“AGT” Viewers Stunned By Golden Buzzer Showdown Between Sofia Vergara & Howie Mandel
on Jun 10, 2026
Sofia Vergara showed just how intense things can get on America’s Got Talent when she sneakily stole a Golden Buzzer act from Howie Mandel.
On Tuesday night, June 9, the second episode of AGT auditions aired, and viewers saw plenty of amazing performances worthy of the show’s $1 million grand prize.
But one act in particular completely blew the judges away, so much so that it led to one of the most competitive Golden Buzzer moments in the show’s history.
23-year-old singer Lara D traveled all the way from Sydney, Australia, hoping this would be her big breakthrough moment as an up-and-coming artist.
“I feel like this is one of the biggest stages,” she told Simon Cowell, who asked her why she decided to audition.
“I decided I wanted to come here because I wanted to pursue my dream,” she added. “I feel like this is the stage where dreams come true.”
For her performance, she covered RAYE’s “Oscar Winning Tears,” and it was the perfect way to show off her range. Lara’s ability to rap and hit powerful high notes had the judging panel amazed.
A Surprising Golden Buzzer Steal
When she finished, most of them immediately got to their feet to give her a standing ovation.
“I loved it, there’s something about you that is very special. And I think everybody felt it tonight,” Sofia said passionately.
Howie was next to give feedback, and it was clear that he knew she was worthy of the Golden Buzzer, which would send her straight to the Live Shows.
“This is the kind of thing that I’ve been looking for,” Howie said. “I’ve been looking for a surprise. I’ve been looking for something unexpected. You are a star and I want to do something special…”
But then, something wild happened.
Right as everyone was anticipating Howie to hit the Golden Buzzer, Sofia quickly jumped in and pressed it first.
The moment was shown in slow motion for viewers at home, but in real time, it happened so fast that Howie was left speechless. All he could do was stare at Sofia with his jaw dropped in disbelief.
“She beat you!” Simon teased while laughing.
“You snooze you lose!” Mel B said to Howie.
Meanwhile, Sofia walked up on stage to congratulate her Golden Buzzer act, but not without gloating just a little about her victory.
“Bye, Howie!” she said, waving from the stage as gold confetti fell from the sky.
If you watched the Season 21 premiere, then Sofia’s move probably didn’t surprise you as much. She seemed determined not to let another awesome performer slip away after what happened last week.
During the first episode, AGT host Terry Crews rushed to use one of his Golden Buzzers on the Acro Canine Crew before Sofia had the chance.
You can watch the moment Sofia Vergara stole Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer in the video below.
