How many Golden Buzzers are allowed on AGT? Fans react to the latest highlighted act

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Atlanta Drum Academy earned the coveted fast-track to the live shows this week.

How many Golden Buzzers are allowed on AGT? Pictured: Terry Crews with Chioma and The Atlanta Drum Academy
Terry Crews with The Atlanta Drum Academy on America's Got Talent (Image credit: TRAE PATTON/NBC)

That rainfall of confetti when one of the judges uses their Golden Buzzer is always the most exciting part of the America's Got Talent auditions, but just how many Golden Buzzers are allowed on AGT overall?

We've already seen three acts receive the coveted golden buzzer during America's Got Talent season 18's first three episodes, with Georgia-based youth percussionists, the Atlanta Drum Academy, getting the ultimate kudos from AGT host Terry Crews, who hit his buzzer following the group's colorful, spirited drumline performance. 

That sent the drummers straight to the live shows alongside fellow Golden Buzzer acts Mzansi Youth Choir, who received the first-ever Audience Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell in the season premiere, and Indonesian singer-pianist Putri Ariana, another Golden Buzzer pick from Simon in episode 2. 

Though Simon and the rest of the judges' panel — Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara — praised the Atlanta Drum Academy ("What's not to like? They're so much fun, they're so talented, this is one of my favorite auditions this year," Cowell said), Terry stopped the foursome from voting. 

"No, no, no, there is no need to vote," the host yelled, hopping off the stage to join the judges. "You told me backstage that you dream of being on AGT and getting a golden buzzer," Crews directed at the academy's adorable frontman, 8-year-old Chioma Narcisse-Williams. "Now Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy, I am honored to make that dream come true," he added, before smashing the buzzer and letting that celebratory confetti rain down. "It is amazing!" Chioma cheered. 

But now that we already have a trio of Golden Buzzers this season, viewers might be wondering just how many acts will be straight-shot through to the live shows. 

While acts must earn at least three "Yes" votes from the judges to advance from the auditions to the live shows, which will kick off on August 22, any of the four judges, as well as host Terry Crews, can each hit the Golden Buzzer once to personally send an act through to the next round. 

Along with those five Golden Buzzer opportunities, there is also a group Golden Buzzer this year, as well as a fan-led Golden Buzzer pick. So during the pre-taped audition process, seven acts can be fast-tracked to round two in season 18. 

Fans react to Atlanta Drum Academy's golden buzzer win

America's Got Talent viewers had plenty to say about that Atlanta Drum Academy Golden Buzzer moment, with some cheering on the youngsters and other underwhelmed by their performance. Here's what fans are saying: 

New episodes of America's Got Talent air Tuesdays on NBC. They are then available to stream the next day on Peacock.

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Christina Izzo
Christina Izzo

Christina Izzo is the Deputy Editor of My Imperfect Life. More generally, she is a writer-editor covering food and drink, travel, lifestyle and culture in New York City. She was previously the Features Editor at Rachael Ray In Season and Reveal, as well as the Food & Drink Editor and chief restaurant critic at Time Out New York. 

When she’s not doing all that, she can probably be found eating cheese somewhere.