- This is an audition
I will never forget for the whole of my life.
- * 'Cause it's going to be electric *
[buzzer] - Aah!
- I mean, seriously, I couldn't believe it.
- Huh? - Whoa.
- I would give you a Golden Buzzer.
- What? No one was expecting that.
- This, for me, defines a perfect audition.
- I can't wait to see this.
* *
So, Simon, last time we were here,
we were going over your top 15 Golden Buzzer moments.
- I loved doing it, by the way. It was brilliant.
- But now we are here to count down
your top 15 most memorable auditions
from "America's" and "Britain's Got Talent."
- You know what happened?
And this is a true story. - Okay.
- I was putting together the list,
and I couldn't lose one of the acts.
So we've changed it to top 16.
[laughter]
- So, Simon, what exactly makes an audition memorable?
- Gosh, it's everything. It is sometimes talent.
Sometimes it's the audience.
Sometimes it's just the surprise.
But, you know, I've got to admit--I love all that.
I think it's what makes the show.
- It does make the show. - Yeah.
Sometimes when you're watching these auditions,
you kind of think, are people going
to be talking about this, you know, in three days' time?
- That's right.
- You know, what we call a watercooler moment.
- Yes.
- And I do think, actually, just about every one
of these auditions we're going to watch tonight,
they were all watercooler moments for different reasons.
- Yes.
- And this is going to be an insight
into how weird I am.
- My whole career is made up of weird moments, okay?
- Okay. Well, then I'm with you.
- Yeah. [laughs]
We got it. We got it. - Okay.
- We're heading over to "Britain's Got Talent"
for our first memorable audition.
[classical music]
- Tell me about Ichikawa.
- I mean, as you're about to find out,
there are reasons why this audition is memorable.
It's one of the weirdest, funniest auditions
I have ever seen.
- I've never seen this, by the way.
- It's hysterical. - Let's take a look.
- Okay.
- At number 16, it's Ichikawa.
* *
- Hello.
What's your name? - Ichikawa.
- Thank you very much for joining us today.
- Thank you.
- I'm not going to ask you what you're going to do.
I'm going to say, good luck. - Good idea.
[cheers and applause] - Yeah.
Music start.
["Also sprach Zarathustra" playing]
* *
- Uh-oh. - [laughs]
- What is happening? [laughter]
* *
- [blows horn]
[buzzer]
- You pressed your buzzer.
- But then I didn't know what was going to happen next.
* *
- No!
- Yes. [laughs]
- Oh! [laughs]
I'm not ready.
* *
He's not.
[flatulence, horn plays] Oh! [laughs]
- And by the way, that's not a trick.
- That's for real. - That bit is happening, yeah.
* *
[cheers and applause]
[buzzer, crowd boos]
- It's my birthday.
Can you sing birthday song?
- No, there's more.
all: * Happy birthday to you *
[flatulence]
- [laughs] - Oh, man.
Oh.
[upbeat music]
- [shouts indistinctly]
* *
[flatulence]
- [laughs] - He missed.
- And he missed. - Yeah.
[Queen's "We Are The Champions"]
We've got to get this to work.
Let's get this a bit closer.
- There we go.
You had to help him out. [laughs]
- * I consider it a challenge before the whole human race *
* And I ain't gonna lose *
* *
[flatulence]
* We are the champions *
[cheers and applause]
- Yes! At last!
- * Till the end *
- I felt like we both did it.
- Dude, he's so exhausted.
He left it all on the stage.
- Literally, everything came out, yeah.
- Ichikawa, congratulations.
- Thank you.
- It's a yes from me. - Thank you!
- Alesha.
- For the potential, it's a yes.
- Thank you! - [laughs]
- I may have said no to this act
11 years ago, 12 years ago.
But now I watch this show
through my son Eric's eyes as well.
And I know Eric's going to find this really funny.
I've never wanted a balloon to burst
so much in my life.
Take that buzzer away.
- * You are the wind beneath my wings *
- I'm thrilled to give you your third yes.
- Thank you.
- * Did I ever tell you you're my hero? *
- And, look, you gave him a standing O.
I love this. - Yeah.
There's no other show on Earth where an act like that,
A, would come on
and, B, would get through to the next round.
[laughter]
- Only on "Got Talent."
- Thank you. Thank you so much.
- * Everything I wish I could give *
- Ichikawa! - Thank you.
* *
- Oh, that sure was one hell of a moment.
And we still have 15 left to go.
We'll be revealing more of your most memorable auditions
right after this.
- It does get better, by the way.
[laughter]
- * 'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings *
- All right, Simon, we are taking a little trip
down memory lane and revisiting
your top 16 most memorable auditions.
In at number 15 is girl group Chapel Hart.
- This is a goodie. - Here we go.
[upbeat music]
[cheers and applause]
- Well, how are you?
- Hey. - Well.
- Good. How are you? - Good.
- Oh, they're so sweet. - Welcome.
Where are you from? all: Mississippi.
- And you're a group? - Yes. Our name is Chapel Hart.
- Okay.
So tell me what you're going to sing and why you chose it.
- So we're going to sing--
It's an original song.
It's called "You Can Have Him, Jolene."
And we've always been country-music fans,
and Dolly is by far our favorite.
- Dolly for president!
[laughter]
- These girls, they had great determination.
They had great personalities.
I just loved them. - Me too.
- Okay, well, look, two, three minutes literally can change
your lives on this show.
Let's see what's going to happen.
- Let's try.
- Those smiles-- it's so genuine.
[country music playing]
* *
- * Well, since the last song *
* I've had time to think it over *
* A lot of tears, a lot of beer, a lot of wine *
- I love this song. - Yeah.
And this is an original song, right?
- Yeah. [wild cheering]
- * Well, I fix my crown from leaning *
- The crowd's on their feet!
- * And those wedding bells stop ringing *
* I took my keys and threw them at his door *
* 'Cause I found a man who loves me *
* And who'll give me all I need *
* What woman could ask for any more? *
all: * Oh, Jolene *
* When you think that he's in love, he'll surely leave *
- * Like he did me, oh *
all: * You can have him, Jolene *
* You can have him *
* Jolene *
Yeah! [cheers and applause]
- Yes. - Look at that.
[cheers and applause]
- That's a great audition. - It was a party.
- They are one of the best vocal groups we've had
on "Got Talent" over the years.
And then when they told me the story, I'm like,
yeah, you know what?
I really, really like you.
- * Here I am *
- Look-it, she's emotional already.
Look at her.
- Oh, bless.
Let me ask you a question-- have you been trying to get
a record deal or a big break?
I mean, tell me.
- We've been trying to break into Nashville
for the last couple years, but it's been kind of hard.
I think country music doesn't always look like us.
