Ethermac|'AGT' returns with death-defying stunts that earn Sofía Vergara's Golden Buzzer

The Ethermac2024 summer Olympics may be over, but the eye-popping feats of humankind continue on "America's Got Talent."

The NBC competition show returned Tuesday night after a three-week break with 11 of its top 44 acts — a group that includes death-defying acrobats from Tanzania, a dancing dog, a teenage contortionist from India and a handful of singers and rappers.

As the live Quarterfinals round kicked off, judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum were delighted as each performance stepped up their game since the auditions, which aired May through July.

Host Terry Crews also announced that, for the first time, the Golden Buzzer will be brought into the live shows. This week, Vergara was bestowed the honor of fast-tracking one performer to the final round. The other judges will have their turn in the next three quarterfinal weeks.

The three acts that won the popular vote to proceed to the semifinals will be revealed Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Who earned the Golden Buzzer?

In an introduction video, Tanzania's Hakuna Matata Acrobatic explained, "What we do is dangerous. Every trick is a risk."

Having apparently resolved an issue with a too-pliable balancing board that caused difficulties in their audition, the four members risked it all on the stage. They balanced on top of multiple stacked rollers while raised on a platform above the others' heads and employed music and choreography as they showcased other heart-stopping feats, including a final pose that had one man balanced upside-down atop another's head.

Their execution was rewarded with Cowell declaring the performance "one of the most dangerous acts on a live show."

Vergara deemed it "perfection," calling it "one of the most ambitious acts I've seen on ‘AGT.'"

"I don’t think you guys need any help from anyone, but regardless of that I have to do this," she said before hitting the Golden Buzzer, setting off gilded confetti across the auditorium.

Who performed in week one of the 'AGT' Quarterfinals?

• Australian father-son rap duo Flewnt and Inkabee
• Shadow theater troupe Attraction Juniors
• Singer Liv Warfield
• Ugandan dance troupe Hypers Kids Africa
• Band Ashes & Arrows
• Los Osos High School dance group
• Tanzanian Acrobats Hakuna Matata Acrobatic
• Batonist Phillip Lewis
• Dancer and dog performer Roni Sagi and Rhythm
• Teen contortionist Arshiya
• Singer Richard Goodall

How to vote for 'America's Got Talent'

Viewers have until 7 a.m. ET Wednesday to choose their favorite performers.

Fans can vote on the "AGT" app and at agt.vote.nbc.com.