[wind blowing]
[bright orchestral music]
* *
[scraping]
- [sinister voice, echoing] Simon...
[fire crackling]
Simon, the time has come.
[dramatic music]
* *
[muffled cheers]
* *
- [echoing] I don't like it.
[rumbling]
- I love it.
[cheers and applause]
[Sly & The Family Stone's "I Want To Take You Higher]
[upbeat funk music]
- * I want to take you higher, yeah *
* Let me take you higher *
- We have never seen anything like this.
- * Let me light your fire *
[laughter] - Oh, my God!
- * Higher *
- Man, season 17 is just blowing my mind.
- * Boom laka-laka-laka, Boom laka-lak-goon-ka boo *
- Hurry up!
[audience shouting]
- How did he do that? How did he do that?
[cymbal clangs]
- I inherited my father's jeans.
- Did you have a few drinks during dinner?
- * Don't ya wanna get higher, yeah *
[buzzer] * Don't ya wanna get higher *
- Get your ass over here!
- You're on fire!
- * Light your fire *
* Whoo, hah *
* Move it higher *
* *
[music slows down]
- All of us were willing you to be good.
[echoing] I didn't know you were gonna be great.
- * Don't ya wanna get higher? *
* Yeah, yeah, baby, let me light your fire *
- Yah! - That was spectacular!
- * Whoo, hah *
- So I'm gonna have to say yes!
- * Boom laka-laka-laka, Boom laka-lak-goon-ka boo *
* Higher *
- I love you!
- [tearful] Thank you.
- This is my dreams coming true.
- The best, probably, of the show
is moments like this.
And I want to make this a moment for you
to remember forever.
- * Ah, ah, ah, ah! Ah, ah, ah, ah! *
[cheers and applause]
- * I believe, I believe when it's all meant to be *
* All roads lead to sweet destiny *
* Burning in your soul like a thousand degrees *
* Lord knows we got some tricks up our sleeve *
[cheers and applause] * Magic, break me off *
* So come alive and step out of the door *
- Give it up, folks!
Give it up for the host of "America's Got Talent,"
Terry Crews!
* *
- Put your hands together for Howie Mandel!
Heidi Klum!
Sofía Vergara!
And Simon Cowell!
- * 'Cause we're made from the stars *
[cheers and applause]
- So are you guys ready? - Yes!
- Let's go. Season 17, y'all!
* *
- So thrilled to be back.
It's like we never left. - It's literally that--
- Doesn't it feel like that? - Yeah.
- Here we go, folks. It's time to do this thing.
- Hi, everyone.
all: Hi!
- How you doing?
How are you?
- Yo, this is crazy.
- Look at how many people are here.
- Whoa.
- I love you, Simon!
- I actually love you too.
[cheers and applause]
- Let's go, let's go!
* *
- Welcome.
- Thank you so much. We're so happy to be here.
The emotions are running wild right now,
and we are here to represent Chicago in the best way.
Thank you so much.
[cheers and applause] - Yeah!
- Well, you look amazing. I want to hear all about you.
I want to hear your story
and why you decided to enter the show.
- We are The Pack Drumline from Chicago, Illinois.
We've been at this for a very long time.
In 2014, we started as an at-risk after-school program.
- And sorry, who started it? - I started it.
I'm the founding director. - Oh, you did?
- Sorry, my name is Perry. [cheers and applause]
Listen, Simon, I'm sorry.
I've been waiting to meet you for a long time,
and I'm looking at you. - By the way, likewise.
[laughter]
- We started as an at-risk after-school program,
and we just really wanted to work and develop the kits.
We had no money when we started off.
Honestly, this program started as bucket drums and PVC pipes.
And we were just really just trying to make our own drums
and--at 2015-2016, our budget was cut in Chicago,
and a lot of our members left, and everybody who was left
is who is here right now.
And we really had to make this dream come alive.
So everyone that's here has been fighting
for something and just--and we--
- Wow. - Thank you.
We just really here to represent our city,
represent our loved ones, and to represent ourselves.
So thank you so much for having us.
[cheers and applause] - Yes.
- Well, we always say on this show,
two minutes literally can change your life,
so I wish you the best of luck.
- Thank you so much.
- Let's go, Pack!
[cheers and applause]
[drumming]
[whistle blowing]
- * I got, I got, I got, I got *
* Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA *
* Quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA *
* I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA *
* I transform like this, perform like this *
* Was Yeshua new weapon *
* I don't contemplate, I meditate *
* Then off your [...]ing head *
* This that put-the-kids-to-bed *
* This that I got, I got, I got, I got *
* Realness, I just kill [...] 'cause it's in my DNA *
[cheers and applause] - Yeah!
- * I got riches buildin' in my DNA *
* I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA *
* I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA *
* I just win again, then win again
* Like Wimbledon, I serve *
* Yeah, that's him again *
* The sound that engine in is like a bird *
* You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt *
* The boulevard *
* I know how you work, I know just who you are *
* See, you's a, you's a, you's a *
[beat changes]
- [laughing]
Yeah!
* *
- * Y'all gon' make me lose my mind *
[cheers and applause] * Up in here, up in here *
* Y'all gon' make me go all out *
* Up in here, up in here *
* Y'all gon' make me act a fool *
* Up in here, up in here *
- Yes!
- * Y'all gon' make me lose my cool *
* Up in here, up in here *
* One, two, meet me outside *
- * Get up, get up * - * Meet me outside *
- Whoo!
- * Gon' meet me outside *
* Meet me outside, meet me outside *
* All my ladies gon' love me when they meet me outside *
* Meet me outside, meet me outside *
* All my fly ladies... * - * Hands in the air! *
* Meet me outside, meet me outside *
[drumming]
- Whoa!
[cheers and applause]
- Yeah!
[Guy Sebastian's "Battle Scars"]
[inspirational music]
Incredible!
* *
- Yeah!
Yes!
- * These battle scars don't look like they're fading *
* Don't look like they're ever going away *
* They ain't never gonna change *
- Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.
Well, Sofía?
- You guys are already an amazing show.
I think you guys are gonna do really,
really good in this competition.
- Thank you so much. [cheers and applause]
- Heidi?
- I thought it was sexy. [laughter]
I could see Sofía was like, jiggling under that table.
She was like, "Mm-hmm."
I was doing the same thing.
I know you all were doing it too.
It's really cool because you mix music of today
and then you put your drums into it.
And also, the choreography was great--drumming upside down.
Great performance. - Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
- Howie? - I'm absolutely blown away.
I feel your hearts.
You're not beating on your drums,
your hearts are pounding all over this room...
- Thank you. - All over the country.
- Thank you so much.
- I love you!
- Thank you so much. Thank you so much.
- Aw.
- You know, people ask me about what is the best part
of doing this job, and it's moments like this.
When you see and hear something you've never seen
or heard before, which is original, dynamic.
This is exactly what this show is all about,
and I think-- - Thank you so much.
- It's all over your faces how much this means to you.
And this, I believe, is gonna make a big difference,
I hope. - Thank you so much.
[cheers and applause] - Amazing audition.
I loved it, loved it, loved it.
Let's start with Howie.
[rhythmic clapping] - Yes!
* *
- It's a yes.
- Yes!
- You have...
4,000 yeses. Congratulations.
- * These battle scars don't look like they're fading *
* Don't look like they're ever going away *
* They ain't never gonna change *
* These battle scars don't look like they're fading *
* Don't look like they're ever going away *
- Thank you. Thank you.
- * They ain't never gonna change *
* These battle scars don't look like they're fading *
* Don't look like they're ever going away *
- Hey, listen, I can't wait for you to come back.
You've got through the show with four yeses.
It's incredible!
* *
Coming up...
- Wow!
We weren't expecting that.
- JoJo Siwa?
- You play with your heart, and we feel it.
- I mean, I'm in shock.
- I've never seen anything like that.
- Sit, sit. Pepino.
[audience groans] - Oh, God.
- You touched the heart of every human being.
