Since her debut as a judge on America's Got Talent in season 8, Heidi Klum has become one of the personalities associated with the show. One of the vital features of AGT is the Golden Buzzer, which allows an act to bypass the elimination rounds straight to the live shows. Heidi Klum has used this privilege many times to move some talented performers up the ladder. Through AGT season 18, Heidi Klum has awarded seven Golden Buzzers.
Heidi Klum is an international supermodel and TV personality. With her poise, readiness with wit, and sharp eyes for talent, she is a staple of AGT. Lastly, AGT has won many hearts for its essence of being a common platform for all kinds of talent in people from every sphere of life.
It has been very close to the viewers since the first episode in 2006. With the introduction of the Golden Buzzer in season 9, the fate of a contestant can be switched in an instant from bad to great to get judges like Heidi.
Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzers
Season 10: Arielle Baril
For her first-ever Golden Buzzer in season 10, Heidi Klum chose 11-year-old opera singer Arielle Baril from Pennsylvania. The judges were speechless after Arielle performed a beautiful O Mio Babbino Caro. With this, Arielle moved into the live shows, which heralded Heidi's Golden Buzzer journey, though she later left in the semifinals.
Season 11: Sal Valentinetti
In season 11, Heidi put through Sal Valentinetti, the charming 20-year-old Long Island singer. Sal won the judges and audience over in a very quick, exciting performance of Frank Sinatra's My Way. Heidi was so impressed that she hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Sal through to the Finals, and he finished in fifth place.
Season 12: Angelina Green
During season 12, Heidi selected 13-year-old singer Angelina Green to be her Golden Buzzer act. Angelina gave an emotional performance of The Pretenders' I'll Stand By You, focusing on the emotions she felt about her parents' divorce.
Season 13: Makayla Phillips
Heidi doled out her Golden Buzzer in season 13 to 15-year-old singer Makayla Phillips. Makayla impressed the judges with her cover of Demi Lovato's Warrior. Heidi called her the whole package, but all that promise flamed out during the semifinals.
Season 15: Cristina Rae
After taking a season off, Heidi returned in season 15. She selected Cristina Rae for the Golden Buzzer, a dynamic singer-storyteller with a truly inspirational narrative. Cristina's renditions of Phil Collins's In The Air Tonight and The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter won her Heidi's Golden Buzzer. Cristina went on to win third place in the finals.
Season 16: Léa Kyle
In season 16, Heidi broke her trend of selecting singers and instead gave the Golden Buzzer to Léa Kyle of France, a quick-change artist. Léa presented a breathless performance of quick costume changes that wowed Heidi and the audience. She went on to reach the top five but did not win.
Season 17: Lily Meola
In season 17, Heidi gave the Golden Buzzer to Lily Meola, a 27-year-old singer-songwriter. Lily performed the highly emotional song she had written about her struggle, Daydream. She brought the audience and Heidi to tears, but Lily was eliminated before the finals.
Group Golden Buzzer Moments
In addition to her solo Golden Buzzers, Heidi has also been part of Group Golden Buzzer moments, which was a new element added in season 16. In these collective decisions, all judges, along with the host, are a part. For season 16, this went to child opera singer Victory Brinker, and for season 17, the female trio Chapel Hart took the prize for their original song You Can Have Him, Jolene.
Heidi Klum has used the Golden Buzzer seven times on AGT, each time recognizing performers who left a lasting impression with their talent and stories. Heidi's choices, from young singers to distinctive artists, have added memorable moments to AGT’s history showcasing extraordinary talent. Now, with AGT rolling forward, fans eagerly await who Heidi might choose next, adding another chapter to her Golden Buzzer legacy.
Fans can catch the new season of America's Got Talent airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC. Episodes are also available for streaming the following day on Peacock, ensuring viewers can keep up with all the latest Golden Buzzer moments and other exciting performances.
