America’s Got Talent premiere: Who got the first golden buzzer of season 14? And how about those new judges? – AOL
America’s Got Talent returned for its 14th season on Tuesday, introducing viewers to a handful of truly inspiring acts from around the globe — and, you know, a fully grown man in a very revealing leotard who answered only to “Monkey.” (Shocker: Monkey was the first person buzzed off stage by all four judges.)
Speaking of the judges, Tuesday’s episode gave viewers a real sense of what newbies Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union will bring to the table this season. In addition to offering solid criticism and playfully bantering with mainstays Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell, both newcomers seem to wear their hearts on their sleeves, unafraid of showing emotion when the mood calls for it.
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Julianne Hough through the years
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Julianne Hough attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘A Star Is Born’ at The Shrine Auditorium on September 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic,)
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 13: Dancer/actress Julianne Hough attends Freestyle Releasing’s world premiere of ‘Bigger’ at the Orleans Arena on September 13, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 28: Actress / Dancer Julianne Hough attends Variety’s annual Power Of Young Hollywood at The Sunset Tower Hotel on August 28, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MARCH 04: Julianne Hough attends the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MARCH 02: Julianne Hough attends the 11th Annual Celebration Of The 2018 Female Oscar Nominees Presented By Women In Film at Crustacean on March 2, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – DECEMBER 03: Julianne Hough attends The Trevor Project’s 2017 TrevorLIVE LA on December 3, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – OCTOBER 03: Julianne Hough visits ‘Extra’ at Universal Studios Hollywood on October 3, 2017 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: TV personality Julianne Hough attends the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Brooks Laich, Julianne Hough arrives at the 2017 Creative Arts Emmy Awards – Day 1 at Microsoft Theater on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 17: Actress/competition judge Julianne Hough attends ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 24 at CBS Televison City on April 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 20: Actress/judge Julianne Hough attends ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 24 premiere at CBS Televison City on March 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 19: Dancer Julianne Hough attends the Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on January 19, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images for Fashion Media)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 08: Actress Julianne Hough arrives at the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 14: (EXCLUSIVE) Julianne Hough and Derek Hough visit ‘The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show’ at Z100 Studio on December 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 08: Actress/competition judge Julianne Hough attends ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 24 at CBS Televison City on May 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 11: Julianne Hough, MPG Sport Brand Ambassador & Designer, and CorePower Yoga Partner to bring free class to Atlanta and promote the launch of her Athleisure Wear line nationwide for MPG Sport at CorePower Yoga on May 11, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for MPG Sport )
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 2404’ – The 10 remaining celebrities will take a stroll down memory lane and celebrate with a dance to a time in their lives that left a lasting impression, as they commemorate their most memorable year, on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ live, MONDAY, APRIL 10 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images)
JULIANNE HOUGH
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – MARCH 07: Julianne Hough visits ‘Extra’ at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 7, 2017 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 08: Actress Julianne Hough arrives at the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Julianne Hough appears on Amazon’s Style Code Live at The Movement on September 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Amazon)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: Actress / Dancer Julianne Hough attends the press room on day 2 of the 2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at The Microsoft Theater on September 11, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Julianne Hough appears on Amazon’s Style Code Live at The Movement on September 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Amazon)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: (L-R) Actors Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens and Kether Donohue attend the press room on day 2 of the 2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at The Microsoft Theater on September 11, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Julianne Hough arrives at the 6th Annual Celebration Of Dance Gala Presented By The Dizzy Feet Foundation at The Novo by Microsoft on September 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich attend the 6th Annual Celebration of Dance Gala presented by The Dizzy Feet Foundation on September 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 08: Julianne Hough arrives at the Television Academy Celebrates Nominees For Outstanding Casting at Montage Beverly Hills on September 8, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Actress Julianne Hough attends the 2016 People’s Choice Awards at Microsoft Theater on January 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Julianne Hough arrives at the 2015 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