And so--
[cheers and applause]
- You know what you've got to do some sometimes?
You've just got to break down that door.
And you may have just broken down the door
with that performance-- trust me.
[cheers and applause]
If I hadn't used my Golden Buzzer,
I would give you a Golden Buzzer.
[cheers and applause] - Me too!
- You can give it a try if you want.
[laughter] - I love that. I love it.
crowd: [chanting] Golden Buzzer! Golden Buzzer!
Golden Buzzer!
- How do you feel about the group?
- I feel this is really special.
- That was our group Golden Buzzer.
- Three, two, one.
[cheers and applause]
- * Here I am *
* Here I am *
* *
- And, you know, they've gone on to some amazing success.
- Yes.
- Some of the biggest country stars in the business
support them.
- Dolly Parton. - Dolly Parton.
- She tweeted.
- Oh, my goodness, just everybody.
- I think it was a week later,
they were performing at the Grand Ole Opry,
and they get a standing ovation.
- That's it.
- I mean, it's kind of like goose bumps, right?
- I love that. They're making history...
- Yeah. - All the time.
- They really are, yeah. - Love those girls.
- * Here I am *
- One more time for Chapel Hart!
- * Here I am *
- That was a goodie. I love that.
- Oh, that was good.
Okay, let's see the next memorable moment.
- Yeah.
- Who takes the spot at number 14 in your list?
- There are certain people, as they walk on,
who I think are just annoying before they start.
- [laughs]
- And this guy, genuinely, as soon as he walked out,
I thought, you are annoying. - Wow.
- And I know I'm going to press the button.
- That's exactly what you were thinking.
- I don't know what it was. I just found him annoying.
And it was so silly and so stupid
and so brilliant at the same time.
Again, this is one of those auditions
I will never, ever forget.
- Number 14 is Tape Face.
[cheers and applause]
- Oh, he looks creepy.
- I can see it in your face right now.
- Yeah.
- Welcome to "America's Got Talent."
- I'm a little afraid now.
[laughter]
- Like, oh, boy.
- You are...
You are you. What--
Do you have a name?
You're taped. You're taped.
- So...what is this?
- Okay, I love a mystery.
Go ahead and do what it is you do.
- You do not look amused.
- At this point, I'm like, just make it short.
[enchanting music playing]
* *
[music fades]
[Lionel Richie and Diana Ross' "Endless Love" playing]
* *
- * My love *
[laughter]
* There's only you in my life *
* The only thing that's right *
- What a beautiful surprise.
- * My first love *
* You're every breath that I take *
* You're every step I make *
- [laughs]
- * And your eyes *
- * Your eyes, your eyes *
both: * They tell me how much you care *
* You will always be *
* My endless love *
[cheers and applause] - [laughs]
[Chris de Burgh's "The Lady in Red" playing]
* *
- * I've never seen you looking so lovely *
* As you did tonight *
* I've never seen you shine so bright *
- This guy's brilliant. Brilliant.
- He won you over.
- I didn't think that was going to happen.
- * I've never seen so many men ask you *
* If you wanted to dance *
* Looking for a little romance *
* Given half a chance *
* I have never seen that dress you're wearing *
* Or the highlights in your hair *
* That catch your eyes *
* I have been blind *
* Lady in red *
[cheers and applause]
- Whoa!
- I really, really didn't think the audience
were going to like him.
And I remember looking around, going,
they absolutely love this guy.
The reaction to him afterwards was unbelievable.
- Wow.
- I like the fact that we don't know who you are,
anything about you, or what you're going to do.
It was, like, simple but clever, unique, funny.
Brilliant.
- You know, it's not the power of complexity.
It's creativity. - Yeah.
- And it just wins everybody over.
- A guy in kitchen gloves and somebody's bra.
It was so simple, but it was so brilliant at the same time.
- Your life has changed tonight.
And by this time tomorrow, everyone in America--
No, no one in America is going to know your name.
[cheers and applause]
[laughter]
Okay, one, two, three.
all: Yes!
[The Chiffons' "Sweet Talking Guy"]
- It's one of the most incredible acts
ever seen on "AGT."
- And, boy, did this make a difference to his life.
- Oh, yeah. - I mean, big-time.
- He's gone on to be one of the most successful acts
in "AGT" history.
- Yes. He's got his own show in Vegas.
- Those mittens are now iconic. - Yeah.
- You know?
* *
- You forgot your bra. - You forgot your bra.
- Bra. Your bra.
- * He's a sweet talkin' * - * Sweet talkin' *
- * Sweet talkin' *
all: * Guy *
- Coming up...
- This was one of the most annoying auditions.
I don't like your song.
- That's pretty good.
- And then this happened.
[dramatic music]
- I saw too much. - That's how you do it.
- Wow.
- And the Golden Buzzer!
I didn't know that!
* *
- All right, what's next, Simon?
Who is number 13 on your list?
- Calum Scott. - Calum?
- Yeah. - Okay.
And this was on "Britain's Got Talent"?
- Yeah. I had to put him in this show.
It was incredible.
[soft music]
[applause]
Now, it's very interesting.
This audition--Calum Scott and his sister both audition.
She comes out first, and she gets a no.
- * Say you love me *
* To my face *
* And hot skin-- *
- Jade, there were parts where I thought
you were pretty good, and there were a lot of parts
where you weren't very good. [audience booing]
Well, you were out of tune in parts.
I'm going to say no. Sorry. [booing continues]
Mom's in the audience. He's in the wings.
And, you know, you can see him looking at her,
and I felt really bad for the sister, thinking,
you know, look, it wasn't a great audition.
It was such-- - Just a bad day for her.
- It was a bad day, exactly.
- You're Calum, Jade's brother?
Are you okay? - Yeah.
- Oh.
- Ooh, you could see it in his face.
- He was really upset. - Oh, you could see it.
- And I'm singing a cover of a song by Robyn.
- I love Robyn. - Yeah.
It's "Dancing On My Own," but it's a bit slower.
- So I wasn't expecting much, and then this happened.
[Robyn's "Dancing on My Own" playing]
* *
- * Somebody said you got a new friend *
* *
* Does she love you better than I can? *
- When he started singing, I'm thinking,
this guy is going to be a massive star.
- Yeah.
- * There's a big black sky over my town *
* *
[scattered cheers]
* I know where you're at, I bet she's around *
* *
* Stilettos and broken bottles *
* I'm spinning around in circles *
- Wow.
