season 13 runners-up, beaten only by Shin Lim. Since then, they’ve performed globally, including a Dubai concert with Beyoncé, and returned to AGT Stage in 2021.
Season 14 (2019)
- V. Unbeatable — Judge Cuts Golden Buzzer. The stick dance group advanced to the semifinals.
- Luke Islam — Received a Golden Buzzer in Season 14.
- Kodi Lee — The blind and autistic singer-pianist received a Golden Buzzer and went on to win Season 14, taking the $1 million prize. Since winning, he has called the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas his second home, performing with AGT champions at AGT Las Vegas Live. In late 2022, he announced a temporary leave from the Vegas show, possibly to compete on AGT All-Stars, which he did in January 2023, advancing to the Top 3.
Season 15 (2020)
- Voices of Our City Choir — Received Golden Buzzer during Season 15.
Season 16 (2021)
- Jimmie Herrod — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 16.
- Nightbirde (Jane Marczewski) — Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. The 31-year-old singer from Ohio performed her original song “It’s OK” while battling metastatic breast cancer. Tragically, Nightbirde withdrew from the competition in August 2021 when her cancer took over her lungs, liver, and spine. She passed away on February 19, 2022, surrounded by family in San Clemente, California. Her music and legacy continue to inspire fans worldwide.
- Léa Kyle — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 16 after overcoming a car accident. She found the silver lining in recovery and continues dazzling audiences with mind-blowing performances.
- Victory Brinker — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 16.
Season 17 (2022)
- Maddie Taylor Baez — The 12-year-old wonderkid who mastered six musical instruments received a Golden Buzzer. She has toured across the U.S. and continues performing.
- Lily Meola — Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. The 27-year-old singer from Maui, Hawaii, performed her original song “Daydream” dedicated to her mother, who passed in 2020. She finished 3rd in her semifinal week and currently resides in California pursuing her music career. She gained recognition at age 20 when she did a duet with Willie Nelson.
- The Mayyas — Received Golden Buzzer. The Lebanese dance troupe from Beirut, comprised of 36 girls directed by choreographer Nadim Cherfan, went on to win Season 17, claiming $1 million, a Kia car, and a Las Vegas headline show. Since their victory, they’ve performed globally, including a concert in Dubai with Beyoncé, and returned to AGT in Episode 1821. They have 590K Instagram followers.
Season 18 (2023)
- Gabriel Henrique — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 18.
- Murmuration — Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer. The group advanced through the competition.
- Putri Ariani — Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. The 17-year-old blind singer and pianist from Indonesia finished in 4th place in Season 18. She’s now focusing on her music career, gaining even more fame and success as of 2023-2024.
Season 19 (2024)
- Brent Street — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 19.
- Reid Wilson — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 19.
- Pranysqa Mishra — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 19.
- Schumacher — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 19.
- Richard Goodall — Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. The viral grandmother-from-Version contestant became an instant fan favorite.
Season 20 (2025)
- Jourdan Blue — Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer in Season 20.
- Jessica Sanchez — Received Golden Buzzer in AGT 2025 (Season 20).
Season 21 (2026)
- Lai Noelle — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 21.
- Acro Canine Crew — Received Golden Buzzer in Season 21.
The AGT Winners Who Got Golden Buzzers
Not all Golden Buzzer recipients just advanced to the live shows—some went all the way and won the entire competition. Here are the champions who started with golden confetti:
| Winner | Season | Talent | Where They Are Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darci Lynne Farmer | 12 (2017) | Ventriloquist | Tours nationwide with Darci Lynne & Friends; releases music without puppets; second single “Someone Wake Me Up” out now |
| Kodi Lee | 14 (2019) | Singer-Pianist | Performs at AGT Las Vegas Live at Luxor Hotel; competed on AGT All-Stars 2023, advancing to Top 3 |
| The Mayyas | 17 (2022) | Dance Troupe | Performed globally, including Dubai with Beyoncé; 590K Instagram followers; returned to AGT Stage 2021 |
Most Unforgettable Golden Buzzer Moments
According to NBC’s Greatest Buzzers special and judge recount, these stand out as the most emotionally powerful:
- Mandy Harvey’s “Amazing Grace” — Simon pressed immediately when he realized she couldn’t hear herself sing. The deaf singer’s use of ASL and visual tuning made this historic.
- Nightbirde’s “It’s OK” — Simon’s Golden Buzzer for a cancer patient who wrote her own anthem about hope. The moment became legendary for its raw emotional power.
- Darci Lynne’s Ventriloquism — The 12-year-old’s puppet performance with “Ocean Waves” earned the Golden Buzzer and eventually the season win.
- Kodi Lee’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” — The blind autistic singer’s piano and vocal performance sent the room into tears and earned his Golden Buzzer.
- Courtney Hadwin’s “Hard to Handle” — Howie couldn’t believe a 13-year-old British girl had that rock voice. The Golden Buzzer launched her international career.
Tragic Stories: Nightbirde’s Legacy
Among all the Golden Buzzer moments, Nightbirde’s remains the most heartbreaking. Jane Marczewski, performing under the name Nightbirde, received Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer in August 2021 while battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her original song “It’s OK” became an anthem for cancer patients worldwide.
