“America’s Got Talent” guest judge Kenan Thompson wishes Simon Cowell well, awards a Golden Buzzer
“America’s Got Talent” guest judge Kenan Thompson wishes Simon Cowell well, awards a Golden Buzzer
Raechal ShewfeltWed, September 2, 2026 at 4:31 AM UTC
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‘America’s Got Talent’ guest judge Kenan Thompson celebrates with singer Lai NoelleCredit: Trae Patton/NBCKey Points -
Kenan Thompson was a guest judge on Tuesday’s episode of America’s Got Talent, where he was subbing in for Simon Cowell.
Thompson was given the night’s Golden Buzzer, which sends the recipient straight into the finals.
Results will be revealed Wednesday.
America’s Got Talent was 25 percent funnier on Tuesday, as Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson sat in for Simon Cowell, in the second consecutive show he’s missed due to surgery on his back.
“I am so happy to be here,” Thompson said when he was introduced at the top of the show. “Sending so much love to Simon. Get well soon. Get back soon.”
And Thompson was given a very important responsibility, as he was tasked with handing out the night’s Golden Buzzer, which sends the recipient straight into the finals.
“The pressure is on you, Kenan!” host Terry Crews told him.
Kenan Thompson on ‘America’s Got Talent’Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
“Let me have it,” Thompson said eagerly. “I want the pressure!”
He seemed genuinely surprised and delighted to have such an important role as he sat alongside his fellow judges Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel.
“Oh, I can’t wait,” the Emmy-winning comedian said. “Thank you.”
While Thompson took his time with the responsibility, he eventually gave it out to one of the last few acts: singer Lai Noelle.
The sweet-voiced 14-year-old girl sang a stirring take on Elton John’s “Your Song,” amidst confetti, and she got big applause from the audience and the judges.
In fact, the judges were blown away, starting with Mel B.
“You’re 14 years old. You have so much more to learn and experience,” the former Spice Girl said. “But where you’re starting from is pure perfection, let me tell you that right now! That was incredible, incredible.”
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Vergara told Noelle that she sounded like “a huge artist already.”
She said that was still “a little bit upset” about Cowell having awarded the singer his Golden Buzzer in her audition before Vergara could give it to her.
“But, you know what? You deserve to be here,” Vergara said. “What a wonderful voice and what a wonderful song.”
Mandel quipped, “Simon knows what he’s talking about.”
Thompson’s comments were quick: “I mean, I hope y’all ready for some more confetti.”
He then told Vergara to hit the Golden Buzzer for him.
When Crews asked him why he’d made the move, Thompson said it was obvious.
“She’s dynamically gifted,” Thompson said. “I’ve been waiting on this moment all night, for somebody to give us this wow factor, and it’s right here.”
Out of the night’s 10 other acts, which included crowd-pleasers including the dance act Acro Canine Crew, singer Pynk Beard, and comedian Daniel Alvarez, three will move forward to the next round of shows, based on votes from viewers.
Voting is open through Wednesday at 7 a.m. ET. Results of Tuesday’s episode will be revealed on America’s Got Talent on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