- You probably don't even know how good you are.
- You will change the world!
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat pop music]
[cheers and applause]
* *
[excited squeals]
- AGT!
- Work it!
- You wanna show the world what you got?
- Oh, Simon.
- We're gonna be standing right where
Grace VanderWaal has stood, Angelica Hale,
Darci Lynne has been on there.
That's where their career boosted and like,
we could be one of those people.
[girls harmonizing]
- We're ready for you.
[excited squeals]
- Let's go. - Let's go, girls.
- All right, go on out there and meet the judges, guys.
Come on out, come on out.
- * What you wait, what you wait, what you waiting for? *
[cheers and applause]
* *
- Sparkly.
- Whoo!
- Well, well, well, well, well.
* *
- They've already got a fan club.
- Let's go! - My gosh.
[laughs] That was huge. Who are you?
all: We are XOMG POP!
[cheers and applause]
- Tell me about XOMG POP!
- XOMG POP! is a girl group
created by JoJo Siwa and Jessalynn Siwa.
[cheers and applause] - Wait, JoJo Siwa?
- Okay. - Wow.
JoJo's like a superstar dancer.
- Yeah. - Wow.
- And we are super excited to perform for you guys.
[cheers and applause]
- So I'm guessing this is about world domination, yeah?
[laughter] - Kinda, yeah.
Well, in a music way and loving everybody as we do it.
- Of course. - That's right. Yes. Yes.
- Yeah, Tinie!
- And the song--this is an original song?
- Yes, this is "Candy Hearts."
[cheers and applause] - Yeah!
- Okay. I'm really excited to hear what you're gonna do.
all: Thank you! - Good luck.
[cheers and applause]
- Wow. - This'll be fun.
[upbeat pop music]
all: * Ca-ca-candy, ca-ca-ca-candy *
* Ca-ca-candy, ca-ca-ca-candy *
* We are sweet like ca-a-a-a-andy *
- * Sprinkles in our eyes *
* Cotton candy on our minds *
* Sugar hypnotized *
all: * Iye-iye-iye-ized *
both: * 'Cause we're all cutie pies *
* In a cupcake state of mind *
* Feeling energized *
all: * Iye-iye-iye-ized *
* Now everybody stop *
* We're the new kids on the block *
* And we're coming here to rock *
- * With a cherry on top *
all: * We got candy hearts *
* Be-be-be-be-beating *
* We got candy hearts *
* We are the sweetest things you'll ever meet *
* And we're a treat *
* 'Cause we are sweet *
* Like ca-a-a-a-andy * - Let's go!
- * Betty Crocker vs Tinie T *
* Every single day is trick or treat *
* I'm rising up like a bakery *
* I'm blowing you kisses like Hershey's *
all: * Mwah *
- * I'm the best rapper since Eminem *
all: * 'Cause all I eat are M&M's *
- * My microphone is a lollipop *
all: Hey! - * With a cherry on top *
all: * We got candy hearts *
* Be-be-be-be-beating *
* We got candy hearts *
* We are the sweetest things you'll ever meet *
* And we're a treat *
* 'Cause we are sweet *
* Like ca-a-a-a-andy * - Hey!
all: * Ca-ca-candy, ca-ca-ca-candy *
* Ca-ca-candy, ca-ca-ca-candy *
* We are sweet like ca-a-a-a-andy *
* Candy hearts *
* We got candy hear-hearts we got candy *
* Candy hearts *
* We got candy hear-hearts we got candy hearts *
- [vocalizing]
[cheers and applause]
all: * Ca-ca-candy, ca-ca-ca-candy *
* Ca-ca-candy, ca-ca-ca-candy *
* We are sweet like ca-a-a-a-andy *
- We're blowing up like bubblegum!
[music stops]
[wild cheering]
[JoJo Siwa's "Every Girl's a Super Girl"]
[upbeat pop music]
- * Every girl's a super girl *
* Fearless, unstoppable courageous, invincible *
* We're human, unshakable *
* Every girl's a super girl *
- Okay. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.
That's how you do it.
Howie?
- I have a granddaughter that's seven years old.
This is the concert that she would want to be at.
This is what she would want to see.
You should have your own show, you should be touring.
And I think that's exactly what you're gonna do.
all: Thank you!
- Heidi?
- I remember when JoJo was still
JoJo with a BowBow, and she was your guys' age.
This was everything and more.
Everyone is on point here. Everyone is so special.
[cheers and applause]
- That was so much fun.
Every little girl in America is gonna go crazy
when they see you on "AGT."
[cheers and applause]
- Uh, I'm gonna be honest with you, I didn't like it.
[music stops] - What?
[audience booing]
- I...
loved it!
[upbeat music continues] all: Thank you!
- I mean, come on.
What's there not to like about you?
- Exactly.
- Your energy, your enthusiasm--
it was like a little mini explosion.
I'm really, really, really am excited and happy
that you came to audition for us.
all: Thank you so much. Thank you.
- * Every girl's a super girl *
- Okay. Are we gonna put you through to the next round?
Howie? - Yes.
[cheers and applause] - One yes.
- Heidi? - Yes.
all: Thank you! - Sofía?
- A super yes!
all: Thank you!
- You have four yeses.
You are going through to the next round.
[cheers and applause]
- * Fearless, unstoppable, courageous, invincible *
* We're human, unshakable *
* Every girl's a super girl *
* Down to earth, we run the world *
* Every girl's a super girl
- Literally, I'm the biggest "AGT" fan.
- Their outfits are incredible.
- Yeah, you guys did it!
XOMG POP! Yeah!
[cheers and applause]
- He's doing a movie in New York. He was very--
- Hey! - Oh, hey!
- Oh, my God. - How y'all doing?
- Oh, my goodness, Liza! - Look who's here.
- I was just shooting, "Dancing With Myself"
down the street. - Well, welcome.
- This is the brand new show that's gonna premiere after us?
- That's right.
"Dancing With Myself," where 12 contestants get
narrowed down to one dancer that walks away with $25,000.
- What? - Ooh, okay.
- Shakira, Nick and myself are all
teaching dances to these contestants.
- Can you show us some stuff? - I got you.
- I can remove these things for you,
and this can be your stage. - [laughs]
- All right, so you're gonna bounce
what your mother gave you.
Then break your back, and then rock to the right.
Let's play some music.
[dance music] - Bounce with it, ah!
Eh, eh, eh. Rock with it--snap.
Uh! Hey!
- Way to get ready before the show.
Thank you, everybody. [Liza laughs]
* *
[upbeat guitar music]
- Going to camera two. And take two.
- ...to see this energy for season 17.
- I love this feeling.
There's a lot of energy behind me.
- Are you guys ready to get this started?
Let's go!
* *
- It's happening right now, right?
[singer vocalizing]
- * It's good enough for me *
[cheers and applause]
- Wow.
- Hello. - Good evening.
- I can't believe it. Wow.
- Welcome to "America's Got Talent."
What is your name? - My name is Mervant.
- And where are you from, Mervant?
- I'm from Philadelphia, PA. [cheers and applause]
Philly in the house, baby. Philly in the house.
- And, uh, what do you do?
- I'm a magician. - You're magician.
[cheers and applause] - A magician.
- How old are you? - I am 33 years old.
- You make a living doing magic then?
- I do my best. [laughter]
- What got you into magic?
- You know, watching magic, it kind of made me feel like,
you have a real superpower, you know, like growing up.
And I always loved comics and stuff,
and that's the closest thing, right?
Being a magician. So...yeah.
[cheers and applause]
- What does this mean to you?
Why "AGT"?
- You know, if you can do it on this stage,
you could do it anywhere. - Yeah.
- I've been watching this on television for years,
and to possibly have a Vegas show
to tour the world, it would be a dream come true.
It really would. [cheers and applause]
- And do you have any support?
Your family support this? - My family does.
They've been absolutely wonderful.
You know, this past year, I lost my grandmother.
She was one of my biggest supporters in magic.
