'America's Got Talent' judges advance 7 acts to semifinals, including Courtney Hadwin and Amanda Mena

America's Got Talent advanced seven out of 12 acts to the semifinals during Wednesday night's Season 13 episode on NBC.


America's Got Talent revealed the first group of seven thirteenth-season semifinalist acts following Tuesday night's broadcast in which 12 quarterfinalist acts performed for the judges and home viewer votes.

Family band We Three, comedian Vicki Barbolak, singer Amanda Mena, singer Courtney Hadwin, and magician Shin Lim were revealed to have finished as the Top 5 votegetters following Tuesday night's performance show, automatically earning them a spot in the next round of America's Got Talent.

The four lowest votegetters, who were immediately sent packing, were The PAC Dance Team, rapper Flau'jae, novelty water act Human Fountains, and escape artist Lord Nil.

The three remaining acts -- a choir called Angel City Chorale, high school dance group Junior New System, and projection and tap dancer Mochi -- finished in sixth, seventh or eighth place, and were therefore at the mercy of America's live vote and the judges.


The "Dunkin' Save," which allows home viewers a 30-minute window to vote for their favorite act, eventually saved Angel City Chorale from elimination.

America's Got Talent judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Melanie "Mel B" Brown, and Simon Cowell then had to determine whether they'd like Junior New System or Mochi to move forward in the competition.

Mel B said she's been a big fan of Junior New System from Day 1 due to their struggle, strength, and unique qualities. She had also criticized Mochi the night prior for his music choice. However, after watching the show back about four or five times, Mel B "flip-flopped" and decided to advance Mochi.

Heidi explained both acts are amazing and she loves them both but she had to go with her gut and pick Junior New System.

Howie noted both acts have immense passion. He thought Junior New System made a mistake the previous night while Mochi stepped it up on Tuesday, so his vote went to Mochi.


The vote was therefore in Simon's hands.

"I can make a case for both acts. Mochi... was electrifying, genuinely. It was so much better. [Junior New System], I think from the moment we first met you, you made a huge impact on us, the audience at home, but it wasn't your best last night. I'm going to vote for Junior New System," Simon revealed.

Due to the tiebreaker, America's Got Talent host Tyra Banks announced which act had received more votes from Tuesday night's performance show, and that act was Junior New System.

Mochi, who was crying onstage throughout the entire judges' deliberation, was eliminated from AGT as a result.

America's Got Talent will return Tuesday, August 21 with another set of 12 quarterfinalists competing for one of seven spot in the Season 13 semifinals.


Those acts will be The Savitsky Cats, Makayla Phillips, Da Republik, Noah Guthrie, Quinn and Misha, Yumbo Dump, Glennis Grace, Duo Transcend, Voices of Hope, Front Pictures, Samuel J. Comroe, and The Sacred Riana.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski