Winning the ‘AGT’ Golden Buzzer Makes 8-Year-Old’s Dream Come True
On the third night of America’s Got Talent season 18 auditions, host Terry Crews made 8-year-old snare drummer Chioma’s dream come true when he awarded the Atlanta Drum Academy his Golden Buzzer.
“Being a part of the Atlanta Drum Academy means a lot to me,” said Chioma, who began drumming at 1-year-old when his grandmother gave him a drum, but began studying when he was 3 years old. “I was the youngest in the snare section. Now I want to be the best drummer in the world. I had a dream I was on America’s Got Talent winning the Golden Buzzer and now I’m right here. I love this show. We made a vision board with my mom. We had some glitter to make the Golden Buzzer. I believe I can win.”
Then the members of the academy took the stage for an exciting drum performance.
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“It was fun. It was energetic. You guys are adorable,” Howie Mandel critiqued them. “I think everybody in this room loved you and I loved you.”
“I loved it, too,” Heidi Klum said. “I love that you do something with your extra time outside of school. Instead of being on your computers, you’re putting this amazing act together. I love that.”
“I haven’t seen anything like this before on this stage,” Sofia Vergara added. “You guys might have a very big chance to win this competition because I think everyone is going to go crazy.”
“I didn’t like it,” Simon Cowell said, faking out the audience and getting booed. Then he said, “I absolutely loved it. Seriously, what’s not to like? They’re so much fun and they’re so talented. This is one of my favorite auditions this year. I really mean that.”
Then, just as Simon was about to start the voting, Terry stopped him, walking off stage saying, “No, no, no, no, no, no, no! There is no need to vote. Chioma, you told me backstage that you dreamed about being on AGT and getting a Golden Buzzer. Now Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy, I am honored to make that dream come true.”
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“It’s amazing!” was all Chioma could say.
The Atlanta Drum Academy was started by James Riles III, who wanted something that little kids could do, so they wouldn’t have to wait until they got to middle school or high school to join the band. They can play drums at the Atlanta Drum Academy at a young age. It’s a safe space for all drummers no matter their age.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
Next, Watch the 'AGT' Act that Brought Simon Cowell to Tears and Won a Surprise Golden Buzzer
