Original subtitles

.

[microphone feedback]

- I say America's got talent.

Am I right?

- You were awesome.

- See you in Vegas, baby.

[cheering]

- She left it all out on the stage!

- Season 10!

- What just happened?

- Let's do this!

- I couldn't take my eyes off you.

- I mean, it was perfection.

- You are sensational.

- Season 20 starts now!

Are you ready?

[cheering]

[whistle blowing]

["Eye of the Tiger" playing]

* *

[cheers and applause]

* *

- * Rising up straight to the top *

* Had the guts, got the glory *

* Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop *

* Just a man and his will to survive *

* It's the eye of the tiger *

* It's the thrill of the fight *

* Rising up to the challenge of our rival *

* And the last known survivor *

* Stalks his prey in the night *

* And he's watching us all with the eye *

* Of the tiger *

* *

Come on!

* Ooh, yeah *

[saxophone playing]

* *

[cheers and applause]

- * Ooh, yeah *

* *

* Face to face, out in the heat *

* Hanging tough, staying hungry *

* They set me up *

* Still we take to the street *

* For the kill with the skill to survive *

- Oh!

- * It's the eye of the tiger *

* It's the thrill of the fight *

* Rising up to the challenge of our rival *

* And the last known survivor *

* Stalks his prey in the night *

* And he's watching us all with the eye *

* Of the tiger *

* *

* Of the tiger *

* The eye of the tiger *

- * The eye of the tiger, oh, *

- Come on!

* *

* The eye of the tiger *

- * Eye of the tiger *

* *

- * The eye of the tiger *

[cheers and applause]

- * We're singing happy birthday to you *

* To you * - Oh!

- * Singing happy birthday to you *

- Hello!

And welcome to "America's Got Talent,"

the 20th Anniversary Special!

[cheers and applause]

Wow!

First of all, we gotta thank our "AGT" alumni

for that incredible opening performance!

[cheers and applause]

Simon, how do you feel, having all these familiar faces

all together for one big show?

- A lot of great memories, T.

A lot of great memories. Seriously.

[upbeat music]

- 20 years ago, the "Got Talent" brand

began a search for talent that exploded

into a worldwide phenomenon.

How did we get this far in 20 years?

Take a look.

[cheers and applause]

- Hi. Welcome to "America's Got Talent."

- "AGT"!

"AGT"!

- I can't believe we are at our 20th year--

- Season 20 starts now!

- Bearing in mind how difficult it was

to actually get the show on air.

- * I have to praise you *

- To be fair, the pilot was terrible.

- Ha!

- Are you gonna be nice tonight?

- I'm always nice, Paul.

You know that. - No, Simon.

- They brought in a little audience

and paper decorations.

- Ah!

- It looked a little janky.

- And if it wasn't for NBC, we wouldn't be

sitting here today, having this conversation.

- * I have to praise you *

- Welcome to the most outrageous auditions

you will ever see on television.

If you've got a talent, we're gonna give you a shot.

[cheers and applause]

- I mean, I was laughing when we sold the show.

Look, if we get to four years, that will be brilliant.

- * I have to praise you *

* Ooh, *

* I have to praise you * - Whoo!

- And then when we got to four years, I had in my head,

OK, if we get to ten years.

- Season 10!

- This is it, the number-one show of the summer.

- You were off the chain!

- And then, you know, of course,

we eventually get to 20 years.

You go, wow.

- * I have to praise you *

- * Yeah *

- I mean, an audition-- got one shot.

You've got a couple of seconds to grab everybody's attention,

and then you just have to do your best.

- I don't trust pregnant people.

I feel like they're hiding something.

[audience booing]

I haven't even started!

- I think what makes "AGT" so special--

there is something for everyone.

- If you don't love what you're looking at,

stay there for two minutes.

There's gonna be something totally different.

- * I have to praise you *

- Wow.

- What's your vote?

- It's a yes from me, baby.

- * I have to praise you *

- [humming]

[cheering]

- [bleep]

- 20 years, and there's still heaps of talent.

- Just when I think I've seen everything,

this show proves to me, I ain't seen nothin' yet.

[uplifting music]

- That was incredible.

I thought the acts who came on this year

were some of my favorites.

- My name is Jessica Sanchez.

- She told us how she had been there on the first season

of "AGT" as a little baby.

- I watched that on TV.

- You're 10 years old?

- Yes. - Oh, my gosh.

- She comes as a grown woman with this voice

that is like an angel.

And I thought she deserved a Golden Buzzer.

* *

No, you deserve it.

- I had a lot of memories this year.

And I did think to myself, particularly when it goes well,

it is the coolest job in the world.

* *

[cheers and applause]

- Me and Simon have this love-hate relationship.

- My very first day, I was so excited.

[dramatic music]

- Just pull it out!

- I can't!

- The first time I felt we'd lost control of the audience.

- Wow.

- Oh, my God.

- We dreamt up this thing,

pretending that she had killed me.

- [gasps] Oh, my God!

- Oh, my God, no!

.

- You guys ready to meet your judges?

- Hear the roar of the crowd? - Yeah.

- You hear the excitement? - Yes.

- They must know I'm on my way.

- * Four-letter word just to get me along *

- My very first day, I was so excited.

I'll remember it. It was March 17.

Know what's in here?

My X.

My X.

Wherever I go, this goes.

- Howie Mandel!

- * They call me Hel *

They got me Stacey

- I was excited, terrified, nervous.

I've never missed an episode of "America's Got Talent."

I am doing what I was doing at home

in my underpants, on the couch.

This year, we are going to find a star.

I promise you. - Now, what's your name?

- I am Howie.

- * They call me Hel, they call me Stacey *

- The person that really still sticks out to me

is Michael Grimm.

- * Yes, I'm that lucky guy *

* No, you'll never know *

- He talked about how he wanted to win money

for his grandmother, to build her a house.

What does "America's Got Talent" mean to you,

winning something like this?

What does it mean to you?

- It means a lot for my grandparents.

They raised me, and they lost everything

in Hurricane Katrina.

And it would just be nice for me to do something for them.

[cheers and applause]

- The biggest joy is to watch somebody win.

- Michael Grimm!

- You know?

And it's beautiful to be part of it.

- With the million-dollar prize,

Michael Grimm came through on a promise he made

to build his grandparents a brand-new home.

- It just shows you how wonderful this show is.

[upbeat music]

And from that day on, it's been an incredible treat

for me to just sit there in that seat.

- * That's not my name *

- I can't believe I have this job.

[cheers and applause]

- What is my talent? - Yes.

What's your talent? - I'm a Spice Girl.

- That's right!

- * Talk to me, baby *

- Make some noise for Mel B!

- First of all, when you get the call

for "America's Got Talent," you think,

that's one of the biggest shows on the planet.

- Are you nervous, Mel?

- I feel energized and excited.

I'm not nervous.

- * Cake by the ocean *

- Me and my whole entire family were huge fans

before I got to do it.

You, my friend, just hit a home run.

- * Go crazy, crazy *

- The very first act that I saw

was a guy with long hair and a wooden box with--

Oh, my God!

- A really dangerous rattlesnake in it.

- Oh, no.

[dramatic music]

* *

- Are you kidding me?

- Oh!

- He blew up a balloon, got the snake angry.

- It's gonna get him.

- Stay back!

- What are we doing here?

- I don't know.

- It's gonna get him.

It's gonna get him.

- Oh, danger, guys.

- There was this whole big buildup.

* *

[snake rattling]

* *

- * Talk to me, baby *

- That was my first introduction.

It was entertaining, and I liked it a lot.

Actually, I think I said I loved it.

- Simon, I love you!

Come get this kiss, baby!

[ZZ Top's "Gimme All Your Lovin'"]

- I'll tell you what my first day was like.

