Tears and Triumphs: America’s Got Talent Season 20 Quarterfinals 2 Results
Tears flowed on the second live results show of America’s Got Talent Season 20, as the dreams of seven acts came to an end. The emotional rollercoaster unfolded on Wednesday, August 27, when host Terry Crews announced the Quarterfinals 2 results on NBC. The previous night, a diverse group of 11 acts showcased their talents, vying for America’s votes. Among them, rapper Mama Duke received Mel B’s coveted Golden Buzzer, propelling her directly to the finals. "Missy Elliott better be watching out for you," Mel proclaimed, slamming her hand down on the button with enthusiasm.
The Contestants and Their Hopes
The remaining 10 acts were left anxiously awaiting their fate, hoping to be among the three who would advance to the semifinals. The lineup included roller-skaters Duo Stardust, dance group Unreal Crew, magician Alain Simonov, dance group Alex Zinger & Crew, singer-guitarist Bay Melnick Virgolino, singer-keyboardist Benjamin Hightower, robot act Boston Dynamics, cheerleading group EDT Dance Team, juggling group Jonglissimo, and the Leo High School Choir. Each act brought their unique flair, making the competition fierce and unpredictable.
Behind the Scenes: What You Didn’t See on TV
The hour-long episode kicked off with an extended clip package showcasing behind-the-scenes moments from the previous night. Mel and Terry, both dressed in hot pink, shared a light-hearted moment as the judges were caught off guard by Mel’s spontaneous Golden Buzzer for Mama Duke. "Will you write a song for me?" Mel asked, her excitement palpable as confetti rained down.
As the show progressed, Mel expressed her confusion over magician Alain Simonov’s act, wishing she had a second Golden Buzzer for the Leo High School Choir. Duo Stardust, on the brink of giving up, shared their determination to push forward, while Howie Mandel humorously claimed, "I could do that!" after a dance performance. Simon Cowell noted that the standard of talent has only risen over the years, reflecting on the show’s 20-year legacy.
Spotlight on Mama Duke
Mama Duke, the recipient of the Golden Buzzer, expressed no regrets about her rapid ascent in the competition. "I had to press it," Mel stated, emphasizing Mama Duke’s unique and authentic style. The rapper resonated with the audience, declaring, "It feels so good to be me." Her journey exemplifies the spirit of the show, where dreams can be realized in an instant.
The Path to the Top 5
Terry Crews introduced a suspenseful format to reveal the top five acts based on America’s votes. The first pairing featured the Leo High School Choir against Boston Dynamics, with the choir advancing to the next round. Simon expressed optimism for the choir’s future, while Boston Dynamics faced elimination.
The second pairing saw Jonglissimo competing against Alain Simonov, with the jugglers moving forward. Mel praised Jonglissimo as a "brilliant" act, highlighting their originality. The third pairing brought good news for Unreal Crew, as they advanced over Alex Zinger & Crew, much to Howie’s delight.
In the fourth pairing, Duo Stardust triumphed over EDT Dance Team, with Sofia acknowledging the couple’s hard work. Finally, Bay Melnick Virgolino secured his spot in the semifinals, leaving Benjamin Hightower behind. Simon lauded Bay’s performance as a standout moment of the night.
A Special Return: Flau’jae
The episode also featured a special performance by Flau’jae, a former contestant and Golden Buzzer recipient from Season 13. Now a U.S. basketball gold medalist, Flau’jae returned to the AGT stage, joined by her brother Trayron Milton. Her emotional rendition of "Remember When," a tribute to her late father, resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing her growth as an artist.
Semifinalists Announced
As the results unfolded, Terry brought back the top five acts—Leo High School Choir, Jonglissimo, Unreal Crew, Duo Stardust, and Bay Melnick Virgolino—to announce which three would advance to the semifinals. The first semifinalist was Unreal Crew, followed by Bay Melnick Virgolino and the Leo High School Choir. This meant that seven acts were eliminated, including Boston Dynamics, Alain Simonov, Alex Zinger & Crew, EDT Dance Team, Benjamin Hightower, Jonglissimo, and Duo Stardust.
Looking Ahead: Next Week’s Performances
With Quarterfinals 2 wrapped up, the anticipation builds for the next round. The upcoming week promises another exciting lineup, featuring crossbow shooter Anna Saranina, singer Austin Brown, vocal group Benn Family Band, freestyle rapper Chris Turner, band Girish & the Chronicles, aerial duo Jacqueline & Wagner, singer Jessica Sanchez, dancer Maceo Harrison, A.I. magician Mastermind, juggling duo Messoudi Brothers, and rapper Micah Palace. As the competition heats up, fans are left wondering which acts will capture America’s heart next.
