Simon Cowell Breaks 'AGT' History, Presses Golden Buzzer Twice in One Episode

Season 19 of 'America's Got Talent' kicked off with a bang as judge Simon Cowell made history by pressing the Golden Buzzer twice in one episode, sending two acts straight to the live shows.

"America's Got Talent" premiered its 19th season with a historic episode where judge Simon Cowell defied show precedent and granted the coveted Golden Buzzer to not one but two deserving contestants.

During Tuesday's episode, Cowell first surprised the audience by awarding the Golden Buzzer to Chicago-based singer Liv Warfield. Her energetic performance with her band left Cowell in awe. "That wasn't long enough," he exclaimed after Warfield's act. "It was like being, in a good way, being punched in the face by your energy, the band. All these years of frustration and you come on here and I'm sorry, I can't give you a yes, I've got to give you one of these."

The second act to receive the Golden Buzzer was Sky Elements, a group of six men who performed an impressive drone light show. Cowell's decision to award a second Golden Buzzer shocked the audience, fellow judges Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel, and even production staff. "Simon, what are you doing?" a producer asked incredulously.

"Simon, what are you doing?" a producer asked.

"I had to do it," Cowell responded, brushing off the initial confusion.

Following discussions with production, the rules for season 19 were amended on the spot, allowing judges to award two Golden Buzzers per season. This unprecedented move highlights Cowell's belief in the exceptional talent showcased by both Warfield and Sky Elements.

During the premiere episode last week, Klum had also awarded her first Golden Buzzer to 55-year-old janitor and singer Richard Goodall from Indiana. Goodall's soulful rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" captured the hearts of the judges and audience, leaving no doubt about his deservingness of a spot in the live shows.

Goodall's inspiring story of overcoming adversity and pursuing his musical dreams resonated with Klum. Speaking to host Terry Crews ahead of his audition, Goodall shared how he became a janitor out of necessity and how the encouragement of children at the school where he worked inspired him to audition for "AGT."

"The kids would hear me sing, and they tell me that I've got talent," he explained. "That's why I'm here. That's why I got on a plane."

Goodall's journey serves as a heartwarming reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected of places. It also underscores the transformative power of "AGT," which continues to provide individuals with a platform to showcase their abilities and pursue their dreams.

The Golden Buzzer remains one of the most iconic and sought-after symbols of "AGT." It allows the judges to send acts directly to the live shows, bypassing the elimination round. By granting two Golden Buzzers in one episode, Cowell and Klum set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season filled with exceptional talent.

As the competition progresses, viewers can expect to witness more jaw-dropping performances and inspiring stories. The Golden Buzzer recipients will undoubtedly face the pressure of living up to the expectations set by their judges, but they will also have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global scale and potentially emerge as the next "AGT" sensation.