It was actually the most nervous

I've ever felt doing a show.

- Are you guys ready to meet your judges?

- The first thought that crossed my mind is,

because every judge was being introduced,

the audience is going crazy.

What if nobody says anything?

It's gonna be really, really embarrassing.

[cricket chirping]

- Simon Cowell!

- * Gimme all your lovin' *

* All your hugs and kisses too *

- Luckily, the audience were happy to see me.

So that was fine.

And then I remember the first act.

And why did you enter the show?

- Because America is the land of opportunity.

- [off-key] * Whose broad stripes and bright stars *

- [laughs] - * Through the perilous *

[buzzer]

- Oh, my God.

- That was act one.

And I thought, this is gonna be brilliant.

- [laughs] Oh, my God, yeah.

- Hello. I'm Charlie.

- Yeah.

- And I'm Rose. - OK.

And where did you meet?

- We met at bereavement counseling, Simon.

- Oh, wow.

- He was, like, totally checking me out.

[laughter]

- And are you married now?

- Yes. We got married.

- Oh, good. Congratulations.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

You're very cute, Rose.

- I think you're so handsome.

- I know. - Wait a minute.

This is not a bereavement counseling session.

- I know. I know. [laughter]

[Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas"]

- * Bright light city gonna set my soul *

* Gonna set my soul on fire *

- For a woman in her 60s, Rose is working.

- * Ready to burn *

* So get those stakes up higher *

* There's a thousand pretty women waitin' out there *

* They're all living *

* The devil may care *

* I'm just a devil that loves--*

[buzzer]

* Viva Las Vegas *

[mumbling]

- He doesn't even know the words.

- * Lady Luck, please let the dice stay hot *

- I did say, if I'm gonna come on the show,

it can't be serious--

[upbeat rock music]

Because I don't want it to be too serious.

And boy, they took that on board.

- [screams]

* *

- This is not why I came back to America.

[laughs]

- Our newest member of our "AGT" family!

- Here we go.

- Sofía Vergara!

- * Let's get loud *

- I remember exactly the first day.

I was super nervous because I had never

been a judge on anything.

I'm very excited to hit the buzzers.

- You're talking about the Golden Buzzer.

- No, all the buzzers in general.

- * Let's get loud *

- Who am I to judge anyone? I don't know.

I'm not a specialist on dancing,

or singing, or the ukulele.

I mean, I don't know anything.

So I said, I'm just gonna say what I think, and it's been OK.

It's a super no from me.

- A super no?

Is that even allowed on the show?

- I'm new, so I can do whatever I want.

- * Let's get loud *

* Let's get loud *

- So the first time that I did the X--

[buzzer]

* *

It was this woman with a whoopee cushion.

And, I mean, that's one of the most

dumb old jokes in the world.

[buzzer]

Of course.

I would--I would give her an X again.

I was confused.

This was my first time pushing the red button.

And maybe I did it without thinking.

- No, you did the right thing.

[buzzers]

- The X is an exclamation mark.

[buzzer]

I always know that when I press it,

the audience are gonna hate my guts.

[buzzer]

- Ah!

- Why would you do that?

- There's some people that you just know it's like,

oh, my God, you deserve this.

And you're going to do it from the beginning.

- We take a bottle.

Becomes a glass.

Where'd it go?

It's in my--

[buzzers]

No!

[fart noises]

[buzzers]

- The sound is like death.

[buzzer]

But it's really fun to do it.

- [yells]

[groans]

[squeaking]

- What the bloody hell is that?

- When you look at acts like Sethward--

- I'm a giraffe!

[buzzers]

- To have him show up season after season

with a new animal outfit--

he's so crazy.

- Oh! - Ahh!

- [laughs]

- * And we can build this dream together *

[buzzers]

- * Nothing's gonna stop us now *

[buzzer]

- Clap! Clap!

- Oh, my God, one of my favorite moments.

We're trying to give them the X,

and we're hitting our red buzzer.

We're hitting the X, and it's silent.

The X isn't working.

- The buzzers are broken!

- What's going on?

Got an electrical fault. [gasps]

They haven't paid the electric bill.

[laughter]

- No, it's me.

I unplugged the X.

- Mel B pulled out the plug to the buzzers

to charge her phone.

- Wow. [laughter]

- I didn't know that the only plug that I was gonna unplug

was gonna be the X.

- [laughs]

- I am so busted.

- Priorities, people.

Priorities. [buzzer]

- There we go!

[buzzers]

- Happy 20th birthday, "America's Got Talent,"

from me, Piff the Magic Dragon,

Mr. Piffles II, and Jade Simone.

- * Singing happy birthday *

.

- We have a fantastic audience

who've stuck with us over the years.

- Simon!

- We love you!

- How are you?

- Simon--he has to say hello

to every single person in the theater.

- Oh, it's Beverly's birthday.

- Oh, my God!

- I love you.

- I love you, too.

- * It's the heat of the moment *

- He always takes the time to give some love to the audience.

- They really are, I think, more important, actually,

than what we do.

- * Heat of the moment *

- You have just received a Golden Buzzer

from the fifth judge, the "AGT" audience!

- It is the energy I feel, not just the noise.

I can actually feel the energy behind me.

- That energy, whoo, I wish I could bottle it

and take it to the gym every morning.

[laughs]

- You absorb all this energy.

So when they're mad or when they're screaming

or they're booing you,

it can send waves inside your body.

- Amazing. - Do better!

- Come on.

- * It's the heat of the moment *

- The audience have gotten really involved.

They scream their opinions, like--

- [chanting] Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

- Put them through!

- Put them through!

- "Parmesan Song" is a perfect example of the audience.

- This guy started to sing this song,

and I thought, OK, this is dreadful.

- * I always want more Parmesan *

* But I'm embarrassed *

- And then something weird happened halfway through.

[buzzer]

We all X'd him, but the audience suddenly

started singing the song.

- * I always want more Parmesan *

* But I'm embarrassed *

Everybody!

- That was the first time I felt we'd

lost control of the audience.

- [chanting] Parmesan!

- Wow. - Oh, my God.

- They saw their power.

With every reversal, the audience

got more and more behind it.

- Take the X away.

I'm giving you a yes.

- Oh, yes!

Thank you, Simon!

- It's the power of the people.

- Sometimes you've gotta listen to the public.

I think it was one of the funniest musicians

we've ever seen.

Parmesan! Parmesan! Parmesan!

[wild cheering]

- I have been in many tricky situations

where I've said my piece--

I think you are adorable.

You look fantastic.

But no.

I didn't get it.

I didn't get it.

[audience booing]

- Yes.

[cheering]

- And they disagree with me, and I think,

Right. Well, we all have an opinion.

- What's your problem, Mel?

- Can't be swayed by it,

but you just have to stay true to yourself.

[Spice Girls' "Spice Up Your Life"]

- Oh, my God. Mel B, man.

First of all, she is directly responsible

for a lot of the history

that we are enjoying of "America's Got Talent."

[yelling]

- And you just don't know what Mel is gonna turn up--

- [in deep voice] Simon, I am your worst nightmare.

- What she's gonna do, what's she's gonna say.

- I've got a hole in my [bleep].

[bleep]

[bleeping]

- Bleep all that out.

- She doesn't listen to me.

- Wherever you were going was gonna be wrong.

- She does whatever she wants.

- You're all bonkers!

[audience booing]

I mean, sometimes I forget that I'm on TV.

[upbeat music]

- [screams] - [laughs]

- Mel is in a constant state of confusion.

- I was confused.

I was a bit lost.

- She's one of the brightest,

most successful entertainers in history

but has no idea what's going on a lot of the time.

- Tula's voice--

Tula's--Pachulia's voice and your voice.

