America’s Got Talent season 19 continued with its fifth live show of the season, airing on September 11, 2024. This episode featured 12 acts competing for a spot in the finale. Six of the contestants were Golden Buzzer recipients, while the remaining six reached the semifinals through the standard competition process.
Only six acts out of the 12 performances would move forward to next week's finale. The acts were solely evaluated through America’s votes, and no additional Golden Buzzers were used in this round of America’s Got Talent. The performers in this episode included singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and other unique talents.
Among them were Golden Buzzer winners Richard Goodall, Pranysqa Mishra, Reid Wilson, Brent Street, Learnmore Jonasi, and Sky Elements. The six other semi-finalists included Ashes & Arrows, Kelsey Jane, Solange Kardinaly, Roni Sagi & Rhythm, Alex Sampson, and Young-Min.
America’s Got Talent season 19 semifinals performances
1. Pranysqa Mishra kicks off the night
The night started with 10-year-old singer Pranysqa Mishra, who delivered a rendition of High Hopes. Heidi praised her by saying she "gave us such a moment" tonight, while Howie described her voice as "angelic" with "such power and poise." Simon was impressed, calling it "gutsy" for such a young performer to take on such a big song on America’s Got Talent.
2. Kelsey Jane's aerial performance
Texan dentist Kelsey Jane returned with another impressive aerial act. Heidi said her performance "took my breath away" due to the grace and beauty she brought to the stage of America’s Got Talent.
Sofia complimented her connection to the music, while Simon admired how she balances her talent as a hobby alongside her professional career. Howie echoed the praise, noting how unique her part-time talent makes her compared to the other full-time performers.
3. Alex Sampson's original song
Singer Alex Sampson took the stage with his original song Wallflower. Sofia found him "adorable" and praised the song as "beautiful," while Simon appreciated his courage to showcase an original piece.
Although Simon wasn’t a fan of the song choice, he respected Alex’s decision to use this platform to introduce his music. Howie and Heidi supported Simon's prediction that Alex has the potential to "go all the way" and become a big star after the competition in America’s Got Talent.
4. Young-Min’s visual magic
Magician Young-Min delivered a unique sand and lights routine, culminating in a quick-change trick. Howie found parts of the act "confusing," while Heidi thought earlier performances were stronger, feeling that "the magic took a backseat."
Simon was more critical, saying he wasn’t impressed, likening the act to "looking for a lightbulb in sand." Despite this, Sofia enjoyed the performance, describing it as "mysterious," even if it wasn't perfect.
5. Ashes & Arrows deliver their best performance
Ashes & Arrows, a band aiming for stardom, took Simon’s advice by performing a more uptempo song. Howie praised the performance as the "best act of the night," and Simon agreed, calling it their best to date on America’s Got Talent.
Heidi loved the song choice, saying it was their best performance of the season, while Sofia said they both "sound great" and "look great" on stage. The band received unanimous praise.
6. Roni Sagi & Rhythm bring a prop to the stage
Dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm introduced a new prop, incorporating a dance bar into their routine. Heidi labeled the performance a "winning" one, and Sofia called the act "perfect."
Simon stood and applauded, stating that their act was the best of its kind he had ever seen, while Howie added,
"It was better than the movie."
7. Reid Wilson’s take on Whitney Houston
Reid Wilson slowed down Whitney Houston’s classic I Wanna Dance with Somebody, aiming to show off his high notes. Howie praised his "pure" and "beautiful" voice but wasn’t confident Reid would advance.
Sofia appreciated his choice to take on a difficult song, and Simon acknowledged his risk, applauding him for not playing it safe. Heidi celebrated Reid's progress, calling it a "beautiful journey" watching him "blossom" on the stage of America’s Got Talent.
8. Brent Street's hip-hop routine
Australian dance troupe Brent Street delivered a high-energy hip-hop routine with large stage props. Howie, their Golden Buzzer champion, declared they "should win" the competition.
Simon found their performance "unbelievable," admitting he hadn’t given them enough credit before. Heidi loved their ability to "keep reinventing" themselves with each performance, proving they are a top contender in America’s Got Talent.
9. Richard Goodall's Eye of the Tiger cover
Janitor and singer Richard Goodall took on Eye of the Tiger, an unexpected choice that Heidi called "epic." Simon acknowledged the surprise song choice but said, "people love you" anyway.
Sofia and Howie echoed the audience's love for Richard, with Howie saying that his performance showed "how big" his heart is, connecting with the crowd on a personal level.
10. Learnmore Jonasi’s stand-up
As the last comedian on America’s Got Talent, Learnmore Jonasi had a lot to prove with his set referencing American movies and African culture. Howie called his act "epic," noting how much work he puts into making it seem natural.
Heidi said Learnmore always puts her in a good mood, while Sofia commented that he’s "getting better and better." Simon loved how funny he was and expressed a personal liking for him.
11. Sky Elements delivers an emotional tribute
Drone act Sky Elements created stunning visuals in tribute to a lost family member, featuring a rose, butterflies, and a phoenix. Simon struggled to find words, being moved by the story.
Sofia called the performance a "heartfelt" surprise, and Howie praised the act as "absolutely beautiful" and fitting for the 9/11 anniversary. Heidi said it was "amazing," marking it as one of the most emotional acts of the night in America’s Got Talent.
12. Solange Kardinaly closes the show with quick-change
Quick-change artist Solange Kardinaly closed the night with a fast-paced performance despite limited prep time. Simon predicted she’ll have a "life-changing year" after the competition, while Sofia found her act "spectacular."
Heidi noted that Solange "gets more amazing" with every performance, and Howie admired her ability to create something great in just a week, highlighting her strong work ethic.
Catch the next episode of America’s Got Talent season 19 on NBC, and stream it on Peacock to see which acts advance to the finals.