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6 days ago
- Entertainment
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AGT Reveals 44 Acts Going Live in Season 20 — Which Quarter-Finalists Will Get Your Vote?
With Season 20 auditions finally behind us, Tuesday's episode of America's Got Talent revealed which 44 acts will be competing live for your votes — and it's quite the eclectic group. More from TVLine Chicago Fire's Daniel Kyri Returning for 'Limited Time' in Season 14 - Get Details American Ninja Warrior Renewed for Season 18 - Get Scoop on New Round of Competition Law & Order: SVU: Chris Meloni Confirms He'll Guest-Star as Stabler in Season 27 This season's wide-reaching list of quarter-finalists includes a disgraced Vanderpump Rules star looking for redemption, a 10-year-old rock 'n' roll superstar, a mother-son music duo that will melt your heart, a trio of terrifying clowns, multiple heart-stopping danger acts, and the show's first-ever dog act… consisting entirely of robotic dogs. The 44 quarter-finalists will compete live over four weeks, with 11 acts returning to the stage for each episode. But before we get to those live shows, AGT is throwing itself an epic 20th birthday party on Tuesday, Aug. 12 (8/7c), giving the quarter-finalists one extra week to prepare for their live showdown. Scroll down for the full list of acts competing in the AGT quarter-finals (presented in the order they were announced by Terry Crews), then drop a comment with your thoughts. Which of these worthy contestants will get your vote when Season 20 finally goes live? Steve Ray Ladson (Week 1) The country singer auditioned with his original song 'Back of My Truck,' sending him through to the front of the line. B Unique Crew (Week 1) This head-turning (and occasionally head-detaching) dance crew nearly earned a Golden Buzzer on the final day of auditions. Loco Pop Familia (Week 1) After being called 'annoying' by Mel B, this cuddly dance crew has something to prove: 'We will show Mel B that America loves cats!' CitiLimitz (Week 1) This R&B trio charmed Mel B with a serenade — but can their harmonies win over the viewers at home? Phobias (Week 1) We're pretty sure the judges were too scared not to send this terrifying trio through to the live shows. Shuler King (Week 1) This funeral director-turned-comedian had the judges in stitches with a lively routine. Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras (Week 1) What #Scandoval? The former Vanderpump Rules star will be back to SUR-ve vocals in the live shows. Sirca Marea (Week 1) This married couple put everything on the line in their gravity- and death-defying audition. Light Wire (Week 1) This Brazilian act, which delivered what Simon Cowell called 'one of the most beautiful, stunning' performances he's seen on AGT, was the first Golden Buzzer recipient of the season. Charity Lockhart (Week 1) This musical mom struck a chord with the audience — and with Mel B, who gave Lockhart a Golden Buzzer. Jourdan Blue (Week 1) This New Orleans-based street singer — and his exceptional head of hair — made the most of his time on the AGT stage, winning a Golden Buzzer. Leo High School Choir (Week 2) This Chicago-based school group left a 'powerful' impression on Simon Cowell. Ben Hightower (Week 2) This Tennessee native traded his Military career for a shot at stardom, going viral with his performance of Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club.' EDT Dance Team (Week 2) The death drop is a dangerous art, but this dance team has perfected it. Plus, who could say no to all that pink? Alain Simonov (Week 2) There's something 'mystical and sexy' about this 24-year-old magician, according to Sofia Vergara. Let's see if America agrees. Bay Melnick Virgolino (Week 2) This 10-year-old rocker could shred with the best of 'em, which he proved with his electrifying audition. Alex Zinger & Crew (Week 2) It didn't work out for him the first time, but Alex finally managed to dance his way into the judges' hearts in Season 20. Mama Duke (Week 2) 'Feels So Good' was one of the best original songs we've ever heard on the AGT stage, so it came as no surprise when it also shot to the top of the iTunes pop charts. Boston Dynamics (Week 2) We've seen plenty of animal acts on AGT. But robot dogs? That's a new one — and still weirdly cute. Jonglissimo (Week 2) Impressive juggling meets mind-blowing artistry when this one-of-a-kind Austrian act takes the stage. Duo Stardust (Week 2) Performing stunts while rolling around on skates is difficult enough — but this duo took it to the next level by adding acrobatics and pyrotechnics into the mix. Unreal (Week 2) This group came all the way from India to prove to their parents that they could make it as dancers — and make it they did (complete with a Golden Buzzer). Micah Palace (Week 3) This mega-viral Connecticut native managed to impress the judges with a single turntable, his mom's ironing board and a microphone. Maceo Harrison (Week 3) A member of the iconic Savannah Bananas, this dancer used every inch of the stage (and every last drop of his own energy) to leave the judges speechless. Mastermind (Week 3) Simon Cowell called his audition 'the best magic we've seen all year,' so it came as no surprise when he was revealed to be joining the live shows. Benn Family Band (Week 3) The judges still get emotional thinking about this family band, who displayed incredible resilience after losing their home in the recent Altadena fires. Anna Saranina (Week 3) A former member of Deadly Games, one of the most iconic AGT acts of all time, Anna returned to the stage solo at the behest of her young daughter. Austin Brown (Week 3) When his