- Petunia. - You know who I mean.

Petu--

- Petunia.

[crickets]

- Off the chain!

There's some things that I say, and I don't know what it means.

But I know it meant something when I said it,

like off the chain.

That was off the chain!

- Yeah!

[cheering]

- What does that actually mean?

Your chain's come off.

It's that powerful.

It's off.

It just means it's great, OK?

- * Colors of the world *

Take that!

* Every boy and every girl *

- No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

- Me and Simon have this love-hate relationship,

like brother and sister.

Oh, I've missed doing that.

But season 20 has got obstacles for me.

Why do we have lids on these cups this season?

- I glued them.

[laughter]

Luckily, this year, someone decided

to put a lid on the water.

Otherwise, I'm not kidding,

I would have been soaked about 10 times.

- Mortified.

- Deep down, she is a really, really nice person.

She's a great friend.

She's loyal.

You can trust her.

And when she turns up,

she gives it 110% every single day.

- Oh, I can't wait to see you ladies.

- We met Mel B!

- Oh, my God.

- She knows talent when she sees it.

- That was off the chain!

- [laughs]

- Yeah! - That's Mel.

- Mel B!

- Happy 20th anniversary, "AGT,"

from Darci and Petunia.

Should've been me hosting this season,

but it's fine. - Petunia.

- Happy anniversary.

- * To you *

.

- * Five, six *

* Five, six, seven, eight *

- OK, Howie, would you hold your hand up for me?

- OK.

- I'm looking for a volunteer.

First with your hand up!

Howie, ladies and gentlemen.

- One of the greatest things about "America's Got Talent"

is when other judges get to participate with an act.

Not me.

- They have no idea what's happening, what's going on.

- Terry, will you come out here and join us?

Terry Crews, everyone.

- My thing is you've got to be really, really good

if you're gonna bring the judges up.

- Sofía.

- Hi.

- Can I please use you?

- Simon, please come up onto the stage, sir.

- Mel B, would you come up and join me on stage?

Is that cool? - Yes.

Oh, I don't like being brought up on stage,

'cause I think, what are you gonna do?

It's not my audition.

- * H-O-T T-O G-O *

- I feel much better.

I feel much better.

I got a toilet seat over my head.

Where did he get the toilet seat from?

Who'd been sitting on it?

- In my first season, when I was asked to go on stage,

I was super nervous, because you don't know

what's gonna happen.

* *

Then I realized, oh my God, this show is gonna

be crazy to be working here.

- Look at his face. - I don't want to.

- Just pull it out!

- I can't!

It was, like, pretty intense to pull this gigantic sword out

of someone's throat.

- Pull.

- Ahh!

- * H-O-T T-O G-O *

* You can take me *

- Howie, can you please come up here?

- Howie. - Howie.

- Howie.

- What is it about me that makes you say, ask Howie?

I'm really ticklish.

I don't want to be touched.

Oh! - [laughs]

- Ow!

And do I know what's gonna happen?

No.

- Sleep, but do not fall.

Relax your muscles.

- Oh, that person passed out.

- Imagine that I'm wearing gloves,

and you will shake my hand, Howie.

Deep breath in.

- So this is crazy.

And I had to actually rewatch this.

Howie, being the--you know, Howie's a germaphobe.

- Please.

- This guy hypnotized him to actually

shake hands with me and with Heidi.

- [screaming]

- That's bad, isn't it?

- I didn't want to shake everybody's hand.

I thought he was gonna--

like, I would been happy if he turned me into a chicken.

Get away. Get away. Work.

Go back to your seats.

Have I been abused in these 20 years?

Oh, my God. Oh, no.

- Shh.

[screams]

- * H-O-T T-O G-O *

- Is it a job, or is it abuse?

I'm celebrating 20 years of it.

- * H-O-T T-O G-O *

- I always want to know what it felt like

to have knives thrown at you for some reason.

- * H-O-T T-O G-O *

[knife clatters]

[screaming]

- Can I ask one question?

Will you throw a knife at me with your feet?

- Yes, actually. - Yeah!

- Oh, my God.

- And I went, OK, I'll give it a go.

- That's my boss.

Take care of him.

- I love that she also is self-taught.

[laughter]

- Here we go.

[cheering]

- Oh, my God.

[dramatic music]

* *

- Ah, no!

- One, two, three.

[cheering]

[upbeat music]

- Oh, my gosh.

- Don't look.

* *

Sorry.

- And I've done it a few times,

and probably too many times,

if I'm being honest with you.

- Do not move, please.

Stay on your positions.

- Ugh.

- Oh, my God.

[tense music]

[crossbow thwips]

[screaming]

- In 20 years, there are some things that totally shocked me.

- No, not at all. Not at all, you know?

[laughs]

That's the thing, man.

Any--any excuse to get the pecs popping,

it's all good, man.

I work out too long to not show it off.

I'll tell you that right now.

[upbeat music]

- Terry is one of the most amazing persons in the world.

- He is suave and dapper and sharp.

- Are you ready?

- Terry is compassionate.

He's just a good human being.

- What you're doing right now is beyond, totally beyond.

- He's not only brilliant at what he does,

he's a really good guy.

He makes you feel happy and positive.

Like, he's the perfect person to be greeting everybody

on stage and off stage.

- You got it. You got it.

You got it!

When I was in high school,

my mother was very, very strict.

And I--I wanted to dance.

And I was, like, you know, I was always a dancer.

You could tell. You could tell.

You know what I mean?

And she's like, oh, no, you ain't gonna go out there

and be shaking your booty.

And I was like, oh, come on, Ma.

And she said, no, you're not gonna be in a show.

And I was like, oh, can I host it?

And she said, what?

Hmm.

[groans] OK.

[laughs] I got her.

And I hosted my high school talent show,

and it was a big hit because everyone was like,

you got a gift for this, man.

- And he sent his tape to Simon to say, I want the job.

I wonder if he did. [laughs]

[cheers and applause]

- Here's the bodyguard of talent, Terry Crews.

- From the moment those people are backstage,

he's interacting with them.

He's pumping them up.

He's telling them not to worry.

He's being a cheerleader.

- You touched the heart of every human being

in this building right now.

- I do think Terry's got one of the hardest jobs,

because not everybody that comes off that stage is happy.

Maybe they've got an X.

Maybe they've got a comment that they didn't like.

- I got you, man.

- So he has to--

- I got you. - Be like a therapist,

and calm them down and build them up.

It's a lot. - You did this.

You did this.

Age ain't nothing but a number!

[cheers and applause]

I--I take care of you.

I'm your guardian.

You know, when you get back there, I guard that dream.

I guard your heart.

[upbeat music]

- What's up, y'all? It's Flau'Jae.

I just want to say happy 20th anniversary

to "America's Got Talent."

I'm so thankful to have been on y'all platform.

Y'all gave me that amazing experience, man.

It's catapulted my life to places I couldn't even imagine.

Thank you, "AGT."

Happy 20th anniversary.

.

- Welcome to "America's Got Talent."

We have thrown the doors open to absolutely anybody,

doing absolutely anything.

And when you do that, this is what you get.

- You're about to get so wowed.

[slide whistle]

- It's a fact.

Over the 20 years of "AGT," it really has evolved.

- [vocalizing]

- I watched some of the early clips.

It's very basic.

[rhythmic clapping]

[buzzer]

[buzzer]

Pretty bog standard.

- This is a variety show,

but we have never seen an act like yours.

I thought it was fantastic.

- I remember seeing things that I thought,

oh, my God, this is so amazing.

I've never seen anything like that before.

Then if you watched them today, you'd go,

I could do that in my living room.

[drumming]

- And then, over the years, people got more creative.

