Ten acts were voted through by America—there is a possibility of a Wild Card—and each will need to bring their A-game in order to get America’s vote. “What would make a good show is people who step up, people who are serious about winning and doing well afterwards,” judge Simon Cowell told Parade.com. “I like competitive people, I like people who are unique, I like acts I haven’t seen before. That’s what you look for in a final. I’ve got a feeling that’s where we’re heading.” One of the acts that is a particular favorite of Simon’s is 16-year-old aerialist Aidan Bryant from Prince George County, Va., who performed spectacularly for his semifinal. “Why I like Aidan so much, I think he defines what a variety act is,” Simon said. “I think he’s a Vegas act. I don’t think we’ve had anyone like that win AGT. So, there’s something about him I really, really like. I think he would be a good winner, but it’s really open this year. I think there’s seven or eight people who could win it on the night.” Two other names mentioned by Simon are 30-year-old Tacoma, Wash., native and music teacher Jimmie Herrod, who is Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer and currently resides in Portland, Ore., and 9-year-old Victory Brinker from Latrobe, Pa., who is everyone’s Golden Buzzer. That said, it was shocking during the semifinals when both Jimmie and Victory ended up as part of the Instant Save. When asked what he thought about this surprising turn of events, Cowell said, “We didn’t vote.” On night one of the semifinals, Jimmie was then saved by America’s Instant vote, and Simon commented, “I am thrilled for you. You are a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant singer.” But on night two, Victory didn’t get America’s Instant vote, losing out to Léa Kyle, and was put through by the judges with Heidi Klum, Sofia and Simon, who said he was voting with his heart, all casting their ballots for her.
America’s Got Talent season 16 finalists
Aidan Bryant
Brooke Simpson
Dustin Tavella
Gina Brillon
Jimmie Herrod
Josh Blue
Léa Kyle
Northwell Health Nurses Choir
Victory Brinker
World Taekwondo Demo Team
America’s Got Talent airs performance shows on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT and results shows on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Next, Everything You Need to Know About Season 16, Including All the Golden Buzzers