I remember a couple of years ago, I wanted to quit magic,
and she said, "Don't you dare ever do that."
And even at times when I wasn't performing
a lot of shows, I always practiced.
And this is a testament to stick-to-itiveness,
and I'm happy to be here.
- Good for you.
[cheers and applause]
- The stage is yours.
- Let's do it.
[cheers and applause]
- He is nervous as can be.
- [sighs]
[laid-back music]
"America's Got Talent."
My name is Mervant.
And I know you've seen a lot of magic on this show,
but I want to show you something you've never seen
with a deck of cards.
I want you to watch each and every card closely.
* *
'Cause I have a little story for you.
* *
And it goes like this.
* *
52 cards.
* *
Check it out.
* It goes one for the magic, two for illusion *
* Three for the fact I can mix them both with a fusion *
* Four for the suits of the playing cards that I'm using *
* So I'ma be the only one performer who would do this *
* Five finger discounts led me a decent sleight of hand *
* I got a sixth sense for this, it's like I'm Spider-man *
* Seven different wonders of the world *
* There's some great ones *
* Magic, music, illusion *
* I'm trying to be the eighth one *
* We make classics *
* It's the fly version of Dai Vernon *
* Look close, I'm talking eyes burning *
* This is just another lesson *
* I'm lucky like number seven *
* Wouldn't believe this rap had five versions *
* But the sixth set may be the best yet, you know why? *
* 'Cause I wear a king suit, no tie *
* Blindfolds on, I put 'em down with no eyes *
* Cards disappear like in front of your nose *
* I got one heart for two arts *
* So I have to grind *
* Otherwise, I'll be sitting around feeling asinine *
* Jack of all trades, gold thoughts that I have to mine *
* Always trying to change my two tens *
* That's a paradigm *
* A pair of dimes, I'd probably go see ya *
* Pair of dimes, like Heidi and Sofía *
[cheers and applause]
* I'ma show 'em if they'll allow me *
* To show you how I'm good with the jokes, like Howie *
* Doing this for Simon so the world might hear me *
* Crews to the tavern, get jacked like Terry *
* So whether you were born a jack, a queen, or an ace *
* Or raised as a diamond, joker, spade, or a eight *
* There's 7 billion people in the world *
* And we're all connected *
* The different colors of the globe as the cards reflected *
* They're all from the same box when the cards' collected *
* So if the deck is incomplete, then we're all affected *
* Be like the seven to the Q and the A3 *
* To be like playing cards and spread L-O-V-E *
Thank you. [cheers and applause]
[uplifting pop music]
Wow.
* *
Thank you. Oh, my God. [chuckles]
- You can put that on the radio right now.
[cheers and applause] - Thank you.
- Wow is right. Sofía?
- Well, this was definitely a first for me.
Rap and magic at the same time?
How do you even figure out that you could do this?
- I am super inspired by watching musicals.
I always wanted to like, write a hip-hop musical
that had magic in it.
- That's cool.
- I do magic. Why not write a rap about that?
[cheers and applause]
- I had the best time watching you.
It was fantastic.
It was a fabulous, fabulous, fabulous audition.
- Simon?
- That was honestly incredible.
- Thank you. [cheers and applause]
- I mean, really, really incredible.
I'm just--I'm actually quite angry with you,
because why haven't you auditioned before?
[cheers and applause] I mean, it was so slick.
We were all literally like, "How the hell did you do that?"
- Wow. Thank you.
Thank you.
- That was amazing.
The best things are worth waiting for,
and that was one of the best magic acts I have ever seen.
And I feel the energy of your grandmother in the room
right now, and she's making me give you the first vote of yes.
[cheers and applause]
Heidi?
- I'm gonna give you a second yes, of course.
[cheers and applause]
- Sofía?
- Three.
[cheers and applause] - Simon?
- I'm not gonna give you four yeses,
I'm gonna give you 4,000 yeses.
- Four yeses!
- * Yeah *
[cheers and applause]
* *
- Seems like a really nice guy. - That was great.
That was so different. I've never seen that.
Have you seen that? - Never.
- Mervant, I can't wait to see what you got next.
- I can't wait to either.
- Congratulations, my man. God bless you.
- * I wonder what it's like to be loved by you *
- Oh!
Give yourself
a round of applause,
because you guys are amazing!
[cheers and applause]
[somber music]
[line ringing]
- Hiya.
- Oh. I'm about to go onstage now.
I'm so nervous.
I wish you was all here.
- Thank you very much.
- Love you too. Thank you.
- Go out there, man. Make it happen.
Brother, it's all you, man.
We're waiting for you. Thank you, sir.
- All right. Here we go.
[cheers and applause]
- Hi.
- Hello.
Welcome.
- Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- And who are you?
- I am Lee Collinson. I'm 21.
I'm from England. - Oh.
[cheers and applause] - Wow.
- Tell me what the dream is, Lee.
- The dream is to just be making music.
Whether that's a studio, whether that's touring,
whether that's singing.
I just want to be able to quit my day job and just do music.
- What's the day job?
- My day job is a fencer, not sword fighting.
Everyone says sword fighting. [laughter]
It's putting up fences, like domestic and gardens.
- Have you been to America before?
- No, first time. - Oh.
- You like it? - Love it.
The food is amazing.
I'm paying for it, but it's amazing.
- Okay, what's the song, and tell me,
please, why you chose it?
- It's Dermot Kennedy, uh, "Better Days."
I chose it because recent times obviously
have been really tough for everyone,
and it's just saying, obviously, we're going up now.
It's better to move on.
Lost a friend during lockdown.
Like, for me, it's very personal,
so I love it. - Okay.
And Lee, it's about what--half past 5:00, 6:00
in the morning in the UK-- are they waiting for the call?
- Yeah, yeah. Everyone's got alarms on.
My mom's waiting, and yeah, so...
- Aw. - All right, Lee, good luck.
- Thank you very much. Thank you.
[cheers and applause]
- That's so cute. - Very.
- That's gotta be hard.
Being so far away from home, alone.
- Never been here yet.
- Thank you very much.
[breathing shakily]
[cheers and applause]
[pensive music]
* *
- * See, better days are coming *
* If no one told you *
* I hate to hear you cryin' *
* On the phone, dear *
* For seven years runnin' *
* You've been a soldier *
* But better days are comin' *
* See, better days are comin' for you *
* Oh, so when the night feels like forever *
* Oh, I'll remember what you said to me *
* I know you've been hurtin' *
* *
* Waitin' on a train that just won't come *
* The rain, it ain't permanent *
* And soon, we'll be dancin' in the sun *
* We'll be dancin' in the sun *
* And we'll sing our song together *
[cheers and applause] * Oh *
* Sing our song together, no, no *
* *
* Your story's gonna change *
* Just wait for better days *
* You've seen so much pain *
* Now, you don't even know *
* That your story's gonna change *
* Just wait for better days *
* I promise you, I won't let go *
[wild cheering]
* I know you've been hurting *
* *
* Waiting on a train that just won't come, no *
* The rain, it ain't permanent *
* And soon, we'll be dancing in the sun *
* We'll be dancing in the sun *
* No, yeah *
* Oh *
* So we'll sing our song together, no, yeah *
* I'ma sing our song together, sing, oh *
* Sing our song together *
[cheers and applause] Thank you very much.
[uplifting music]
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- * Holding back the flood in this skyscraper town *
- Thank you.
- Standing O from the judges.
- * You gave all that sweat and blood *
* Now you think you're gonna drown *
* You can't tell that you're bigger than the sea *
* That you're sinking in *
- Good for you, Lee.
- Thank you. - Howie.
- People don't understand at home the pressure that is
felt when somebody just walks out and stands on that stage.
And then when you take somebody as young as you are,
this is your first time in America.
And for you to take all that pressure and just
explode it off your shoulders and raise the roof
in this room is truly amazing.
[wild cheering] Great job.
- Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- Heidi? - Yes.
- I think it was worth it, going on that
14-hour plane ride to come here.
