America’s Got Talent season 20 – Who received the Golden Buzzer in episode 3

America’s Got Talent (image via NBC)
America’s Got Talent (image via NBC)

America’s Got Talent season 20 continued on June 10, 2025, with its third round of auditions. The episode showcased a diverse range of acts, including aerial stunts and robot dancers.

The highlight of the night came during the first hour when singer Charity Lockhart earned the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Melanie “Mel B” Brown. The Golden Buzzer sends an act straight to the live shows, bypassing further competition rounds.

Lockhart, a 49-year-old singer who once lived in her car while raising two children, moved the audience and judges with her story and second performance of the night. This season, each judge and host, Terry Crews, can hit the buzzer twice, giving a total of 10 available Golden Buzzers across auditions.


Charity Lockhart receives Golden Buzzer from Mel B on America’s Got Talent season 20

Charity Lockhart, a 49-year-old vocalist, appeared on stage and introduced herself as a mother of two. In her pre-performance conversation with the judges, Lockhart explained that she had gone through tough times following a divorce, sharing, “We ended up living in a car.”

She said she used her voice to earn money, singing at clubs and bars, and eventually entered a local talent competition that helped her afford her first apartment. Lockhart said her ultimate dream was to,

“keep singing and, of course, probably collect a Grammy along the way.”

Simon Cowell encouraged her, saying, “We’re all rooting for you.” Lockhart chose to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” a cappella, but after a few bars, Cowell stopped her, saying,

“I stopped you because I liked you, but it just wasn’t working for me.”

The audience reacted with surprise, and America’s Got Talent went to a commercial break. After returning, Cowell asked if she had another song prepared. Lockhart then performed the Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers” with piano accompaniment.

The judges watched attentively before giving her a standing ovation. Cowell described it as a standout audition, saying, “This is what a great audition is all about.” Mel B responded emotionally, standing and telling Lockhart,

“Every once in a while, you see somebody, you connect with them, and they just bring more and more to the table. I think you’re amazing and I want to give you this right now!”

She then pressed the Golden Buzzer. As golden confetti fell, Lockhart hugged Mel B on stage. With this, she secured a spot in America’s Got Talent live shows, scheduled for August.


What else happened in the America’s Got Talent episode

The June 10 episode of America’s Got Talent featured several other performances. Aerialists Julia and Dmytro Turkeev, a married couple with two daughters, performed an acrobatic routine in artificial rain. As they spun mid-air using silks, the judges praised the danger and elegance of their act.

Howie Mandel called it “really dangerous,” while Mel B highlighted the trust required for such performances. The couple earned four yeses and were joined by their daughters onstage.

Osaka Philharmonic, a comedic act from Japan, began with a serious appearance but turned into a gag performance where members used dry ice sticks to “play” each other’s nipples. Mel B buzzed the act early, stating she was “creeped out,” but later reversed her decision after Simon joined in the gag. The group received four yeses after Cowell played along on stage.

Urban Theory, a dance group from Italy, delivered a highly synchronized performance using visual effects and electronic elements. While Cowell and Vergara called the act “incredible” and “unique,” Howie Mandel and Mel B felt the act lacked personality. After Cowell urged a reconsideration, Mandel changed his vote, giving them the three yeses needed to move forward.

Benjamin Hightower, a former Air Force member, performed Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club. The judges praised his vocal delivery and presence. Simon said he was “likable.” He received four yeses.

Spaceman Bob, a novelty act dressed as an alien, performed a comedic rap routine and stripped down to fluorescent clothing. He was buzzed by all judges except Cowell, who jokingly called him “Mozart” and said, “He made me laugh.”

Other performances in America’s Got Talent included the Leo High School Choir from Chicago, whose emotional unison vocals earned praise from all judges. Cowell said their act was “very powerful.”

Magician Cyril from Japan performed close-up tricks using chopsticks and cards. Although Simon and Mel B initially buzzed him due to a slow build-up, Mel B reversed her vote after her daughter, present in the audience, encouraged her to reconsider.

A robot act featuring Boston Dynamics-style dog-like machines danced to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” with one robot pretending to collapse and later reviving. The judges praised the originality, and the act advanced with four yeses.

Dancer Maceo Harrison entered the America’s Got Talent stage through the audience with high energy and hip-hop moves. Though not technically precise, his enthusiasm earned him four yeses. Some performances—such as those by Kennedy and Jay, and a computer scientist with a robot named Pedro—were not aired, possibly due to format changes this season.


America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 9 pm on NBC. The next round of auditions continues on June 17.

Edited by Sezal Srivastava