Joseph Allen rose to the occasion during his “America’s Got Talent” debut Tuesday night, grabbing a golden buzzer for his emotional performance of an original rap. And the young contestant rose even higher thanks to a fulfilled promise from host Terry Crews.
Before Allen even began to sing in front of the judges, he asked the “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star if he’d pick him up, should that coveted sparkly confetti fall down on him. And Crews agreed.
Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union and Howie Mandel were all taken with Allen as soon as he came out on stage and even more so once he left his “footprint” with them via his original lyrics.
Here’s a sample from the song: “Take a shot or you’ll never know/Your heart will tell you when it’s time to move/Ask yourself what you got to lose/When it storms, when it rains it falls on all of us the same/But after today the world’s gonna know my name.”
Allen got chocked up on that very last line, but it was all worth it, as he got a standing ovation and Mandel was so impressed by his performance he stood up on the judges’ table and used his foot to stomp on the golden buzzer.
And, just as he promised, Crews came out and lifted Allen up into the air to celebrate.
Watch the clip above.
“America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.
'America's Got Talent': 10 Best Golden Buzzer Performances (Videos)
1 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Mandy Harvey
The deaf singer inspired fans and the judges, and earned Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer when she performed an original song on the show in the summer of 2017.
2 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Darci Lynne
The 12-year-old ventriloquist got Mel B.'s Golden Buzzer when she sang a song with her puppet. At the beginning of her performance, she said her goal was to "keep ventriloquism alive."
3 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Courtney Hadwin
The nervous 13-year-old went on stage but quickly wowed audiences when she started singing "Hard to Handle," with many likening her to Janis Joplin.
Simon Cowell's reaction was priceless, and she ended up scoring Howie Mandel's Golden Buzzer.
5 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Dorothy Williams
The 90-year-old lady treated the judges and "AGT" fans to a little dance that took many by surprise. In the end, Nick Cannon ran over the judges table to give her the Golden Buzzer.
6 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Angelica Hale
The 9-year-old Angelica Hale stunned the audiences with her own rendition of Alicia Keys' "Girl On Fire." The judges couldn't stop smiling and in the end, guest judge Chris Hardwick pressed the Golden Buzzer.
7 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Craig Lewis Band
The singing duo sang a cover of Mary J. Blige's "I'm Goin' Down," scoring the Golden Buzzer from guest judge Michael Bublé.
9 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Light Balance
One of the most epic performances to ever hit the "AGT" stage, Light Balance performed a stunning dance and light show to amazing songs -- to the point where Tyra Banks couldn't stop herself from hitting the Golden Buzzer.
10 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Grace VanderWaal
Then 12-year-old Grace VanderWaal scored the Golden Buzzer in 2016 when she wowed everyone with her ukulele and singing skills. She even performed an original song. She has since released her own EP and has performed at Madison Square Garden and various other benefit concerts.
11 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Angel City Chorale
We dare you to watch this performance and try not to get goosebumps. Olivia Munn hit the Golden Buzzer after barely getting through the act without tearing up.
13 of 13
From epic light shows to singing sensations, the NBC talent show has seen some stellar performances over the years
Christian Guardino
The 16-year-old got a standing ovation after his singing performance, and was awarded the Golden Buzzer by Howie Mandel.