- * And I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her *
* Oh, oh, oh *
* *
* And I'm right over here *
* Why can't you see me? *
* Oh, oh, oh *
* *
* And I'm giving it my all *
* But I'm not the guy you're taking home *
* Ooh, ooh, ooh *
* I keep dancing on my own *
[cheers and applause]
* *
* I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her *
* Oh, oh, oh *
* And I'm giving it my all *
* But I'm not guy you're taking home *
* Ooh, ooh, ooh *
* And I keep dancing on my own *
* *
* So far away but still so near *
* The lights come on, the music dies *
* But you don't see me *
* Standing here *
- Whoa.
That's beautiful.
[cheers and applause]
[uplifting music]
* *
- Thank you so much.
* *
- Wow! And the Golden Buzzer!
I didn't know that. - Yeah.
- [laughs] Look at his mom.
I mean, with that kind of drama going on,
that could have easily taken him out.
- Yeah. And he was very emotional.
And yet, he still managed to do
this unbelievable performance.
* *
I've never, ever in all the years I've done this show,
heard a guy with the talent you've got.
Seriously.
[cheers and applause]
And the version was sensational.
And that shows to me
that actually you're more than a singer--you're an artist.
- Yeah. - And that's why you got that.
- Thank you. Thank you so much.
I really, really appreciate it. Thank you so much.
- Well done.
When you hear the original version of that song,
it's nothing like that at all. - Right.
- So he was smart enough to go, the song is great.
I'll slow it down, and I'll make it, you know, my version.
And this song has become
one of the most streamed songs in history.
- Wow. - Yeah.
And he's had the most unbelievable success
after the show.
He's become, you know, probably in the UK
one of the biggest solo male artists
in the last ten years just on doing that one song.
- That is amazing. - Yeah.
- Listen, now I know why he made the list.
Incredible. - Yeah.
- Okay, after the break, we'll be revealing more
of your most memorable auditions.
I can't wait.
[soft music]
- So, of course, I'm very pleased
to see who you placed at number 12.
- I thought you would.
- First of all, here's a young man
who had that whole audience in tears with his story.
He's just amazing, and he deserves this.
At number 12, it's Avery Dixon.
[cheers and applause]
- Welcome.
Let's start with your name, please, sir.
- My name is Avery Dixon.
- And where are you from? - I'm from Atlanta, Georgia.
[cheers and applause]
- Tell me what got you into this.
- Okay, so, at the time I picked up the saxophone,
I was getting bullied in elementary school.
- For what?
- Well, my voice sounds a little bit different.
- You got a great voice.
- And I looked a little bit different, too.
And my elementary-school nickname was Hammerhead...
- What?
- Because I had these knots on my head because I'm premature.
I was born at one pound, eight ounces.
- Whoa.
- Oh.
- And my vocal cords don't close all the way.
So it made my voice sound really airy.
- Right. - Students were so negative.
And it was relentless, and I actually--
I was so...
in such a dark place,
I actually wanted to commit suicide.
- Oh. - Whoa.
- Wow, wow.
- And when you're in that mindset,
the only thing you want to do is quit.
- So you decided to find something
to take your mind away from all those horrible people,
and it was the saxophone. - Yes.
That's when I started actually learning how to play.
[cheers and applause]
My goal with the music, with this
is to be able to do the thing I love.
And if I can do that, I'll have found my purpose
for being on "America's Got Talent."
[cheers and applause]
- Come on, Avery! - Sweet kid.
[cheers and applause continue]
- You can see the nerves. Look at him.
- Breathe.
- I was nervous when I heard his story.
And I'm praying, I really hope you're good.
And he was more than good. He was brilliant.
[jazzy guitar intro]
- [plays saxophone]
* *
[cheers and applause]
- He just came alive on that stage.
- Yeah.
* *
- Oh-ho-ho! Yeah!
The energy just went.
[laughs] Everyone's up on their feet.
* *
Oh!
- There you go.
[cheers and applause]
Avery, look, any one of those idiots
who bullied you now, I hope, is watching this audition.
- Oh, look at his face.
- Look, you know, all of us were willing you to be good.
I didn't know you were going to be great.
[cheers and applause]
I'm going to give you your first yes.
- [cries]
- There's no need to vote!
Oh, I get emotional thinking about it again.
crowd: [chanting] Terry! Terry! Terry!
You tell every bully
that you have a big brother named Terry Crews...
[cheers and applause]
Who is here whose got your back!
And all those bullies are going to have to watch
you succeed, my friend!
- * Sometimes in our lives *
* We all have pain *
* We all have sorrow *
* But if-- *
- I got you. I'm your big brother.
- Thank you.
- I love you, man. - I love you, too, man.
- I'm still his big brother to this day.
- I know you are. I know you are.
- To this day. - Yeah.
- * Lean on me *
- I got you, man.
I got you. I got you.
* *
- How did you feel in that moment?
- Oh. First of all,
you know, you don't really choose a Golden Buzzer.
It chooses you.
You know what I mean? - Yeah, yeah.
- And everything in you just says, now this is the one.
This is the person.
And let me tell you, I was in tears.
- I know you were.
That's what I call a moment audition, you know,
where everything's going to change for the better.
* *
- Okay, Simon.
In at number 11, we go back across the Atlantic
to "Britain's Got Talent."
Tell me why you chose this next act.
- You know I love dogs, and I know you love dogs.
- Yes.
- So this act, I think, is the best dog act
we've ever, ever had on "Got Talent," full stop.
- I can't wait to see this. I haven't seen this yet.
- This is a goodie. - Here we go.
- * I really love the things that you do *
* Oh, you're my best friend *
- Good boy. - Hi.
- Hello. - How are you?
- I'm fine. Thank you. - Good. Introduce me, please.
- I'm Ashleigh, and this is my dog, Pudsey.
- Pudsey. - Pudsey, yeah.
- He's gorgeous.
Okay, so where do you see the two of yourself,
if you were to win this show, in a few years' time?
I'm looking for Oscars.
Do you think your dog and you could win an Oscar?
- Yes. [laughter]
- Best of luck. - Thank you.
Pudsey. Come on, Puds.
Good boy.
- Oh. So cute.
[upbeat jazzy version of "The Flintstones" theme plays]
* *
- Flintstones! [laughter]
* *
- That's so cute.
* *
Aw, it's like a little person.
- That's what I thought.
- That's like a man in a dog suit.
* *
- I mean, that dog had real personality.
* *
- Good boy.
- Oh, my goodness.
[laughs]
[cheers and applause]
- You know me. I love a dancing dog.
I do.
And Pudsey is one of the best dancing dogs I've ever seen.
- [laughs]
- Do you think Pudsey would change if he won the show?
- I think he could go a bit diva maybe.
- [laughs]
- Pudsey, the dog, was amazing,
but Ashleigh, the trainer, was also amazing.
She was just fun.
Ashleigh and, more importantly, Pudsey...
you're through to the next round.
- [laughing] Yeah.
