Cydney Henderson USA TODAY
Published 9:49 PM EDT Sep 4, 2019
“America’s Got Talent” is two weeks away from crowing a winner.
The first five finalists were revealed during Wednesday’s results show, meaning the advancing acts are only one performance away from winning $1 million.
And the competition is stiff. Simon Cowell said all the contestants who moved on are “building up to what could be the most mega, mega finals.” Howie Mandel agreed.
For six other acts, however, their dreams came crashing down after being eliminated.
Here’s what happened:
The fans’ picks
The three acts that received the most votes automatically advanced.
Kodi Lee, an inspirational blind singer with autism, was the first act to move forward. He jumped for joy after the announcement, adding, “I feel so amazing.”
“You are going to the finals for doing exactly what you were put on this Earth to do, which is be exactly who you are,” Gabrielle Union told Lee, her golden buzzer winner.
Last night on ‘America’s Got Talent’: Blind singer Kodi Lee proves he’s more than an inspiring story
Singer Benicio Bryant joined him in the safe zone soon after. Simon Cowell said he believes the teen has “a shot to be one of the contenders to win this.”
Violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa also advanced. The cancer survivor said, “I’m just grateful to be here, and now I’m going to the finals.”
The face-off
Light Balance Kids, Ndlovu Youth Choir and Robert Finley finished in the middle of the pack and were on the brink of elimination.
“Tough competition last night,” Cowell said. “I’m not going to lie, I’m surprised. But America controls the vote now.”
The three acts went head-to-head in a live voting round for the “Dunkin’ Save,” where fans had the opportunity to rescue only one performer. Whoever received the most votes in a 30-minute flash round would move on.
In the end, viewers saved Light Balance Kids.
But the results weren’t over just yet. The judges had the chance to save either Ndlovu Youth Choir or Finley.
Union and Julianne Hough voted for Ndlovu Youth Choir to stay. Mandel opted for Finley. Cowell was the deciding vote and he selected the Ndlovu Youth Choir to advance.
Eliminated
The five acts with the fewest votes – impressionist Greg Morton, singer Ansley Burns, acrobatic trio Messoudi Brothers, comedienne Jackie Fabulous and magician Eric Chien – were eliminated.
Finley was also sent packing.
Next week
“America’s Got Talent” will return Sept. 10 for the second half of the semifinals (NBC, 8 EDT/PDT).
Next week’s performers include four golden buzzer winners – Detroit Youth Choir, singer Luke Islam, acrobatic dance group V. Unbeatable and opera singer Emanne Beasha –along with magician Dom Chambers; guitarist Marcin Patrzalek; singer Chris Kläfford; comedian Ryan Niemiller; the Voices of Service quartet; blacklight painter Alex Dowis and wild card dog act Lukas & Falco.