Terry Crews Snags ‘AGT’ Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell for Viral Detroit Dance Crew, The Funkateers
Terry Crews’ Hilarious ‘Golden Buzzer Heist’ Ignites ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 20
In a moment of pure, unscripted reality television gold, America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews cemented his reputation as the show’s most emotionally engaged cheerleader, delivering a dramatic, scene-stealing move that has instantly become the biggest story of Season 20’s audition rounds. Crews, who has hosted the flagship competition since 2019, literally ran from his post to smash the coveted Golden Buzzer, snatching the opportunity away from an openly frustrated Simon Cowell in a move that brought the entire audience—and one deserving dance crew—to its feet.
The electrifying incident unfolded during the audition of The Funkateers, a four-man, senior dance troupe from Detroit, Michigan, whose emotional journey and infectious energy perfectly encapsulated the kind of story Crews loves to champion. The move was a quintessential ‘Crews moment,’ showcasing his passionate, sometimes impulsive support for talent he genuinely connects with, leading to a hilarious but meaningful exchange with the show’s notoriously reserved executive producer. The Golden Buzzer sends the act directly to the live shows, bypassing the rest of the grueling audition process.
The Performance: 45 Years in the Making
The Funkateers, comprised of four lifelong friends, took to the stage with a story that immediately resonated with the judges and the audience. They revealed they were a group who first performed together in 1980 to win their high school talent show—a goal they accomplished. However, life, family, and jobs forced them to put their dancing dreams on hold, with their last collective performance being at one of the members’ weddings back in 1989. Forty-five years after their formation, they decided to give their dream one last shot on the grandest stage.
Their choice of music—Rick James’ iconic “Give It to Me Baby”—set the stage for a routine brimming with skillful, synchronized footwork and infectious, age-defying energy. Judge Sofia Vergara immediately loved the performance, calling the act “perfect” and praising their beautiful story. Howie Mandel echoed the sentiment, telling the group that their performance was “better that you did it now at this age,” stressing that it made the display “even better.”
Simon Cowell, typically the most difficult judge to please, was visibly enthusiastic, repeatedly exclaiming “yes” during the performance and rising to his feet with the rest of the room. It was clear to everyone that the Funkateers were heading to the next round, but the question of who would bestow the instant-pass Golden Buzzer was suddenly afoot.
“You Are My Golden Buzzer!”: The Coup De Grâce
As the applause subsided, the stage was set for the highly-anticipated Golden Buzzer selection. Simon Cowell, who looked ready to speak, leaned into his microphone and began to comment on the act, a clear indication that he was moving toward making a decision. Then, the unexpected happened.
From his position near the stage wings, Terry Crews burst into action. “Listen, you are my Golden Buzzer!” he interrupted, as he sprinted to the judges’ desk and slammed the Golden Buzzer button before Cowell could get another word out. The shower of golden confetti erupted, signaling the end of The Funkateers’ audition uncertainty and the beginning of a hilarious feud.
A shocked, momentarily speechless Cowell then jumped to his feet, shouting at Crews, “That was supposed to be mine! I was going to do it!” The good-natured sparring continued on stage as Crews embraced the dancers, declaring, “These are my people!” in defense of his sudden move. Crews, a Flint, Michigan native, has a history of supporting acts from the Detroit area, having previously awarded the Golden Buzzer twice to the Detroit Youth Choir. His personal connection to the region and The Funkateers’ message of lifelong dedication made the moment particularly poignant for the host.
Crews later explained his rationale, stating that the act represented the perfect audition: something surprising that makes you feel amazing. He emphasized the core message of the performance: “It shows that age ain’t nothing but a number.” This theme, celebrating dreams realized later in life, strongly resonates with Crews’ own career trajectory, moving from a professional NFL player to a bodybuilder, an artist, and finally a highly successful actor and host.
The Crews Effect: More Than Just a Host
Terry Crews’ impact on America’s Got Talent goes beyond his hosting duties. He has cultivated a reputation as a warm, protective figure for the contestants, often providing much-needed emotional support before they face the high-stakes environment of the stage. He even revealed a dramatic Season 20 moment where a dancer, overcome with emotion after a successful audition, “collapsed in my arms in a fit of tears of joy.” This highlights the host’s unofficial role as a backstage counselor and emotional anchor for the contestants.
For The Funkateers, the Golden Buzzer not only validates their decision to return to their passion after decades but also secures their place as one of the most talked-about acts of the landmark Season 20. Their viral moment, catalyzed by Crews’ sudden and passionate action, has already made them a fan favorite, giving the veteran dancers a major boost as they prepare for the live shows.
The ongoing Golden Buzzer battle, which now allows each judge and host to award two throughout the audition process, has led to a flurry of emotional and high-stakes moments early in the season. Mel B’s return to the panel for Season 20 alongside Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara has clearly intensified the competition for selecting the best talent, making Crews’ bold move to lock down his choice even more strategically important and entertaining for viewers.
With Season 20 shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the show’s history, the ‘Golden Buzzer Heist’ stands as a defining early moment, reminding viewers that the real drama on America’s Got Talent often happens when the host and the judges fight for the talent they believe in. The Funkateers are officially on the fast track to the finale, thanks entirely to a quick-thinking, passionate Terry Crews who refused to let his favorite act get away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who did Terry Crews give his first Golden Buzzer to on AGT Season 20?
Terry Crews awarded his first Golden Buzzer of America’s Got Talent Season 20 to The Funkateers, a four-man, senior dance crew from Detroit, Michigan. The group of lifelong friends had not performed together since 1989.
Why was Simon Cowell upset with Terry Crews?
Simon Cowell was upset because Terry Crews interrupted him and immediately pressed the Golden Buzzer for The Funkateers. Cowell shouted that the act was “supposed to be mine,” indicating he was also planning to give them his Golden Buzzer, which Crews preempted.
How many Golden Buzzers does Terry Crews get on AGT?
For Season 20 of America’s Got Talent, both the judges and host Terry Crews are able to give out two Golden Buzzers each during the audition rounds.
What is The Funkateers’ backstory?
The Funkateers are four friends from Detroit who initially formed the dance group in 1980 to win their high school talent show. After putting their passion aside for decades to pursue careers and raise families, their performance on AGT was their attempt to revive their dream after more than 35 years.
What other projects is Terry Crews involved in currently?
In addition to hosting America’s Got Talent (and its spin-offs like AGT: The Champions), Terry Crews is also set to star in Everybody Still Hates Chris Season 2 and recently announced a partnership with Starbucks Sunsera Blend. He also co-founded his own unconventional creative company, Super Serious, in 2023.
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