- You have to be special.

You have to be different in order to get

that million-dollar prize here.

- You know, with me, I like to see something

young and fresh and exciting.

- Hi there.

- Look at you. - Hello.

- What's your name?

- My name is Kenichi Ebina.

- What is your act?

- My act is dance-ish performance.

- One of my favorite acts I remembered to this day,

Kenichi from Japan.

He was so different.

He did something that I'd never seen before.

[electronic music]

Oh, my God.

He defies gravity.

* *

- Reverse.

* *

- And you think-- [imitates explosion]

It's like watching a video game live and direct.

He's brilliant.

- That's the coolest part about the 20th,

is the evolution of the acts.

- * You're a sky full of stars *

[Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars"]

- The fact that you just turned into a pigeon

in front of our eyes, that is unbelievable.

- Light Balance.

Now, they were all the way from Ukraine.

You know, you've seen a light show before,

but not with people showing up, then disappearing,

and then things-- car wheels turning.

It kind of makes you go, am I seeing this for real?

It's quite astonishing.

[upbeat electronic music]

A few seasons later, you've got the kids' version of it.

* *

- As AI develops, as technology develops,

we would never imagine that we'd be

watching 600 drones in the air,

drawing perfect pictures of us.

Simon, that's you!

- Simon, it's you! - That's Simon.

- Oh, my God!

- That's Simon.

- Wow.

- Aw, look at Simon.

- Simon in the sky!

- If you told me that 16 years ago,

I don't even know what you're talking about, you know?

It doesn't even compute.

No pun intended.

* *

- I think it's important people get inspired, and they're like,

OK, I can do this, too.

And then they show up.

- And people come from all over the world to make it.

- Our name is the Ndlovu Youth Choir,

and we're all the way from Limpopo in South Africa.

- We are Lightwire from Brazil.

- I'm Kristy Sellars, and I'm from Australia.

- Philippines.

- The Philippines.

That shows you how important "America's Got Talent" is.

People come here because this is

the biggest stage of them all.

- We had a group, V.Unbeatable--

[dramatic electronic music]

- The show is called "America's Got Talent."

But actually, it's the world has talent.

And you've trusted an American audience,

and you've seen the reaction.

[cheers and applause]

This is gonna change your life.

I really do believe that.

- Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

- They are now world-class performers.

They go all over the world performing.

It's just so exciting.

You feel like you're helping the launch

of something very special.

* *

- The audition I most remember,

what I call a moment, was the Mayyas.

- Where in the Middle East are you from?

- Lebanon. - From Lebanon.

- Lebanon, oh.

[stirring string and flute music]

* *

- Whoa!

- I think the biggest change for me over the 20 years

is the fact that acts from all over the world

now come and compete on this platform.

They travel thousands and thousands of miles--

[cheers and applause]

To just have that three or four minutes on stage.

- Amazing.

[OneRepublic's "Feel Again"]

- * Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh *

* Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh *

- I had never seen anything like it.

This was a special kind of dancing.

I knew there was something special.

And then to see them win "America's Got Talent"

was, like, amazing.

I kind of, like, got, like, mad because I'm like,

how come I'm not invited?

They're there because of me.

No, I'm kidding. [laughs]

[dramatic music]

- You're very funny.

Isn't she getting funnier and funnier,

or was she always this funny?

- Always funny.

- [squawks]

- [squawks]

- [squawks]

- [squawks]

- [squawks]

- OK, well, let's try this in human.

- Sofía is a mega star--

mega.

* *

We worked together on a movie a long time ago called

"Soul Plane," and I've watched her just ascend

like a rocket ship.

- I saw her on "Modern Family."

I thought she was really funny.

So when I heard that she wanted to do the show,

I'm like, do it.

Sofía has gone from "Modern Family" to new family.

- She's smart and goofy--

- Yow!

- And glamorous.

- She is just as va-va-voom in the flesh as she is on TV.

- This is coming from someone

that knows about "ventrinkulism."

- But I did think, are you putting the accent on?

* *

- Who made your outfits?

I love them.

- They were actually made in Colombia.

- I knew they were made in Colombia.

I could smell it.

[laughter]

I even love when they're just Latin people.

[speaking Spanish]

[both speaking Spanish]

- I can imagine what you're gonna be doing.

Are you sure? - [giggles]

- Why--why is she talking in English?

[laughter]

- She's the interpreter.

- Ah.

Sí!

- Gracias!

- Sí! - Sí!

- Sofía, te amo!

- Wah!

I mean, I wouldn't say I fall completely on the ground.

Ahh!

I do stumble at least once a day.

- When Simon didn't have the voice,

that's where you saw her real sense of humor.

- Simon Cowell has lost his voice.

And, Sofía, thank you for helping Simon.

- You know I am very good with languages.

[laughter]

- Using Sofía as my translator,

probably one of the most stupid things I've ever done.

- He really liked your song.

- [weakly] And your voice.

- And your face.

What I was trying to say and on what she was saying

wasn't remotely close.

- It was very apple pie.

Now, he's losing his voice and his head.

- I didn't say that.

[laughter]

-"AGT," congratulations on season 20.

- We are so honored to be a part of the family.

- Because of "AGT," we got many more career opportunities.

And very big thanks for that.

- Winning on "AGT" made my life changed forever.

all: Happy 20th anniversary from the Mayyas.

.

- Simon! Show them how much fun this is.

You know, the world has changed.

And the way we consume our entertainment and information

is very different than we did 20 years ago.

- Something we hadn't anticipated at the beginning

was social media.

When YouTube came along--

- Wow!

- Then our whole mindset changed.

- * Summertime *

- A lot of people initially were very reluctant

about, oh, no, no, you shouldn't

put the clips on social media.

And we were like, no, no, they have to go on social media

because it's a fantastic way of other people

to get to know about the show.

The numbers don't lie.

I mean, it's nearly half a billion people

have seen your audition.

That tells me that you have something special.

- I think, with "AGT," social media goes hand in hand,

because, you know, we're all posting on social media.

- Hi, guys.

We're here at "America's Got Talent."

- And we are ready.

We're ready, Heidi.

- And it helps promote the act.

It helps promote the show.

And I find it really interesting.

[BTS's "Dynamite"]

- An audition can go out, and then the following day,

47 million people have watched that clip.

I mean, that is crazy.

- My name is Duane, and this is my two-year-old son, Devin.

- 44 plus 13 equals 57.

[cheers and applause]

- This is incredible.

- * With a little funk and soul *

- * Ain't no thang *

- I don't know a show that has had more viral moments

than "America's Got Talent."

[dramatic music]

Those clips get passed around from kids to grandma,

parents and neighbors and community and PTA

and schools and all that.

[upbeat music]

* *

- You know, it's not just the U.S. that's watching the show.

Literally the whole world watches it.

- When you started "Got Talent,"

did you ever imagine it would get so big?

- Yes.

[laughter]

- It is a brand all over the world.

- It's super interesting and super fun,

because you get a little bit of these cultures

and the languages.

- * Welcome to your life *

* There's no turning back *

- It was the greatest moment of my life.

- It's just exciting to be a small part

of something that creates so much international buzz.

[inspiring music]

- What's the dream?

- I--I'm trying to be a professional singer.

- Susan Boyle's probably the most viral moment,

and that's because, not only does she have the talent,

but she was a great surprise.

- * I dreamed a dream in time gone by *

[cheers and applause]

* When hope was high and life worth living *

- You just didn't expect that, did you?

Did you? No.

- I'm noticing now, when I travel around the world,

people know these bits and these moments from our show.

[phone ringing]

People are calling me day and night.

They really are, saying--

[laughter]

I just saw something on YouTube.

I'm right in the middle of telling people

about "AGT."