- Yeah, yeah. - I really liked it.
You can sing, you look great, you have stage presence.
You nailed it. - Thank you very much.
Thank you. - Sofía?
- I don't know.
For some reason, the moment you stood there
and started talking, it was like, I love it.
I know I'm gonna love it.
I even told him, it's like,
he has such a beautiful personality.
- Thank you. - I was really hoping
that you had a great voice too. [chuckles]
And it was amazing.
Good for you. - Thank you very much.
Thank you.
- You know what?
There's something really charming
and humble and likeable about you,
and you probably don't even know how good you are.
- Thank you.
- And I hope this is the beginning
of something really special for you.
I really do. - Thank you very much.
- Can we call your mom with you?
- Oh, my God. - Yes, let's go.
[cheers and applause]
- Well, let's hope she answers.
- You have your phone?
Oh, here it is. Here it is.
- Lee, come down here. - Come down here.
Come down here. - Put her on FaceTime.
- If she's just woken up, she's gonna kill me.
- Oh my gosh, she's in pajamas.
- We want to see what your mom looks like
when she just wakes up. - Yeah.
- If she doesn't answer, I'm very sorry.
Oh, oh. [phone beeps]
All right? - Is it FaceTime?
- Mom, look.
[cheers and applause]
- [laughs] That's absolutely amazing.
- The screens off. She's shy. Let me put this by the phone.
Can you--can you hear us? - Yes.
- This is Howie Mandel, American sex symbol.
[laughter] Here.
- We love your son. [cheers and applause]
- Oh, my God.
- Hi! [laughter]
- What's your mom's name? - Sherry, Sherry.
- Sherry? - Yeah?
- Yeah, he was terrible.
[laughter]
Um, I just wanted to ask you why you put him on the plane.
[laughter]
- 'Cause he's absolutely wonderful
and he does deserve to be there.
- Okay, well, actually, I'm messing with you, Sherry.
We haven't voted yet, but we just wanted to wake you up.
And it was your son's idea to do this.
- Don't blame me. You're gonna get me in trouble.
- Anything you'd like to say to him?
- Just I love him so much.
- I love him so much. - Well, nice to talk to you.
- Yeah, but we have to vote. - Oh, okay, fine.
You can actually hear then, all right.
We've never done this before. Lee's about to go back onstage.
- She must be so confused. [chuckles]
- We're going to start with someone called Howie.
- Sherry, I want you to hear me
give your son his first yes!
- Thank you. [cheers and applause]
- One down. Heidi?
- It's a yes for me! - Thank you very much.
- Sherry, good job. Yes! - Amazing.
- Lee, Sherry, you have four yeses.
Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
[wild cheering]
[cheers and applause]
- Thank you very much. - Good for you. Well done.
[cheers and applause]
- Good luck in the competition.
- Good luck. - Wow.
- Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
- Love you too.
[hooves clopping]
- Pepino, what are you looking for?
You looking for Heidi? Maybe she's over there.
Nope. How about over there?
No, not there.
[upbeat music]
- Okay, here we go, guys. Clearing stage.
- Oh, wow. - Oh, no.
- Is that real? - I want one.
- Hello. - Hi.
- Aw.
- Who are you? - My name is David Lichman.
I'm from Sacramento, California,
and this is my friend Pepino.
- Pepino? all: Aw!
- Are you excited to be here?
- Pepino, are you excited?
- Aw.
- All right, we want to see what Pepino will do for us.
Good luck. - Thank you.
- Good luck, Pepino.
- He's wearing shoes. - The shoes, everything.
- Pepino, here, here, here, here. Very good.
[fanfare playing]
Sit, sit.
- He's a little nervous.
- He's very interested in Heidi, and I think he's
a little shy because he's now finally getting to meet you.
- What about me? [laughter]
- Sit, sit. Sit, sit.
Pepino, sit. [laughter]
- This isn't gonna go well, is it?
- Sit. Good sitting, good sitting.
Good, good, good, good, good. Sit. Very good!
- Bravo! - He sat down.
[cheers and applause]
- Okay, here's the tricky part. [laughter]
Let's go--oh.
- Oh, God. [laughter]
- All right. Sit, sit, sit, sit.
[Pepino snorts]
You know how to do this. [laughter]
- Let's move on. - Oh. Okay, wish me luck.
Cue the drumroll!
[drumming]
* *
Sunday! Sunday!
- Ah, there he goes. - This way, this way, this way.
Here, here, here. - There he literally goes.
[Terry laughs]
- [chuckles] He wants out.
- Goodbye, Pepino!
- Pepino, here. - Let's go on with the show.
Let's continue with the show.
- Pepino, here. Here.
- Next! - Here.
* How lucky can one guy be? *
- I'm, like, nervous because
there are so many different types of acts here.
- We got this.
- It's the best of the best.
It's "America's Got Talent."
- * Ain't that a kick in the head? *
- Hello. What is your name?
- I'm Joe. I'm from Austria.
I came here to perform a song dedicated to my wife.
- Ah, that's nice.
I want my husband to come and sing too.
- Okay, we want to hear you sing.
[slow ballad music]
- * Close your eyes *
* Give me your hand, darling *
* Do you feel my heart beating? *
[audience booing]
* Do you understand * - Get off the stage!
[buzzer] - * Do you feel the same?
* Am I only dreaming *
[buzzer]
* Is this burning an eternal flame? *
- No! - * Say my name *
- I'm feeling hot.
- * Sun shines through the rain *
* A whole life so lonely *
- I can feel the heat. He's on fire!
- * And then come and ease the pain *
- [screams] [buzzer]
* I don't want to lose this feeling, oh *
- Do not try this at home!
- * Oh * - His head is on fire!
[buzzer]
- [shrieks]
- Oh, my God.
[audience booing]
- I don't think your wife is gonna like this.
- * Ain't that a hole in the boat *
- Smells like a bad barbecue in here.
- I think the good news is you've
given us a good idea for a new show.
When you're not very good, we just set fire to you.
[laughter]
- It's a no for me. - No.
What is going on today?
How can this be the first day?
- * Beautiful *
- All right, so who do we have coming up?
- We have a guy who plays the violin with their feet.
Someone that's dressed as a cow who plays the drums.
And then some people who do yoga with goats and alpacas.
[music distorts]
- * Tell me quick *
- Go ahead on your yoga mats and Warrior Pose.
You goat this. - What are we doing?
- I don't know. - It's coming. It's coming.
* *
[goat bleats] - Oh.
- Hang on. We got this. The goats are just warming up.
Here we go. Be ready, guys, be ready.
They will now go back through.
- What's happening? - Hang on.
We goat this.
[audience booing]
- It didn't go too well.
- We can take it up a notch
when we get through to the next round.
- Taking it up a notch from where you went
is not a big deal.
I could take it up a notch. [laughter]
- I just want one goat.
- We're supposed to judge, we're not supposed to take.
[goat bleats]
- Oh, I'm so happy that we were able to steal them.
- Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Guys. You guys are stealing livestock.
- We only took two.
They have, like, eight left for them.
- Did you tell anybody or did you just go backstage and grab?
* *
- You ready to meet the judges? - I'm nervous.
I'm scared of Simon, not gonna lie.
- Oh, no, it's okay. He's--he's good.
He's in a good mood right now.
- Dreadful. Dreadful!
* *
- Hi, what's your name?
- I'm Jack Grady. I'm from Cleveland, Ohio.
- What are you gonna do for us?
- I'm a magician.
- Oh, wow. Good luck.
[dramatic music]
- Judges, I wrote you a poem.
I mixed my poem with magic.
Have you ever seen Shin Lim do this?
We take a bottle-- becomes a glass.
Where'd it go? It's in my--
- Oh. [buzzers]
- No! No! [audience booing]
- Wow.
- That was a long trip from Ohio to LA...
[chuckling] To last 30 seconds.
- It's a no for me. - For me, it's also a no.
- Nope. - It's gonna be a no.
