America's Got Talent Season 19 aired its first Quarterfinals on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, after going on a two-week hiatus due to the Olympics. Forty-four acts cleared the auditions to advance to the Quarterfinals. Out of those, 11 performances were featured in the latest episode. The other 33 acts will be showcased in the coming weeks.
Each Quarterfinal permitted one judge to send an act straight to the finale by granting them the Live Shows Golden Buzzer. In the latest episode, it was judge Sofia Vergara's turn to fast-track one performer to the final round and she used her Golden Buzzer for the Tanzania-based acrobat act, Hakuna Matata.
Sofia was impressed by their deadly act that defied gravity and left the audience staring in disbelief. America's Got Talent fans applauded their performance and their skills. They took to X to congratulate Hakuna Matata on securing the first Quarterfinal Golden Buzzer.
"Hakuna Matata Acrobats was the best act of the night so far and definitely deserved the golden buzzer. @AGT," a fan wrote.
"Congratulations Hakuna Matata Acrobats on winning 's Golden Buzzer! See you in the #AGT Season 19 finals!!!" another person wrote.
"Way to go Sofia!!!! Perfect Golden buzzer #AGT," one netizen wrote.
Hakuna Matata's high-risk performance wowed not only the America's Got Talent judges but also its viewers. Some thought they might give tough competition to the other contestants vying to secure the winner's title. Despite the results, viewers of the show felt their act was worthy of the Golden Buzzer.
"Hakuna Matata stole the show for me tonight, gonna easily be a contender to win this season (probably won't happen tho). #AGT," a fan tweeted.
"Yeah that's a golden buzzer moment #AGT," one netizen commented.
"Man I was watching Hakuna Matata Acrobats like this the whole act Scary that can go wrong at anytime, plus no safety net #respect #AGT!" a person tweeted.
"I guess agrees, well deserved GOLDEN BUZZER #AGT!" another fan wrote.
Wow…Hakuna Matata Acrobats were f**king incredible. They deserved that Golden Buzzer. Thank you, @SofiaVergara! #AGT," a user commented.
America's Got Talent Season 19: Sofia Vergara says Hakuna Matata's performance was "ambitious"
In the latest episode of America's Got Talent, Hakuna Matata left a lasting impression on the judges. Sofia Vergara was impressed enough to give them her Live Shows Golden Buzzer, sending them straight to the finale. Before appearing on stage, the performers admitted that their act was "dangerous."
"Every trick is a risk," said Hakuna Matata.
To ensure they featured a jaw-dropping performance, the acrobatic crew presented high-risk stunts while balancing on stacked rollers that were placed on a raised platform. Power-packed music accompanied their act, adding to the experience of the viewers.
For their final pose, they had one crew member balanced upside-down on another member's hand. Not just the audience but also the judges were amazed by the display of skills. Simon Cowell claimed the act was "one of the most dangerous acts" to be featured on a live show.
Sofia agreed and commended the group for their "perfect" execution. She confessed it was "one of the most ambitious acts" she had ever witnessed on America's Got Talent. She applauded the group and pressed the Golden Buzzer for them.
"I don't think you guys need any help from anyone, but regardless of that I have to do this," said Sofia.
Hakuna Matata jumped with happiness as golden confetti filled the stage.
America's Got Talent Season 19 will return with week two of the Quarterfinals on August 20, 2024.