America’s Got Talent Season 19 reached a dramatic peak on Aug. 20 when Japanese dance and acrobatic group Airfootworks delivered a performance that ignited a heated response from the judges. See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The group’s gravity-defying routine set off a friendly clash between Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, culminating in an unprecedented double Golden Buzzer moment (kind of).
As Airfootworks concluded their intricate and masterfully executed performance, which was set to “Celestial” by Ed Sheeran , Simon exclaimed, “Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,” before lunging for the Golden Buzzer. However, Howie, who was officially assigned the buzzer for the night, quickly intervened. In a split-second move, Mandel pressed the buzzer just before Cowell could, securing Airfootworks a direct path to the finals.
The ensuing moment was filled with lighthearted chaos, as both judges vied for credit. A video replay confirmed that Mandel had narrowly outpaced Cowell to the buzzer. “I feel like I’ve been abused!” Mandel quipped, as the two exchanged playful banter over who deserved the accolade.
Mandel then joined Airfootworks on stage to personally commend them, saying, “You guys are athletes, you guys are dancers...
you guys are magicians. I don’t know how you do it, but what you just did was absolutely brilliant.” Cowell, still reveling in the moment, admitted, “I just couldn’t help myself! It was suc.