America’s Got Talent season 20 premiere recap: Eric Booker chugs pickle juice while Simon and Howie use their Golden Buzzers

America’s Got Talent returned for its 20th season on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, with a lineup of unique acts that ranged from daring stunts to emotional performances. The judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofía Vergara—wasted no time getting into the action, with both Simon and Howie using their coveted Golden Buzzers during the premiere.

The America’s Got Talent episode also featured Eric Booker, a retired subway conductor, who performed a stunt act involving extreme liquid consumption. While the act left most judges cringing, it was just one example of the variety showcased on the America’s Got Talent stage. With a mix of dance, magic, music, and even contortion, the premiere set the stage for what could be a competitive season.

What happened in the America’s Got Talent episode?

Eric Booker auditioned with an “extreme drinking” act that involved chugging pickle juice, hot dog water, creamed corn, and hot sauce. While the audience and some judges were initially intrigued, Mel B was visibly disturbed. She pressed her own red X, followed by Sofía Vergara’s, Howie Mandel’s, and finally Simon Cowell’s. Booker did not receive enough votes to move forward.

Dance group Team Recycled earned three votes after a performance that began with only a few members on stage but gradually revealed over 40 performers from the audience. The group incorporated lights and stunts. Howie Mandel said the routine “grew and grew,” though Mel B was not convinced and challenged the group to impress her in the next round.

Magician Zak Mirz received four votes. He performed a routine involving children's toys and color predictions, which he concluded by revealing a red bear for his daughter. He was joined on stage by his pregnant wife and their two-year-old daughter. All judges praised the execution of the trick.

LightWire, a trio from Brazil, delivered a performance combining dance and LED visuals to portray a rainforest. Simon Cowell was impressed and hit his Golden Buzzer.

“One of the most beautiful, stunning Acts I have seen,” he said.

Micah Palace performed an original song titled No Sabo, which he rapped in both English and Spanish. He mixed beats live on a DJ set placed on an ironing board. His high energy impressed all four judges, who voted yes. Palace celebrated with a backflip on stage.

Chloe and Gallagher, a singing act involving a woman and her 43-year-old Yellow-Naped Amazon parrot, did not advance on America’s Got Talent. Chloe sang Creep by Radiohead while playing a ukulele, but Gallagher did not perform as expected. The parrot said “bye!” to the judges as they exited.

Amadou Diallo, a contortionist from Guinea, impressed the panel with his extreme flexibility, rib cage movements, and throat control. At one point, Mel B held his wrists while he performed complex twists. The judges unanimously approved of him.

Stunt performers Marty and Michael from Australia presented a Jackass-style act involving whips and bungee cords. Simon Cowell said he was “disappointed” by the act. The duo did not receive enough votes to continue.

Jourdan Blue, a 23-year-old street performer from New Orleans, sang Breakeven by The Script. He was joined by his girlfriend and baby son. Blue referenced a tragic New Year’s Day truck attack near his usual singing spot as motivation for auditioning.

Howie Mandel pressed his Golden Buzzer after the performance on America’s Got Talent. Mel B called him “not only pitch perfect but everything perfect,” and Sofía Vergara said, “I’m in love with you.”

Jacqueline and Wagner performed a dance routine involving roller-skating and aerial acrobatics. Although Jacqueline’s lengthy introduction was criticized, their performance impressed the judges. Simon Cowell’s reaction included profanity that was bleeped out during the broadcast.

Sandy Larson, a 70-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee, performed a dance routine while balancing knives. She was accompanied by two friends. Though Mel B was not enthusiastic, the rest of the panel passed her through based on spirit and entertainment value.

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Fans can stream America’s Got Talent season 20 premiere on Peacock.

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