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20 years, two dozen judges, 461 episodes, and countless lives changed.
America’s Got Talent is celebrating its 20th season this year, having debuted its first episode back in June 2006. Creator and longtime judge Simon Cowell is looking back on nearly two decades of singing, dancing, comedy, magic, dog tricks, performance art, acrobatics, and so much more by shouting out his 20 favorite moments from the show.
From Kodi Lee, the blind and autistic musician who blew judges Cowell, Howie Mandel, Juilanne Hough, and Gabrielle Union away with his performance of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You,” to country trio Chapel Hart’s “You Can Have Him Jolene,” a memorable riff on the Dolly Parton classic, Cowell has dug up deep cuts and viral breakthroughs alike. And he has a special message for AGT fans to go along with his list.
“It’s actually amazing for us to be able to celebrate our 20th anniversary of AGT,” Cowell tells Entertainment Weekly. “I can honestly say, it’s the best job in the world. It’s been successful because of the amazing people who have bothered to come out and audition. And over the years, we have met so many incredible contestants. So, this is a huge thank you to everyone who has made this show. I’m lucky enough to work with some of the most creative people in the world.”
Cowell continued, “This show wouldn’t be on air without NBC’s belief. I owe all of you a massive thank you. You took a chance on this show when no one else would. Now I look forward to our 40th anniversary!”
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Kodi Lee – Season 14
Kodi Lee, a 22-year-old blind and autistic singer and pianist, captivated audiences with his audition performance of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You,” earning him the first Golden Buzzer of the season. Lee went on to make history as the first autistic and developmentally disabled contestant to win AGT. His victory not only showcased extraordinary musical talent, but also highlighted the importance of inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry. Since winning AGT, Lee has continued to inspire audiences worldwide through headlining shows in Las Vegas, releasing original music, performing at major events.
Sara James – Season 17
Sara James was a 14-year-old singer from Ośno Lubuskie, Poland, who captivated audiences on America’s Got Talent. Her journey began with a powerful rendition of Billie Eilish’s “Lovely,” earning her a Golden Buzzer from Cowell. Throughout the competition, she showcased her vocal prowess with performances like Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” each receiving high praise from the judges. Her post-show endeavors, including the release of her debut album, have continued to build on the momentum gained from the show.
Light Balance – Season 12
Chris Haston/NBC
This high-energy, visually stunning dance and technology group from Ukraine is known for their perfectly synchronized dance routines, intricate choreography, and groundbreaking use of LED light suits. The group creates unforgettable performances that blend music, movement, and visual effects into immersive storytelling. Their initial audition earned them host Tyra Banks’ Golden Buzzer. During their time on AGT, they set a new standard for what performance acts could be, while their appearance during a time of geopolitical tension in Ukraine added an emotional depth to their story.
Preacher Lawson – Season 12
Preacher Lawson is a comedian whose energetic and relatable stand-up routines earned him high praise from the judges, with Mandel likening him to comedy legends like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. He came in second place behind 12-year-old ventriloquist Darci Lynne, claiming that he “lost to a child who never even opened her mouth the whole season.” Beyond AGT, Lawson continues to tour throughout the country and has built a substantial online presence, amassing over 3.4 million followers on TikTok and more than 640,000 subscribers on YouTube.
Roni & Rhythm – Season 19
Roni Sagi & Rhythm are an Israeli dog-dancing duo. Their performances showcased an extraordinary partnership between Roni, a dog trainer, and her border collie, Rhythm. Highlighting the deep bond between humans and animals, they showcased the potential for animals to engage in complex, synchronized routines. Their act impressed viewers and the judges alike, with Cowell remarking that Rhythm danced better than many human performers on the show.
Richard Goodall – Season 19
Known as the “singing janitor,” Richard Goodall became a breakout star, captivating audiences with his powerful vocals and inspiring story. At 55, Goodall worked as a middle school janitor in Terre Haute, Ind. Encouraged by his students, he auditioned for AGT, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” His performance earned him a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. Despite his newfound fame, Goodall returned to his janitorial job while exploring future opportunities in music. He married his fiancée, Angie Vanoven, shortly before his victory and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a home game for the Indiana Pacers.
Sofie Dossi – Season 11
Sofie Dossi is a contortionist, aerialist, and internet personality who at just 14 years old captivated audiences with her unique blend of flexibility, strength, and creativity. Dossi’s initial audition featured a daring act where she shot a flaming arrow using her feet while performing a handstand. Following her appearance on AGT, Dossi expanded her reach through various platforms. She launched a YouTube channel, amassing millions of subscribers and billions of views, where she showcases her contortion and aerial skills, as well as collaborations with other creators.
Nightbirde – Season 16
Nightbirde, born Jane Marczewski, was an American singer-songwriter whose brief but impactful appearance left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. She auditioned for AGT with her original song “It’s OK,” a poignant reflection on her battle with metastatic breast cancer, which had spread to her lungs, spine, and liver. Her audition moved the judges to tears, and Cowell awarded her the Golden Buzzer. Before the live shows, Nightbirde withdrew from the competition due to her health, and died in 2022 at the age of 31. Nightbirde’s legacy lives on through her music and the Nightbirde Foundation, established by her family to support women battling breast cancer.
The Mayyas – Season 17
This Lebanese all-female precision dance troupe’s victory marked a historic achievement as the first Lebanese act and the first all-female group to win the competition. The Mayyas captivated audiences with their mesmerizing performances that blended traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary influences. The group’s name, “The Mayyas,” translates to “the proud walk of a lioness” in Arabic, symbolizing strength and grace. Following their win, Lebanese President Michel Aoun awarded them the Lebanese Order of Merit in appreciation of their artistic achievements. They also performed alongside Beyoncé at the opening of the Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai.
