NOT A SINGLE WORD Was Sung…Every Single Judge Was Left Completely SPEECHLESS

My name is Philip Bowen. And where are you from, Philip? Currently, I'm living in Detroit, Michigan. Yeah! Yeah! Terry, I am a project manager, and as you can see, I'm also a musician. And what got you into the violin? You know, when I was four years old, I was watching Sesame Street, and I saw this amazing violinist named Itzhak Perlman. My cousin. Are you serious? I am serious. Oh, like a hero of mine. Wow. Yes, and so I begged my mother to let me take violin lessons. From there, I fell in love with it, and I've been playing ever since. So what does your mom think of you now? She's definitely my number one fan, although it's a tad bit embarrassing because she might be here a tiny bit more for Simon than me. She's here? My mom and dad are here, all the way from West Virginia. There they are. Where are you? Here more for Simon than for you. I mean, let's leave my dad out of that. My mom, it's mainly my mother, has loved Simon for a long time. In fact, when I would play, sometimes at home and things, she'd be like, you know who would love that? Simon. And so, you know, so what a great full circle moment to be here with you guys tonight. This is awesome. Wow. That is great. And what is the dream? What's the hope? I have three young kids. I'm a father of three, and I want to show them that it is never too late to chase down a dream. Well, tonight's a big night. I am so ready. So make it happen. Okay. Go ahead, buddy. All right, hit it. Let's go. As a little kid, I would be practicing my violin in my room, and I would look at myself in the mirror, and I'd say, the crowd goes wild. And to have the crowd actually go wild. You said before, every time you played, your mother would say, you know who would really like this? Simon. Was she right, Simon? I mean, I just wasn't expecting that. You are so talented. You have so much charisma. I mean, you can feel the energy in here. They love you. You will make your mom so proud after that performance. That was a great audition. Absolutely. You should see your mom is there. She's almost amazing. I mean, I am a little bit. Because I see how important this is for you, and this is why it's so special, this show, because it makes people like you have this moment. It might even change your life, because this was the place you were supposed to be. You are beautiful, young man. What you did, how you sound, and who you are are beautiful, and I'd like to kick off the voting with your first yes. Hello. What is your name, please? My name is Nini. Hello, Nini. Tell us about you and why you are here tonight. So, I am a full-time musician living in Arizona, and I play the Chinese traditional instrument like you see. Yes. Okay, and what is the big dream, Nini? I want to be a first musician who play the Chinese traditional instrument, stand on this stage and pass. Got it. That's my big dream. Got it. Nini, the music, is it something which was written for you or you wrote yourself? You will hear my original song. Okay. Right. No more questions. Good luck. Okay. How old do you reckon those instruments are? Like, a hundred years old? My God. Sofia. That was unexpected and spectacular. Thank you. This is something very unique. This is exactly what we love at America's Got Talent. Thank you. And much to look at, too. You're just mesmerizing. Your outfit, your crown, and then your playing is insane. You're like so fast. Thank you. It was amazing. Thank you. It's like I'm at a Nini Van Halen concert. Thank you. This is why I love being on this show, because I see things and hear things like I've never seen or heard them before, and you are that person. Thank you. Nini, anyone would be mad not to immediately put you on tour with them because you are so charismatic, brilliant. It's one of my favorite auditions I've seen for a long, long, long time. Okay. Howie. Yes. It's a yes from me. Yes. Thank you. Absolutely. As we would say in England, you're bloody brilliant. You've got four yeses. Welcome, welcome. What's your name? My name is Marcin. How old are you? I'm 18. I just turned a couple of months ago. So I actually come from Poland, from a very small city, but soon I'm going to relocate here in the States because I got accepted to college. What are you going to do for us today? So I'm a guitarist, as you can tell. I don't sing. Oh. And why America's Got Talent? First of all, it's like the best show on earth, so that's the best reason. That's awesome. We don't want to hold you up. We're excited to see what you've got. Thank you so much. This world performance, great job. Simon, let's start off with you. Amazing. Actually, amazing. I know how difficult it is trying to learn the guitar when I was about your age. I hated it so much. I threw a toffee at the guitar teacher and he punched me