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'AGT' Season 17: Lily Meola, Sara James and other Golden Buzzer auditions of the talent show

The Golden Buzzer on 'America's Got Talent' does not determine who will win the season, but it does signify the acts one should pay close attention to
UPDATED AUG 3, 2022
Sara James (L) and Lilly Meola (R) in 'AGT' Season 17 (Photo: Trae Patton/NBC)
Sara James (L) and Lilly Meola (R) in 'AGT' Season 17 (Photo: Trae Patton/NBC)

Season 17 of 'America's Got Talent' has chosen its Golden Buzzers. This season included six Golden Buzzers, which sent some talents directly to the live events.

Here's what it means for new viewers of NBC's talent show: Each season, judges Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell, as well as host Terry Crews, have one chance to press the Golden Buzzer for any contestant. There is also a Group Golden Buzzer from all of the judges at once in some seasons. Because the recipients receive priority access to the live concerts, Golden Buzzers are only presented to the greatest performers. Let's take a look back at these incredible performances and the emotional scenes that ensued.

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Avery Dixon (Terry Crews)

Avery Dixon was the first Golden Buzzer of 'AGT' Season 17, and he set a high standard for the rest. The 21-year-old saxophonist revealed a story of being bullied in elementary school because of his sound and looks. He discovered the saxophone as a method to escape the hatred that he still faces today — he can't even practice at home without getting pulled over. Despite his nervousness, Avery played a beautiful, smooth jazz melody on his instrument. Avery even put his own flavor to the performance by dancing around the stage while he played. Terry marched over to strike the Golden Buzzer after Howie informed Avery that he would change the world. Avery has already distinguished himself as the season's sole saxophone player. That, paired with his talent and charm, might propel him to the finals.



 

Madison Taylor Baez (Howie Mandel)

This season, Howie Mandel had a remarkable and one-of-a-kind Golden Buzzer. Madison Taylor Baez, an 11-year-old 'AGT' enthusiast, was in the crowd during an audition tape when the crew held a participant sing-off. Madison was given the microphone by a crew member, and she sang out an excellent performance of 'Amazing Grace.' Simon pulled Madison to the stage for an impromptu audition since she was so amazing. She impressed the crowd once more with her rendition of 'Amazing Grace.' Madison also said that her father has stage 4 colon cancer and that any rewards from 'AGT' will be donated to cancer research. As the crowd chanted, Howie hit the Golden Buzzer, captivated by her mature voice and moving narrative. Madison has a fantastic voice, but there are a lot of vocalists on 'AGT' this season. In the long term, she may not be able to distinguish herself from the other singing acts. Madison's audition was also tainted for several viewers since it appeared to be fabricated.

Sara James (Simon Cowell)

Sara James, a 13-year-old vocalist from Poland, also auditioned for 'AGT.' She explained to the judges that she wanted to test if dreams do come true in America. Sara captivated the judges and the crowd with Billie Eilish's "Lovely," and Simon stated that he had a good feeling about her from the beginning. Simon said after her performance that the audition wasn't ideal. He did, however, notice her "star glow." Simon was moved by Sara's voyage to America and chose to gift her the Golden Buzzer as a "moment to remember forever." Sara, like Madison, had a mature voice for her age. She did, however, appear to be more in control and didn't seem to be as focused on gaining runs. Madison's runs, on the other hand, maybe what makes her voice stand out more than Sara's in the lives.

Mayyas (Sofia Vergara)

Mayyas, a female dance group from Lebanon, appears to be the season's crowd fave Golden Buzzer by a long shot. The late singer Nightbirde, who got a Golden Buzzer last season but left out before the quarterfinals due to health problems from her cancer diagnosis, inspired the ensemble. Mayyas opted to dedicate their audition to Nightbirde. Mayyas' dancing routine thoroughly mesmerized both the crowd and the judges. The ensemble was told by Simon that they were one of the greatest dance troupes the judges had ever seen. Sofia also said it was the "most beautiful, creative dancing" she'd ever seen and gave Mayyas the Golden Buzzer. This group has a strong chance of winning 'AGT' Season 17. There are several ways for them to vary their choreography and continue to show the audience things they haven't seen before.



 

Lily Meola (Heidi Klum)

Lily Meola is the third singing act on the 'America's Got Talent' Season 17 Golden Buzzers. Lily came to 'AGT' with an unusual narrative; she used to have a record deal, a publishing label, and a successful profession. However, after her mother was diagnosed with cancer, the singer lost all of her deals as she became a full-time caregiver. Lily believed she had to make her mother proud by auditioning after her mother died. Lily sang 'Daydream,' an original song she penned before her mother's sickness. As Lily screamed out high notes, the audience applauded and surged to their feet. Heidi had no intention of using her Golden Buzzer on a vocalist, but Lily's narrative and ability convinced her otherwise. Now, Lily will most certainly face the same issue as Sara and Madison did: there is a lot of competition in the singing category on 'AGT.' Lily's past expertise and unique songs, on the other hand, may help her stand out more, especially if those songs are accompanied by compelling anecdotes. Hopefully, she'll be able to offer more originals during the live events.



 

Chapel Hart (Group Golden Buzzer)

Chapel Hart, a Mississippi-based country music trio, won 'America's Got Talent' Season 17's final Golden Buzzer. Chapel Hart, comprised of sisters Devynn and Danica Hart, as well as their cousin Trea Swindle, hoped to land their big break on 'AGT' after struggling for a few years in Nashville. Chapel Hart sang an original song with a twist: "You Can Have Him Jolene," a sequel to Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Danica added that the three admired Dolly Parton and wanted to compose a song about becoming bored of battling over the same man for years. Chapel Hart's performance was so well received by the audience that they chanted "Golden Buzzer" at the judges. Chapel Hart informed Simon Cowell that he needed to hear them that day. Meanwhile, Sofia Vergara described her performance as "perfect."

Terry Crews, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell all pressed the Golden Buzzer at the same time. Chapel Hart stands out as a vocal trio due to their uniqueness. They'll go far in live concerts if they can continue to show off their unique touch with additional tunes.



 

Watch "AGT" on NBC on Tuesdays at 8/7c and on Peacock the following day.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICA'S GOT TALENT (2006)
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