AGT’s Latest Live Show Delivered A Blooper And Golden Buzzer, But I Need To Talk About My Big Struggle With The Quarterfinals

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Caution: Revealing details from the third night of America’s Got Talent quarterfinals (season 20). Watch it tomorrow only on Peacock with a subscription.

As we edge closer to the grand finale of America’s Got Talent’s milestone 20th season in the 2025 TV schedule, the third night of quarterfinals has already ensured one more act will grace the finals stage. I was lucky enough to witness musician Micah Palace earn Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer, not long after the Messoudi Brothers narrowly avoided a potential disaster that could have been much more than a simple blooper, if the juggler hadn’t managed to catch himself at the last moment.

However, there was one aspect of this episode that resonated with an issue I’ve been grappling with during live quarterfinals – it seems this problem is not exclusive to Season 20.

Are The Strobe Lights Really Necessary?

Contestants on the AGT finals are expected to deliver more impressive performances compared to auditions. However, some viewers like me have expressed concerns about the excessive use of strobe lights during filming, as these can trigger unpleasant reactions such as nausea, headaches, or even seizures in sensitive individuals. I’d also add that it can simply be annoying.

When I settle in for an episode of America’s Got Talent, it’s not what I yearn for to see a blinding light display! Now, don’t get me wrong; I can always tune out and focus on the performance until it’s over, or even listen to the music as a musical act performs amidst the flashing lights. However, many viewers might not find strobes problematic, but I believe that America’s Got Talent could elevate its performances to something truly breathtaking without having to incorporate potentially discomforting light shows in the process.

The Act That Made Me Need To Talk About It

The issue with the strobe light didn’t start during Def Leppard’s September 2nd live quarterfinals performance, or even this season alone. In fact, it was only last week, prior to the elimination of the final comedian alongside Def Leppard’s live rendition of “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” that I first observed the problem. At that moment, my affection for the song and anticipation of their live performance kept me from voicing any concerns.

This week, it was Girish and The Chronicles’ energized hard rock rendition of Sia’s “Unstoppable” that prompted me to voice my thoughts. From what I gathered, the performance was impressive, boasting strong vocals and positive feedback from the judges. However, due to flashing strobes, I only managed to watch a brief part of it.

To clarify, I’m not accusing Girish and The Chronicles of being responsible for the lighting or flashing lights issue during their performances on America’s Got Talent. Just as Terry Crews wasn’t at fault for the “very mean” pranks by producers that were recently revealed, performers aren’t to blame for technical issues such as this one. This has been a problem for several years on the show, and many viewers have expressed their concerns about it, even on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).

  • @AllieIsBatman18: “Again can we cool it with the flashing lights? Especially when it’s white light??? It’s not cute, and doesn’t make your act better.”
  • @ToreyAlexis: “Geez, I’m happy I don’t have sensitivity to flashing lights.”
  • @SoftPlatypus23: “Flashing Light Warning.”

As an ardent fan, I wouldn’t presume to voice the sentiments of every AGT viewer, nor all those who share my desire for a less strobe-light-heavy experience from NBC’s hit show. However, personally speaking, these intense lights don’t seem crucial to a performance on America’s Got Talent. I tune in weekly, eager to watch the full live shows from start to finish without having to avert my eyes due to sudden, bright flashes. It would make my viewing experience more enjoyable if strobe lighting were used sparingly.

It would be great if there was a pre-show signal, such as a flashing light, to alert audiences when a performance is about to start, similar to some other television shows. The producers of AGT can’t foresee every possible issue during live shows, but even minor incidents like one of the Messoudi Brothers nearly falling could happen unexpectedly. Since the lighting setup is typically set before the performers take the stage, a warning could have been and still can be implemented to ensure safety.

Check to see if anything new happens with AGT this week during the results episode on Wednesday, September 3 at 8 p.m. ET, which will feature flashing lights. You can cast your vote for AGT here. Regardless of whether you watched the entire performance, Girish and The Chronicles showcase impressive musical talents that deserve recognition.

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2025-09-03 06:09