DANCING WITH THE STARS: THE RESULTS – ‘Episode 2009A’ – ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Results’ continued on TUESDAY, MAY 12 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). At the end of the night, one couple went home and three couples advanced to the finals. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
JULIANNE HOUGH
HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 07: Actress Julianne Hough arrives at the premiere of Twentieth Century Fox’s ‘Let’s Be Cops’ at ArcLight Hollywood on August 7, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Country music singer Julianne Hough attends the Target To-Go holiday kick off at Target on December 11, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Actress Julianne Hough attends the Sole Society preview party at Mixology101 & Planet Dailies at the Grove on February 7, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for Sole Society)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 01: Singer/actress Julianne Hough attends the unveiling of the new ‘got milk?’ ad campaign at Hearst Tower on February 1, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/FilmMagic)
WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Country music singer Julianne Hough attends the Target To-Go holiday kick off at Target on December 11, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/WireImage)
MIAMI, FL – JULY 10: Julianne Hough sighting on July 10, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Uri Schanker/FilmMagic)
(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) Julianne Hough *Exclusive Coverage* (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Ketchum Entertainment Marketing)
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: Julianne Hough attends the Netflix outdoor concert and movie screening at the Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on September 29, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
BURBANK, CA – OCTOBER 10: Actress Julianne Hough (L) appears on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno at NBC Studios on October 10, 2011 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/NBCUniversal/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 26: Julianne Hough and Derek Hough perform during ‘Move Live on Tour’ concert on July 26, 2014 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 26: Julianne Hough and Derek Hough performs during ‘Move Live on Tour’ concert on July 26, 2014 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage)
NEW YORK – JULY 29: Singer Julianne Hough attends the debut of remade Wrigley’s Gum jingles at the Nokia Theatre on July 29, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 21: Julianne Hough interview on New.Music.Live at MuchMusic Headquarters on January 21, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Ernesto Di Stefano Photography/WireImage)
Credit: E!/ABC
Credit: E!/ABC
Credit: E!/ABC
Credit: E!/ABC
Credit: E!/ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 1906’ – International superstar Pitbull returned to the ballroom and for the first time joined Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli as a guest judge MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Pitbull kicked-off the night with a steamy performance of his hit single ‘Fireball’ followed by the nine remaining celebrities performing to a mix of his hits and personal favorite songs. Dance styles included Salsa, Rumba, Foxtrot, Tango and Jazz. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 1906’ – International superstar Pitbull returned to the ballroom and for the first time joined Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli as a guest judge MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Pitbull kicked-off the night with a steamy performance of his hit single ‘Fireball’ followed by the nine remaining celebrities performing to a mix of his hits and personal favorite songs. Dance styles included Salsa, Rumba, Foxtrot, Tango and Jazz. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0142 — Pictured: (l-r) Professional dancer Julianne Hough during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on October 9, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0142 — Pictured: (l-r) Professional dancer Julianne Hough during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on October 9, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0142 — Pictured: Professional dancer Julianne Hough on October 9, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0142 — Pictured: (l-r) Professional dancer Julianne Hough during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on October 9, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0142 — Pictured: (l-r) Professional dancer Julianne Hough during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on October 9, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0142 — Pictured: (l-r) Professional dancer Julianne Hough during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on October 9, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 02: Julianne Hough arrives at the Michael Kors Hosts Launch Of Claiborne Swanson Frank’s ‘Young Hollywood’ Portrait Book at on October 2, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 02: Julianne Hough arrives at the Michael Kors Hosts Launch Of Claiborne Swanson Frank’s ‘Young Hollywood’ Portrait Book at on October 2, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Sneak peak of my costume on #Dwts tonight! For all of our @moveliveontour fans from the summer see if you can spot the move @derekhough and I put in there… 🙂 see y’all soon! #moveliveontour #dancingwithmymentonight
