In a night filled with breathtaking performances, the semifinals of America’s Got Talent saw twelve acts showcase their incredible talents, but one particular performance left judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel deeply moved. On September 11, 2024, the drone act Sky Elements delivered an emotional tribute dedicated to team member Preston Ward’s late infant daughter, Briley Rose. The performance was so poignant that it left Cowell momentarily speechless, struggling to find words to express his feelings.
“That was, uh, that was, um—oh gosh,” Cowell stammered, clearly overwhelmed by the heartfelt tribute.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Howie-Mandel-Simon-Cowell-AGT-091124-5cdb677b478d4b4fb9c5e4e6e877a485.jpg)
Sky Elements had previously made a significant impact on the show, prompting Cowell to break the rules during the auditions by granting each judge an additional Golden Buzzer for their favorite acts. The emotional weight of their performance resonated even more given the date, September 11, a day that carries profound significance for many due to the remembrance of lives lost.
From his seat, Howie Mandel praised the act, saying, “I can’t thank you enough for this… There isn’t an act that just moves your heart this much, and you just broke us.” The other judges, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum, shared in the emotional moment. Vergara marveled, “Who knew that drones could make you so emotional? That was beautiful!” while Klum added, “I just want to give you a big hug right now.”
The night featured a variety of impressive performances, including Kelsey Jane, an aerialist and dentist, who expressed her commitment to her craft regardless of the competition’s outcome. School janitor and singer Richard Goodall wowed the audience with his rendition of “Eye of the Tiger,” and the dog duo Roni Sagi and Rhythm brought smiles with their captivating dance routine. Other standout acts included quick-change artist Solange Kardinaly, magician Young Min, and young singers Alex Sampson, Ashes & Arrows, Pranysqa Mishra, and Reid Wilson, all vying for a chance to secure their spot in the finals.
As the night concluded, anticipation built for the results episode, where six acts will advance based on public votes, joining four who received the coveted Live Show Golden Buzzer. The ten finalists will perform one final time on September 17, culminating in a winner announcement during the finale on September 24.