- * Thank you *
* Thank you for being a friend *
- Of all the animal auditions I've ever seen,
this was my favorite.
- That's saying a lot. - Yeah.
The funny thing was, is that after that clip aired,
she starts getting phone calls
from people all over the world, including Jay Leno.
They invited Pudsey to be on the show.
So we get to America, trying to get through immigration.
And I said, they're going to be on the Jay Leno show.
And they didn't believe me.
And Ashleigh goes to Pudsey-- says something.
The dog dances round the table where all the officials were,
and they went, got it. [chuckles]
And they let him in the country.
- [laughs]
- Ashleigh Butler and her dog Pudsey.
- The dog was so smart.
It just got better and better and better.
- The winner of "Britain's Got Talent" is...
Ashleigh and Pudsey!
[cheers and applause]
- Okay, coming up, we get into your top 10.
And number 10 is arguably
one of "AGT's" most cheesy auditions to date.
[laughter]
- Yeah, I did say this wasn't just the most talented people,
but it was the most memorable audition.
- [laughs]
- * I always want more Parmesan *
- All right, Simon, we have arrived
at the top 10 of your most memorable auditions.
Tell me about Ben Lapidus.
- So this was probably one of the most annoying auditions,
actually, I've ever been at in my life.
I didn't like it.
I didn't think it was going to last very long.
And then something crazy happened.
- Let's take a look.
At number 10, it's Ben Lapidus.
[cheers and applause]
- Hello. - Hi.
- Welcome.
Tell us, who are you?
- My name is Ben Lapidus. I am a singer-songwriter.
- What song are you going to sing for us?
- I'm going to sing an original.
- Yippee! Good luck to you, Ben.
- Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you. [cheers and applause]
* When I get pasta *
* At a restaurant *
* And the waiter comes around *
* With the Parmesan cheese *
* And he says, Parmesan, and I say, please *
* I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
* I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
- That's me!
- * Just leave it at the table *
[buzzer]
- You're not feeling this guy. - I wasn't.
- * I'm a grown-up, I have rights *
* And I will not be shamed for my cheese intake *
[buzzer]
* I always want more Parmesan *
[buzzer]
* But I'm embarrassed *
* I will not remain silent *
* I will not give in *
* I will die before I let Big Parma win *
- Yeah!
- * I always want more Parmesan, *
* But I'm embarrassed *
[screaming] * I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
[buzzer]
- Oh, now that's four buzzer.
Well, that's it. [crowd booing]
- What is going on?
Why are they so stingy on the Parmesan?
- I hate bloody Parmesan. - What?
- It's disgusting. [audience booing]
I don't like Parmesan.
I don't like your song.
So I'm saying no.
crowd: [chanting] Parmesan!
- Oh, here's a riot.
crowd: [chanting] Parmesan! Parmesan!
- Look at the audience. - Yeah.
- I mean, even you, actually, you're partly to blame.
- He won me over right there. - Yeah.
- Maybe we have to hear it again,
and then maybe it grows on us. - Maybe not.
- No! [cheers and applause]
- Come on, Ben. Do it again, Ben!
Do it again!
- I was looking around at this audience, thinking,
you have all gone insane.
- That was the definition of out of control.
- [laughs] - It wouldn't stop.
- * I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
- He had four Xs, and he just carried on...
- Yeah. - Like nothing's happened.
- * I will not remain silent *
* I will not give in *
* I will die *
* Before I let Big Parma win *
all: * I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
* I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
- Everybody!
all: * I always want more Parmesan *
* But I'm embarrassed *
* I always want more Parmesan *
- And now, look, even you're singing the song.
- It's like I was possessed.
- * Embarrassed *
The people want more Parmesan!
- This went on for about ten minutes.
They would not let us say no.
- I remember.
- Parmesan, please!
- Just put it on the plate!
- They were really crazy, and they wanted him through,
whatever happened.
Ben...
- Also, remember, he's out right now.
- Oh, yeah.
I want to kill you right now because...
- I love you, Simon.
- I can't get that
* I want more Parmesan *
out of my brain.
Take the X away.
I'm giving you a yes. - Oh, yes!
- Wow!
- I never would have put this act through
if it wasn't for the audience.
- That's why we call it the fifth judge.
- Yes. And it's absolutely true.
It really does make a difference.
- Me too!
Yes! - Let's go!
- Howie, come on.
- No. [audience boos]
- Okay.
- Sofía! - Come on, Sofía.
crowd: [chanting] Sofía! Sofía!
- Listen.
crowd: [chanting] Sofía! Sofía! Sofía!
- They love it!
It's the power of the people.
- Sometimes you got to listen to the public.
- They demanded that he stay. - Yes.
Completely.
- I guess I'm going to have to say yes.
- Yes!
Yes! - [laughing]
[cheers and applause]
- Hey, you got to give the people what they want.
- Yeah.
- Thank you. Thank you.
- History was made, because it was the first time
an act with four Red Buzzers
had it taken away! - [chuckles]
And then he got through to the next round.
- That's it. - You are insane.
- No, I tell you why.
I couldn't get the song out of my head.
- Yeah, it was a horrific song,
and now we're going to have to hear this guy again.
- The power of a hook-- you can't resist it.
- Completely.
I mean, I went out for dinner,
I think, like, a night afterwards,
and I'm in this restaurant, and I start singing the song.
- [laughs]
- And that's why it's one of my most memorable auditions.
Parmesan! Parmesan!
all: [chanting] Parmesan! Parmesan!
- Coming up...
- This was unbelievable. - Wow.
- No one was expecting that.
- I always remember thinking, a star is born.
- This is drama right here.
- Do you know what I had to do?
- Time to see who you put in that top spot.
- This was the moment everything changed.
[dramatic music]
- I don't know what it is about being on the show.
I like being scared.
[eerie music]
* *
- At number nine,
you've chosen Sacred Riana.
[cheers and applause]
- Oh.
- This was one of the scariest, weirdest acts
I've ever seen in all the years.
- Yes.
- Hi.
What's your name?
- Oh, she's scary.
- Do you not want to talk?
- One of the most unfriendliest contestants ever.
- [laughs]
- Okay, let me try again.
Well, welcome to "America's Got Talent" anyway.
- Oh, my goodness.
[suspenseful music playing]
* *
- I actually really was scared.
* *
- Oh, man, something about that hair in her face...
- Yeah, and the twitch. - It's creepy.
* *
- [gasps] - Oh, my God.
"12 people died in"... both: "A building blaze."
- "Suicide victim to blame."
- Oh, my gosh.
* *
- Yes?
- Who caused the fire?
- Choose a name.
I say Bob.
[buzzer, all shout]
- Why did you buzz right there? Why?
Actually, I was not ready for that.
* *
- "Suicide victim to blame."
