Warning: Spoilers for the Tuesday, August 19 episode of AMERICA’S GOT TALENT
August 19, 2025 — Marisa Roffman
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’s 20th season opened its live shows on Tuesday with 11 performers vying for three advance spots and a chance at a live Golden Buzzer.
This Week’s Golden Buzzer Decision
This week’s Golden Buzzer authority, Sofia Vergara, waited until the program’s second hour to make her decision. She awarded the buzzer to soul singer Steve Ray Ladson after his audition.
Vergara initially appeared conflicted about the number choice, telling the stage she hadn’t liked the song before adding, “I loved it,” and then hitting the Golden Buzzer.
Reaction and Celebration
Ladson, who had said before performing that appearing on the show had already been life-changing, reacted with pure joy when he earned a place in the finale. Speaking to host Terry Crews, he laughed, “Man, I feel good—I feel like James Brown, ready to get down.”