The--

Kodi Lee, a half a billion.

* *

- It's no shock that it was the most viral moment

of all time on "AGT."

When he came in, I learned a story

about how music really helped him.

- Kodi is blind and autistic.

- Wow. - Wow.

- He found out that he loved music really early on.

It actually has saved his life, playing music.

- Wow. - Aw.

- Wow, that's awesome.

- I remember them bringing him out

and sitting him on the piano, and it took a long time.

We were waiting, like, uh-oh, is he going to sing?

Is this gonna happen?

And then he hit those notes.

- * I've been to so many places in my life and time *

* *

* I've sung a lot of songs *

* And I've made some bad rhymes *

* I've acted out my life in stages *

* With 10,000 people watching, yeah *

* I'm singing a song *

* To you *

[cheers and applause]

[uplifting music]

* *

- I was not prepared.

I was like, what in the world?

- Yes! - Let's go!

- Yes!

- And I knew this was a moment in time,

because everybody at home felt that.

- You just want to give your kids the moon,

the stars, and the rainbows.

And tonight, I'm gonna give you something special.

* *

- I remember Oprah commented on it.

You know, I have to say, there's Terry Crews pre-Kodi

and then there's Terry Crews post-Kodi.

* *

And he deserves being our number-one viral moment,

period.

- Happy 20th birthday, "AGT."

- We are so proud that Kodi is still

the number-one most viral act.

- Heck yeah!

- Heck yeah.

[laughs]

- Are you ready to meet your judges?

- [laughs]

- It doesn't even feel like you're going to work.

We are literally like a bunch of kids.

- Simon, wear it!

.

-Hey, "AGT." It's Sofie Dossi.

It's such an honor to be a part of the "AGT" family.

It's been such a whirlwind since season 11,

when I first debuted on the show,

and I can't believe it's been 20 years.

So, congratulations to 20 years of "AGT,"

and I can't wait to see all the acts this year.

[upbeat rock music]

- Oh.

- * Electric lights *

- The amazing thing about "AGT" is

that there are no rules, none.

- It is anything goes.

- You can do whatever you want--

- [hooting]

- Within reason.

- * I just want to break the rules *

* *

- I don't think there's any other show

that you could do this on,

apart from "America's Got Talent."

- There's lots of shows that have this.

- There is? - No.

- See?

- I can't get my walker through here.

- You can be any age.

- How old are you? - Five.

- 83-years-young.

- I would not be able to convey years within your time.

[laughter]

- You can have four-year-olds singing

and a 90-year-old dancing.

* *

- I kind of wanted a longer song to see

where this is going to end up.

[laughter]

- In 20 years, we've seen all sorts of acts.

But the animals are the ones that literally

mark their territory.

- Animal acts are amazing.

They're so entertaining.

- Are you guys ready to meet your judges?

A dog like Hurricane.

- From the moment he set paws on the stage,

was a superstar.

[cheering]

[energetic music]

- Look!

Look!

* *

- You think about some of the things

we've seen over the years.

- You could fly in the air.

You can walk on a wire.

You don't even have to do something

that fits in our building.

- He's dangling outside.

- Oh, my God.

[crowd screaming]

- * I just want to break the rules *

- Being able to come out of the theater,

everything changes.

You can feel the buzz.

- I like an act that makes you go, oh, my God,

like you're on a roller coaster ride.

And you feel a bit sick, and you just want it to finish,

but you really enjoyed it in a sick way.

[audience exclaiming]

[helicopter whirring]

[cheering]

- Variety act means you can't really describe it.

- We don't even have the imagination to know

what's going to show up.

What are you doing? What is it?

- Do not try this at home!

[audience groans]

[tense music]

[screaming]

- Ahh!

- Ay, no!

Please!

* *

Ahh!

- People will put hooks in themselves,

knives down their throats.

That's kind of variety.

[clinking]

- The light bulb will go inside.

When it hits the bottom-- [Mel B groans]

Coin number four will make its way up again.

- What?

- [slurps]

[screaming]

- Oh, my God.

- Oh, boy.

[laughter]

[vocalizes]

- Here we go!

- What about the light bulb?

- Oh, my God.

- [strains]

[belches]

[dramatic orchestral music]

* *

There's your light bulb.

- That was unbelievable.

I don't understand how you do it.

- On the other hand,

I like that the show-- really, when it's funny.

[laughs]

You can't be too serious.

And, boy, I've seen a lot.

[laughs]

- The sound drop of water falling on the surface.

- Shh.

Shh.

[plinks]

[laughter]

- There are things that they're just entertaining,

and this is the whole point of "AGT."

It's an entertainment show.

- Hee-yah!

Hee--

[screams]

[booms]

[laughter]

- Sometimes when you see something and you're like,

what the hell is that?

- What is the name of your group?

- Fontane Umane.

- Oh, my God. There's four boys.

Maybe they're going to do something

really beautiful and dapper.

[dramatic orchestral music]

* *

They start squirting water out of their mouths,

and it is so childish and stupid,

I couldn't stop laughing.

I absolutely loved it.

- * I just want to break the rules *

- I do sometimes think, oh, my God,

what must people be thinking?

Have we lost our minds?

Do you want to freeze my nipples?

[cheering]

[harmonica plays]

- Simon, you know, he really loves the show

and what he's doing.

* *

It's really great to work with him,

because he knows the ropes about this show

more than anyone.

So from now, I don't learn anything new from him.

But at the beginning I did.

- Why are you the last one to enter?

- Because I'm the important one.

- That is--that's not right.

Working with Simon is interesting.

Simon's in his own world.

But, I mean, he is a bit of a boss guy, isn't he?

I guess he did create the show.

- The boss, Simon Cowell!

- * What a man gotta do *

* What a man gotta do *

- First of all, working with the boss is

so interesting and so funny.

There's a whole world surrounding Simon.

- Simon loves looking at himself in pictures,

in puppets, in--in anything.

- * You know our love was meant to be *

- So when they want to win, they try to bring something

that looks like Simon.

- He's just charming.

You know what I mean?

And that's why the ladies love him.

- How old are you, Minnie?

- Old enough, sweet cheeks.

- Simon, meow.

- * What am I gonna do *

- Ms. Trysh was one.

- * Totally locked up by you *

- I'm going to dedicate this song to you, Simon.

- Oh, wow.

- Not only did she--

became very forward with my boss--

- You know, I really have a crush on you, you know.

So--

- But he seemed to reciprocate.

- I've got a bit of a crush on you, actually.

- Oh, my gosh!

* *

- It escalated to a certain point

where it was uncomfortable when Trysh, we found out,

wasn't there alone.

- Have you got a boyfriend?

- My husband.

- Oh, my God!

[laughter]

- Anything can happen in an audition,

especially when Simon's around.

- Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys, guys, guys, guys,

guys, guys, guys, guys, guys.

OK, stop.

I stopped you because I like you.

- So Simon has this thing.

[upbeat music]

He will just stop the audition.

- OK. OK.

Ainsley, Ainsley.

Sorry, babe.

It's not easy, because the minute I hold my hand up

I'm like, here we go.

The audience are just going to hate me for a moment.

Connor--

- And then the whole vibe in the room just goes--

[vocalizes]

- You try doing that. - Right!

- I do it because I'm thinking,

I don't think we're gonna air this.

I've got to be honest with you.

That was a bit boring.

I don't think this is working.

This is feeling very old fashioned.

- The reality is, he's got an ear for this,

and he's giving them another chance.

- Welcome to "America's Got Talent."

- And sometimes that chance is a tough chance.

- [singing in Italian]

* *

- Sorry.

Can I just stop this for one second?

What is your second song?

Have you got another song?

- No. I don't.

- You can't come out on a show like this

and say you haven't got a second song.

