'America's Got Talent' 15th Anniversary Special: Top 5 most viral moments in the show's illustrious history
'America's Got Talent' is celebrating its 15th anniversary, a massive milestone for a show very few had faith in when it first premiered. But from its humble beginnings in a tiny audition room to the massive stage it boasts now, this show has grown far beyond anything anyone could have ever predicted.
From odd and confusing acts like Special Head and Tape Face to ground-breaking and inspiring ones such as Light Balance and V Unbeatable, AGT has seen some of the best the world has to offer. Most of these acts have gone on to be global superstars, from landing regular spots in Las Vegas to inking record and movie deals to performing at landmark events including the Superbowl halftime show. Fan favorites like Shin Lim, the magician who paved the way while also upping the ante for magic acts on the show, also made an appearance today. There was also past winner Grace Vanderwaal, whose stunning vocals and original music earned her over 260,000,000 views and put her at number six on the AGT countdown to their top viral moments.
Notable mention, of course, must go to Men With Pans, who earned 231,000,000 views and the number eight spot on the list. Their appearance in today's episode may have surprised a few, considering what their act actually was. Many odd acts have graced the AGT stage in its history, but Men With Pans take the cake. Showing up in chef outfits which they promptly shed, the two nude artistes took great pains to cover themselves up with pans, evidently traumatizing Cowell who hit his red buzzer right away. Nonetheless, the act went on to be of the show's most viral, something Cowell is definitely unhappy about.
But oddities aside, the show's top five most viral moments ultimately went to fan favorites. Check them out below.
5. Angelica Hale (296,000,000 views)
Hale made her biggest dreams come true on the AGT stage, dreams she concocted while lying in a hospital bed and recovering from kidney failure, knowing she would one day sing in front of this audience. She passed the auditions with flying colors, later returning during Judge Cuts. And as she belted out Alicia Keys' 'Girl on Fire', you could really feel every word that came out of this tiny singer. Guest judge Chris Hardwick certainly did, because he hit his Golden Buzzer and put her straight through to the finals. Hale would finish as the runner-up in Season 12, losing to fellow top fiver Darci Lynne.
4. Courtney Hadwin (310,000,000 views)
Thirteen-year-old Hadwin was so nervous and terrified when she walked out on the AGT stage that she almost couldn't speak. And the fear nearly stopped her from being able to perform at all. But thankfully, she did. And not one person was prepared for the massive rockstar voice and persona that emerged. Hadwin's performance of Otis Redding's 'Hard to Handle' was enough to earn her Howie Mandel's Golden Buzzer as well as comparisons to Janis Joplin. It also would up being one of the greatest performances in the fifteen-year history of the show and one of Cowell's greatest regrets, because he wished he'd been the one to give her the Golden Buzzer instead.
3. Darci Lynne (350,000,000 views)
Shy little Darci Lynne found her voice in ventriloquism, and along with her friend, the bunny Petunia, Lynne made her AGT dreams come true. What made her stand out, aside from her charming personality and comedic timing, was the absolutely stunning vocals she delivered both as herself and as Petunia. As Mandel noted, "She could have competed as a singer," but she took it to the next level by singing while also performing ventriloquism, something the show hadn't quite seen up to that point. And judge Melanie B was clearly moved because she hit her Golden Buzzer for the young performer, putting her straight through to the live show.
2. Zurcaroh (423,000,000 views)
Dance troupe Zurcaroh originated in Brazil, thanks to choreographer Peterson da Cruz Hora, who knew that the region needed an alternative to crime. Recognizing the power of dance to help individuals, especially youth, escape the cycle of violence and rise above their surroundings, Hora put together his troupe and brought them to the 'AGT' stage. But watching them perform their fusion of dance, acrobatics and death-defying stunts, it's hard to believe that this was a troupe of untrained performers. Cowell described it as being "as near to perfection as you will ever get", and the remarkable act had host Tyra Banks running out screaming, all the way to the Golden Buzzer.
1. Kodi Lee (432,000,000 views)
Kodi Lee showed up to the AGT stage along with his mother who revealed he was blind and had autism. But recognizing he was an entertainer from a young age, she ensured he had the opportunity to pursue his dreams. And as the judges and audience waited with bated breath, Lee began playing the piano, before launching into 'A Song For You' and flooring everyone watching and listening to him perform. That he earned a standing ovation from an audience in tears should surprise absolutely no one. Lee's story and spirit were both remarkable enough, but his stunning vocals are easily some of the best in the history of AGT. Gabrielle Union hit her Golden Buzzer, and there probably wasn't a single dry eye around. Lee's audition was and will remain one of the greatest moments in AGT history, no matter how many seasons go by.