Their performance was so fantastic that Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel had a friendly competition over who got to push the Golden Buzzer.
The program aired on August 20, 2024, and included AIRFOOTWORKS’ spectacular performance of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Celestial.’ Their routine, which included acrobatics, dance, and visual effects, captivated both the audience and the judges.
Takashi Jonishi, the group’s founder, had envisioned this day since he founded AIRFOOTWORKS after a back ailment forced him to experiment with new types of movement throughout his recuperation.
What distinguished AIRFOOTWORKS’ presentation was their unique utilization of the stage. They used a video wall that coordinated with their dancing, resulting in a spectacular visual show.
Howie Mandel, noticeably pleased, stated, “You guys are athletes, dancers, and creators!”
The tension began when Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel reached for the Golden Buzzer. In a playful act of defiance, Simon said, “Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,” before attempting to press the buzzer. However, Howie actually got the distinction because it was his allocated night for the Live Golden Buzzer.
This resulted in a funny conversation among the judges. Howie, feeling a little “abused” by Simon’s effort to take his moment, said, “Keep your fingers off my buzzer!”
Simon, who never backs down, said, “When you watch the tape, you’ll see my finger got there before Howie’s.”
The event prompted a lighthearted debate among the judges. Heidi Klum told Parade after the program, “They were like, ‘I want to see the tape.'” I want to view the tape. Simon said, ‘My finger was there faster.’ Let him have it. He was like a small child in a sandbox.
Despite the humorous controversy, the judges unanimously praised AIRFOOTWORKS. Sofia Vergara agreed with Simon that the trio earned the Live Golden Buzzer.
Howie elucidated his selection of AIRFOOTWORKS, stating that they met numerous criteria. They’re fantastic athletes, with incredible power and skill, and they’re doing a dance I’ve never seen before.”
It’s worth mentioning that AIRFOOTWORKS has a unique relationship to the program. Kenichi Ebina, the 2013 ‘America’s Got Talent’ champion, mentored them.
Ebina’s unique dance and performance style inspired AIRFOOTWORKS’ creation, and his guidance was key to their success on AGT.
The Live Golden Buzzer is a new element to the show’s formula in Season 19. It permits each judge to send one act directly to the finals during the four-week quarterfinals period. This tweak adds another dimension of excitement and unpredictability to the battle.
With their Golden Buzzer victory, AIRFOOTWORKS advanced to the finals, bypassing the semifinals. They join Hakuna Matata Acrobatics, who got Sofia Vergara’s Live Golden Buzzer on last week’s broadcast.
The path ahead for these exceptional artists leads to the two-night finale, which begins on September 17 and ends on September 24.