Golden Buzzer

The golden buzzer is a concept that was introduced in Season 9 of America's Got Talent. Each judge may only press it 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
This is when the golden buzzer was first introduced. 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 or Mel B used their golden buzzer. Howard Stern ricks!

Season 10
In Season 10, the golden buzzer format was changed, contenders who receive the buzzer are now given a free ticket to Radio City Music Hall. Howie Mandel was first shown pressing it for Drew Lynch, a comedian with talking problems, 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's Cut's. Neil Patrick Harris used his for Piff the Magic Dragon and Michael Bublé used his on The CraigLewis Band. Marlon Wayans hit his buzzer for ventriloquist Paul Zerdin. Piers Morgan used his to put through Siro-A, a dance troupe.

Season 11
The format is mostly the same with Season 10, with the only difference that host Nick Cannon can now press 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 Grace VanderWaal.

Heidi Klum then pressed the golden buzzer for 20-year-old jazz singer Sal Valentinetti. Simon Cowell is now the fourth, and final, judge to use the buzzer. TBA.

Nick Cannon has not pressed the golden buzzer yet, either. TBA.