Despite the Golden Buzzer guaranteeing her advancement to quarterfinals, Nightbirde withdrew just days later when doctors told her cancer had taken over her lungs, liver, and spine. She passed away on February 19, 2022, at age 31. Her music continues to inspire, and Simon Cowell has frequently cited her as the most impactful Golden Buzzer recipient in AGT history.
Where Are the Other Golden Buzzers Now?
Still Performing Professionally
- Angelica Hale — Nearly 3 million YouTube subscribers; posts music videos weekly; building career in music and YouTube.
- Sal Valentinetti — Known as “Sal The Voice”; released EP “The Voice” (2017), album “Christmas Presents” (2018), and “Little Valentine” (2021); performs Christmas shows nationwide at age 26.
- Courtney Hadwin — Released debut album “Little Miss Jagged” in 2025; performed at London’s Fiddler’s Elbow; independent artist with growing TikTok presence.
- Mandy Harvey — Ambassador for No Barriers nonprofit; married with son Lewis; continues performing and promoting deaf community awareness.
- Zurcaroh — Performed globally, including Beyoncé’s Dubai concert; returned to AGT Stage in 2021; continues acrobatic dance performances.
Social Media Sensations
- Sofie Dossi — Though not confirmed as a Golden Buzzer recipient in this list, she’s mentioned alongside Golden Buzzers as a social media sensation with 9 million YouTube fans from Season 11.
Finished AGT But Pursuing Music
- Lily Meola — Lives in California; pursued a music career after AGT; duet with Willie Nelson at age 20 brought recognition.
- Putri Ariani — Blind singer from Indonesia, focusing on her music career; gaining more fame post-AGT Season 18.
AGT vs. BGT: Golden Buzzer Differences
While AGT (America’s Got Talent) has its Golden Buzzer, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) uses the same mechanic. The key difference:
- AGT — Multiple Golden Buzzers per season (judge + host); introduced Season 11 (2016)
- BGT — Typically one Golden Buzzer per season from Amanda Holden; also introduced in 2015
Both shows use it to send acts straight to live shows, skipping preliminary rounds. BGT’s most famous Golden Buzzer moment is Susan Boyle’s 2009 audition (though technically before the Golden Buzzer existed), while AGT’s most viral is Nightbirde’s cancer anthem.
Where to Watch AGT Golden Buzzer Moments
You can watch all AGT seasons featuring these Golden Buzzer moments on:
- NBC — Original broadcast (Seasons 11-21)
- Peacock — Full streaming library of AGT episodes
- YouTube — Official AGT channel posts Golden Buzzer compilations
FAQs About AGT Golden Buzzer Moments
Is AGT worth watching for Golden Buzzer moments?
Absolutely. The Golden Buzzer moments are the most emotionally powerful on the show, with judges pressing it for acts that move them beyond normal competition. Nights featuring Golden Buzzers consistently draw the highest ratings.
How many Golden Buzzers are there per AGT season?
Typically 1-3 per season: one from a judge (Simon, Howie, Heidi/Mel B, Sofia) and sometimes one from the host (Tyra Banks). Season 20 had multiple Golden Buzzers, including Jourdan Blue and Jessica Sanchez.
Which AGT Golden Buzzer winner went the furthest?
Three Golden Buzzer recipients won the entire competition: Darci Lynne (Season 12), Kodi Lee (Season 14), and The Mayyas (Season 17). Darci Lynne has the most successful post-AGT career with nationwide tours.
Where can I watch AGT Golden Buzzer compilations?
YouTube’s official AGT channel has multiple Golden Buzzer compilations, including “Most Unforgettable GOLDEN BUZZERS On America’s Got Talent,” which includes timestamps for every act.
Did Nightbirde win AGT after getting the Golden Buzzer?
No. Nightbirde (Jane Marczewski) withdrew from Season 16 in August 2021 due to her cancer progressing to her lungs, liver, and spine. She passed away in February 2022 at age 31. Her legacy continues through her music.
How many seasons of AGT have Golden Buzzers?
Golden Buzzers have appeared in Seasons 11-21 (2016-2026), spanning over 10 seasons with more than 20 confirmed Golden Buzzer recipients.
Final Verdict: Should You Binge AGT Golden Buzzer Seasons?
If you love reality TV with actual heart, yes—binge Seasons 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17. These contain the most iconic Golden Buzzer moments: Darci Lynne’s ventriloquism, Courtney Hadwin’s rock voice, Kodi Lee’s piano mastery, Nightbirde’s cancer anthem, and The Mayyas’ dance revolution.
Start with the NBC Greatest Buzzers special (aired July 22, 2025), which commemorates AGT’s 20th anniversary and features Grace VanderWaal’s original Golden Buzzer moment from Season 11. Then dive into full seasons if you want the complete journey from Golden Buzzer to finale.
The Golden Buzzer isn’t just a convenience—it’s a testament to moments that stop rooms cold, where you know instantly: this audition is different. That’s why these acts, whether they won or not, remain unforgettable years later.
Want more TV reviews, reality TV moments, and entertainment news? Visit Watch Full Story — your go-to source for real reviews and real reactions.