* *
- Oh, my God.
That says Bob. - Bob.
- Oh, wow.
- He is here.
* *
- Oh, my God!
Bob is behind me!
[audience shouts]
* *
- Oh...
- [laughs] - This is really freaky.
* *
- You know what?
You need to watch some Disney movies or something.
- [laughs]
- Seriously, like, "Snow White."
[creepy music playing]
I mean, she is seriously strange.
- Wow. - Yeah.
- When you're talking about memorable,
you're talking about acts that make you feel something.
- Yeah.
- It can be fun or comedy, but scary works, too.
- Yeah.
- Simon, you buzzed it. Why did you--
- I just want this to end, Howie.
I think if I say yes, we're cursed,
so I'm going to say no.
- [laughs] - I was terrified of her.
- Even though I'm scared,
I'm going to give you your third yes
because I want to see what you're going to do next.
I have to.
* *
- Great, so Linda Blair wins "America's Got Talent" 13.
Think about that. [laughter]
- It's part magic. It's part fear.
- Yeah, and I believe that she had some weird power
to do what she did. - Mm.
- It was a little bit like we were cursed.
And I would say, that's why she's on the list.
- I love it. I love it.
- I don't like being scared. - I like being scared.
- Why are you not watching scary mov--
- I've never watched--
See?
- Oh, no. I don't like being scared.
I don't-- Are you kidding me?
- Okay, fingers crossed, the next audition is less creepy.
- Actually, this is one of my favorite singing auditions.
I use him as an example
of how to nail an audition.
- At number eight, it's Drake Milligan.
[cheers and applause]
- Hey, y'all.
- Why is he so cute?
- Hello. How are you?
- I'm doing very well. How are you?
- Well, very nice to meet you. And who are you?
- I'm Drake Milligan from Fort Worth, Texas.
- Okay.
- I was a pretty normal Texas kid.
I grew up--a lot of hunting and a lot of fishing.
When I was about seven, I was out eating with my family,
and there was an Elvis impersonator
at the restaurant.
And I was enthralled.
I wanted to be like Elvis.
- * 'Cause I'm a hungry man *
- I really just dreamed as a kid
of being up on that stage.
- And I was thinking at this point,
you're going to do some horrible Elvis impression.
- Right. Right. - That's what I thought.
- I get nervous getting in front of a big crowd,
but I've got my band with me, and those guys are awesome.
- I'm guessing you're going to be singing today.
- Yes, I will be singing.
- So you think this is the platform
to showcase your talent best? - Absolutely.
I mean, back in the day,
Elvis had "The Ed Sullivan Show," right?
- Yeah.
- And I see this kind of on the same scale of that,
almost bigger--way bigger. - Wow.
[cheers and applause]
- He brought up the whole Ed Sullivan comparison--
- Yeah.
- Which is one thing I love about "AGT."
- It's true.
I mean, you know, these shows originated in America.
You know, they were exactly pretty much what we do now.
They were just talent shows. - Right.
- Because there's always talented people out there
looking for that break. - Yep.
- We always say,
three minutes hopefully will change your life.
Let's see what happens. Good luck.
- Thank you very much. Thank you.
[cheers and applause]
- He looks like a star. - I know.
I feel the spirit of Elvis there.
[upbeat country music playing]
- * Staying too long at the honky-tonk *
* Spending too much just to tie one on *
* Little less ride and a lot more on *
* Sounds like something I'd do *
* Calling in sick when the fish are biting *
* Taking those curves with the gravel flying *
* Keeping one eye on the next horizon *
* Sounds like something I'd do *
* I never had a reason, girl *
- Wow.
- * To go round looking for a fire to walk through *
* It ain't like me to want somebody *
* Rearrangin' all my want-to's *
* I ain't the kind to settle down *
* And let myself get wrapped around somebody's finger *
* But if I had to *
- Oh, I knew I was hearing
something that was super special.
- Yeah.
- * Oh, it sounds like something, baby *
* Sounds like something I'd do *
* *
- Yeah!
[cheers and applause]
The energy. - Yeah.
That's how you do it. - Look at that.
- That's how you do it. - Wow.
- [imitating Elvis] Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
- [laughs] That's pretty good.
- He was looking at the audience,
thinking, yeah, they like me.
And he just got better and better and better.
That's a great feeling when that happens.
- Yeah. I love it.
- I think this performance should make a difference
to what you're doing, 'cause people are going to like you.
The song was really, really good as well.
It was really authentic. That's what I liked about it.
'Cause I know so much about country music.
[laughter]
Okay, we're going to vote.
Howie? - Yes.
- He was confident without being cocky.
And you just felt, yeah, this is who you are.
- It's a yes for me.
- Sofía? - Yes.
- It's so good. His passion--he let it show.
- That means you got four yeses.
Congratulations.
[cheers and applause]
- What I loved about this audition is that...
- Exactly, yeah. - You didn't even have to be
a fan of country music.
You just got him. - Yeah.
I'll always, always, always remember that moment,
thinking, a star is born.
That's what you want.
- For real. - Yeah.
- Thank you guys so much.
Oh, my gosh. This is crazy!
- And then I heard the following day
that his record went to number one,
and I'm like, this is amazing.
- Boom. He shot to the top. - Yeah.
He's been nominated for Country Music Awards.
I mean, he's doing brilliant.
- He just struck me as such a good young man
who deserves everything he's getting right now.
- 100%.
- All right, Simon,
at number seven of your most memorable auditions,
we have Zurcaroh.
[soft music]
- My name is Peterson da Cruz. I am the creator of Zurcaroh.
I started this group because I want to change people's life.
I want to give them an opportunity.
I grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil,
in a really poor area,
and the only opportunity that you have there
is to follow the crime.
I want to work with the new generation
and give them some future.
"America's Got Talent" is the biggest platform in the world.
And through this performance,
our life can change.
- At number seven, Zurcaroh.
* *
- I don't even know how I would describe this act
to another person who hasn't watched it.
You've just got to see what I saw to believe it.
Hello. - Hi.
- And who are you? - We are Zurcaroh.
- Okay. What do you do?
- We do acrobatic and gymnastics.
- Right. - We are not professionals.
We take people--whatever, if they have skills or not,
they are able to enjoy us.
- Okay, well, listen, best of luck, guys.
- Thank you.
- I have no idea, Terry, what's going to happen.
And then in the next three minutes,
it was like I'm in a movie. - [chuckles]
- I couldn't believe it.
[suspenseful music playing]
* *
- This is drama right here-- to put her back down like this.
It's incredible.
* *
This is beautiful. - Yeah.
* *
- Look at that.
Oh! [laughing]
* *
[cheers and applause]
Brilliant. - I mean, seriously.
