9-Year-Old Rapper King Moore Impresses on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Nine-year-old rapper King Moore made a major impression on America’s Got Talent this week, earning a standing ovation and four yeses from the judges following an electric performance of his original track “Pen Game.”

In an early release clip from Season 20, Episode 5 of AGT, the pint-sized performer took the stage with confidence well beyond his years.

Before launching into his high-energy set, Moore introduced himself and shared his big dreams: starring in movies, traveling the world, and one day having his own TV show. If he wins the million-dollar prize, he told the judges he’d take his family on a cruise.

Then came his self-penned song “Pen Game,” which Moore wrote at just six years old. With a hyped-up crowd already on their feet at his request, the rapper delivered rapid-fire bars with remarkable clarity and charisma. The judges smiled, danced in their chairs, and ultimately gave the young star a standing ovation.

Mel B praised Moore for having “so much swag and rhythm and confidence,” while Sofia Vergara called him a star in the making. Simon Cowell was equally impressed, calling the performance “brilliant.” All four judges voted to send Moore through to the next round, bringing his father to tears backstage.

King wasn’t the only act to make waves during the night’s auditions. Roller-skating aerial duo Stardust earned Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer after dazzling the audience with their fireworks-filled performance, while Kentucky trucker Bill Taylor and his band The Appalachian Heathens wowed the judges with a soulful rendition of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

Other standouts included magician Alain Simonov, who earned praise for his sleek sleight-of-hand routine, and the Benn Family Band, who delivered a moving cover of Lauren Daigle’s “Rescue” in the wake of losing their home in the January 2025 Altadena wildfires. Comedian Shuler King also brought the laughs with material about his day job as a mortician.

But it was King Moore’s performance that stole the spotlight—and social media buzz—heading into the next round.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.