Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer Picks In 2023

Hey everyone! So, 2023 was a wild ride for America's Got Talent, right? And if there's one thing we all tune in for, it's those jaw-dropping Golden Buzzer moments. You know, the ones where Simon Cowell, the famously tough judge, actually gets moved enough to hit that golden button, sending a contestant straight to the live shows. It's a huge deal, and honestly, it’s pretty awesome to watch.

This season, Simon definitely brought his A-game when it came to Golden Buzzers. He’s known for being super critical, so when he does hit that buzzer, you know it's for someone truly special. We saw some incredible talent, but Simon’s picks always have that extra spark. He looks for that raw emotion, that unique talent, and that undeniable star quality. It’s not just about being good; it’s about being unforgettable. And let me tell you, the contestants he chose this year? They absolutely fit the bill. We’re talking about acts that made us laugh, cry, and just stare in awe. It’s proof that even the harshest critics can have the biggest hearts when the right talent comes along. So, let’s dive into who Simon Cowell blessed with his Golden Buzzer in 2023 and why they totally deserved it. Get ready, because these performances were something else!

The First Golden Buzzer: Lavender Darcangelo

Alright, let's kick things off with the first huge Golden Buzzer moment from Simon in 2023. This was for none other than Lavender Darcangelo, and guys, she absolutely crushed it. Lavender is a singer, and not just any singer. She's a young woman with a unique perspective on life, and she brought that incredible spirit to the AGT stage. What made her performance so special was her voice, of course, but also the sheer heart she poured into her song choice. She sang "Chandelier" by Sia, and let me tell you, it was a rendition that gave me chills. She didn't just sing the notes; she felt them. You could see the passion in her eyes, the way she commanded the stage, and the pure emotion she conveyed. It was raw, powerful, and utterly captivating.

What really struck a chord with Simon, and with all of us watching, was Lavender's story. She’s autistic and non-verbal, but she found her voice through music. Her parents spoke about how singing became her way of communicating and connecting with the world. This context made her performance even more profound. It wasn’t just about talent; it was about resilience, overcoming challenges, and finding your voice in the most unexpected ways. Simon himself was visibly moved. He commented on her unique tone and the emotional depth of her performance. He talked about how sometimes you just have that special something, and Lavender undoubtedly had it. He praised her bravery and the incredible connection she made with the audience. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated why the Golden Buzzer exists – to celebrate those rare, groundbreaking talents that deserve a massive platform. Lavender’s performance was a beautiful reminder that talent comes in all forms and that music has the power to transcend barriers. She absolutely earned that Golden Buzzer, and her journey on AGT was one of the most inspiring of the season, all thanks to Simon recognizing her extraordinary gift.

Mzansi Youth Choir: A Taste of South Africa

Next up on Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer list for 2023, we have the absolutely incredible Mzansi Youth Choir. Now, this group is not new to the stage; they’ve actually performed on AGT before. But this time, they came back with a vengeance, and Simon was having none of it but to give them his Golden Buzzer. They hail from South Africa, and their performance was a vibrant, powerful display of culture, unity, and pure vocal talent. They chose to sing "Jerusalema," a song that has become a global anthem of hope and resilience, especially during challenging times. And their rendition? It was phenomenal.

From the moment they started, the energy in the room was electric. This wasn't just a choir singing; it was a full-blown celebration. Their harmonies were tight, their energy was infectious, and the passion they exuded was palpable. You could feel the joy and pride radiating from each member. They brought a unique South African flavor to the performance, incorporating traditional elements and dance moves that made it visually stunning as well as aurally breathtaking. It was a performance that made you want to get up and dance, but also brought a tear to your eye with its sheer emotional power. Simon, who can be notoriously hard to impress, was completely blown away. He spoke about how the choir represented the best of humanity and that their performance was filled with so much joy and spirit. He emphasized that they brought something truly special and unique to the show, something that resonated deeply. He was impressed by their previous appearances and felt they deserved a second chance with the ultimate boost. For Simon to give his Golden Buzzer to a group, especially one he’d seen before, showed just how much they had elevated their game. Mzansi Youth Choir didn’t just sing a song; they delivered a message of hope, unity, and the incredible power of music to bring people together. They truly embodied the spirit of AGT, and Simon’s decision to send them straight through was a testament to their undeniable talent and captivating performance. It was a moment of pure joy and a highlight of the season for sure!

The Unexpected Talent: Putri Ariani

And then, there was Putri Ariani. Oh. My. Goodness. Guys, this young lady absolutely stunned everyone, including Simon Cowell himself, earning his third Golden Buzzer of the season. Putri is a singer and pianist from Indonesia, and she is blind. She walked onto the stage with a quiet confidence that immediately drew you in. When she started singing, the room fell silent. She chose to sing Elton John's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," and her rendition was, frankly, perfection. Her voice is pure, rich, and filled with an emotional maturity that is astonishing for her age. She hit every note with incredible precision and delivered the lyrics with a depth of feeling that made the song her own.

But it wasn't just her singing that impressed Simon and the audience. Putri also shared that she had written an original song. Simon, intrigued, asked her to perform it. And that’s when she truly blew everyone away. Her original song, "Loneliness," was a masterpiece. It was beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and showcased her incredible songwriting talent in addition to her vocal prowess. This dual talent – singing and songwriting – is what really sealed the deal for Simon. He’s always looking for artists with that complete package, and Putri delivered it in spades. He was visibly emotional after her performance, praising her incredible talent, her songwriting abilities, and her inspiring presence. He called her a "truly special