Full Breakdown
America's Got Talent Season 20: Quarterfinals Week 3 Overview
9/3/2025, 1:55:00 PM
Live Performances and Contestants
On September 2, 2025, the third week of live quarterfinals for Season 20 of *America's Got Talent* aired, featuring 11 acts competing for audience votes and a chance to advance to the semifinals. The judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Melanie "Mel B" Brown—each had one Golden Buzzer to award, sending one act directly to the finals.
The contestants included:
- Anna Saranina: A danger act and former member of the duo Deadly Games, Saranina performed crossbow stunts, showcasing her skills as a solo artist after her divorce.
- Austin Brown: A country singer who returned after a previous unsuccessful audition, Brown performed an original song, "You Can Be My Whiskey, You Can Be My Trip."
- Benn Family Band: This group, composed of family members who lost their home in the January 2025 Altadena wildfires, performed "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz, delivering an emotional tribute.
- Chris Turner: An improv rapper, Turner created a freestyle rap based on random suggestions from the judges, showcasing his quick wit and creativity.
- Girish & The Chronicles: A hard rock band from India, they performed a rock version of Sia's "Unstoppable," impressing the judges with their powerful sound.
- Jacqueline & Wagner: An aerial duo combining roller-skating and acrobatics, their performance included high-energy stunts that captivated the audience.
- Jessica Sanchez: A returning contestant from Season 1, Sanchez sang "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, demonstrating her vocal prowess while eight months pregnant.
- Maceo Harrison: A dancer known for his dynamic performances, Harrison swung from a chandelier while dancing to "Chandelier," engaging the audience with his energy.
- Mastermind: An AI magician, Mastermind used technology to perform illusions, including hacking into Howie Mandel's phone, blending magic with modern tech.
- Messoudi Brothers: Known for their juggling act, the brothers performed a daring routine involving juggling knives while undressing, earning a Golden Buzzer from Mel B.
- Micah Palace: A DJ and rapper, Palace performed an original song, "No Sabo," which resonated with the audience, leading Simon Cowell to award him the Golden Buzzer.
Judges' Feedback
The judges provided varied feedback throughout the performances. Mel B praised the emotional depth of the Benn Family Band's performance, while Simon Cowell noted the improvement in Anna Saranina's act compared to her previous audition. Howie Mandel expressed admiration for Chris Turner's improvisational skills, and Sofia Vergara highlighted the excitement brought by Jacqueline & Wagner's aerial stunts.
Golden Buzzer Highlights
The Golden Buzzer was awarded to Micah Palace, who impressed the judges with his unique blend of music and cultural references. The Messoudi Brothers also received a Golden Buzzer for their thrilling juggling act, which combined danger and entertainment.
What's Next
The results of the live performances will be revealed on September 3, 2025, during a one-hour results show, where three acts will be voted through to the semifinals. The competition continues to build as contestants vie for a chance to win the grand prize of $1 million and the title of *America's Got Talent* champion.