in the face. 99% of the people who come on stage with a guitar can't play the guitar. You've just demonstrated what that thing was actually invented for. So, respect. That was amazing. Thank you so much. Wow. I don't even know what to say. Thank you. There's obviously a different kind of artistic passion that you have, and I can't wait to see what you do in the future. It was stunning. Absolutely stunning. Yes, thank you so much. You didn't play the guitar. You murdered the guitar. I think you're going to end up in college teaching them something rather than they teach you. I appreciate you saying that. I think you just taught the world something. Take it to a vote. I'd like to start it off. A million percent yes. Yes. I'm B. Thompson. I'm a saxophonist. I can see that. I've been playing the saxophone for about 16 years now. How old are you? I'm 27. And why did you pick up that instrument? You know, I think this instrument picked me. You know, I disbound music at a young age and that particular instrument just so happened to be the saxophone. And that is a saxophone? It's a soprano saxophone. Who taught you? So, I am self-taught. I never had any extremely formal lessons to master the instrument. I just spent a lot of time with it from the time I was a kid until now. Has there been a musician who has inspired you? One of the biggest saxophonists alive, which would have to be probably Kenny G. KGT? Yes. I hope so. Well, B, good luck tonight. Thank you so much. That was so sexy. You look amazing on that stage. You look so like... Thank you. I appreciate that. Calm. That was a beautiful audition. I love it. Howie. I agree. I can see this on a big stage and it's so natural. It's so effortless. And I could have listened to you all day. I appreciate that. I will too. Heidi. I didn't go as crazy about it as Sofia and Howie, I have to say. This America's Got Talent and there's so many amazing people doing amazing things. I'm torn because I don't know if that was the right song. I thought so. It was amazing. I think you're very talented. However, for you to win, you're gonna have to come up with something which is more than that. I disagree with him. We should start by voting. I'm giving you your first yes. I feel like you deserve another shot. You have two yeses. Thank you. I'm not sure. And I'm gonna say four yeses. Amazing. It's such an honor to be here. What is your name? My name is Brian King-Joseph. I'm from Los Angeles and I play violin. I've dreamt of being on this stage ever since I was a kid. And more recently ever since I might not have had a chance to be on it again. So this is a dream come true for me. You mean you almost didn't have the chance to come to audition? I've been playing violin since I was four. But three years ago, I was diagnosed with a serious nerve disease that takes away the feeling from my hands and my feet and eventually will spread throughout my body. Very excited that you are here and I wish you all the luck. Thank you. I can't wait to hear you. Thank you so much. Music. I love you. I love your smile. You just have it. Thank you so much. I'm so happy that you came today. Thank you. Thank you so much. That much charisma and you lit this whole entire stage up. Thank you so much. You are amazing. Amazing. So you have an incredible energy. Unbelievable, obviously, determination. What a fantastic attitude you've got to life, you know? Your smile when you were performing, it's very infectious. I think this is my favorite audition today. Thank you, Simon. Thank you. Maui. You are not only a lesson in great talent and great spirit, but you're a lesson in how each person watching in this moment should be living their life right now. It is you. Thank you. Thank you, Holland. Thank you so much. Well, I'm going to start the voting. I'm saying yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Or yes. I'm Adrian. And how old are you, Adrian? I'm 9 years old. You're 9 years old. And you will be doing what for us today? I'll be playing piano. Then how long have you been doing that? For about... Since I was a little boy. Oh, since you were a little boy. Since you are so old now. In what grade are you in right now? Eighth grade. Eighth grade? I skipped five grades. I was going to say. It's okay to brag. How come you skipped so... I'm telling the truth. No, but why? How? How come? You're that smart? Well, according to reality, yes. According to reality. You're going to be in college in three years? Oh, yes, but I already did ninth grade, so I'm skipping to tenth grade next year. So two years, you'll be in college. Really? Correct. How many hours a day do you practice? I don't really look at the clock, but... Even though we have one right in front of me, but... No, not there, at home. Yes. Well, you see, we're all very intrigued by you already. Yeah. You won us over