NBC
America’s Got Talent season 14 is finally coming to an end, and fans will soon know who this year’s winner is. The finals begin on Tuesday, September 17 at 8/7c on NBC; the finale airs live on Wednesday, September 18 at the same time and place.
The season 14 finalists scheduled to perform during Tuesday’s live show are Benicio Bryan, Kodi Lee, Detroit Youth Choir, Emanne Beasha, Light Balance Kids, Ndlovu Youth Choir, Ryan Niemiller, Tyler Butler-Figueroa, V.Unbeatable, and Voices of Service.
So, how did each act do in their final performances of the season? Which acts rose to the top and stand the best chance at winning AGT season 14? We have the answers below.
BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW and stop reading now if you don’t know what happened during the AGT season 14 finals. This post will be updated live as the episode airs.
After introducing the season’s finalists, the live finals were ready to begin. Simon reflected on how each act has been an inspiration, and stressed that each act has the ability to win and needs to convince the audience watching at home to help them change their lives.
A video package overviewing the season recapped some performance lows and highs, emphasizing the growth each finalist act experienced during their time competing.
8:14pm – V.Unbeatable was the first act to perform. Their package revealed that the “V” in their name is in honor of their founder “Vikas,” who passed away in a rehearsal accident. Their act began with an impressive jump flip from a balcony in the theater. The acts continued to stun, featuring stunts the dance acrobatics group hadn’t previously attempted on the show. Howie Mandel told them they were the most dangerous act in the history of AGT, and the judges were similarly impressed by their excellent and precise finals performance.
8:25pm – Detroit Youth Choir performed next, after an inspiring video package that featured the group singing “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco on an outdoor basketball court. They sang “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore, and included a step routine. They earned a standing ovation and the judges applauded their friendship and commitment to one another and the competition.
8:37pm – Emanne Beasha brought her beautiful operatic voice and confident stage presence to the finals. Julianne Hough told her the performance was otherworldly and that she is “perfect.”
8:49pm – Ryan Niemiller had the audience laughing from his very first joke. His set was about his experience on AGT and he stayed true to his unique brand and sense of humor. Simon Cowell urged any filmmakers watching at home to write a blockbuster comedy and cast Ryan in it; Gabrielle Union said she has a production company and wants him to star in one of her movies.
9:00pm – Voices of Service delivered a stirring and powerful performance. Gabrielle Union applauded them as “instruments of healing,” and said they are “beyond this stage.”
9:11pm – Light Balance Kids performed a whimsical and fun act with a food theme that matched their youthfulness.
9:21pm – Benicio Bryant celebrated his birthday by singing an original song on the finals stage, accompanied only by a guitar. Julianne told him his wish to win AGT could come true.
9:33pm – Tyler Butler-Figueroa’s performance was preceded by tear-jerking video package in which Tyler watched videos of support sent by kids battling cancer. He expertly played the violin and danced along on-stage to the song “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, a fitting choice for the remarkably young talent.
9:45pm – Kodi Lee took the stage to sing and play piano, and the judges were visibly moved throughout his performance. As he finished singing, he received a standing ovation and the audience cheered his name. Gabrielle said that the world has been changed because of Kodi Lee, and Howie said he predicts that Kodi is going to win the season and its $1 million prize.
9:55pm – Ndlovu Youth Choir closed out the finals performances for the night. They sang and danced to “Africa” by Toto.