America’s Got Talent 2025 LIVE SHOWS: Quarterfinals 3 Recap Live Blog
America’s Got Talent season 20 live shows continue tonight (September 2) with the third of four weeks of Quarterfinals. Eleven acts of 44 will perform tonight for YOUR VOTES! THREE acts voted through to the semifinals by viewers will be revealed on Wednesday’s (September 3) LIVE RESULTS. Tonight, a judge will chose ONE Golden Buzzer to go straight to the Grand Finale at the end of the month.
Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B. take their seats on the panel. Terry Crews serves as host. Simon has the Golden Buzzer this week!
America’s Got Talent 2025: Top 44 Live Show Guide
VOTE for your favorite contestants via the AGT phone app and/or NBC.com.
Jacqueline and Wagner – Acrobats
The couple perform a romantic yet dynamic routine on roller skates, that includes ropes and pullies. They swing dangerously, high in the air. At one point Jacqueline is tethered to Wagner only by her crotch. He also swings her around by her hair. As usual with these types of acts, one wrong move and very bad things could happen.
Mel B. calls the routine brilliant. Simon calls it sensational, and really, really good. He feels they took a “massive step up” this time. Howie agrees. He feels they stepped it up the most out of all the acts so far. Sofia says, “You took it to another level.”
Austin Brown – Homefree lead singer
Oh. For the first time, Austin namechecks the acapella group he was in–Homefree. Fun fact, Homefree won the NBC competition show, The Sing-Off. Tonight, Austin will sing another original song.
Certain singers are better in groups. Austin is one of those singers. His soft voice doesn’t exude much character, especially on this upbeat number which could use more swag. He’d probably kill a ballad if he attempted that. Also, the song tests the edges of his range.
Mel B. says she can already hear the song on the radio. Sofia feels he exceeded his audition. Howie calls him talented, BUT the judge isn’t convinced his voice suits the country genre. Simon calls the performance “too over the top.” He suggests stripping it back. He’s got a point. The band and arrangement overpowered him.
Maceo Harrison – Goofy dancer
Maceo describes himself as a “vibe.” OK then! Simon notes that Maceo is already a star–he’s part of the popular Savannah Bananas team. He’s really more of a mascot than a dancer.
He begins his routine outside, tumbling over people. He finally makes his way onstage swinging on a chandelier as the Sia song plays in th background. The props and choreography elevate his act. But in no way is he a “dancer.” He jumps around athletically in an entertaining way. I wonder how many injuries he’s sustained recklessly swinging and jumping off things, in addition to the crazy tumbling.
Simon calls him “brilliant.” Sofia thinks he makes his act “so fun.” Mel B appreciates his unpredictability (which she pronounces wrong!)
Benn Family Singers
The family, including extended members, lost their homes in the Eaton Fires in California. At one time the Benn patriarch worked for the Pasadena Civic Center, where AGT is taped. The facility also served as an emergency shelter during the immediate aftermath of the fires which tore through neighboring Altadena.
The family harmonizes on the Jason Mraz song, “I Won’t Give Up.” For a family especially, the harmonies are shaky in spots. The lead singer is solid, though. She’s reminiscent of American Idol’s Jordin Sparks.
Sofia calls it beautiful and moving. Howie says “the story is the act. I can feel your broken hearts.” Mel says, “I have to be honest with you. You are so much better than what you just did.” She’s correct. Those harmonies were not so great. Simon disagrees. “You sounded so much better than the first time we met. I think you should all feel incredibly proud of yourselves.”
Messoudi Brothers – Knife jugglers
Mel B hit her Golden Buzzer for the brother’s audition. Part of the act is stiripping down to their bare skin WHILE throwing knives or various objects.
This time it’s double danger–tossing lighted sticks while blindfolded. That part doesn’t last long, before they tear off the blindfolds and almost everything else. Unfortunately, the act is not going smoothly as they drop what looks like fake champaign bottles. Mind you, they are juggling while climbing stairs, dressing and undressing. It ended better than it started.
