Golden Buzzer

The golden buzzer is a concept that was introduced in Season 9 of America's Got Talent. Each judge may press it only once during the season. In Season 9, the Golden Buzzer sent the act to the next round regardless of the other judges' votes; its main purpose was to break ties. In Season 10, the Golden Buzzer was upgraded to send an act straight to the live shows.

Season 9
Season 9 featured the debut of the golden buzzers. Howie Mandel used his on Emmanuel & Phillip Hudson, and Howard Stern used his on Dustin's Dojo. Neither act progressed to the Quarterfinals. It is unknown if Heidi Klum and Mel B used their golden buzzers.

Season 10
In Season 10, the golden buzzer format was changed so that contenders who receive the buzzer are now given a spot in the Quarterfinals. Howie Mandel was first shown pressing it for Drew Lynch, a comedian with a speech impediment, Howard Stern used his for Freckled Sky, a dance duo. Mel B used hers for Sharon Irving, a singer, Heidi Klum gave the buzzer to young Opera singer Arielle Baril.

The guest judges for the series were also allowed to use the Golden Buzzer during the Judge Cuts. Neil Patrick Harris was the first to use his for comedy magician Piff the Magic Dragon. Michael Bublé was the second, using his golden buzzer on vocal duo The CraigLewis Band. Marlon Wayans was next, pressing it for ventriloquist Paul Zerdin. Piers Morgan was the last guest judge to use the golden buzzer, putting through dance group Siro-A.

Season 11
Season 11's format was similar to Season 10, but host Nick Cannon was also given a chance to use the Golden Buzzer.

Mel B was the first to press the golden buzzer this season, for 13-year-old opera singer Laura Bretan. Howie Mandel was the second to use the golden buzzer, pressing it for 12-year-old singer/ukulelist, winner of season 11, Grace VanderWaal. Heidi Klum then pressed the golden buzzer for 20-year-old jazz singer Sal Valentinetti. Simon Cowell was the final judge to press the golden buzzer, for 16-year-old singer Calysta Bevier. For the first time on the show, Nick Cannon had his own opportunity to press the golden buzzer; he did so for 90-year-old striptease dancer Dorothy Williams.

In the Judge Cuts, Ne-Yo was the first guest judge to use the golden buzzer, pressing it for magician Jon Dorenbos. Reba McEntire used her golden buzzer on 14-year-old gymnast/contortionist Sofie Dossi. George Lopez used his golden buzzer on malambo group Malevo. Finally, Louis Tomlinson used the golden buzzer for 14-year-old singer Jayna Brown.

Season 12
Season 12's format was identical to that of Season 11.

Mel B was the first to press the golden buzzer this season, for 12-year-old singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer.

HAHAHAHA ASPEN HACKED THIS

Trivia

 * Since the upgraded format was introduced in Season 10, both winners, Paul Zerdin and Grace VanderWaal, had received golden buzzers.
 * Seven out of eight of the Season 10 golden buzzer acts reached the Semifinals. Four reached the Finals.
 * Eight out of the nine Season 11 golden buzzer acts reached the Semifinals. Five reached the Finals.