tom ball
America’s Got Talent/YouTube

“America’s Got Talent: All-Stars” brought back 60 former champions, fan favorites and finalists to compete for the ultimate “All-Star” title. The finale will have 11 acts, voted through superfans and the “AGT” judges.

Tom Ball originally appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent” last year, auditioning with a performance of Sam Smith’s “Writing’s On The Wall.” Ultimately, Ball finished as runner-up, placing second behind Axel Blake, a comedian. Now, Ball is determined to win it all on “AGT: All-Stars.” Ahead of his “All-Stars” audition, the 24-year-old high school teacher said, “Being here is my second chance. I want to win this.”

For his “All-Stars” audition, Ball performed Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sounds of Silence,” leading host Terry Crews and the show’s judges to give him a golden buzzer, ensuring his spot in the finale. Simon Cowell said, noting he thought Ball would’ve won “BGT” had he performed that song for the finale, “You’re like Susan Boyle’s grandson because what you do is not what we expect. For me, this is the best performance I’ve seen all series.”

It’s a busy time for Ball. Ahead of his appearance on “All-Stars,” the singer also noted that he was about to get married. He has now been married for 14 weeks, according to his Instagram. According to Sussex World, Ball teaches in Haywards Heath, a West Sussex, England town. Throughout the AGT’s inaugural season: All-Stars, the three judges and Crews have had a Golden Buzzer, which they gave out on different weeks.

Ball was the sixth act of the night to take to the stage, following singer Peter Rosalita, comedian Axel Blake, singer Mandy Harvey, comedic duo Yumbo Dump and rapping magician Mervant Vera. After Ball was given his Golden Buzzer, World Taekwondo Demonstration Team, magician Jasper Cherry, ventriloquist Ana-Maria Margean, and singer Archie Williams performed for the judges.

Taking to Twitter after the performances, some “AGT: All-Stars” fans called for a significant change to be made to the format of the show. Several viewers questioned why the judges couldn’t watch all of the performances before choosing which act they want to give the Golden Buzzer.

One viewer posted: “I almost wish that #AGT would wait until all acts are seen to give the golden buzzer. World Taekwondo demonstration team deserved the golden buzzer way more than Tom Ball. #AGTAllStars.” Another fan tagged the three judges and the show host, Crews, tweeting: “Please consider for Season 2…Golden buzzers should be given as deserved? How can you give 1 golden buzzer w/o FIRST seeing all the acts? If [you] give one out, but another act afterward is worthy, how is that FAIR?? #AGTAllStars.”

There were, however, plenty of “AGT: All-Stars” fans who were delighted with the Golden Buzzer going to Ball. “Welcome to America, Tom Ball! That cover of ‘Sound of Silence’ was among the best vocal performances in @AGT history! Goosebumps all over! #AGTAllStars,” wrote one fan, while another tweeted: “TOM BALL should win this competition!!! #AGTAllStars.”

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