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'AGT' Season 18: Fans cry foul as Terry Crews gives the Atlanta Drum Academy the Golden Buzzer

Terry Crews was accused of being biased towards the Atlanta Drum Academy on 'AGT' Season 18

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: In 'America's Got Talent' Season 18, the auditions continue to mesmerize viewers as the judges, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara, continue to choose the best acts. Guiding us through this thrilling journey is the charismatic host, Terry Crews. 

The latest episode introduced the awe-inspiring Atlanta Drum Academy. This group of young drummers exudes an unparalleled talent that both astonished the audience and left the esteemed judges in awe. Their mesmerizing performance resonated so deeply with Crews that he decided to bestow upon them the Golden Buzzer, propelling the group directly to the live shows. However, amid the electrifying atmosphere, fans were also left disappointed as they questioned Crews' choice, speculating that the act received the golden buzzer solely due to their age and not merit.

Terry Crews hits Golden Buzzer for Atlanta Drum Academy

James Riles, a former drumline member at Morris Brown College and an esteemed alum of the movie 'Drumline', embarked on a remarkable journey by establishing the Atlanta Drum Academy on the vibrant southside of Atlanta seven years ago. Amidst his talented group, there shines the incredible Chioma, a prodigious drummer who began honing his skills at the tender age of one and joined the drum academy at the age of 3. Fuelled by an unwavering ambition, Chioma confides in Crews that his ultimate goal was to become the unrivaled drumming champion of the world. He revealed a lifelong dream of getting the coveted Golden Buzzer, hoping that his dream would become a reality. As the night drew to a close, the stage was set for their grand performance, led by the adorable young prodigy himself.

Mandel jubilantly described their performance as fun and energetic, unable to conceal his adoration. Klum commended their dedication, emphasizing on the effort they invested outside of school to craft an awe-inspiring act. Vergara, ever the clairvoyant, confidently predicted their victory. However, Cowell dropped a bombshell. "I didn't like it," he begins, attracting boos from the audience, seemingly unaccustomed to such dissenting remarks. However, he added after a gap, "...I loved it." In a moment that halted the voting process, Crews seized the opportunity to fulfill Chioma's lifelong dream. Interrupting the proceedings, he declared, "No need to vote," before smashing the Golden Buzzer, unleashing an outpouring of joy and fulfillment, as the young drummer's dream came true.

'A pretty basic Terry move and it’s getting old'

Many fans slammed Crews, questioning his decision to award the Golden Buzzer to the Atlanta Drum Academy. A disgruntled viewer expressed, "Just because the kid told Terry about the Golden Buzzer dream, Terry gave it to him." Another stated, "This act is so boring. They were good, but not great. How far can you go with drumming?"

Another individual penned, "This act was awful. The only reason why they got through is because they were kids. The disabled comedian should have gotten the golden buzzer. The show is still fixed towards 'magic' acts and ventriloquism." Yet another seemingly irritated fan said, "Golden buzzer to a group of kid drummers - shocking, just shocking. Undeserving!!"

A Twitter user specifically called out Crews, stating, "Terry, the Georgia kids were good, but not #Goldenbuzzer good!" Another tweet raised the contentious issue of race, stating, "All you need to be is a group of black child group and Terry will dive for that button. Makes the fact they'll get cut in the finals."

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