Top 10 America's Got Talent Acts That Should've Gotten the Golden Buzzer

The then 13-year-old Kazakh singer was no stranger to the stage, having performed in Ukraine’s “The Voice Kids” and “Junior Eurovision,” among other shows, before her AGT audition. For the latter, she sang “Tears of Gold” by Faouzia, leaving all our jaws on the ground with a talent way beyond her young age. If we weren’t seeing it with our own two eyes, we’d struggle to believe that a 13-year-old could actually sing like that and carry herself so confidently on the stage. Of course, all the judges said yes, and even Faouzia praised the young singer, calling her performance “amazing.” But did they lose the Golden Buzzer that day or something? Outrageous!

When 19-year-old Kristen Cruz auditioned for season 17, she showed us her big heart and larger-than-life vocal talents. Cruz was on a mission to prove so-called industry standards mean squat, and she knocked it out of the park. Singing Everybody Loves an Outlaw’s “I See Red,” Cruz left the judges practically speechless. She has an outstanding voice, and her stage presence is already at a superstar level. Cruz totally made the song her own and injected her heart and soul into every note. Her voice, maturity, and ease with which she relays emotion are far beyond her young age. Just one question? Where on earth was her Golden Buzzer? She was robbed!

We think we can speak for all AGT fans when we say that Preacher Lawson is one of the funniest comedians the show’s ever seen. His set was brief but impactful to the point that even the judges weren’t ready for it to end. Meanwhile, we were laughing so hard that we were struggling to catch our breath between jokes. His delivery is perfect, he radiates such joyous energy, and he’s just so darn funny. The biggest joke is that not one judge hit the Golden Buzzer - though it's more like one of those jokes that falls flat and leaves everyone confused and trying to make sense of what just happened.

Bryant’s story taught us that it’s never too late to unlock new passions and chase your dreams. The young aerialist discovered this while trying to find his place in the world, and to quote Simon Cowell, he’s “ridiculously good.” He has such poise, elegance, and beautiful lines that it’s hard to believe that he’s completely self-taught. Indeed, the teen went from a curious 14-year-old tying his grandma’s bedsheets to a tree to an AGT finalist in just two years. The judges were impressed enough to send him through to the next round, but apparently not enough to hit that Golden Buzzer. We find that as dizzying as Bryant’s many spins.

Who knew that magic could make us ugly cry? But that’s exactly what Dustin Tavella achieved when he performed this trick inspired by his adopted son. Tavella shared that he’s inspired by actions that positively impact others as he relayed his son Xander’s adoption story. He tasks each judge and host, Terry Crews, to provide details from a time and date to a name, a card, and an inspirational word. It’s a stirring performance that left us in shock and awe. The only justifiable reason we can fathom that he didn’t receive the Golden Buzzer is that the judges had been rendered frozen from amazement and admiration. Still, he did win the season.

Opera singer to ventriloquist isn’t exactly your typical career path. In fact, it’s so unusual that you just know you’re in for something unique, and that’s precisely what “Spain’s Got Talent” season six winner Celia Muñoz delivered. Most people spend a lifetime perfecting their craft, but Muñoz supposedly mastered hers in just two years. Her ventriloquy act is something else! She forgoes the usual puppetry approach and instead interacts with her surroundings. It’s so creative and entertaining, and her ability to juggle so many mid-act changes is astounding. And when she stops for a drink of water, but keeps singing? Mind. Blown. If you ask us, this one speaks for itself; get it?

Before their AGT audition, BAD Salsa had been crowned winners of the fourth season of “India’s Got Talent.” But now, they’d captured the hearts of the AGT judges and audiences, not just because their quick-paced, stunt-filled salsa left us all with our hearts in our mouths. With Bivash Chowdhury directing, performers Sonali Majumder and Sumanth Maroju performed a Salsa with a twist. The lightning-speed moves and breathtaking lifts pay homage to the Latin dance style, but their choreography is infused with nods to their home country. Still no Golden Buzzer? The judges sure have some explaining to do! At least BAD Salsa deservingly made it to the finals.

Singer, Wyn Starks, moved the judges with his touching tribute to his late twin brother, but not enough to score a Golden Buzzer. And he wasn't the only one snubbed this season, either. Pole dancer and winner of "Australia's Got Talent" in 2019, Kristy Sellars, put on a show like nothing we'd ever seen before. Combining impressive choreography with an interactive backdrop projection, she elevated her routine into a creative, immersive, and riveting showstopper. Audiences and judges alike were gripped by her original concept, stunning choreography, and dynamic showmanship. Indeed, it was a resounding "yes" from all the judges. But if that wasn't Golden Buzzer worthy, we don't know what is.

In season 13, the judges overlooked at least two Golden Buzzer-worthy performances. Trapeze act “Duo Transcend’s” daring, death-defying performance, and mesmerizing magician Shin Lim. Lim appeared in season 13 and “The Champions” season one, failing to secure the buzzer either time. What more does this guy have to do!? His sleight of hand card tricks are phenomenal, and he performs with such showmanship, carefully choreographing each step. No one could quite believe what they were seeing. It’s so crazily impressive that the Golden Buzzer wishes it had Shin Lim among its ranks. Luckily even without it, the magician impressed audiences enough to win both his seasons, and he was propelled into stardom.

Hailing from the Philippines, this insanely talented musician won “Pilipinas (Philippines) Got Talent” in 2011. He reached the finals once more in the second installment of the “AGT Champions” series, finishing in a very respectable fourth place. But let’s remind ourselves of that jaw-dropping moment when he began to sing during his audition. We couldn’t quite believe our ears, and the way he effortlessly moves between tenor and soprano voices still feels unreal. The judges were as awestruck by his voice as the rest of us, but left it to the Superfans to send him straight to the Semifinals. The judges were right not to award him the Golden Buzzer. He deserved Platinum.