That's what live auditions are all about.

You have a very good voice.

I always want people with talent to do well,

but just singing that song, that's not enough.

There is a song, actually,

that would be amazing if you wish you sang it.

- What song was it?

You can't just say that. - What--what song?

Tell me.

- You would imagine that

everybody puts everything they have

into the choices they have made for this moment.

- Can I ask you a question one second?

Jason, can I ask you a question please?

He won't know-- he won't know this.

- Can you imagine how he felt?

But that's Simon.

- All right.

We're going to do something unusual.

I think that you deserve another shot.

We're gonna tell you later on what this song is

and ask you to come back and sing it later on.

- OK. - Yeah.

- So he's gonna learn it now?

- I know.

How is he supposed to learn that?

- Well, he's got to learn it.

- Simon wants me to sing a song that I've never heard before.

I have an hour to learn this song.

- Simon suggested a song that the guy didn't know

in another language.

- OK, well, let's do it.

Sometimes it works.

Sometimes it doesn't.

But at least you can try.

- * Passerà*

* *

- 99.9% of the time, it works out.

- * Passerà *

* *

- And Simon was right.

[upbeat music]

- I do have to give credit where credit is due.

- Wow.

- Four yesses.

Congratulations.

* *

- * I don't like it *

* No, I love it *

* I love it *

- Happy 20th birthday, "AGT."

Since being on "America's Got Talent"

I've had so many incredible opportunities.

Right now I'm touring all over the world

with 16-time Grammy winner, David Foster.

I'm so grateful for all of my experiences

on "America's Got Talent,"

but I'm especially grateful to Simon,

for recognizing something special in me.

Two minutes can change your life.

It sure did for me.

* *

.

- When people go on "AGT," they have a dream.

- My name is Mervin Mayo and I'm a Richmond Police officer.

- I am a registered nurse at San Quentin State Prison.

- I've been a janitor for 23 years.

My big dream--

I like to sing. I love to sing.

- The dream is usually to be able to do what they're doing

for the rest of their lives.

Everyone wants that opportunity.

- Here is your first audition.

- Oh, my God.

It feels so unreal. You know what I mean?

It just feels so unreal.

- Wow. - Oh, my God.

- Don't make me cry.

- [chuckles]

This is really cool.

- I remember it all.

It's like--it's like being right there again.

- Tell me what got you into this.

- At the time I picked up the saxophone,

I was getting bullied in elementary school.

My goal with the music is to be able to do the thing I love.

And if I can do that, I'll have found my purpose

for being on "America's Got Talent."

Here I am, watching my life come back again.

It's amazing.

Like, wow.

- I was at a point in my life where

I was almost about to give up on my artistry.

But that stage and that moment, it brought me back to a place

where I needed to be.

- I like it when people really aren't professional.

- I'm completely self-taught. Everything's come from YouTube.

- What? - Oh, really?

- Yes.

The first time I wanted to try it,

I actually went to my grandma's closet

and got a bed sheet out and hung it up in the tree.

- I like the people who have got a regular job,

and they've dreamt about doing something special.

- * I need somewhere to begin *

- I love--Simon was doing his own version of dancing.

When I'm done singing, the crowd just screams.

[wild cheering]

I never expected that reaction.

* *

- * Because this could be the end of everything *

- Yeah, I couldn't hold it together after that.

Before coming to "America's Got Talent,"

I had never, ever been on a plane,

never been west of Missouri.

So all of this was an absolutely amazing time.

- You just had one dream come true,

and this week another came true for you.

You got married!

- Yeah. And then--

and then the messages just started flooding in.

[uplifting music]

Never, ever dreamed that, you know,

I'd be doing all this and going to amazing places

and meeting all these amazing people.

- We didn't realize how our lives would change

and how it would explode.

- We've been able to perform for Usher at the Super Bowl,

John Legend's birthday.

We worked alongside 50 Cent.

- And we also have been headlining shows on the Strip.

- That's the power of "America's Got Talent."

Our life got changed forever.

- Please welcome, from "America's Got Talent,"

Sara James.

- Everyone prays for success off the back of the show.

- I work at a retail store.

- What do you want to do for a living?

- Comedy. Hey, y'all.

It's Miley Cyrus. What's up?

- I don't think that you will be

working in retail much longer.

- Oh!

[cheering]

- And when it happens, honestly, for me,

it's the best feeling.

- I'm on a billboard!

Oh, my God!

- JabbaWockeeeZ, they were one of the first dance acts

to get their own show in Vegas.

Grace is amazing, both as a singer and in movies,

one of our best ever competitors.

- When we came home, our choir received $1 million

from local companies and from the city.

- Detroit Youth Choir,

the couple years since they performed on "AGT,"

have grown and been everywhere.

These kids have performed in Carnegie Hall.

- Our kids are going to be successful for years to come.

- Is this your first time in America?

- Yes, this is my first time in America.

Hello, America!

Before the audition, life was really hard.

- After we got back, we had over a hundred performances,

two international trips, and we released an album

within a space of two months.

- Some of us have been able to support our families

and, you know, getting electricity.

We now have running water.

- Kodi Lee is another example of how somebody can just

walk on this stage and then their career and their life

completely changes because of this show.

- When Kodi won "America's Got Talent,"

I realized that there aren't any more limitations.

He works in Las Vegas, does shows five nights a week.

Even with working full-time, it wasn't enough for Kodi.

- Let me introduce you to a friend

of Special Olympics, Kodi Lee.

- Kodi loves to do charities.

He fought for his dreams, and now he wants to help

fight for everyone else's dreams.

- Let's get this party started.

Heck yeah.

- Our legacy is going to be our contestants,

not our ratings or this or that.

It's about the success of the contestants.

- Time to head to the show.

There is no possible way I could have imagined

where "AGT" would have led me.

- * At last *

- Wow.

[cheering]

- You are quite brilliant.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

- You really are. - OK.

- Shall we vote? - Yes from me.

- Yes from me.

- Yes from me.

- Jerry Springer actually asked me,

what do you hope to accomplish with your appearance

on "America's Got Talent"

And I said, I want to be a Las Vegas headliner.

- * Hey, look, Ma, I made it *

- Finally home.

- Are we finally here? - Yeah.

Sorry it took so long.

- Are you kidding?

I'm a turtle and I could have walked faster.

- Yeah, well.

- * Know that I've been hustling *

- It's so true that

"America's Got Talent" is life-changing.

I'm living proof of it.

I still remember exactly what it feels like to be that kid

auditioning for "AGT,"

and hoping someone would just give me a shot.

- Mat Franco! [wild cheering]

- I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing.

America voted, Vegas doubled down,

and now there's a theater with my name on it.

- * Everything's coming up aces *

- For me, "America's Got Talent" was

my first time being on TV ever, doing magic on television.

So I actually saved all of the decks of cards.

I have them framed here in my dressing room.

- You're my favorite act on "AGT."

- Ah. Thank you so much, man, I appreciate that.

"America's Got Talent" will always hold

a special place in my heart,

because it is what put me on the map.

I wouldn't be here if not for that.

- We've got billboards all over Las Vegas.

- The fact that there are just so many people in Vegas

who come from our show is unbelievable.

- Hey, guys!

It's Angelica Hale here.

I was runner-up on season 12 of "America's Got Talent,"

and I'm currently now living in New York

and on Broadway.

- * Ooh *

- I have a feeling we may be looking

at a star in the future.

- * Hey, look, Ma, I made it *

* *

* Hey, look, Ma, I made it *

- This is my dressing room.

It's all pink. Here are my costumes.

This is where I spend most of my time

when I'm here at the theater.

I do, in fact, have a wig in the show,

so I actually did my hair today.