Shin Lim – Season 13
Shin Lim is a magician renowned for his mesmerizing sleight-of-hand card tricks and silent, music-driven performances. He gained widespread recognition as the winner of AGT Season 13, becoming the second magician in the show’s history to clinch the title. Lim’s journey to victory was marked by his innovative approach to close-up magic, characterized by fluid movements and intricate illusions. Since winning, Lim continues to captivate audiences with his mesmerizing magic in Las Vegas at his acclaimed show Limitless.
Chapel Hart – Season 17
Chapel Hart is a country music trio from Poplarville, Miss., comprising of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindle. Known for their powerful harmonies and bold storytelling, their initial audition featured an original song, “You Can Have Him Jolene,” a contemporary response to Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene.” The performance was so compelling that they received a group Golden Buzzer from all four judges and host Terry Crews. After AGT, Chapel Hart continued to build their career, releasing albums like Glory Days and performing at major venues, including the Grand Ole Opry.
Mat Franco – Season 9
Mat Franco made history by becoming the first magician to win the competition, thrilling audiences with his innovative sleight-of-hand tricks and engaging storytelling. Following his victory, Franco’s career flourished. He debuted his Las Vegas residency, Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly, at The LINQ Hotel and is currently celebrating his 10-year anniversary there. His show, which combines pre-planned illusions with audience interaction, has been highly acclaimed, earning him multiple “Best Magic Show” awards at the Best of Las Vegas Awards. In 2017, the city of Las Vegas honored him by renaming the theater to the “Mat Franco Theater” and declaring July 10 as “Mat Franco Day.” In 2025, he was also named “Magician of the Year” by the Magic Castle and Academy of Magical Arts.
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane – Season 18
Adrian Stoica and his border collie, Hurricane, wowed audiences and judges alike with their extraordinary performances, and ultimately won the competition. Showcasing a series of impressive tricks and a deep bond between the duo, their victory marked a historic moment, as they became the first dog act to win AGT since Olate Dogs in season 7.
Darci Lynne Farmer – Season 12
Darci Lynne Farmer is a ventriloquist and singer who, at 12 years old, became the youngest contestant to win AGT, amazing the crowd with her unique blend of ventriloquism and vocal talent. Her audition, featuring a performance of “Summertime” with her puppet Petunia, earned her the Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B. Following her win, Farmer embarked on a successful career, including a headlining show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas and a nationwide tour.
Avery Dixon – Season 17
Chris Haston/NBC
Avery Dixon is a saxophonist from Atlanta, Ga., who throughout his childhood faced numerous health challenges, including vocal cord issues that led to bullying. Despite these hardships, he found solace in playing the saxophone, which became his outlet and passion. When Dixon delivered a heartfelt audition performing Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” Crews was moved by his emotional story and musical talent, and awarded him the first Golden Buzzer of the season.
Drake Milligan – Season 17
Chris Haston/NBC
Drake Milligan was a rising country music artist who gained national recognition as a finalist on America’s Got Talent season 17. His performances, including original songs “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” and “Kiss Goodbye All Night,” showcased his classic country style and earned him the moniker “the new Elvis of country” from judge Mandel. Following his AGT success, Milligan’s debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth, topped the iTunes charts. He also received a nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
Detroit Youth Choir – Season 14
Chris Haston/NBC
Known for their powerful blend of singing, dancing, and rapping, the Detroit Youth Choir’s national breakthrough came when they earned the Golden Buzzer from Crews after a high-energy performance of “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Under the leadership of artistic director Anthony White, they advanced all the way to the finals and finished in second place, winning the hearts of millions. Since their AGT success, DYC has continued to perform, record music, and inspire, even starring in the Disney+ docuseries Choir, which highlights their journey and impact.
Grace VanderWaal – Season 11
Chris Haston/NBC
Grace VanderWaal is a singer-songwriter and actress who won America’s Got Talent‘s 11th season at 12 years old. Her audition, where she performed her original song “I Don’t Know My Name” on the ukulele, earned her the Golden Buzzer from Mandel. Throughout the competition, she showcased her unique voice and songwriting talent, culminating in her victory. Following her AGT win, VanderWaal signed with Columbia Records, opened for Imagine Dragons on their tour, and starred in the Disney+ film adaptation of Stargirl, based on Jerry Spinelli’s bestselling novel.
Terry Fator – Season 2
Chris Haston/NBC
Terry Fator is a ventriloquist, impressionist, and singer who gained national fame with a puppet duet of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” with Kermit the Frog, showcasing his unique blend of ventriloquism and musical impressions. Following his win on season 2 of America’s Got Talent, Fator secured a multi-year contract with The Mirage in Las Vegas, where he performed nightly in a theater renamed in his honor, and later performed at New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
Sainted – Season 18
Chris Haston/NBC
Sainted is a dynamic 26-member choir from Charlotte, N.C., known for blending gospel, trap, and pop music into high-energy performances. Founded in 2020 by DJ Fannie Mae and led by Grammy-winning artist Dennis Reed Jr., the group aims to create an immersive experience that celebrates the journey of Southern church youth through music, fashion, and art. After delivering a powerful rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” their performance was met with a standing ovation from the judges, and Cowell awarded them the Golden Buzzer.
Season 20 of America’s Got Talent premieres Tuesday, May 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
