Simon Cowell apologized on Wednesday’s episode of America’s Got Talent for trying to steal Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer on the previous night’s live show.
The 64-year-old judge reached for the Golden Buzzer to send Airfootworks straight to the finals even though it was Howie’s week to press the Golden Buzzer.
‘Since last night, the nation’s top legal minds and video experts have been studying the tape over and over again,’ show host Terry Crews, 56, said at the start of the one-hour results episode on NBC.
‘I can now confirm that while Simon did try and steal the Golden Buzzer, it was actually Howie that hit the button first. End of story,’ Terry said.
Terry then asked Simon if he was ready to admit that Howie, 68, hit it first.
‘I’m really, really sorry. I tried. I was excited, but it’s Howie’s,’ said Simon, who also is an executive producer of AGT and creator of the international Got Talent franchise.
‘Howie, how did you know he was going to go for the buzzer?,’ Terry asked.
‘Because I saw him looking at me and he always recognizes when I recognize amazing talent,’ Howie said as Simon confirmed looking at him.
‘I’m here for you. Everybody looks to me,’ Howie said smiling.
Terry later asked Simon for his thoughts on Tuesday’s episode that featured performances by 11 acts.
‘I thought the show was great. I literally got caught up in the moment. I was in big trouble this morning. But I couldn’t help myself. I literally for a second I thought ”I shouldn’t do this, but I’m gonna do it.” Then I got my hands really, really badly slapped this morning. So, I’m sorry, but I was excited. But, you know what, that’s what happens when you make live TV. You get impulsive,’ Simon said.
‘I do that all the time, man. I shouldn’t do it, but I do it anyway,’ Terry said.
The remaining 10 acts waited backstage at the start of the results episode and only three could advance to the semifinals.
The top five acts based on viewer voting were announced first.
The first act to make it into the top five was extreme ballerina Ashlee Montague.
Heidi Klum, 51, praised her advancement, saying, ‘You really deserve this. You really fought for your spot to go to the next round. You were amazing. You fought for it. You’re very, very talented. It’s something very unique you do.’
Singer and songwriter Alex Sampson, breakdancer Bboy Samuka, magician Young-Min, and drone act Sky Elements joined Ashlee in the top five.
As the results were revealed, Alex was the first to secure a spot in the semi-finals and looked shocked as she advanced.
‘Oh, my god!’ was all Alex could say when asked for his reaction.
The second semi-final spot went to Korean magician Young-Min, who expressed his gratitude to the viewers.
‘Thank you for all the love. Thank you. Thank you, America,’ he said.
Simon’s Golden Buzzer pick Sky Elements claimed the last spot in the semis as he expressed surprise at their advancement.
Ashlee and Bboy Samuka were eliminated despite making it to the top five.
The episode also featured a special performance by Mat Franco, the magician who won AGT in 2014.
Franco, 36, performed an impressive routine that involved reading minds, giving magic powers to an audience member, and predicting the future.
The fan favorite reflected on how his life has changed since winning the show a decade ago.
‘It’s just been so amazing performing in Las Vegas at my own theater for 10 years. Tomorrow I celebrate my five-year wedding anniversary. My family continues to grow. I’m so thankful. I hope it’s just the beginning,’ he said.
The episode also included a segment featuring Mat and fellow AGT alum Shin Lim, who both have headlining magic shows in Las Vegas.
America’s Got Talent will return on Tuesday with the third batch of quarterfinalists performing.
