'AGT' Season 19: Simon Cowell ditches top acts to award 'pity' Golden Buzzer

Some believe 'AGT' Season 19 judge Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer choice was influenced by 'pity' after Sonia Moreno's injury
'AGT' Season 19 contestants Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno bag Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer (@nbc)
'AGT' Season 19 contestants Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno bag Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer (@nbc)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 aerialist duo Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno recently earned Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer and secured a spot in the semi-finals. However, Quarterfinals Round 4 showcased a series of talented contestants who also deserved Simon's Golden Buzzer, leading some to suggest that his choice may have been influenced by a sense of 'pity.'

Sebastián and Sonia faced a significant setback just before their major performance. During rehearsals, Sonia injured her arm and was unable to perform. Despite this, Sebastián chose to proceed with the show and delivered a solo Quarterfinals routine to Shawn Mendes's 'In My Blood'. The NBC show contestants twirled, spun, and flaunted his gravity-defying aerial silks. Despite Sebastián’s outstanding performance, Simon awarded him the Golden Buzzer largely due to his setback. Sebastián would likely have received enough viewer votes to reach the semi-finals, allowing Simon to potentially save other talented artists like Brent Street, Pranysqa Mishra, and Solange Kardinaly.



 

'AGT' Season 19 contestant  Sebastián Jiménez reflects on winning Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer

'AGT' Season 19 contestant Sebastián Jiménez was thrilled to win Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer and his partner Sonia Moreno instantly ran to him for a kiss to celebrate the milestone moment. However, Sebastián expressed that he struggled to perform the act effectively without his partner on stage.

The NBC show star shared, "Right now we feel like everything was worth it. It was a really hard day, I only had three days to [put together] this act, and I just [wanted to do] the best as I could."

Sebastián Jiménez reflects on winning Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer (@nbc)
'AGT' Season 19 contestant Sebastián Jiménez was thrilled to win Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer (@nbc)

Will Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno win 'AGT' Season 19?

'AGT' Season 19 contestants Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno have made it to the finale, where they will compete alongside the Hakuna Matata Acrobats, Airfootworks, and other talented performers. Sonia's injury has likely increased the chances of the acrobat duo receiving more sympathy votes from viewers, which could help them secure a spot in the Top 5 acts.

Additionally, many other talented contestants will be competing in the finale, all aiming to surpass Sebastián and Sonia. The acrobat duo will need to elevate their performance if they want to win this season.

Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno hope to win 'AGT' Season 19 (@nbc)
Sebastián Jiménez and Sonia Moreno hope to win 'AGT' Season 19 (@nbc)

'America's Got Talent' Season 19 airs on NBC on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 pm ET.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Cooke and Batula were first reported to be living separately in November, 2025 and confirmed their separation in a joint statement two months later.
9 hours ago
The star denied ‘RHOBH’ pause rumors, but the conversation around the show's future and her relationship with Mauricio Umansky remains heated.
14 hours ago
Five-time player Rob Mariano reflected on the CBS show’s current season and who he has been rooting for to win.
20 hours ago
Captain Jason made a major decision after learning about Jenna's behavior involving Eddy and Ben
22 hours ago
Jenna’s behavior gets her into trouble, while Ben and Eddy’s friendship takes a turn for the worse.
23 hours ago
Kelsey's joke does not land well as she arrives at Rosie’s house with a siren and a speaker
1 day ago
Ashia plans to meet an attorney to discuss her fiancé, Maxwell’s, visa application
1 day ago
The Season 10 finale will air on May 19, 2026, and the reunion episodes will release on May 26, June 2, and June 9
1 day ago
After K. Michelle shared how she really felt within the group, tension rose among the housewives.
1 day ago
We pick our winner from the Final Five featuring Joe Hunter, Jonathan Young, Aubry Bracco, Rizo Velovic, and Tiffany Ervin
3 days ago