PASADENA, CA | After an incredible run on America’s Got Talent, Sky Elements ranked third in the America’s Got Talent Finals! Sky Elements placed 3rd behind 1st place singer Richard Goodall and 2nd place dog trainer and dog dancer Roni … Read More
Journey to the finals on AGT Season 19
Welcome to the official chronicle of Sky Element’s journey on America’s Got Talent. From our first audition, through to the finale, see how our act evolved throughout the process! If you’re just getting to know us, Sky Elements is a drone group based out of Coppell, Texas. The group tells stories in the sky with thousands of drones precisely lined up to create anything you can think of. The drones are animated and are programmed to fly to the exact path our animator creates. We’ll then perform the show live for audiences worldwide from sporting events to movie premieres.
Competing on America’s Got Talent is one of the greatest honors Sky Elements has ever had. Gracing the stage with incredible talent from around the globe has created lasting memories that we’re forever grateful for. We know a STEM-centric act would be a tough sell for some folks, but America carried us forward to the finale. We recognize animation, piloting, and engineering as non-traditional talents that will hopefully give that spark to future STEM professionals. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on our journey on America’s Got Talent Season 19.
From auditions to the finale, see how Sky Elements did on America's Got Talent
Sky Elements made a stunning debut on AGT with a 1,000-drone show that illuminated the skies above the Pasadena Civic Center. Determined to impress the judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara—Sky Elements retold the iconic story of the moon landing with a unique twist. As the astronaut planted the American flag on the moon, the figure transformed into a photorealistic image of Simon Cowell himself. The team worked tirelessly to design drone formations with photorealistic qualities, accurately depicting Simon Cowell’s facial features. So impressed was he that he altered the show’s rules to allow each judge a second golden buzzer. This triumphant moment heightened the pressure for Sky Elements to surpass themselves in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals: A Whimsical Carnival in the Sky
For the quarterfinal performance, Sky Elements crafted a whimsical carnival setting in the sky, featuring photorealistic representations of all four judges and host Terry Crews. Each judge was depicted performing carnival-style talents like magic, tightrope walking, and fire breathing. This creative and enchanting performance propelled Sky Elements into the semifinals.
Semifinals: An Emotional Tribute
In a sharp pivot from their previous performances, Sky Elements presented an emotional story in the semifinals. The show was a heartfelt tribute to one of their founders, Preston Ward, and his late daughter, Briley Rose Ward. Using drone formations to represent the emotional stages of grief, the performance featured colorful roses, butterflies, and culminated with a phoenix symbolizing rebirth and healing.
“Grief is like a fire. You can let it consume you and burn you down, or you can let it fuel you,” Preston shared. The judges were left speechless, amazed by Sky Elements’ ability to tell such a profound story through drones. The performance was not only a technological marvel but also an unprecedented emotional narrative in the sky. For those interested in supporting the causes Preston advocates for in honor of his daughter, you can support infant loss charities here: hopemommies.org .
Finale: Depicting the American Dream with 1,200 Drones
For the grand finale, Sky Elements staged a highly anticipated show using 1,200 drones to depict the American Dream. Each formation represented aspects they love about America, embodying ideals of patriotism and unity. As they stepped onto the stage post-performance, the audience erupted in chants of “USA! USA!” Simon Cowell remarked, “I love America. I know I’m a Brit, but I love America.”
Results: Sky Elements Secures Third Place on AGT
Sky Elements anxiously awaited the results during the finale. They opened the episode with one final drone show alongside the Detroit Youth Choir. In a thrilling progression, they advanced to the top five, then the top four, and finally the top three. Host Terry Crews announced that Sky Elements secured third place in Season 19 of America’s Got Talent, following Ronnie and Rhythm, the dog act, and Richard Goodall, the fan favorite who performed with Journey earlier that night.
Sky Elements is truly grateful for their third-place ranking on AGT Season 19. Reaching this point is beyond what they imagined, and they hope to continue telling great stories in the sky with their drones across America for many years to come. Their journey on AGT showcased not only technological innovation but also the power of storytelling and emotional connection through drone artistry.
