The America’s Got Talent season 18 live shows have come to a close. The last round of qualifiers went down on September 19 as 11 more acts took the stage in hopes of earning America’s vote. A day later on September 20, the final three acts to make it to the season 18 finale were announced. Reba McEntire also performed ahead of her debut as a coach on The Voice.
The top 5 acts of the final round of qualifiers were the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, Sangsoon Kim, Gabriel Henrique, Ramadhani Brothers, and Avantgardey. The acts were narrowed down to the top 3: 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, Ramadhani Brothers, and Gabriel. At the end of the night, the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus was voted into the finals along with the Ramadhani Brothers after America’s votes came in. However, there was one more spot left open for the Instant Save vote.
Each of the judges chose an act to be put up for the Instant Save vote. The judges picked Chioma and The Atlanta Drum Academy, Herwan Legaillard, Avantgardey, and Gabriel. In the end, Avantgardey won the wildcard Instant Vote.
Avantgardey
Avantgardey got the second chance of a lifetime when Howie Mandel nominated the group for the Instant Save. The Japanese dance group captivated America from the moment they stepped onto the AGT stage. Following their electrifying qualifiers performance, Howie told the group, “You are so original. You are my favorite in the dance act. You deserve to go to the finals”
Ramadhani Brothers
The Ramadhani Brothers are definitely one of the best acrobat duos AGT has ever seen. The head-balancing act wowed the judges once again with their qualifiers performance. Simon Cowell raved over the “spellbinding” performance. “In my opinion, this is an act that should be in the final, and I believe is a million-dollar act.” When the Ramadhani Brothers made the season 18 finale, Heidi Klum told the duo that they are “one of the best acts we have ever witnessed.”
82nd Airborne Division Chorus
The military-based a capella group has been one of the most inspiring acts of season 18. The singing troupe wowed with their rendition of Pink’s “I Am Here” during the qualifiers. “It was fun and emotive. For me, this was a moment,” Simon said. Howie called the performance “perfect.” He also took a moment to thank them for their service, “We are here because you are here. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do.”
Ana Deguzman
The female magician continues to prove that she’s a force to be reckoned with in season 18. She stunned the judges and the crowd with her latest performance. “We need more female magicians. That’s all I can say,” Heidi declared. Sofia Vergara added that Ana has a “big career” ahead of her in magic.
Chibi Unity
The Japanese dance group brought their A-game for the qualifiers round on Sept. 12. “I could watch you guys perform for hours,” Sofia said. “It’s surprising. It’s sexy. It’s so artsy. I can tell how much work, how much passion you put into this.” Simon said the troupe is “one of the best acts” of the season.
Putri Ariani
Putri Ariani became an instant frontrunner after her audition. The blind singer’s first AGT performance went viral and captured the world. She returned for the qualifiers on September 6 and performed a gorgeous rendition of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”
The judges raved over her performance, and Simon admitted he was nearly “speechless.” Simon was the one who gave Putri his coveted Golden Buzzer earlier in the season. Sofia gushed, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard something more beautiful in my life. That was spectacular.” Putri is one step closer to becoming the next AGT champion.
Mzansi Youth Choir
Mzansi Youth Choir earned the first Golden Buzzer of season 18, and the show’s first-ever audience Golden Buzzer. The group moved the judges with their tribute to late AGT alum Nightbirde during their audition. The choir dazzled with their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” for the qualifiers. After making it to the finals, Howie told the group, “You moved America, [and] you’re moving the world.”
Lavender Darcangelo
Lavender Darcangelo was among the first two contestants to make it to the season 18 finals. The singer, who is blind and autistic, has dazzled the judges and America from her very first performance. She earned Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer after her show-stopping audition performance of Irena Cara’s “Out Here On My Own.” Her audition video went viral and has over 4 million views on YouTube.
For her qualifiers performance, Lavender sang an incredible rendition of Foreigner’s “I Wanna Know What Love Is.” The judges gave her a standing ovation. Simon praised her “beautiful” performance.
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane stole our hearts with their adorable dog act. Adrian and Hurricane returned to the stage with another fun and lovable routine. Howie declared that Adrian & Stoica & Hurricane is “favorite dog act ever on AGT.” Heidi admitted that it’s “mind-blowing” to her how Adrian pulls off his act.
Ahren Belisle
Ahren Belisle is one of the most original comics in AGT’s history. The comedian is mute and uses a text-to-speech app in his stand-up routines. Ahren was funnier than ever in his latest performance. He brought his dog along for the ride, too. He hilariously hit on Sofia Vergara and accidentally called her “Sofia Viagra.”
Murmuration
Murmuration was Howie’s Golden Buzzer act this season. The dancers returned to the AGT stage for a powerful and truly stunning performance during the season 18 qualifiers. Simon raved that their performance was “literally perfection” and said Murmuration was “in a different league to anything we’ve seen so far.” Now they’re headed to the finals!