So that's gonna go bye-bye.

- * I made it, I made it *

- Just finished the show.

Yay!

And we're going to go and do some signing.

- * I made it *

- There's a lot of people out there.

It'll be super fun.

[cheering]

Truly, it has been quite the journey,

and I'm really grateful for the platform

that "AGT" gave me.

So thank you, "AGT"!

Mwah. And happy 20th anniversary.

.

- Hello, everybody. This is Shin Lim.

I just want to wish "AGT" a very happy 20th birthday.

Congratulations, guys.

- * Give it to me *

[horn honking]

- [chanting] Howie! Howie! Howie!

- Listen to that. - Howie! Howie!

- When we were casting the show,

I met Howie at my house.

Because I only knew Howie from "Deal or No Deal."

I've watched him on that, and I thought he was

a brilliant host as well.

Brilliant.

As soon as I met him, I knew I was going to like him.

Who is your favorite judge?

[laughter]

- Can you guess?

- * Baby, baby, I've been waiting for the one *

* To blow my mind *

- I think the show was verging on becoming

a little bit too serious.

- Look at me. I'm adorable.

- And as soon as he came on the show, it was brilliant.

- You think you can do what I do?

- Uh, sure.

[laughter]

- So, why don't you come and replace Howie then?

- What? Why would you--

- * So you can go on, like the way *

- Howie, it's been nice working with you, by the way.

- Howie, he's amazing.

He's one of the most fun people I've ever met in my life.

- Whoo! I'm here.

Where's my dressing room?

- * I'm like, boy, stop *

- His comedic rise

to one of the greatest living comedians we have--

unreal.

- I would go to the emergency rooms of hospitals,

and I'd go up to the admitting nurse with the helium voice

and I'd go, "Excuse me, um,

can I please speak to a doctor?"

[laughter]

The most important thing for winning in this business--

there is one thing, one thing only.

Anyway.

[laughter]

- * Give it to me *

* Come on *

- [laughs] I--

do you know what?

I actually sometimes tick as to how many jokes

he could actually say during an act.

- Whoa. - Oh.

- You know what that's called?

A mari-ouchie.

- * Get loose *

- Oh, my God.

The amount of jokes that go through his head

during an audition, it's unbelievable.

- Now I'm on the front burner, and it's about me.

- Well, break a leg.

[laughter]

- No.

- Howie.

- [in high voice] And then go high.

- You can't sing.

- We can't sing? - No, no.

We need to get another try. - You can sing.

You shouldn't sing.

And I'm the nice judge.

- Not really. - I am.

- You're a hater.

- I'm not a hater. - Yeah, you are.

- I'm not a hater.

- I can sing way better than you.

- You can sing way better than me?

* My girl * - * My girl *

- * My girl *

[buzzers]

[cheering]

You're a hater!

You're a hater!

I can't believe they pay me for this,

to get the best seat in the house

for the best show in the world.

- Howie's had so many fun moments on this show.

He's even broke a Guinness World Record.

[buzzers]

- The most alternate fist bumps in 30 seconds.

- Come on! We're going to get it!

- Five-- - We're going to get this.

- Four-- - Here we go.

- Three-- Come on.

- Two-- - Come on.

- One, stop.

- Come on!

Whoo!

[cheering]

- Of my favorite gifts I got as a kid was

the "Guinness Book of World Records."

This show constantly sets records.

- I broke the record!

- According to the Guinness World Records,

it is the biggest television show now in the world.

- My name is Michael and I'm an adjudicator

with Guinness World Records.

Hello.

- Are you from the Guinness Book of Records?

- Yes, he's always here.

- How do you know?

- Every time I come to "AGT,"

I know it's going to be something new,

something unique,

and I never know what I'm in for.

So this is an official Guinness World Records attempt

for most coconuts broken in one minute.

The most human targets hit with plungers.

Longest duration hula hooping around the bum.

- Around the what?

- The rear.

- What about your shirt?

- I'm keeping mine on.

- Me too.

- You flew all the way here?

- From New York to see this.

- Across the entire land.

- Absolutely. That's my job.

- Ten, nine, eight, seven,

six, five, four, three, two, one.

Stop.

[laughter]

- She broke the record!

- Most T-shirts worn and torn in one minute.

- What?

* *

- * It's the final countdown *

* *

- Come on!

Yeah!

- You know what it looks like?

Like now you got caught in a hurricane

in Simon Cowell's closet.

- [chuckles]

- Does anyone have eyes on the coconuts?

- What's happening?

- But not everyone got a world record.

I've seen where it's going amazingly,

but I've also seen where it's like, oh, no.

- So this is an official Guinness World Records attempt

for most coconuts broken in one minute.

[cheering]

* *

- 30 seconds remain.

- 30 seconds, Muhamed!

30!

[buzzer]

* *

[buzzer]

- It's a no.

- * It's the final countdown *

- Sixteen!

[cheering]

Seventeen!

- * The final countdown *

* *

- Did he break it?

- No.

- Oh.

* *

[buzzer]

[buzzer]

- I mean, it might have been the worst

world record attempt we've ever had.

- And we set the record for the most

underpants on people's heads.

- Simon, wear it!

Simon, wear it!

- Yeah!

Whoo!

- Five, four, three, two, one.

* *

- That's how important this show is to me.

They were fresh, right?

Were they?

- Happy 20th birthday, "AGT."

What a magical journey it has been for all of us.

And so, on behalf of Dustin Tavella

and the entire family, lots of love.

- [together] Happy 20th birthday, "AGT"!

Whoo!

.

- It's like I'm a new man.

Is Howie coming in?

- I don't think he's here.

- He's here, goofball.

[laughter]

- Pranking is my favorite thing to do.

- Howie, can you hear me? - Yes.

- We're going to have to do some security checks.

- Did they do the security check?

- Can we just see the soles of your shoes, please?

- Let me see the soles.

- [laughs]

- How somebody reacts in that moment, you can't write.

You don't know.

[screaming]

[laughter]

- What is wrong with you?

- The person that got maddest at me, I think, was Piers.

I got a whole vending machine I put in front.

Five minutes to the show!

- I locked him in his dressing room.

- Hey!

You're the most annoying man I've ever met!

- He didn't-- he didn't like that.

[laughs]

One time Mel played a psychic

and some of the audience members came in

and we had fed information in Mel's ear.

What did she have for lunch?

- Apples, cheese, and grapes.

- She just ate apples, cheese, and grapes.

- [belching]

[quirky music]

Apples, cheese, and grapes?

Why am I--

[laughter]

- She's a lawyer.

- Lawyer? - [gasps]

[laughter]

Yeah.

- Are you kidding?

- Me and Howie are like naughty schoolchildren.

- Why do I see a new kitchen?

- Why do I see a new kitchen?

- Oh, my God. Mel B.

I'm like, I can't believe it.

Because we're actually working on getting a new kitchen.

- Mm-hmm. - I'm impressed.

- But the number-one prank was the waxworks.

- All right.

So here we are, Madame Tussauds.

People are going to come in, thinking they're seeing

an "America's Got Talent" display.

And then we can have fun with them.

- Do you have a Madame Tussauds wax figure?

- No, I don't have a--

- Howie doesn't have a waxwork.

I'm just saying.

- Ha, ha, ha, ha-ha-ha-ha.

- Heidi's really good at staying still.

- Wow.

Are these real?

- When people came by, then we'd move.

* *

- Oh, my God.

See if you can pick it up. I'm going to go get someone.

- See if I can pick it up? - Yeah.

[quirky music]

* *

- One, two, three.

- [screams] - [screams]

- There we go. - [screams]

[laughter]

- All right. Ready?

One, two, three.

- [screams] Oh, my God!

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God.