- Wow!
- Wow, wow, wow. Yeah, it was okay.
[laughter]
I'm kidding.
- [chuckles]
This is one of the reasons why I love the fact
"America's Got Talent" has people from all over the world.
- Yeah.
There's something in the air right now.
I've done this a long time, and this is honestly
one of the most incredible things I've ever seen
on any of these shows.
You know what's so interesting, Terry,
is that when acts from around the world, you know,
started to compete on the show,
you know, I was thinking, would the American audience
always vote for the American act?
- Right.
- And, actually, it hasn't turned out that way.
- They'll always vote for the most talented.
- That's right. - Okay, let's vote.
- Hold up, hold up, hold up.
This is so crazy that you know what I have to do!
You know what I have to do!
- * Look out 'cause here I come *
- Yeah!
- * And I'm marching on to the beat I drum *
* I'm not scared to be seen *
* I make no apologies *
* This is me *
- That's what the Golden Buzzer is all about.
Well done, guys. - Thank you.
- This was one of the most intricate auditions.
You know, every single person has to play their part.
This was, I mean, mind-boggling.
- Amazing. - Yeah.
- * This is me *
- All right, Simon, at number six,
we have the remarkable Shin Lim.
He is an icon, a legend, but he does cards.
And you were not a fan of card magic.
- I hate cards. - Oh.
I mean, I like big magic normally.
However, he had this real cool confidence.
He looked great.
The hair was great. - The hair is amazing.
If I had hair, I'd want Shin Lim hair.
- Yeah, exactly. No, no, you're so right.
But I remember thinking on the day, a star is born.
- Wow. Let's take a look.
[uplifting music]
[cheers and applause]
- Hi. - Hi. Welcome.
What do you do? - I am a card magician.
- Okay. Whoopee.
- Oh! Wow. - [chuckles]
- You are not feeling this.
[cheers and applause]
[dramatic music playing]
- Just pick one.
- Any one?
* *
- Can you write your name? - Okay.
* *
- Whoa.
- It's on the front now.
- Now, that's-- I'm looking for something.
- Yeah. - And I saw nothing.
That was magic.
* *
[cheers and applause]
- Wow.
* *
- [chuckles]
[upbeat music playing]
* *
Wow.
* *
- What?
* *
Shut up.
[cheers and applause]
- What?
- Can you put it in the middle?
* *
Can I have your hand? Flat out.
And don't move, okay?
- Aah! [laughter]
- Look at her scream.
* *
- That is my name.
Oh, my God.
My name is inside of, like, glass or something.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah. - It's, like, sealed inside.
- Can you take it out?
- No.
* *
What? - What?
- Seriously.
[cheers and applause]
[soft music playing]
* *
- Wow. - Well, Shin...
I did say to somebody earlier on,
I think I've had it with card magic.
- Yeah, you did. You did say that.
- I did say that. - Yeah.
- I'm now going to take that back, Shin.
- Yes!
- I mean, this was unbelievable.
I think there are, what, 3,400 people in here.
[cheers and applause]
So I think you've got 3,400 yeses.
* *
And he went on to win the show.
- The winner is...
Shin Lim!
- That's incredible. - Yeah.
And then he went on to win "Champions."
* *
He has become, in Vegas, one of the hottest tickets.
I mean, to achieve that off the back of this,
you know, that makes me really proud.
You know, I love it when great things
happen to these contestants.
And he deserved it. - That's right.
So amazing. - Yeah.
- * 'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins *
- Simon, okay, we are down to your top five.
And at number five comes a man by the name
of Archie Williams.
- I went home that night, and I said,
we had this audition today, and I heard this story.
And it's something I will never, ever forget.
- I'll just let everybody take a look,
and then we'll talk about it some more...
- Yeah. - 'Cause it's such
an incredible story. - Incredible story.
[soft piano music]
[cheers and applause]
- Oh!
- Welcome. - Thank you.
- Let's start with your name, please, sir.
- My name is Archie Williams.
- Right, let's get to know you, first of all,
Archie, a little bit.
- Okay.
I was just incarcerated for 37 years
for somebody else crime.
[audience gasps] - Ooh.
DNA freed me.
- Oh, wow. - Oh, my God.
- Unbelievable.
- I knew I was innocent. I didn't commit a crime.
But being a poor Black kid,
I didn't have the economic ability
to fight the state of Louisiana.
I was sent to Angola State Penitentiary.
It was classified as the bloodiest prison
in the United States.
You had a choice to either be strong or weak.
When, you know, you're faced with dark times,
what I would do is, I would pray and sing.
[voice breaking] This is how I got peace.
- Yep. - One thing
that really touched me
is what he said to me backstage--
is that he would sing to get through.
- Yeah.
- And for a lot of the acts,
it's their talent that helps them survive.
- Yeah.
- How did you get through? - Freedom is of the mind.
- Yes.
- I went to prison, but I never let my mind go to prison.
[sniffles] - [sighs]
[emotional music]
I watched "America's Got Talent"
in prison.
And I would visualize myself being there.
I always desired to be on a stage like this.
And now I'm here.
Thank God.
I know it's my chance of a lifetime.
[cheers and applause]
- Wow. Archie, well, I'm so sorry you had to go through
what you went through.
But thank God the right thing happened and you're out.
- Thank you.
- When he came out and told us his story,
I will never, ever forget that moment.
- The courage that this man has...
- I know.
So what are you going to be doing today, Archie?
- I'ma sing. - Okay.
[cheers and applause]
Take a deep breath. We're all with you, Archie.
- * I can't light *
* No more of your darkness *
* *
* All my pictures *
* *
* Seem to fade to black and white *
* *
* Don't let the sun *
* Go down on me, babe *
* Although I search myself *
* There's always someone else I see *
- Mm.
- * I'm just another fraction of your life *
* To wander free *
* Ooh *
* But losing everything *
* Is like the sun *
* Going down on me *
[cheers and applause]
- Oh, my goodness.
[gentle music]
- He sang with so much passion,
and he chose that song with that lyric.
I went, my God.
What must you be thinking right now after that,
when he saw the audience,
you know, after what he went through?
I will never, ever listen to that song
in the same way ever again after you sang that.
It took on a whole different meaning for me.
And you're a very, very courageous person.
[cheers and applause]
I'd say we got about 3,500 yeses here.
- Yes!
- And I think, you know, what Archie did
genuinely has made a real difference.
I think a lot of people didn't know
this kind of thing happened, myself included.
I'm going to be honest with you.
Over the years, you meet these incredible people.
And they share, you know, sometimes
these horrible stories like that.
But at the same time, there's something positive at the end,
you know, the fact that they would come on the show,
do something they've always wanted to do.
That's amazing.