- * Tell me quick *
- Bye!
- Why would you wait in line all day long to do that?
- I told you Simon was the one I need to worry about.
- Yeah, well, Howie didn't like it either.
And Heidi, and Sofía. - Well, what can you do?
- Oh, my God. How do we start the new season like this?
[laughter]
- We need somebody good.
- Coming up...
- This is the most original thing I've ever seen.
- They love it!
- I don't think there's anything else to say.
They love you.
[light music]
- This is about to be the first time people
have ever seen anything like this.
* *
My name is Ben Lapidus. I'm 29.
I'm from Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
And I'm a singer-songwriter.
As a kid, I had, like, a ukulele that
I found in the garage and I would sit and just, like,
play melodies that I had heard.
I was mostly raised by my mom.
My dad passed away when I was six.
Totally unexpected.
I just couldn't handle it, and I started
writing songs and recording them.
I've just been...yeah.
Music was my lifeline.
- Why "AGT"?
- It's the biggest stage in the world and this
is what I want to do with my life.
I'm gonna be performing an original song,
and I hope that it resonates with the judges.
[cheers and applause]
- Hello. - Hi.
- Welcome.
Tell us who are you?
- My name is Ben Lapidus.
I am a singer-songwriter. [cheers and applause]
- So how long have you been a singer-songwriter?
- I've been writing songs since I was 14,
and I've just never stopped.
- Are you making money doing this?
- For work, I'm a sound designer
for narrative podcasts.
And this is just something I always do and never stopped,
so I'm just so thrilled to be here, you know?
[cheers and applause]
- What song are you gonna sing for us?
- I'm gonna sing an original.
- Yippee!
Good luck to you, Ben. - Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. [cheers and applause]
* When I get pasta at a restaurant *
* And the waiter comes around with a Parmesan cheese *
* And he says Parmesan and I say, "Please" *
* He gives me a spoonful *
* And says, "Would you like more?" *
* And I say sure, as if it's no big deal *
* As if it's not my reason for *
* Choosing an Italian restaurant in the first place *
[laughter]
* He looks at me and says, "Is that good?" *
* Yeah, that's good, thanks * [laughter]
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
- That's me.
- * Why are they so stingy? *
* Is there a shortage of Parmesan? *
* Is it really that expensive? *
* I just want more cheese, is that so wrong? *
* Just leave it at the table *
[buzzer]
* For God's sake, I'm a grown-up *
* I have rights *
* And I will not be shamed for my cheese intake *
[buzzer]
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
* I will not remain silent *
* I will not give in *
* I will die before I let big Parma win *
- Yeah! - More cheese!
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
- Me too!
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
- I gave him a buzzer!
- * I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
[buzzer]
* I always want more Parmesan *
[audience booing]
- What is going on?
[audience booing]
- That was beautiful. What a beautiful lyric.
- I feel the same way. I always want more Parmesan.
I was right there, I know, I know.
Why are they so stingy on the Parmesan?
- I hate bloody Parmesan.
- What? - It's disgusting.
- What? - No.
- I don't know why I'm even having
this conversation anyway, because...
I don't like Parmesan, I don't like your song.
[audience booing] So I'm saying no.
- Howie, what do you think?
- I got to say I didn't-- I didn't love it.
- Sofía?
- It's a no, I don't know what was happening.
[crowd chanting] Parmesan! Parmesan!
- Wow. - Oh, my God.
- Parmesan! Parmesan!
- No, no.
- Parmesan! Parmesan!
Yes!
This is what's up!
- Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan!
- See, maybe we have to hear it again,
and then it maybe grows on us.
- No! [cheers and applause]
- They want it!
They want it!
[cheers and applause]
- Come on, Ben. Do it again, Ben.
Do it again!
- Let's go. Parmesan!
- * I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
* I will not remain silent *
* I will not give in *
* I will die before I let big Parma win *
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
* I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
Everybody!
all: * I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
* I always want more Parmesan, but I'm embarrassed *
- * I'm embarrassed *
[cheers and applause]
[yelling] The people want more Parmesan!
Give it to 'em!
[loud nonsensical shouting]
Just a little bit of Parmesan!
Please! Please! - Just put it on the plate!
- Okay, Ben. Ben.
[REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight this Feeling"]
- Yes! - You know what?
Um...
I want to kill you right now, 'cause...
- Yeah, me too. - I love you, Simon.
- I can't get that "I want more Parmesan"
out of my brain.
Take the X away.
I'm giving you a yes.
- * I can't fight this feeling any longer *
- Me too.
- * And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow *
- Let's go! - Howie, come on.
- No! [record scratches]
[audience booing] - Okay.
- Sofía!
[crowd chanting] Sofía! Sofía!
- Listen.
[crowd chanting] Sofía! Sofía!
- They love it!
It's the power of the people.
- Sometimes you got to listen to the public.
- Okay, so, I guess I'm gonna have to say yes!
- * And I can't fight this feeling anymore *
- Yes!
- Ah!
- * I've forgotten what I've started fighting for *
- Thank you. Thank you.
- * It's time to bring this ship into the shore *
- You guys are crazy.
- No, I'm not kidding. - You're insane.
- I'll tell you why, I couldn't get the song out of my head.
- Yeah, it was a horrific song
and now we're gonna have to hear this guy again.
- We got the Parmesan!
It's all for you. Oh, my God. Give me a little.
- Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan!
[audience joins in] Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan!
Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan!
- * Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore *
- [over speaker] Please bring some more cable,
ASAP, guys.
- Hi, I'm Terry, what's your name?
- My name is Celia.
- And what are you gonna do here today?
- Today on "AGT," I'm gonna be a ventriloquist.
- * Like a heartbeat *
- My name is Celia Munoz, I'm 36,
and I am a trained opera singer.
I had an opera career.
And then two years ago,
I was watching this video of Terry Fator.
[puppet sings]
And I say, "What? Is he singing?"
It was like, "Wow."
And then I saw Darci.
[puppet sings]
And then I say, I'm gonna try that night.
So I keep practicing and doing shows in Spain.
And I wanted to come to AGT because
this is the place for this art form.
- * New lease on life *
- So I mean, if I get to win "America's Got Talent"
and get my own show...
I get goosebumps just thinking about it. [chuckles]
- * Everything's gonna be all right *
[cheers and applause]
* *
- Hello. - Hello.
- Welcome. - Thank you.
- What's your name, please?
- My name is Celia. - How old are you?
- I'm 36. - 36. Where are you from?
- I'm from Spain. - I knew that.
[cheers and applause]
So you flown in to do the show, Celia?
- Yeah. - Is this your full time job?
- And was an opera singer. - Wow.
- But now I'm a ventriloquist. - Oh, me too.
- Fantastic. - Since two years, yes.
- How did you go from opera singer to ventricle-ouist?
- Good question. [laughter]
- I mean, I was having fun-- having a red wine.
A nice-- [laughter]
And I saw--I saw Terry Fator by chance
in the YouTube, and I say, wow, what is that?
I'm gonna try this.
I'm gonna try this and then I say, I'm gonna go
to "America's Got Talent," and then...
[cheers and applause]
- Terry Fator.
- Well, that--that is quick.
Normally, people take about 20 years to learn how to do this,
and you've done it in two years.
- I try my best. [laughter]
- Well, you better.
Okay, Celia, good luck.
[cheers and applause]
[footsteps tapping]
[audience member coughs]
- I'm nervous for this.
- I would like to show you how a ventriloquist
gets ready before going on a stage.
All the voices you are gonna hear are coming from me.
[audience member coughs]
I have my props.
I have my voice. And now...
I'll find some music.
[radio turns on, static]
- [in radio voice] Welcome to 9:00 radio. The radio--
[radio switches, static]
[Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You" plays on radio]
* Lovin' you is easy, 'cause you're beautiful *
[radio static]
* Has anyone ever sung you a lullaby *
- Wow.
