America’s Got Talent: Sky Elements’ journey so far explored

Sky Elements is a drone display act from America's Got Talent season 19. The group has created visually appealing exhibitions with the help of over 1,000 drones with their engineering skills. Their audition encouraged Simon Cowell to defy the show's ‘Golden Buzzer rule.’

When they initially appeared during the audition stage, Simon Cowell was so thrilled that he gave them a Golden Buzzer, despite having used one previously. Sky Elements has continued to surprise since then, making it into the quarterfinals with an innovative drone performance featuring the judges in circus-themed roles. They are now awaiting the results of their semifinal performance, which will be released on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Audition of Sky Elements: Breaking the Golden Buzzer rule

Sky Elements' audition was a turning point in America’s Got Talent history. The group delivered a vibrant drone performance that depicted the U.S. space journey, ending with a giant version of Simon Cowell’s head in the sky.

So moved by the display, Simon hit the Golden Buzzer, despite having already used it earlier in the episode. Simon remarked after his decision:

“There’s nothing in the rulebook that says we can’t.”

This surprise move put the panel in an awkward position, leading Simon to declare that his fellow judges could also use a second Golden Buzzer if they wished. Howie Mandel praised the performance as “epic,” while Sofia Vergara called it “breathtaking,” adding that the act would appeal to people of all ages.

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Quarterfinals: Circus in the Sky

Sky Elements returned for the quarterfinals, where they delivered another impressive drone performance that portrayed the judges as circus performers. The group depicted Sofia as a trapeze artist, Howie as a magician, Heidi Klum as a flamethrower, and Simon once again hitting the Golden Buzzer. Cowell stated:

"I thought the first time we saw you, how do you top that, and you did."

Howie gave the group props for accuracy and precision in their drone work, and Sofia remarked that she was captivated by the execution and inventiveness.

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Semifinals: An Emotional Tribute

Sky Elements' semifinal performance took an emotional turn as they paid tribute to the late daughter of one of their members, Preston Ward.

Set to the song Butterfly by Lily Meola, the drones tell the story of a father and daughter, with the daughter transforming into a butterfly and later into a phoenix. The performance moved the audience and judges, with Sofia seen wiping away tears and Simon at a loss for words. Struggling to articulate his reaction, he said:

“That was, uh … That was, um — oh, gosh.”

Sofia called the performance “so beautiful” and congratulated the group for their heartfelt tribute. Howie noted the performance’s poignancy, especially since it aired on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, adding,

“There isn’t an act that just moves your heart this much, and you just broke us.”

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As the semifinal results get near, Sky Elements is now aiming to ensure their spot in the finals. They have been a formidable competitor the entire season because of their moving performances, which struck a deep chord with the judges and the crowd.

This season of America's Got Talent has seen Sky Elements' unique craft, leaving judges and viewers alike excited to see what they will accomplish next.