- Well, Elton John actually contacted--
- Yeah.
- He actually tweeted out and saw this rendition.
- Yeah.
- Oh, hey. How you doing?
[chuckles]
Thank you.
- The ultimate compliment. - We love Archie.
- The ultimate compliment. - Yeah.
- [laughs] - You did it. You did it.
- You did amazing!
- Coming up...
- Oh, my God, I saw too much just now.
- No one was expecting that.
- How do you feel? - I feel fantastic.
- Your life is going to change for the better right now.
[cheers and applause]
- Okay, Simon,
the best thing about "America's Got Talent"
is that you get acts that defy expectations.
- Yeah.
- And at number four is an act that really,
really is a good example of this--
Men With Pans. [laughs]
- Well, the show is called "Most Memorable Auditions,"
not necessarily the best auditions but memorable.
- Yeah.
- This is memorable for different reasons.
- Let's take a look. - Okay.
[cheers and applause]
Hi, guys. And what's your name?
- We are... both: Men With Pans.
- Pans.
- Well, look, I'm not going to ask
any more questions because I'm really keen to see this.
Good luck. - We go?
- Yeah. - Juggling.
I think they juggle. I think they juggle.
- They look quite boring.
I'm already getting slightly irritated.
And then it all changed.
[laughter]
[playful music playing]
* *
- Oh, my God!
* *
[buzzer]
[laughter]
- I saw them on "Champions," and I was like, what?
- [laughs]
- I saw too much.
[buzzer sounds]
* *
- Oh, my God. I just saw something.
- [laughs] Tyra got my view. - Yeah.
* *
- [laughs]
- I went, oh! [laughs]
- You got to be good friends to do this act.
* *
- Aah!
[laughter]
I'm going to say no. - No, you're not.
- Oh! - Oh, yes, I am.
Heidi, what are you going to say?
- Of course, yes. - Yes!
- Howie?
- Yes, yes.
- Your fate is in the hand of Mel B.
- Mel, it's hilarious.
- What do you want to tell them?
- Okay.
I'm going to give you that second chance, and I say yes.
- Yes! [cheers and applause]
- I don't think anybody who ever saw Men With Pans
will forget it. - Yeah.
And then I get a call the following day.
This clip has gone crazy online,
and I mean crazy, crazy numbers.
And it just shows you what our audience like to see.
- They love it. Can't get enough of it.
- That's what they want, we'll give them more.
- [laughs]
* *
- All right, Simon, we are getting closer
to your all-time most memorable audition.
We're at number three on your list, the Mayyas.
- This was the most astonishing audition
in terms of dance I've ever seen in my life.
- This is incredible. - Yeah.
- Let's take a look. - Okay.
- * This is do or die *
* Can I hear the light? *
- Wow.
- * This is do or die *
- Good evening.
Who are you?
- We are the Mayyas.
- And what does that mean?
- It's a word in Arabic that means
"the proud walk of a lioness."
- Oh, wow.
- Where in the Middle East are you from?
- Lebanon. - From Lebanon.
- Lebanon, oh. - Welcome.
- So how is life for you guys in Lebanon right now?
- Lebanon is a very beautiful country.
But we live a daily struggle.
- Being a dancer as a female Arab...
is not fully supported yet.
[sighs, chuckles]
[cheers and applause]
- They told me there were times
when they would rehearse
and the electricity would go out for hours at a time.
I mean, the tremendous adversity...
- Yeah. - That they had
to be able to come together, keep the act going.
- Yeah.
- It's the power of the human spirit...
- Oh, totally. - All in one.
- What is your dream?
- To prove to the world what Arab women can do,
the art we can create, the fights we fight.
[cheers and applause]
- So what are you going to do? I think I know, but--
- We're going to try to hypnotize you.
- Oh--Huh? - Ooh.
- [laughs]
- Okay, so we are ready to get hypnotized.
[cheers and applause]
[soft music playing]
* *
- Blown away. Look at this.
The detail. - Yeah.
* *
- Oh! - Oh!
[energetic music playing]
* *
- Wow!
* *
- They're eyes, eyes.
* *
[cheers and applause]
- Wow.
[Nightbirde's "It's OK"]
- Wow.
- I mean, that's a standing ovation.
- Oh.
- It's like a watch. - Yes, yes.
- You know, it's, like, so synchronized, so incredible.
- One person couldn't be out. - Yeah.
- It had to be exact every time.
- Yeah.
- * It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay *
* If you're lost, we're all a little lost *
* And it's all right *
- There are no words to explain to you
what we were feeling over here.
- Thank you.
- Oh.
- Simon?
- This really, really
will make a difference, full stop,
in so many positive ways.
That's one part.
And then it was...
arguably...
the best dance act
we're likely to have ever seen.
And we are honored to have you here.
- I want to be part of this! [all scream]
- * Oh, oh *
* It's all right *
* *
- Yeah!
- * Oh, oh *
- Listen, if Sofía hadn't hit that Golden Buzzer,
I would have ran out there. - Really. Yeah.
I think we were all thinking the same thing, actually.
- Oh. - Yeah.
* *
This, for me, defines a perfect audition.
- They actually changed the definition of dance.
- Yeah. I mean, brilliant.
- And they ended up winning the entire show.
- Yep. - The Mayyas!
- * Everywhere I'm looking now *
* I'm surrounded by your embrace *
- And how smug was Sofía that night?
- [laughs] Yeah, she was.
- Oh, I'll never forget it. - She was gloating.
And then they got the chance to perform
with the number-one star in the world--Beyoncé.
- * Halo, halo, halo *
- And it all happened because she saw this clip.
- Yes.
One more time for Mayyas!
- * I can feel your halo, halo, halo *
* *
- All right, we are down to your top two.
And number two is...
coming up after this break. [laughter]
- All right, out of all your most memorable auditions,
we have wound our way down to number two.
Simon, tell me about Musa Motha.
- Now, this is one
of the most incredible auditions
I've ever seen in my life.
- Wow.
- I nearly put him in at number one.
I couldn't decide, and you'll understand why.
I don't want to give too much away.
I just want you to see it.
- At number two, it's Musa Motha.
[cheers and applause]
- What's your name, please?
- My name is Musa Motha.
I'm originally from South Africa,
but I've recently moved to London.
- Oh, you did? Fantastic.
[cheers and applause]
Tell me about you, please.
- I got diagnosed with cancer when I was young.
That led to the amputation.
And then after my amputation, I fell in love with music.
My friends, they were dancing at that time.
I asked them to teach me how to dance.
So they threw, like, boxes on the floor,
and then they were like, okay, this is how you do it.
Your left crutch, use it as your left leg.
And that's how it started.
And then this is the perfect time for me
to actually reach out to more people
and inspire a lot of people out there.