- * You can fly above the rainclouds *
* Close your eyes *
* Let the melody carry you *
* Leave all your fears behind * - Whoa, that's crazy.
-* And float across the rainbow sky to once upon a time *
* I believe in miracles *
* *
* I believe that love will conquer all *
[cheers and applause] - Yeah!
* I believe that anything is pos-- *
[phone ringing]
Sorry.
Manolo.
[nasal voice] Yeah, hello, hello.
[normal] I can't talk now. I'm in "America's Got Talent."
[nasal voice] Oh, "America's Got Talent"?
[laughter]
[normal] Yes, yes. I can't talk now.
I'm on the stage right now.
[nasal voice] Okay. And Sofía Vergara?
[normal] Yes, Sofía Vergara. She's here. She's here.
[laughter]
Okay.
We--we talk later, Manolo, okay? Okay.
[nasal voice] Sofía Vergara. Sofía Vergara.
[normal] See ya, see ya.
[cheers and applause] [radio static]
* And I believe again the moment when *
* I saw you here tonight *
* Now once upon a time *
* Has never felt more right *
[cheers and applause] - Wow.
- * Ah! Ah! *
- Oh, here we go.
- * More right! *
[music stops]
[cheers and applause]
- Wow.
[upbeat pop music]
- * The lights are shining like the sun out tonight *
- That's unbelievable, Celia.
- I don't even know what to say,
that was such as surprise.
That was so different
than anything that we've ever seen.
- Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.
- * Can't get any better, no *
- I have to say it was kind of refreshing not having,
like, some weird puppet coming out of a box.
[laughter]
So I actually like that you put a little twist on it.
- Thank you. I appreciate it.
- Yeah, I agree.
You know, this is the most original thing
I've ever seen, I am seeing--
[cheers and applause] - Yes.
- The dial is up here on season 17, like it's never been up,
and you just turned the dial to 11.
[cheers and applause] - Thank you.
Thank you so much.
- You are fantastic, and you know it.
- Celia...
I would say, yeah,
in all the years we have
seen a ventriloquist act,
this is the best, original, most creative version.
[cheers and applause]
* *
Okay, we've got to vote now.
Howie, yes or no? - Yes.
- Okay. - Yes.
- Si!
- Celia, you have quatro si.
[cheers and applause]
- Thank you so much.
Thank you everybody.
[cheers and applause]
- * Don't wanna jinx it *
* Don't let go, let go of me *
- Oh, my God.
- Was that amazing?
We've seen more things this year that are done
in an original, like, more different than--
- Well, that was different.
- You are so special.
You've only been doing it for two years.
- Yes.
- You could be the next Terry Fator.
- Wow. Thank you.
- Congratulations.
Celebrate.
- * I just can't stop dancing *
- * Ooh, girl, you're shining *
- So we are setting up for the next act.
- It's the animal act. Please roll out the mat.
[dogs barking]
- Are they dogs?
- I think it's gonna be cats.
[dogs barking, yelping]
- Here we go, guys. - All right, go right on up.
Bye, guys. Aw, they're so cute.
- * I kinda like it, how ya out of my league *
[cheers and applause] - Whoa.
- * Like a movie star from a silver screen *
* You're one of a kind, livin' in a world gone plastic *
- Ah, I want the yellow one!
- * Baby, you're so classic *
* Oh *
- Aw.
[Heidi laughs]
- Hi.
- What's your name, please? - My name is Veronika.
- And where are you from?
- I'm from Oxford, Florida, and I live on a farm.
- Nice.
- One of the questions, you know,
I like to ask, 'cause I think
I know the answer is: do you have any pets?
[laughter] - Uh...
I have 27 horses, 3 camels--
- Camel? - Camels, yes.
Three ponies, eight goats,
50 doves, around 50 chickens,
15 dogs, and 13 cats.
- Wow! - Wow.
- How old are you? Sorry. - I'm 12.
- We love animal acts on this show.
I've got to be honest with you.
We had a horse who was cute, but hopeless.
[laughter]
So, please, be amazing because we really need you to be great.
- No pressure.
- Thank you. - Good luck.
[cheers and applause]
[BTS' "Butter"]
[upbeat pop music]
- * Smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover *
* Hot like summer, yeah *
* I'm making you sweat like that *
* Break it down *
* Ooh, a side step, right-left, to my beat *
[laughter]
* High like the moon, rock with me, baby *
* Know that I got that heat *
* Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap *
* Side step, right-left, to my beat *
* Get it, let it roll *
* Ooh, when I look in the mirror *
* I'll melt your heart into two *
* I got that superstar glow, so *
* Ooh *
* Side step, right-left, to my beat *
- Oh!
* High like the moon, rock with me *
- Aw, look at him.
- * Get it, let it roll *
* Ice on my wrist, I'm the nice guy *
* Got the right body and the right mind *
* Rolling up the party, got the right vibe *
* Smooth like butter *
* Fresh boy, pull up and we lay low *
- Look at the red, they're together.
- I love them!
- * You know that I got that heat *
* Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap *
* Side step, right-left, to my beat *
* Get it, let it roll *
- Yeah!
- * We gon' make you rock, and you say *
* We gon' make you bounce, and you say *
[laughter] - Quick change!
- * Get it, let it roll *
* Side step, right-left, rock with me, baby *
* You know that I got that heat *
* Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap *
* Side step, right-left, to my beat *
- I love that.
- * Get it, let it roll *
- Whoa!
[cheers, laughter]
- Yeah! [cheers and applause]
- * Get it, let it *
[music stops]
[cheers and applause]
- Amazing, Veronika!
[uplifting music]
* *
- She got the little one.
- Sofía?
- I mean, I'm in shock. This was so amazing, beautiful.
There was so much happening,
even the quick change. - And they're listening to us.
Look. - I know, they're listening.
- Look, he's going back to his seat.
- That one's like a cat.
- What's his name? - Woodia.
- Woodia? - Uh-huh.
- Come back we're talking to you.
[laughter] - Oh, my God.
I'll take that one.
[Veronika giggles] - Okay, now he's listening.
Howie?
- Not only did you dazzle us with original, like,
from the quick change, but you are
a great performer, and you surprised us.
I loved it.
- Heidi?
- I mean, you're adorable. I love all your friends.
I love the quick change, I love how they were dancing together.
I mean, they were just such amazing listeners.
Very well done.
[cheers and applause]
- Thank you.
- Look it, uh, it was everything.
They are so, so smart.
We've never, ever had an act where the animals
actually have listened to what we've had to say.
Normally, they just ignore us.
[record scratches]
- Not Woodia. - Apart from Woodia.
- Not Woodia. - Woodia.
- He likes to be in his seat. - I'm saying a nice thing.
[dog barks, growls]
- Okay, we're ready to vote.
Howie? - Yes.
- Heidi? - Second yes.
- Sofía? - Yes.
- You have four huge woofs, which is dog for yes.
[cheers and applause]
* *
- Thank you so much.
- Well done.
Look how well they listen.
[dog barks]
- Veronika, how do you feel? - Excited.
- Was that amazing? - Yes, it was.
- I don't think we've seen an animal act
where they hit every beat.
- What are your friends gonna think
when you come back home?
- They're gonna be like, "Wow."
- * Dream big and live your story *
[birds chirping]
[alarm clock beeping]
[dramatic piano music]
* *
- * Killing the game, 'bout to catch a body *
* Passed the Harley, Dukie on the Ducati *
* Timbaland, Khaled, Scott Storch, Birdman *
* God[..], man, everybody got Bugattis *
* But I'ma keep it hella nineteen eighty seven *
* Head into the dealership and drop a stack *
- The banners. Oh, it's official.
[shouting] What is this? Oh!
- I like the kicks.
- Oh, thank you.
Crazy part is my brother designed 'em.
- Really? - So he designs shoes, right.
- Here we go, so folks, in that aisle there.
Grab your seats. Grab your seats.
- What's your name, my man? - I'm Mike E. Winfield.
- And what are you gonna be doing on "AGT"?