[laughter]

- I remember this guy because he had a stripy shirt on.

He was doing this mime.

[laughs]

And he just seemed a bit off.

[buzzer]

[buzzer]

[audience jeering]

And he was getting angrier and angrier.

- Where do you guys get off telling me how to mime?

- Well--

- You're bald and you don't like to touch people.

Spicy girl.

Supermodels aren't supposed to talk anyway.

[audience booing]

Boo you!

Boo you!

- We were like, what is going on?

- Who do you think--

- Oh.

- Security, security.

Watch him.

- Hey. - I've had it!

[indistinct] - [screams]

- It's you! It's Nick!

- It's Nick!

* *

- And it was Nick.

[cheers and applause]

[laughter]

- I decided one year I've got to do a prank on Sofía.

I remember a girl actually shot a crossbow

through somebody's neck.

He was fine.

And we dreamt up this thing about pretending

that she had killed me.

What do I have to do?

- You just have to stand in front of the target,

and we're going to hold a balloon over your head.

- Are you the one shooting? - Yeah.

- Fine. I'll do it.

I was so excited about doing it.

Nervous that it wasn't going to work.

- When I get to three, I'm going to say, fire.

- Hey, Simon, please don't let them make me do this.

- On the count of three.

One, two, three.

Fire!

- [gasps]

- Oh, my God!

- Oh, my God, no!

- When it happened and I saw her reaction,

it was brilliant.

- He's saying something!

Yeah, he's talking. Wait.

- We need a medic.

- Sofía, I gotcha.

[laughter]

- Yeah!

- I've actually never seen her get so angry

in my life, actually.

Sorry.

- Oh, yeah. I do remember that.

- The Luxor in Las Vegas is opening for "AGT" in November.

I think he's going to be really happy with this.

- I think he's gonna like it.

- So we created these busts.

A professional sculptor sculpt all of the judges.

They look identical like us, really even better.

And then we made Simon's really bad.

The hair.

I think you can go higher. Higher.

Don't be afraid.

How about those wrinkles down underneath his eyes?

- Deeper? - Enhance them.

- I found it just uncomfortable anyway, because it was live.

And I thought, oh, God, what am I gonna say?

- Behind this curtain is a very special art installation.

- There was so much press.

There were all these cameras around.

- I'm honored to unveil something

very, very special for you all.

[drumroll]

- Oh, wow!

It looks like Simon has been binge drinking

for, like, seven years.

It's amazing!

- And honestly the worst thing I've ever seen.

- Oh, look at my head.

- It's incredible, yeah.

I'm still trying to act as if I'm happy

and I was boiling inside.

I will happily pay whatever your name is to redo this one.

[laughter]

- It was so hard to keep a straight face.

- Thank you so much, everyone.

And we all know that Simon Cowell is always really rude

and what he just did in front of everybody,

we're not surprised.

- I was kidding. I love it.

- But that's what he gets for messing with a Colombian.

So this is his payback.

- Yeah!

[laughter and applause]

- Good night.

[upbeat music]

* *

[laughter]

- Now, you have a surprise for Howie.

- Howie, I--I want to say this from my heart.

Anyone like a comedian, singer,

they've all got a massive ego, right?

Let's be clear.

I wanted to pay you a tribute

to show your importance for the ten years

you've been on the show.

Over to you, Tony.

So I thought, what's the best thing I can do to wind him up?

- Three, two, one!

[cheering]

- * I gotcha *

* Uh-huh, huh *

* You thought I didn't see you now, didn't you? *

* Uh-huh, huh *

- That was so funny.

- * Uh-huh, huh *

* Look into what you promised me *

* Give it here, give it here *

* Give it here *

- Apparently he got half off.

- Here's to the next ten years, Howie.

[cheers and applause]

- At the end of the day, going to work,

it doesn't feel like you're going to work.

- I'm about to rip his arm off.

- * You thought you got away from me, didn't you? *

* But all I got *

- I'm going to play with my friends and my fellow judges,

and we are literally like a bunch of kids.

- Oh. - Oh.

[laughter]

- Little old women at a coffee--

coffee shop meeting, gossiping.

But it just happens to be in front of millions of people.

[laughter]

- Honeys, it's Hans, and I want to say

happy birthday to my dear "AGT."

20 years!

We're almost the same age.

Thank you for all the wonderful opportunities you've given me

and thousands of artists the world over.

I love you and I miss you all.

Even you, Simon.

Happy birthday.

* *

- * I want to say happy birthday *

.

- This is it.

The winner of "America's Got Talent"

and the winner of $1 million is...

[cheering]

- Why do I feel nervous?

- Terry Fator!

- * Standing on solid ground *

- The moment that changed my entire life.

- * In the shadow, someplace I never *

- To be there at the end of every season,

for the crowning of the million-dollar winner

is such a-- it's just exciting.

I don't think there are words to describe it.

- Michael Grimm!

[cheers and applause]

- And you can see the shock.

It took the breath out of me.

I still can't believe it.

But "AGT" taught me that anything is possible.

* *

- All you got to do is take that step and come on the show.

And if you're good--

- Olate Dogs!

- It probably will change your life.

- Kenichi Ebina!

- It was like, one of my best moments of my life.

- * 'Cause I've got my best suit *

- Watching people's commitment and their perseverance,

and then seeing their dreams come true

right in front of you--

- Mat Franco!

- * Far from home *

- It's quite breathtaking.

- Paul Zerdin!

- Boom.

The confetti falls, the lights go out.

* *

- Grace VanderWaal!

[cheering]

- I always said this.

There is so much talent in this country,

so much imagination and creativity.

- Darci Lynne!

- * And I'll be on my way *

- It was incredible.

It's kind of hard to put it into words.

- Shin Lim!

* *

- I couldn't hear any of the confetti or anything.

Apparently there was, like, confetti being shot behind me,

but I couldn't hear any of that.

Like, everything was just quiet.

And all of a sudden I feel myself get lifted up

and I'm like, oh, my God.

I feel like I'm in heaven or something.

- * You're gonna see me *

- And the winner is Kodi Lee!

[cheering]

- [laughs]

I remember the crowd, they were chanting,

like, Kodi! Kodi!

Oh, my gosh.

- Can you believe it?

- [laughs]

I can't believe it.

- When he did win, the first thing that went through my head

was, oh, my gosh, the whole world just won.

- * I close my eyes and I can see the world *

- There's something to be said about, if you build it,

they will come.

- Brandon Leake!

- * Through the dark *

- And it's bigger than all of us, and it's beautiful.

And that's how I feel.

Dustin Tavella!

* *

- These six years for me have, you know, changed my life.

This is like the best job I've ever done.

- The Mayyas!

- * You can say I've lost my mind *

- You become sensitive to the-- to people and their dreams.

It's an amazing show, and I think it can last forever.

I hope it lasts forever.

- Adrian and Hurricane!

- It was the best moment in my life, because two things--

winning and winning with Hurricane.

We come to "America's Got Talent"

to chase our dream together,

and that's what we--we did.

* *

- Richard Goodall!

- Just the experience alone is worth a million bucks.

I still can't believe I did all this.

I really--I still can't believe it.

But just taking my shot.

* *

- Thinking about some of my memories over the 20 years,

it's just been that--

it's just--we've just met and seen

so many amazing people.

And thank God they're still out there.

So, for anyone watching this who's kind of like, oh,

I'm not sure I want to do this, just do it.

And I'll see you in 20 years' time.

I'll probably be just be a head at that point in a tank.

- Simon says two minutes can change your life.

My life has been transformed.

Angie, I did it!

* *

- Next week we start the lives,

and we'll watch somebody else's life transform.

- From Hollywood, everybody, good night!

- That's season 20, baby!

Good night, America!