And, yeah, that's-- [cheers and applause]
- That's incredible.
- Wow.
- I had so much admiration and respect for him,
because after what he went through,
he had the courage and determination
to change his life around.
I mean, incredible.
Good luck. - Thank you. I hope you enjoy.
[cheers and applause]
[Naughty Boy's "Runnin' (Lose It All)" plays]
* *
- * These four lonely walls have changed the way I feel *
* *
* The way I feel *
* I'm standing still *
* Where else can I go? *
* Chasing you *
* Memories turn to dust *
* Please don't bury us *
* I got you *
* Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin' *
* Runnin', runnin', runnin' *
* Ain't running from myself no more *
- Oh, my God.
- * Together we'll win it all *
* I ain't runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin' *
* Runnin', runnin', runnin' *
- It's incredible
- * Runnin' from myself no more *
* I'm ready to face it all *
* If I lose myself, I lose it all *
[cheers and applause]
- Oh, my goodness.
- * Here I stand *
* Taking off my pride *
* *
* And I run with nowhere to hide *
[cheers and applause]
* I'm exposed... *
crowd: [chanting] Golden Buzzer! Golden Buzzer!
- * You're still here *
- We've run out of Golden Buzzers.
And the audience--
they just would not stop.
- * That's something beautiful *
[all cheering wildly]
* That's something beautiful *
[cheering continues]
- * Whoa-oh-oh *
* That you are here *
* Here with me *
- In that moment, I was thinking,
your life is going to change for the better right now.
- * Oh, damn these walls *
- Yes! Yes!
- * We're ten feet tall *
* And how you told me after it all *
* We'd remember tonight *
* *
* For the rest of our lives *
- That was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen
in all the years I've done the show.
Genuinely, amazing.
Look at this. Look. - And this is no doubt.
* *
- You know, this show is a great example
of people taking an adverse circumstance
and turning it into a positive.
- Yeah, exactly. - So amazing.
- You're so right.
That was a moment I'll never forget.
- That's right.
* *
- Well, it's been incredible watching back
so many memorable moments,
but it's time to see who you chose to go in the top spot.
- This, for me, was the moment everything changed
on "Got Talent." - This is perfect number one.
[upbeat music]
- All right, there's just one more act to see--
your number-one most memorable audition of all time.
I'm getting chills already.
It's time to see who you've put in that top spot.
- This was a no-brainer.
This person changed our show forever.
- In at number one, it's Susan Boyle.
- Hello, there. - Hello. How you doing?
- I'm good. How are you?
- My name is Susan Boyle.
I'm nearly 48--
currently unemployed, but still looking.
And I'm going to sing for you
on "Britain's Got Talent" today.
- A little nervous? - Yeah, sure.
- Yeah, well, that's not surprising, but, you know--
- I've got fight in me.
At the moment, I live alone with my cat called Pebbles.
But I've never been married...
never been kissed.
Oh, shame. [laughs]
But it's not advert.
- [laughs]
I've always wanted to perform in front of a large audience.
I'm going to make that audience rock.
[cheers and applause]
- I mean, it's quite amazing watching this back.
- I can't wait to see this.
- All right. What's your name, darling?
- My name is Susan Boyle. - Okay.
Susan, where are you from?
- I am from Blackburn near Bathgate, West Lothian.
- It's a big town?
- It's a sort of collection of--
it's a collection of...
villages.
Had to think there.
- And how old are you, Susan? [person whistles]
- I am 47.
[laughter, crowd clamors]
And that's just one side of me.
- I'll never forget this.
I was having a terrible, terrible day.
And I remember saying, really, really hope
she's not going to sing,
because there were so many bad singers that day.
And I thought, I just can't take another one.
[cheers and applause] - Wow.
Okay. What's the dream?
- I am trying to be a professional singer.
- And why hasn't it worked out so far, Susan?
- Well, I've never been given the chance before.
But here's hoping it'll change. - Okay.
And who would you like to be as successful as?
- Elaine Paige, somebody like that.
- Elaine Paige.
- What are you going to sing tonight?
- I'm going to sing, "I Dreamed a Dream,"
from "Les Misérables."
[cheers and applause] - Okay, big song.
- [chuckles]
- Our expectations were quite low.
But she is the perfect example
of never judge a book by its cover.
- * I dreamed a dream in time gone by *
[cheers and applause]
* When hope was high and life worth living *
- Didn't expect that, did you? Did you? No.
- * I dreamed that love would never die *
[cheers and applause continue]
* I dreamed that God would be forgiving *
- No one was expecting that.
- * All the tigers come at night *
* *
* With their voices soft as thunder *
* As they tear your hopes apart *
* *
* As they turn your dreams to shame *
* *
[wild cheering]
- Wow! - Look at that!
- Just the most incredible person.
- Yep. - You know?
- * I had a dream my life would be *
* So different from this hell I'm living *
* So different now from what it seems *
* My life has killed the dream *
* I dreamed *
[cheers and applause]
- Yes!
- Without a doubt, that was the biggest surprise I have had
in three years on this show.
- Susan, I knew the minute you walked out...
[laughter] - Oh, Simon!
- On that stage that we were going to hear
something extraordinary, and I was right.
[laughter]
Susan Boyle, you can go back to the village
with your head held high.
It's three yeses.
[cheers and applause]
- [laughs] - Oh, look at that.
Ah! [laughs]
[cheers and applause continue]
* *
- How does this feel watching this back?
- This is special,
because, you know, she is just the most incredible person.
This was a lady who lived on her own in Scotland.
And she came on the show,
and everything changed, you know?
- Absolutely. - Because up until that point,
you know, there was a perception
you had to look this way or be this age.
And she just changed the rulebook, full stop.
- Congratulations. - Oh, my God.
- Congratulations! - Oh, my God!
- How do you feel? - Bloody fantastic.
- * Oh, happy day *
- In an instant, the world fell in love with Susan Boyle.
- * Oh, happy day *
- She, for two years,
became the biggest-selling recording artist in the world.
[applause]
I can't think of any other contestant
who has defined this show better than you,
if I'm being honest with you.
- She is now one of the most iconic performers of all time.
- We use that as vernacular.
Here in America's Got Talent, I said, you know what I want?
I want that Susan Boyle moment,
'cause you are what the show is.
- It was just magical.
And it's a moment I will never, ever forget.
- Yes.
- And that's why she's number one.
- That's right. - Okay, well, that's it.
It has been amazing
watching all 16 of these most memorable moments.
- Yeah, it was incredible. - Thank you, my man.
- Oh, thank you, T. - It's always good.
- I love doing this with you. - Oh, that's it.
- We got to do this every year. - Oh.
- Yeah. - We got to do it.