The Golden Buzzer on competition juggernaut America’s Got Talent, first introduced in 2014, is currently reserved for a contestant who one of the four judges believes is worthy of advancing directly to the live shows. Judges will often use the gold accessory for an act that inspires them, or somebody they feel has a strong chance of claiming the million-dollar prize. However, the Golden Buzzer’s purpose has significantly changed since it first landed on the judges’ table.

During the ninth season of America’s Got Talent, it was understood that the Golden Buzzer was intended to save an act in order to guarantee they stayed alive in the competition. When judges were split on a specific contestant, and when it seemed like that act would be going home, the Golden Buzzer would be used to ensure they stayed in the game. Most famously, former judge Howard Stern used the Golden Buzzer on Dustin’s Dojo, who was not well-liked by Mel B or Heidi Klum, resulting in the act becoming one of the show’s biggest fan-favorites of 2014. Other contestants such as Emmanuel & Phillip Hudson were on the brink of elimination, but earned a second chance to win over the hearts of all the judges thanks to the Golden Buzzer. Unfortunately, the gold button has become more of a gimmick today, rather than a tool, especially with every judge now being allowed to use it twice each in Season 20.

The Golden Buzzer Was Originally a Second Chance, Not a Shortcut

When the purpose of the Golden Buzzer changed from being a lifeline to a bypass, it was exciting to watch the judges root for their number one pick throughout the entire season, but it also began to make the show more predictable. Each Golden Buzzer act seems to advance to the final two rounds or even win the competition, and every year feels like more of a contest between the judges’ favorites instead of everyone having an equal chance.

Since the competition element was introduced, seven out of the nine winners have been Golden Buzzer acts, making it difficult for the audience to believe that other contestants have a real shot at winning the show. America’s Got Talent has become guilty of telling fans who they feel should win the competition, and continues to use the Golden Buzzer to bookmark which acts they want the audience to vote for. Any level of unpredictability was absent once AGT also introduced Golden Buzzers during the second round, making the gimmick a common occurrence rather than a special event.

The Golden Buzzer Has Lost Its Spark

The Golden Buzzer has also sparked controversy among the judges, especially when the one-way ticket was allowed to be used during the live shows for the first time ever last year. Simon Cowell famously stole Mandel’s Golden Buzzer act in the 2024 Quarterfinals, causing there to be a confrontation between both men backstage. Cowell, being the show’s executive producer, used his power to break the rules by pushing his second Golden Buzzer of the season, exceeding the standard limit. At the live shows red carpet last year, Mandel voiced his frustration with Cowell, saying, “I didn’t know Simon was going to go for it. Then I was just listening to him and he goes, I’m going to get in trouble for this.” Klum also touched on the incident, claiming that Cowell has always been able to do whatever he desires due to his creative control. “No one can stop Simon Cowell. If it’s not his turn, he makes it his turn.”

Whether it has made the show more predictable, caused disputes between judges, or become an overused novelty, the excitement behind the Golden Buzzer has faded and needs to revert to its original purpose. America’s Got Talent still showcases acts that are instantly beloved, but unfortunately don’t always win over the judges, leaving fans to question which acts could’ve been all-star caliber talents with the help of the Golden Buzzer. Sadly, the show has transformed the sacred buzzer into a prop that will continue to lose meaning over time if nothing changes.

Source: The U.S. Sun