already, so now win us over with your music. Yes. Good luck to you. I'm exhausted from this. Well, you'd be even more exhausted if you were doing this. I am utterly and thoroughly confused. I wasn't really sure what was going on up there. How much of that was you? How much of that was track? I was totally confused. I would love to play you another song. Yes, yes, yes. I wouldn't mind. Well, I said I was confused, now you've cleared my confusion. It's very good that you did that. And I'll tell you why. You know what? It's interesting for a kid your age to play so well, and you're a personality. Really good job. Thank you. I think that your act is, it's not just about playing the piano. It's about talking to the audience. Because, man, you had me at hello, basically. I can listen to you all day. I could. I really can. I have never... If I could provide you with enough songs. Can I just say something? You are the future. You are absolutely brilliant. When you play, you live that music. I see it coming through your body. You are so far beyond your years. You know what? England has Harry Potter, we have you. We've got to bring out the next act. Custodial concerts. I was sitting here thinking about all of the instruments in the world. I don't know how many there are that have already been invented. And I'm not sure why we need these instruments. But if you somehow walked on a stage at a place where I was watching a show, I would be hypnotized by this. So, in some bizarre way, I think I like this. And it's a yes from me. Three yeses, we'll see you in Vegas. You're going to clean up. Ladies. Hi. Good, thank you. And who are you? We're Scala. Scala? Okay, and the acts you play, what are those things you're holding? Electric string instruments. Okay, off you go. We want to see more of these girls, don't we? Do we? Girls, I thought that was incredible. Really. It was really, really good. Really, really good. I think you've got a real chance in this competition. A real chance. I thought you were phenomenal. I mean, I can see you going absolutely all the way on this show, 100%. Yes or no? I'm a definite yes. Amanda. I'm definitely going to say yes. Three yeses. It's a good song choice because it did lift us up. I'm going to give you a yes. Thank you. Everyone was on their feet and everyone was, like, feeling you. Awesome. You've now got three yeses, see you through to the next round. All right, good. What's the name of your group? The name of the group is Nothing But Strings. Nothing But Strings. Nothing. Nothing But Strings. Okay. Are you guys friends or relatives? That's my brother. That's my little brother, but he's bigger than me. I love you. Young, good-looking guys that play the violin. Because usually they're, like, bald and all, you know, a bit greasy. But you guys aren't. Well, that doesn't have anything to do with it. They look rather fine to me. I love you. Do you guys think you can win? I don't think I can lose. Yeah. That's a good answer. Exactly. So, all right, come on. This show, gentlemen, is about people walking on the stage and doing something fresh, exciting, original, and super talented. You two have got the lot. Thank you. A lot. Thank you. And I'll tell you something, you're going to take some beating if you keep that up. I mean it. Brilliant. Thank you. I tell you, guys, I think that you two are going to be responsible for a lot of young kids going for violin lessons. That's the beautiful thing about it. Yes, for me. Crazy journey. The way you were, like, feeling what you were doing, that's what was so special about your performance. I thought it was spectacular. You're so authentic and you're so wonderful. I believe the super fans are going to love you. Thank you. You're a great guy, and you know what? I did that dance on TikTok. I did. Do it as well as Tyler. I think I did it better. Alicia, what did you think? This is the first time you've seen Tyler live. I think Tyler put a little swag on that violin playing. Your musicality is absolutely fantastic. Thank you. That really shines. Everything about this. That was wonderful. Thank you. What did you think, Heidi? I thought it was adorable. You're obviously really good at playing the violin. Yes, dancing while playing is even better. I loved it. Job well done. Good luck to you today. Thank you. What you reminded me with that performance is just how good you are. And you are an extraordinary young man. You've been great tonight. You are a champion, so let's hope the fans put you through where you belong, which is the semifinals. Thank you. Well done. I'm doing well. What's your name? My name is William, William Close. And what do you do for a living, William? I create instruments, musical instruments. So you create them and then you play them. Exactly. And tonight I've actually brought one of my earth harps with