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Dancer Julianne Hough attends Mark Ballas Debuts EP ‘Kicking Clouds’ at Crustacean on September 16, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 1804’ – For the first time ever celebrities switched professional dance partners on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ MONDAY, APRIL 7 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. This past week, America was given the power to vote and change celebrity and professional dance pairings and each star faced this new challenge. The new couples were revealed live for the first time throughout the evening. Additionally, two-time professional ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champion, Julianne Hough, returned to guest judge for the second time alongside Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
CARRIE ANN INABA, LEN GOODMAN, JULIANNE HOUGH, BRUNO TONIOLI
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 1704’ – 10 remaining couples took to the ballroom floor and two-time professional champion Julianne Hough returned to guest judge for the first time alongside Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET). (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
CARRIE ANN INABA, JULIANNE HOUGH, BRUNO TONIOLI
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 1704’ – 10 remaining couples took to the ballroom floor on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET). (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
CARRIE ANN INABA, JULIANNE HOUGH, BRUNO TONIOLI
DANCING WITH THE STARS – Two-time ‘Dancing’ champion, actress, musician and Emmy(r)-nominated choreographer Julianne Hough returns to the ballroom as a fourth judge on this season of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ premiering Monday, September 15 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC. Hough will judge alongside resident judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
TOM BERGERON, JULIANNE HOUGH
DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 1702’ – The competition heated up on a Latin-themed ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as the celebrities took on new dance routines – a Samba, Jive, Rumba or Paso – and fought for survival, MONDAY2, SEPTEMBER 23 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Adam Taylor / ABC Via Getty Images)
STEVEN TYLER, JULIANNE HOUGH
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 22: Choreographer Derek Hough, winner of the Best Choreography Award for ‘Dancing With The Stars,’ and actress Julianne Hough attends the Governors Ball during the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Actors Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough put on big smiles and their dancing schoes for screening of their remake of the 1984 classic ‘Footloose’ at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. (Photo By: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News via Getty Images)
DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW – ‘Episode 1304A’ – Two-time former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champion Julianne Hough performed a duet with her ‘Footloose ‘co-star Kenny Wormald to their remake of ‘Holding Out For A Hero,’ on ‘Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,’ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Julianne Hough from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (R) dances with Jasmine Ejan (L) on the set of her new DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment, ‘Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom’ on September 13, 2009 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Julianne Hough from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (L) dances with Jasmine Ejan (R) on the set of her new DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment, ‘Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom’ on September 13, 2009 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Julianne Hough from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (L) dances with Jasmine Ejan (R) on the set of her new DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment, ‘Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom’ on September 13, 2009 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Julianne Hough from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (R) dances with Jasmine Ejan (L) on the set of ‘Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom’ on September 13, 2009 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – MARCH 19: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Julianne Hough performs at the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort’s Coronado Ballroom on March 19, 2009 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/WireImage for Children’s Miracle Network)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – MARCH 19: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Julianne Hough performs at the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort’s Coronado Ballroom on March 19, 2009 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/WireImage for Children’s Miracle Network)