first audition didn't earn him the yeses he needed, this determined singer returned to the AGT stage for redemption — and he got it! Chris Turner (Week 3) This freestyle rapper made it through by spitting verses about Simon Cowell's grocery shopping habits. And we're sold! Girish and the Chronicles (Week 3) This Indian band blew the judges away with a rockin' remix of Adele's 'Set Fire to the Rain.' Jacqueline & Wagner (Week 3) This high-flying, wild-swinging couple is not to root for — while also crossing our fingers and toes that they don't fall to the ground. Messoudi Brothers (Week 3) Yes, these were the brothers who managed to undress and swap outfits… all while juggling enormous knives from across the stage. Jessica Sanchez (Week 3) A semifinalist from the show's first-ever season, Sanchez returned to AGT in a big way with her Golden Buzzer-winning performance of Benson Boone's 'Beautiful Things.' Team Recycled (Week 4) What began as a small group of dancers on stage quickly evolved into 'an event,' with performers appearing throughout the entire auditorium. Zak Mirz (Week 4) This endearing magician used his daughter's favorite things to create an impressive act the judges couldn't resist. Chuck Adams (Week 4) We've never heard the Goo Goo Dolls' 'Iris' sung quite like this before — and we mean that in the best way. Gendai (Week 4) Direct from Japan, this performer combines light and dance to create a truly unique experience. Cole Swensen & Judy (Week 4) We would have loved Swensen's performance of Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' even if Swensen wasn't joined on the cello by his mom — but that did make us love it more. TT Boys (Week 4) These flippin' incredible acrobats have been performing together for 20 years, and it shows in their confident, undeniable connection. Crash Adams (Week 4) Already a viral sensation, this band found even more success after their audition; their original song 'Optimist' climbed the charts, surpassing the likes of Justin Bieber and Chappell Roan. Astrid Jorgensen (Week 4) This Australian vocalist managed to turn the AGT audience into a choir all its own, resulting in a surprisingly beautiful group performance of Toto's 'Africa.' The Funkateer Dancers (Week 4) This old-school Michigan foursome had everyone cheering for their fancy footwork — and had Terry Crews hitting his Golden Buzzer. Birmingham Youth Choir (Week 4) We're still feeling the joy from this gospel choir's Golden Buzzer-winning, Sister Act-inspired audition. The Boykinz (Week 4) Terry Crews hit his other Golden Buzzer for these sisters from Georgia, whose singing, dancing routine had everyone ready to giddy-up. 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Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Steve Ray Ladson Wows Crowd (and Catches Mel B's Eye) With Original ‘Blackgrass Brothercana' Anthem ‘Back of My Truck'
Steve Ray Ladson appeared to have no nerves when he swaggered up to the mic on Tuesday night's (June 17) episode of America's Got Talent. The Hopkins, S.C. native with the big smile confidently told judge Howie Mandel that he's made a living 'all my life' making music, though he's only been at it professionally for 15 years. Cradling his banjo, the musician who has performed with the Blind Boys of Alabama and Robert Randolph and the Family Band said he came on the show to share his signature musical genre, which he calls 'Blackgrass Brothercana.' More from Billboard Young Singer Wins Over 'AGT' Judges With Ed Sheeran Cover Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky: How to Watch WNBA Stars Kahleah Copper & Angel Reese Face Off With Hulu + Live TV Here's Where to Buy 'How to Train Your Dragon' Book Series & Blu-ray Collection Online Joined by his backing band, Ladson unfurled his beat-heavy, country trap sound drawling, 'When I pull up on the scene/ It hit different/ Cuz ain't nobody whippin' how I'm whippin'/ We can leave the house, bring the dog and my guitar/ Fill up on some diesel, yeah we about to take it far/ I got my pole and the tackle box for the lake.' Hitting on a clutch of requisite country tropes: dogs, fishing, trucks and getting busy, Ladson caught the eyes (and ears) of judges Mel B and Sofia Vergara when he crooned about it all going down 'on the back of my truck' in a crowd-thrilling falsetto. The former Spice Girl grabbed Vergara's arm and shouted 'I love it! 'Cause you want to go in the back of his truck!' Ladson got a standing ovation and big props from the judging panel, with Vergara saying he was her favorite music act of the season so far. 'You guys were amazing, I loved it!' she enthused. Mel B spilled some tea about fellow panelist Vergara, revealing that 'she really loved the part in the back of my truck. She was very happy with you guys.' Vergara appeared to blush and explained, 'I liked the whole song, not only that part.' Ladson played along, cheekily asking, 'do you wanna ride?' Mel said she liked seeing things she's never seen before and Ladson definitely fit that bill for her. 'So slick, with swagger and lyrics like, 'I'm gonna [blank] in the back of my truck,'' she said. 'I loved it! Brilliant.' Mandel gushed that Ladson had a '100% hit song,' with Simon Cowell marveling that the band had only been together for a year. 'Everything was, like, on point. I love the song, I love you. I love the band,' Cowell said. 'This is when I love my job.' Needless to say, Ladson will be driving his truck to the next round after getting four big yes votes. America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and streams on Peacock the next day. Watch Ladson's performance below. Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