Mel says, “You did step it up a level. I thought that was brilliant.” Howie feels they did the same act as last time. Simon agrees with Mel, they did step it up. “That is a 10.” Sofia says, “You make juggling exciting, sexy, fun.”
Micah Palace – Singer – Simon’s Golden Buzzer
He loves soccer and music. Since he wasn’t a great athlete, he decided to concentrate his efforts on music. The singer’s family is from Argentina.
Micah’s shtick includes using his mother’s ironing board to mount a device he uses to layer instruments and voice. He doesn’t spend much time there. He sings a soccer chant while throwing in religious shout outs. It’s kind of weird. But considering the World Cup is coming to America next year, it makes more sense.
Howie can imagine Micah playing festivals. Sofia understands why his performances go viral. She mentions the World Cup. I don’t get it, but I do get it, says Mel. Wut. Simon gets it, “I really like you.” Simon asks him what color the gold cup is…and then hits the Golden Buzzer. This is such a blatant NBC sports crossover, it’s embarrassing.
Mastermind – High tech magic
Mastermind calls himself an “AI magician.”
“I use magic and technology to create true moments of connection,” he intones underneath an electronic mask, before pulling out a card deck of emojis. As Simon concentrates on the emoji he chose, it appears on Simon’s and Howie’s phone. Then, he performs a high tech mentalist trick with an audience member. And somehow, it all ties together at the end. A little chaotic, the act worked in the end.
Sofia calls the act “magical.” Once again, Mel B is confused, but she still liked it. Howie calls it the best act of the night. He wants his phone back! Simon didn’t quite understand what happened, needing Mel and Howie to explain it to him.
Girish and the Chronicles – Rock band from India
The group, who fell fell in love with Western rock music, twists the hard rock tribute by singing pop songs in an unapologetic metal style featuring screaming vocals and squealing guitar solos. This time, they cover “Unstoppable.” The lead, who sings is from Mumbai.
Howie loves metal. Now this act is his favorite of the night. Sofia calls them “spectacular.” Mel B. says, “The vocals were off” but she liked them. Howie meows at her. “A band like you can live on forever.” The guitar player performed with a broken finger!
Anna Saranina – Danger act
Anna was part of the AGT act, Deadly Games. But after a bad break up from her husband/partner, she had to start from scratch. Simon criticized her audition calling it “slow.” Her audition was Sofia’s Golden Buzzer.
Blindfolded, Anna shoots arrows at her upside down assistant. She ends with a spectacular stunt that has her shooting an arrow that bounces off targets before popping a balloon positioned on her chest.
Simon calls it a “big big big step up.” He loved the ending. Mel B. loves her strength and her story. Howie suggests that, if there is a next time, she preload the arrows. Simon thinks there is too much setup, but the payoff is worth it.
Chris Turner – Freestyle rapper
Earlier this evening, AGT asked fans to post suggestions for Chris to turn into raps. The judges pick themes from a fan list. Mushy peas, Terry Crews in White Chicks, vegetable cream cheese, and ripe plums (Simon didn’t use the fan suggestions). He raps quickly, and manages to fit in all the ideas. It’s a party trick!
Mel B. Calls him lit. Howie calls it amazing and begs America to vote. Sofia calls it effortless and creative. Simon enjoyed it, “You’re smart, you’re funny, It was all in the moment.” Chris admits that he has never seen the movie White Chicks.
Jessica Sanchez – Singer
Folks remember Jessica as the American Idol season 11 runner-up. But as far as AGT is concerned she’s their former kid singer contestant returning after two decades. She announced her impending motherhood during her audition. Now, months later, she’s 8 months pregnant. She admits that the changes in her body have impacted her singing.
Despite being super preggo, Jessica delivers a solid rendition of the hit “Ordinary” by Alex Warren. Pimp spot plus fan favorite gives the singer a great shot to move on to the semi-finals.
Sofia calls her spectacular. “You are the best.” Simon is blown away. He mentions she’s not feeling good tonight. He loves her tone and “glow.” He thinks people are going to root for her. Mel B believes she has never sounded better. Howie jokes that he was afraid the production would turn into a reproduction.
