Some moments on talent shows fade into memory, but others become instant classics, replayed again and again because they capture something truly special. Among these moments, the Golden Buzzer auditions stand out as the most unforgettable. When a judge slams that buzzer, showering a performer in golden confetti, it isn’t just about advancing to the next round—it’s about recognizing a once-in-a-lifetime moment. These auditions combine raw talent, powerful stories, and electric performances that remind audiences why they love shows like America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. Over the years, there have been many spectacular auditions, but ten of them have etched themselves into the hearts of millions around the world.
What makes a Golden Buzzer audition unforgettable is not only the performance itself but also the journey that leads up to it. Often, the most powerful stories come from people you’d never expect. Take Grace VanderWaal, for example, a twelve-year-old who nervously walked onto the AGT stage with her ukulele. Judges and audience members alike weren’t sure what to expect from such a young contestant. But then she sang her original song, “I Don’t Know My Name,” and the entire room fell silent. Her voice carried an innocence wrapped in originality, and Simon Cowell himself called her “the next Taylor Swift.” Howie Mandel hit the Golden Buzzer, sending her straight to the live shows and cementing her audition as one of the most iconic in the show’s history.
Then there was Kodi Lee, a young blind and autistic singer who appeared on AGT in 2019. His mother guided him onto the stage, and when he sat down at the piano, no one in the room could have anticipated what was about to happen. As soon as he began to sing and play, his soulful voice filled the auditorium with warmth and power. The audience erupted into cheers, and the judges were visibly emotional. Gabrielle Union, overcome by the beauty of his performance, didn’t hesitate to press the Golden Buzzer. Golden confetti rained down as Kodi sat smiling at the piano, and the world knew they had just witnessed something extraordinary.
Golden Buzzer auditions are also unforgettable when they involve incredible groups that bring something fresh and unique. The all-female choir Angels Inc. delivered a theatrical performance that blended drama, harmonies, and bold staging, showing how unity can create impact. Similarly, dance groups like V. Unbeatable from India left audiences gasping with their high-flying stunts and perfectly synchronized moves. Their energy was so electrifying that the entire audience leapt to their feet even before the performance ended. When the Golden Buzzer was pressed, it felt like a natural conclusion—this was a moment too powerful to let slip through the regular competition process.
There are also Golden Buzzer auditions that stand out for their emotional weight. Take Mandy Harvey, a singer who lost her hearing at the age of eighteen. Standing on stage barefoot to feel the vibrations of the music, she sang with breathtaking clarity and emotion. The story alone was inspiring, but it was her voice—pure, heartfelt, and honest—that left the judges and audience in tears. Simon Cowell described it as one of the most incredible things he had ever seen on the show, and when she received the Golden Buzzer, the audience erupted into one of the loudest ovations of the season.
Sometimes, it’s not just the voice or talent that moves people but the entire presence of the performer. On Britain’s Got Talent, Susan Boyle may not have had a Golden Buzzer moment—since the feature didn’t exist during her audition—but her legacy paved the way for what these iconic buzzers have come to symbolize. Years later, performers like Loren Allred, with her stunning rendition of “Never Enough,” captured that same lightning in a bottle. When Amanda Holden pressed the Golden Buzzer, it felt like redemption for a singer who had long been in the shadows, finally receiving the recognition she deserved.
Another unforgettable Golden Buzzer audition came from Jane Marczewski, better known as Nightbirde. Her performance wasn’t only about her song—it was about her spirit. Battling cancer, she sang an original track called “It’s OK,” delivering each line with hope and resilience. Simon Cowell, deeply moved, pressed the Golden Buzzer with tears in his eyes. Her story resonated with millions, reminding people that life’s struggles don’t have to silence your dreams. Even though she later stepped away from the competition due to her health, her audition remains one of the most impactful in AGT history.
Of course, it’s not always singers who steal the spotlight. Magicians like Marc Spelmann left the world stunned with his mind-bending illusions. His act was more than tricks—it was storytelling that touched hearts. When Ant and Dec, the hosts of Britain’s Got Talent, pressed their Golden Buzzer for him, it showed just how much his performance transcended entertainment. Similarly, other non-singing acts—dancers, acrobats, and even comedians—have earned the Golden Buzzer when their performances brought something entirely fresh and unforgettable to the stage.
What ties all of these moments together is their ability to move people in ways they didn’t expect. Golden Buzzer auditions don’t just showcase talent; they capture stories of perseverance, triumph, and authenticity. They remind viewers that talent can come from anyone, anywhere—whether it’s a shy child, a person overcoming immense obstacles, or a group of friends chasing a shared dream.
The visual of golden confetti raining down has become symbolic of the pure magic these shows can create. It’s more than a dramatic television effect—it’s a celebration of the very best of humanity: courage, creativity, and the willingness to take a chance on a dream. Each unforgettable Golden Buzzer moment becomes part of the collective memory of fans around the world, replayed on television, shared on social media, and remembered in conversations years later.
When we think of the top ten unforgettable Golden Buzzer auditions, we don’t just remember songs or performances. We remember feelings—the chills, the tears, the smiles, the sheer disbelief that something so extraordinary could come from such ordinary beginnings. These auditions remind us why we tune in season after season: because somewhere, someone will step onto that stage, defy expectations, and create a moment of pure magic that we’ll never forget.