- Hey, you know what? I tell jokes.
[sax playing]
[buzzer]
[audience booing] [sax continues playing]
[buzzer]
- What does your family think about you
going after this comedy dream?
- My whole family, they're really proud of me, you know?
And if I win, I can take care of my wife,
our son, her son, you know?
There is some weight on my shoulders because
everyone doesn't get this opportunity.
- Right.
- You just want your jokes to land.
[cheers and applause]
- * I'm headed downtown, cruising through the alley *
* Tip-toeing in the street like Dally *
* I'ma lick that, stick that, break her off, Kit-Kat
* Snuck her in backstage, you don't need a wristband *
* Dope! *
- What is your name? - I'm Mike E. Winfield.
- Mike E., what is your age?
- So I'm like 20s to like 30s and stuff, you know all that?
- Oh, okay. [laughter]
- Where are you from?
- I'm originally from Baltimore.
I did an adequate time in Sacramento--a lot of love.
- And what do you do?
- You know what? I tell jokes, you know?
- How long you been doing this? - Over 15 years.
- So do you even remember the first time
you step on a stage?
- Oh, my gosh, do I remember?
Yeah, it was a Tuesday night open mic.
And I get onstage with bright lights
and arms crossed, and they're down there
all staring at me, and I just kind of freeze.
[laughter]
So the fact that I came back, that means there's
something wrong with me.
[laughs]
- Okay, so show us what is wrong with you.
- Okay, thank you.
[cheers and applause]
Thank you very much. Thank you.
I, uh...
I love older moms.
[laughter]
Like, I like it when her kids just moved out.
I can set up my computer in the extra bedroom, you know?
I got married to an older woman.
I got a stepson.
It's cool being a parent to a kid
that's close to your age.
I call him step-man.
He drove me here.
That's my step-homeboy, man.
And it's a weird dynamic.
If you see it, he's like 6'2" with chest hair.
I don't have any, you know?
Teenage boys can be gross.
You know when they're doing inappropriate stuff
on their laptop, because when you walk in on them,
they'll slam it down really fast
and then ask you some irrelevant question.
I walk in on step-man.
He's like, "Who's running for Congress?"
[laughter]
I'm like, "Oh."
Like, step-man!
I quit my job at the grocery store.
Step-man's like, "What we gonna do
for money, Step-Mike?"
I'm like, "Hey, don't worry about it, okay?"
And I worked at this grocery store
for a lot of hateful years.
Why is it when you hate your job they won't fire you?
[laughter]
- It's true. It's true.
- And now, look, I worked in the worst
department at the grocery store.
Not the meat, not produce, not the freezer.
I worked in the steal department.
You're familiar with the steal department, right?
Self-checkout lane?
[laughter]
I got paid to watch people steal all day.
And people think you stupid, like, you know when they're
gonna rob you when they're ringing up their stuff.
They always gotta look back up at you.
They're like, "Boop, boop."
[laughter]
This one dude tried to humiliate me.
Like, I knew he was gonna rob us
'cause I'm looking at him, he's looking at me.
I'm like, "Just steal it."
But he tries to play me in front of the entire store.
While he's ringing his stuff up,
he makes the beep noise with his mouth.
He didn't even do it right.
Like, you gotta act this out, go all in.
Raise your pitch, at least.
He's like... [deep voice] "Beep."
I'm like, "The produce is not even supposed to make a sound."
You're beeping unbeepable stuff.
Hey, you guys, I'm Mike E. Winfield.
Thank you very much. Thank you.
[wild cheering]
* *
Oh, stop it. Oh...
Thank you. Thank you.
- Look at these people.
[audience chanting]
- They're standing up!
- Wow.
Wow, thank you so much.
- I mean, I don't think there's anything else to say.
They love you.
I love you.
- Thank you.
- It's amazing, your energy, your smile.
I loved it.
- Aw, thank you. - Howie.
- Everything you say is memorable, is authentic.
Your smile, your persona. You're great.
- Bravo!
- Wow--wow. I appreciate it.
- Heidi.
- You are fantastic. And then there's this face.
- Thank you. - Look at this face.
[laughs]
- That face is just so cute.
- Why don't you mention his face?
- Isn't his face so cute?
all: Yeah!
- [playfully] Stop it-- stop it!
- Simon, what do you think?
- Well, you have a real star quality about you, Mike.
- He does. - You really do.
- Absolutely.
- We could never do this show without an audience.
Particularly with an act like yourself.
And this audience loved you. I mean, you could tell.
- Thank you, Simon. Thank you all!
I appreciate you!
- And, Mike, look, we always say an audition on this show,
two minutes literally can change your life.
Maybe this is one of those auditions.
I've got a good feeling about you.
- Thank you.
- Well, we're gonna start voting.
Simon. - Yes.
- Me, yes.
- Yes.
- Four yeses!
[cheers and applause]
- Four yeses!
- Bravo!
- We did it!
Appreciate you, guys. Thank you.
- That was so good.
- Yeah, we love Mikey.
- Very good. - Yeah, that kid's a star.
- I mean, I think he's one of my
favorite comedians that I've seen in these three seasons.
- Oh, yeah.
- * I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man *
* Yes, I am, yes, I am, yes, I am *
* I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man *
- Coming up...
- America's gonna fall in love with you.
[cheers and applause]
- Incredible!
- It's in your blood. This is your destiny.
[cheers and applause]
- Are you ready for this? - Oh, I think I'm ready.
- No, you're not ready. You got it.
- This is the biggest performance
of our entire lives, and I could not imagine
anything cooler than being here
at "America's Got Talent" with all of you.
Bring it in.
This means everything.
- Wow. - Yes!
- Fantastic.
- I love the energy, the synchronicity.
- The chemistry they have.
- I feel a real friendship here.
- Together we are stronger.
- Four yeses.
- Have you played yo-yo?
- Not in many years.
- Okay.
- I'm Shu Takada. I'm a yo-yo performer.
When I was a kid, I was really shy.
I always hiding from parents and the teacher like...
But the yo-yo changed my life.
It taught me the happiness of expressing myself
and to be more outgoing person, I think.
[sighs]
Everyone says that yo-yo is a toy.
But it isn't only toy, but also extreme sports,
culture, and art.
- Are you ready to go out there and meet the judges?
- Yes.
"Americas Got Talent" is my biggest dream.
I want to break their images of yo-yo
and share my yo-yo style to the world.
[cheers and applause]
- Hello, very nice to meet you. What's your name, please?
- I'm Shu Takada. I'm from Japan.
- Which part of Japan?
- Um, near to Tokyo. It's called Yokohama.
- Okay, how old are you? - I'm 25 years old.
- Okay, we've seen a lot of yo-yo acts over the years.
They've been a bit boring, if I'm being honest with you.
- Okay. - At least he's being honest.
- He's honest.
- Where would you like to be with your act
in five years' time?
- My dream is, um, having on my show and traveling
around the world to share the coolness of yo-yoing.
It's my dream.
- Okay, good luck. - Thank you.
Thank you very much.
[cheers and applause]
[laughter]
[upbeat techno music]
- * Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more, no more, no more *
* Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more, no more, no more *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back no more *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more, no more, no more *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more *
* What you say *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more, no more, no more *
* Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more *
* No more, no more, no more, no more *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more, no more, no more *
- Wow.
* *
[cheers and applause]
- Look at his legs!
* *
- * No more, no more, no more, no more *
* No more, no more, no more, no more *
* Hit the road, Jack *
* And don't come back, no more, no more, no more *
* Yo! *
[cheers and applause]
- Yes!
- He's tied up, look. The yo-yo.
Your yo-yo is stuck on the back.
[uplifting music]
- Incredible.
- I mean, seriously.
Seriously.
- Thank you.
- My God, Shu, we weren't expecting that.
Seriously, my God. Heidi?
- The best yo-yoing we've ever seen, Shu.
- Ever. - Thank you very much.
- Howie?
- Yo-yo--it's usually like nerdy and a little--it is.
