On September 2, 2025, the AGT Third Quarterfinals turned into a breakout night built around one colossal moment: Simon Cowell hitting the Golden Buzzer for Micah Palace. Between hair‑hanging aerials, fire‑juggling brinkmanship, a laser‑sharp crossbow catch, and a show‑closing power ballad, every act raised the stakes — but Micah’s confetti‑shower centerpiece defined the episode.
Per the night’s rundown, Jacqueline & Wagner opened with a high‑stakes aerial, and Jessica Sanchez closed with “Ordinary.” The Messoudi Brothers added a daring costume switch mid‑juggle, while Anna Saranina’s precision shot drew a collective gasp. Below, every performer gets their spotlight — with one or two choice quotes from the live transcripts to bring you inside the room.
Micah Palace earns Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer
Micah Palace took the stage with “Rodeo” and had the crowd clapping along before the first chorus. His call to the room — “Sing it with me.” — set the tone; moments later, Simon hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Micah straight to the finals.
Even Simon couldn’t resist dreaming bigger, saying, “Maybe that should be the anthem.” The reaction matched the moment — a wall of cheers, and gold confetti sealing the night’s headline.
AGT Third Quarterfinals: Performer‑by‑Performer Highlights
Jacqueline & Wagner – hair‑hanging aerial
Jacqueline & Wagner kicked off the show with a hair‑hanging aerial that upped the danger and the height.
As one judge put it, “Out of every act we’ve seen, this is the most we’ve seen an act step it up.”
Austin Brown – original country soul
Austin Brown returned with his original, “Whiskey,” and had the audience on its feet.
“I think you’re one of the most talented singers we’ve had on the show,” a judge told him.
Maceo Harrison – chandelier entrance and charisma‑first choreography
Maceo Harrison made the most theatrical entrance of the night, swinging in on a chandelier before tearing into a high‑energy solo.
“Being a solo dancer is so difficult, but you make it so much fun,” a judge said.
Benn Family Band – harmony and heart
Benn Family Band leaned into tight harmonies on a familiar favorite and drew warm reviews.
“So much better than the first time we met,” a judge noted, adding that they should “feel incredibly proud.”
Messoudi Brothers – blindfolds, fire, and a costume switch
The Messoudi Brothers kept peril at arm’s length while juggling fire — then threw in another daring costume change mid‑routine.
One judge quipped, “It’s the same act going up steps,” even as the crowd roared for the difficulty spikes.
Mastermind – techno‑mentalist connection
Mastermind framed the set as a solution to our distracted lives.
“I combine magic and technology to create moments of true connection,” he said — right before roping a phone into the mind‑bend.
Girish and The Chronicles – rock‑anthem overhaul
Girish and The Chronicles turned Sia’s “Unstoppable” into a fist‑pumping rock number.
“A band like you can just live on forever,” a judge told them, praising the energy and crowd control.
Anna Saranina – bullseye precision
Anna Saranina dialed up the jeopardy with a laser‑sharp crossbow shot that landed with a gasp.
Before the stunt, she checked a blindfold with Terry: “Can you see through it?” After the catch, a judge summed it up: “It was dangerous.”
Chris Turner – high‑wire freestyle
Chris Turner opened by leveling with the room: “Good evening, America. Tonight, with your help, I am taking freestyle rap to the next level.”
He then stitched judges’ prompts and audience suggestions into a single, breathless rhyme — a live‑wire bit that matched the night’s risk‑taking mood.
Jessica Sanchez – a powerhouse close
Jessica Sanchez closed the show with “Ordinary,” turning the theater into a hushed sing-along.
“I am absolutely blown away,” Simon said afterward, praising the poise and control.
What this means for the road ahead
With Micah Palace already locked for the finals via Simon’s Golden Buzzer, the rest of the field now faces a tighter path forward. Whatever happens next, the AGT Third Quarterfinals showed how fast the night can swing when a single performance catches fire — and confetti starts to fall.
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