UNITED STATES – MARCH 04: DANCING WITH THE STARS – REHEARSALS – CHUCK WICKS — A gifted songwriter and vocalist, Chuck Wicks made a compelling impression with his Top 5 smash, ‘Stealing Cinderella,’ the fastest-rising single by a debut country act in 2007. By the time his first album, ‘Starting Now’ (RCA Nashville), was released in January 2008, he had begun a year-long, 750,000 fan-packed tour opening for superstar Brad Paisley. Chuck co-penned 10 of the 11 songs on his debut CD, including his second hit, ‘All I Ever Wanted,’ and the new single, ‘Man of the House,’ a touching story-song about a boy taking on beyond-his-years responsibilities while his father is on military assignment. For more information, please go to: www.chuckwicks.com or www.myspace.com/chuckwicks. Chuck teams with girlfriend and two-time champ Julianne Hough, who returns for her fifth season. An all new cast of celebrities hits the dance floor on ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with the highly anticipated two-hour season premiere, MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on ABC. (Photo by Katherine Bomboy/ABC via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – MARCH 04: DANCING WITH THE STARS – REHEARSALS – CHUCK WICKS — A gifted songwriter and vocalist, Chuck Wicks made a compelling impression with his Top 5 smash, ‘Stealing Cinderella,’ the fastest-rising single by a debut country act in 2007. By the time his first album, ‘Starting Now’ (RCA Nashville), was released in January 2008, he had begun a year-long, 750,000 fan-packed tour opening for superstar Brad Paisley. Chuck co-penned 10 of the 11 songs on his debut CD, including his second hit, ‘All I Ever Wanted,’ and the new single, ‘Man of the House,’ a touching story-song about a boy taking on beyond-his-years responsibilities while his father is on military assignment. For more information, please go to: www.chuckwicks.com or www.myspace.com/chuckwicks. Chuck teams with girlfriend and two-time champ Julianne Hough, who returns for her fifth season. An all new cast of celebrities hits the dance floor on ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with the highly anticipated two-hour season premiere, MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on ABC. (Photo by Katherine Bomboy/ABC via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – MARCH 04: DANCING WITH THE STARS – REHEARSALS – CHUCK WICKS — A gifted songwriter and vocalist, Chuck Wicks made a compelling impression with his Top 5 smash, ‘Stealing Cinderella,’ the fastest-rising single by a debut country act in 2007. By the time his first album, ‘Starting Now’ (RCA Nashville), was released in January 2008, he had begun a year-long, 750,000 fan-packed tour opening for superstar Brad Paisley. Chuck co-penned 10 of the 11 songs on his debut CD, including his second hit, ‘All I Ever Wanted,’ and the new single, ‘Man of the House,’ a touching story-song about a boy taking on beyond-his-years responsibilities while his father is on military assignment. For more information, please go to: www.chuckwicks.com or www.myspace.com/chuckwicks. Chuck teams with girlfriend and two-time champ Julianne Hough, who returns for her fifth season. An all new cast of celebrities hits the dance floor on ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with the highly anticipated two-hour season premiere, MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on ABC. (Photo by Katherine Bomboy/ABC via Getty Images)
LOWER MERION, PA – DECEMBER 4: Singer and dancer Julianne Hough, formerly of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ poses for photos at Merion Mercy Academy December 4, 2008 in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. The school won a text message contest held by Philadelphia radio station 92.5 WXTU in which they sent 77,000 text messages to win the Julianne Hough concert at the school. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – AUGUST 26: DANCING WITH THE STARS – Two-time ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champ Julianne Hough (pictured) returns for her fourth season. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ returns with a three-night premiere event, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. (Photo by Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – AUGUST 23: DANCING WITH THE STARS – REHEARSALS – Cody Linley will be the youngest contestant ever to compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ He is best known for his role as Jake Ryan on the wildly popular Disney Channel series ‘Hannah Montana,’ a role in which he was nominated for a Young Artist Award. He also helped the show garner an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Children’s Programming. Cody’s film credits include ‘My Dog Skip,’ ‘HOOT,’ ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Cheaper By the Dozen.’ He teams with two-time ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champ Julianne Hough, who returns for her fourth season. (Photo by Michael Desmond/ABC via Getty Images)
NOBLESVILLE, IN – JUNE 26: Julianne Hough performs live in concert on June 26, 2008 at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana. (Photo by Joey Foley/FilmMagic)
LAS VEGAS – MAY 18: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ dancer Julianne Hough arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS – MAY 18: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ dancer Julianne Hough arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 6: Danncer Julianne Hough arrives at the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ 100th show event held at Day After on May 6, 2008 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/Wireimage)
UNITED STATES – APRIL 08: DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW – Episode 604A – Audiences were treated to an encore performance from Monday night’s standout couple, Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough, on Dancing with the Stars Results Show, TUESDAY, APRIL 8 (9:02-10:00 p.m., ET). (Photo by Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD – MARCH 21: Dancer Julianne Hough arrives at The 25th Annual William S. Paley TV Festival featuring ‘Dancing With The Stars’ on March 21, 2008 at The Arclight Cinemas in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage)
INDIANAPOLIS – JANUARY 18: Julianne Hough and Helio Castroneves perform during the Dancing With The Stars Tour at Conseco Fieldhouse on January 18, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joey Foley/FilmMagic)
UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 27: DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW – ‘Episode 510A’ — The two-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves and his professional partner Julianne Hough were crowned champions on the fifth season of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ during the exciting two-part finale on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET). (Photo by Carol Kaelson/ABC via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 27: DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW – ‘Episode 510A’ — The two-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves and his professional partner Julianne Hough were crowned champions on the fifth season of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ during the exciting two-part finale on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET). (Photo by Carol Kaelson/ABC via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 22: Professional dancer and Series 4 winner Julianne Hough attends the EXTRA ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 5 celebration party, hosted by professional dancer Cheryl Burke, at Charcoal restaurant on October 22, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 22: Professional dancers Cheryl Burke (L) and Julianne Hough attend the EXTRA ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 5 celebration party, hosted by Cheryl Burke, at Charcoal restaurant on October 22, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 22: Professional dancers Julianne (L) and Derek Hough attend the EXTRA ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 5 celebration party, hosted by fellow professional dancer Cheryl Burke, at Charcoal restaurant on October 22, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 26: DANCING WITH THE STARS – ‘Episode 501C’ – Kicking off what promises to be a stellar season of musical performances, Grammy¨ Award-winning country music icon and Academy¨ Award-winning actress Dolly Parton kicked up her heels on ‘Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,’ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET).. Ms. Parton serenaded the audience singing ‘Better Get to Livin” from her latest album, ‘Backwoods Barbie,’ and the classic hit, ‘9 to 5,’ accompanied by the professional dancers Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Jr., Julianne Hough and Cheryl Burke. (Photo by Richard Cartwright/ABC via Getty Images)
Julianne Hough, Shaun Robinson and models wearing Tommy Hilfiger (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
Julianne Hough and Apolo Anton Ohno (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
Julianne Hough performs at the Verizon Wireless Music Center on July 24, 2009 in Noblesville, Indiana. (Photo by Joey Foley/FilmMagic)
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – OCTOBER 15: Julianne Hough visits ‘Extra’ at Universal Studios Hollywood on October 15, 2013 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Extra)
Julianne Hough performs at the Iowa State Fair on August 23, 2009 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jason Squires/WireImage)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – JUNE 20: Julianne Hough performs in support of her debut release at Shoreline Amphitheater on June 20, 2008 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
Actress Julianne Hough arrives on the red carpet of the 2010 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on November 21, 2010. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 01: Actress/singer Julianne Hough attends the unveiling of the new ‘got milk?’ ad campaign at Hearst Tower on February 1, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Henry S. Dziekan III/Getty Images)
Country singer Julianne Hough arrives at the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 18, 2010. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest attend LA’s Promise Gala at the Kodak Theatre on September 27, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
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This first round of auditions premiere had no shortage of colorful characters, from Gingzilla, an Australian glamazon (think “Jessica Rabbit meets Chuck Norris”) with a golden set of pipes, to the aforementioned Monkey, who uttered arguably the most disturbing sentence in AGT history: “You could probably even braid my back.” We also met Human Fuse, who ushered everyone outside to watch him get shot out of a cannon, as well as Patrizio Ratto, the show’s first-ever classical musician slash pop-and-lock dancer.
The fun continued with Greg Morton, a 60-year-old Star Wars fan who nailed countless impressions from Darth Vader to the the lightsabers; Jackie Fabulous, a 47-year-old stand-up comic from the Bronx; and Eric Chien, a mind-blowing (and quick-changing?) magician.
And what would AGT be without a few inspirational performances? In the premiere alone, we got to witness the talents of V. Unbeatable, a high-flying dance troupe from the slums of Mumbai, and Sophie Pecora, a young musician who overcomes the pain of bullying through writing and singing original songs.
Of course, the biggest moment of the premiere was saved for the end, when Union used the season’s first Golden Buzzer on 22-year-old Kodi Lee. Blind and autistic, this musical prodigy had the judges in tears with his powerful performance of “A Song For You.” (Video of Lee’s incredible audition will be posted when it becomes available.)
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OK, time to discuss: Which of tonight’s auditions wowed you? Do you agree that Hough and Union fit in perfectly on the judges’ panel? And did the right act score the coveted Golden Buzzer?
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