me, which is this instrument right back here. An earth harp. It goes from there, and where does it keep on going to? So the strings go from the bridge on the stage and go up and attach. To the first balcony. Exactly. So the theater is the instrument tonight. I need a little clarification just before you go on. When you say you make a living from this, what type of living are we talking about exactly? Because I'm smelling like a hippie kind of thing here where you're living on $10 a month. What do you mean by a living? Be honest. Well, you know, I've done a lot of teaching. So I'll actually go into schools and I'll teach kids how to build instruments. You're saying they're teaching this in the schools, huh? You know. What the hell's going on? No wonder China's beating us. Okay. Well, good luck. Well, thanks guys. We get to see these gems because there's no other stage for them but ours. A place where really interesting and fantastic things can be presented. I was telling Howard backstage, we want something that we haven't seen. I was mesmerized by what you did, and I think it is phenomenal. Brother, I had given up hope. I spent a lot of time watching a lot of nudniks. You walked out here, you looked like a hippie. I said, if this guy was my son, I'd sit him down and say, listen, you better get a real job. Totally original. This is why I'm here. You walk out here, you turn this whole theater into an instrument. That's originality. And you know what? I made my career on originality, and I value it. What's your name, buddy? My name is Jonathan Arendt. Jonathan, and where are you from? New York City. All right, Jonathan, the stage is yours. This show never ceases to amaze me. In the words of Pierce and Sharon, you're barking mad. And it's fantastic. Thank you. I thought it was very entertaining. Thank you very much. And that's what this show is about. It's about entertainment, and you had everybody up on their feet, and I'd come see your act. Thanks, man. All right. Thank you very much. Jonathan, you are a naughty little boy. You are very naughty. Because you came up here all sneaky, like you were going to be a boring player. And you're not. You fooled us. Thank you, Sharon. You're fabulous. Thank you very much. Great stuff. Against my better judgment, I found you quite entertaining. My man, thank you. Yes. And it's a yes from me. Very cool. Okay. My name is Alex Rivers. I am 26 years old. I play the violin, and I'm from Las Vegas, Nevada. You look happy. I'm really excited. This has been my dream for the longest time. And I'm a street performer on the strip, so I see the billboards all the time, and I'm like, like, you know. There must be times where you're thinking, I really want to be on that billboard. Every day I see it, and I just imagine myself there, and finally I was like, let's elevate this. Did you just prepare one song? Yes. I absolutely love Alex. I hated the track. Oh. Alex, you're going to have to bring back a different track. Okay. We're not saying yes or no. We love you. I just want you to be amazing. All right. Thank you. I'm going to do good, because I hacked my butt off. Everything I've been going through, everything I fought for, I'm going to leave it on the stage, and I'm going to make them feel something. Make them be like, oh, oh, oh, oh. I liked my song last time, and he left me, like, with no closure. He's like, I'm not going to give you a vote. Those toxic relationships where they string you along, and you're like, what are we? I wouldn't have put it quite like that, Alex. So what are we? I was more like mentoring, supportive, helpful. So anyway, let's see if we made the right decision or not. We'll put a title on it tonight. I'm not going to say anything else. Good luck. Did you still describe our relationship as toxic? No. I think you've come to a conclusion, and just so you know, my ring size is a seven men's. We're friends. Let's start with Mike. A lot of talent, but also you. I just love you. You're like a little love bug. I want to come and... You're like feeding off the energy. I suck it up like roots. Like I have roots. I'm just like... It's delicious. I know you're nervous, but you came with strength. You were happy to be here. And that show, so much better. He was right. This was fantastic. Thank you. I personally just felt there was more in you. Not only was the track better, but you also showed how important this is to you. Yeah. You put everything you had into that. Yeah. At the hotel, I was like, I'm going to practice this, and if somebody bangs on the wall, I'd be like, nobody sleeps until Simon is happy. No one. We put you through a hell of a lot. We're going to vote. Heidi. It's a yes from me, Alex. Thank you. Based on the people here, you got about 4,000 yeses. Thank you. Validation and everything to me. Thank you so much. Well done.