But you made the yo-yo cool, fun.
You're not just a yo-yo artist.
You are a great performer. You're a dancer.
And I've never seen anything like that.
* *
- Thank you. Thank you so much.
- Sofía.
- I was a little afraid because you were so nervous.
But the moment you started doing the yo-yo thing,
you lightened up.
You are a cool guy and you deserve to be here tonight.
- Thank you.
- Look, before you started, I was kind of thinking,
"Oh, God, this isn't gonna be great."
But actually, you've got personality,
you do something really, really, really incredible.
People will watch this audition over and over again in slow-mo.
How do they do that? I love acts like this.
I mean, genuinely. - Thank you.
- Now, we've never done this before.
We're gonna say no or yo.
Yo obviously being yes.
[laughter]
- So let's start with Howie.
- Yo!
- Heidi.
- [slowly] Yo.
- I am gonna give you your third yo.
- Shu, you got three yos, now you've got four yos.
Congratulations. - Yo, yo, yo, yo!
[wild cheering]
- * Don't even care if anyone sees me dancing *
- Thank you so much.
- * Like I can fly *
* And don't even think of touching the ground *
- That's truly amazing.
I've never seen anything like that.
- How much fun was we having?
- How do you feel about what you did?
- I don't feel anything because my brain's like...
[both laugh]
- He was really performing.
- Everything he wore was cool. - Yeah.
* *
[Ben Rector's "Brand New"]
- * I feel brand new *
- All right, everyone.
The next group of numbers is 9075 and below.
9075 and below.
- This is what you've trained for.
- 1 minute, 30 seconds, done.
- We got it. We got it.
- There's so many people out there right now.
- Picture the roar of the crowd, the judges.
- * Even if it don't come true *
* Dreaming is what dreamers do *
- Just know that I'm very proud of you.
- What does this mean to you right now?
- It would mean the world to us.
- Anything could happen.
- Do you think I'm ready?
- I think you're show-ready. - You think I'm show-ready?
- Yes.
- Show-ready is better than ready-ready.
- Yeah, let me see you turn around.
- * Even if it all goes by *
- When did you say AGT was the place
that you needed to be?
- It wasn't really my choice...
because I didn't think I was good enough.
- And when did that change?
- It didn't. - Okay.
- Mom was like, "We're signing you up."
- Sometimes you have to let the people
who believe in you do their thing.
- You worked hard for this, and you deserve to be here.
I love you. - I love you, too, Mom.
[cheers and applause]
- Hello.
- Already, I have to say my favorite outfit today.
- Mine too. - Yes.
- Thank you so much.
- Welcome, let's start with your name, please, sir.
- My name is Avery Dixon. - And where are you from?
- I'm from Atlanta, Georgia.
[cheers and applause]
- I love Atlanta. How old are you?
- I'm 21. - 21, okay.
Now I'm guessing you're gonna play the saxophone.
- Yes, I think I'll guess that you're right.
[laughter]
- So I'm really curious, Avery, because I find
with the saxophone, it sort of goes in and out
of fashion over the years.
What do you feel about that?
- It going in and out of fashion
depends on the player.
- Oh, good point.
[cheers and applause] - Yeah!
- Good answer. - That was good--that was good.
- And tell me what got you into this.
- Okay, so at the time I picked up the saxophone,
I was getting bullied in elementary school.
- For what?
- Um, well, my voice sounds a little bit different.
- You got a great voice.
- And I looked a little bit different too.
And my elementary school nickname was "hammerhead,"
because I had these knots on my head because I'm premature.
I was born at 1 pound, 8 ounces.
[audience exclaims] - Whoa!
- And my vocal cords don't close all the way.
So it makes voice sound really airy.
- Right.
- The students were so negative about my voice.
One called me frog and she'd get the class in on the joke.
It was relentless, and I actually--
I was so in such a dark place,
I actually wanted to commit suicide.
- Oh.
- And when you're in that mindset,
the only thing you want to do is quit.
- So you decided to find something to take your mind
away from all those horrible people.
And it was the saxophone?
- Yes.
That's when I started actually learning how to play.
[cheers and applause]
- Good for you, good for you.
And what would you do if you were to win?
- Well, first I'd want to give my mom and my brother a space
where we can actually live as loud as we want to be
because I can't exactly practice where I live now.
Somebody had called the cops on me before I flew out.
- Really? - I was trying to practice.
Because doing a show as big as this,
I want to get everything perfect.
- For sure.
- So they called the cops.
The cops came banging on the door.
They were like, "You need to be quiet."
My goal with the music, with this,
is to be able to do the thing I love.
And if I can do that, I'll have found my purpose
for being on "America's Got Talent."
[cheers and applause]
- Well, look, Avery, here...
you can be as loud as you like.
- Thank you.
[cheers and applause] - Yes!
- My Avery!
- Sweet kid.
- May I please get some water? - Yeah.
- You certainly can. - I'm kind of drying up here.
- I think it will be on-- there they are.
How quick was that?
[cheers and applause]
- He's nervous.
- Yes sir. - He's thirsty.
- Uh-huh. - Yeah.
[cheers and applause]
- Oh, he's nervous. - Are you okay?
- Yes, I'll be fine.
I'm sorry. - Don't worry.
Don't worry.
[cheers and applause]
- Breathe.
- Please be good.
[slow jazz music]
[saxophone plays smoothly]
* *
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat saxophone music]
[cheers and applause]
- Oh! Yeah!
- You know--you know how to dance, I can see it.
* *
[cheers and applause]
- Go, Avery!
[high note]
[cheers and applause]
* *
[cheers and applause]
[inspirational music]
- Wow!
* *
- I mean, can I tell you, Avery,
if Howie Mandel gets up to dance,
that means you're really good, because he never dances.
- I love you. - He never dances.
- I love you, buddy. I love you.
I love who you are.
You need to be here. You're supposed to be here.
- Thank you so much.
- And you will change the world.
[cheers and applause]
- Yeah!
Because when you play with your instrument,
you play with your heart, and we feel it.
- Thank you.
- Avery, that was so emotional!
Look at these people.
It's like, it was special to us
because we could feel how special it is for you,
and I think America is gonna fall in love with you.
[cheers and applause]
- Avery, look, every time I hear a story about
a kid being bullied at school, it breaks my heart.
It breaks it even more now because I have a, you know,
a son myself and I could not think of anything worse.
Any one of those idiots who bullied you now,
I hope, is watching this audition.
[cheers and applause]
Look, you know, I was--all of us were
willing you to be good.
I didn't know you were gonna be great.
[wild cheering]
- It was like listening to a singer.
You know, you have the ups and downs and you--
You got 4,000 people in here on their feet.
So...
[cheers and applause]
It's in your blood. This is your destiny.
If you are looking for validation, you just got it,
because I'm gonna give you your first yes.
- There's no need to vote!
[cheers and applause]
There's no need to vote!
[music swells]
[crowd chanting] Avery! Avery! Avery! Avery!
Avery Nixon, you touched the heart
of every human being in this building right now.
[cheers and applause]
And I want to tell you, man, you've been bullied
all your life, but you tell every bully
that you have a big brother named Terry Crews.
Who is here, who's got your back.
And all those bullies are gonna have to
watch you succeed, my friend!
- * Sometimes in our lives *
* We all have pain *
* We all have sorrow *
* But if we are wise *
* We know that there's always tomorrow *
- I got you. I'm your big brother.
- * Lean on me *
- I love you, man. - I love you, too, man.
- Aw.
- Avery Dixon, you are headed to the live show!
- * Carry on, for... *
[cheers and applause]
- I got you, man.
I got you. I got you.
- * Somebody to lean on *
- That's what it's all about.
That's what it's all about.
- That was beautiful.
- Your talent did this.
You did this.
- I was crying, and I never cry.
- I know, not a dry eye in the house.
- * Need somebody *
- I love you, man.
- * To lean on * - I love you.
* *
[upbeat music]
* *