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America's Got Talent Season 21 judges introduce Callbacks, 28 acts secure live quarterfinal spots
Season 21 of America’s Got Talent aired on NBC on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Mel B and Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews. The program added a new "Judges’ Callbacks" round, allowing judges to invite select contestants back for a second performance before the live quarter‑finals.
Ten acts earned Golden Buzzers during auditions and were automatically placed in the live shows. Eighteen additional acts were unanimously approved to advance without a second audition, bringing the confirmed roster to 28 performers. Simon Cowell chose six acts for callbacks—Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, Akira, Elektro Dads, Travis Garland, Sando and Elsie—while Howie Mandel selected his own six, including metal guitarist Nene Roy and a handful of variety and comedy acts.
The callbacks also feature celebrity mentors such as Normani, Poo Bear, Lele Pons, Sebastián Yatra, Emma Bunton and Nikki Glaser, who will advise the returning contestants.
Entities
Howie Mandel · Mel B · Simon Cowell · Sofia Vergara · Terry Crews
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Season 21 of America’s Got Talent aired on NBC on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET. www.thebiglead.com · www.goldderby.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The judges introduced a new Judges’ Callbacks round to give contestants a second chance before the live quarter‑finals. www.cinemablend.com · www.hollywoodoutbreak.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Simon Cowell selected six acts—Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, Akira, Elektro Dads, Travis Garland, Sando and Elsie—for the Callbacks round. www.goldderby.com · www.hollywoodoutbreak.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ten acts received Golden Buzzers during auditions and were automatically advanced to the live quarter‑finals. www.goldderby.com · www.hollywoodoutbreak.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Eighteen acts were unanimously selected to advance without a second audition. www.goldderby.com · www.hollywoodoutbreak.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A total of 28 acts were confirmed for the live quarter‑finals. www.hollywoodoutbreak.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Howie Mandel selected six acts—metal guitarist Nene Roy, variety duo Naimana & Daniele, stand‑up comedian Cris Sosa, impressionist Rynia Kando, comedian Daniel Alvarez and musical duo Bird & Byron—for www.hollywoodoutbreak.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Celebrity mentors Normani, Poo Bear, Lele Pons, Sebastián Yatra, Emma Bunton and Nikki Glaser were announced to advise contestants in the Callbacks. www.cinemablend.com