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Simon Cowell Just Changed AGT Forever – Here’s Why
America’s Got Talent Season 21: The Brand-New Judges’ Callback Round Explained
Updated: August 4, 2026 | Source: USA TODAY
What’s New in Season 21?
"America’s Got Talent" (AGT) is back for its 21st season, and it’s trying something it has never done before. Usually, acts audition once, get a "yes" or "no" from the judges, and the judges later watch tapes privately to decide who moves on. But this year? Everyone gets a second chance to perform—in person!
The Big Change: Judges’ Callbacks
- What is it? A brand-new round where each judge invites their favorite acts to perform a second time at a special location.
- Why? So the judges can really get to know the performers before the live shows start on August 18.
- Who’s judging? The regular four: Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara.
- Bonus: Each judge brought celebrity guest judges to help decide!
IMPORTANT POINT: This is the first time in AGT history that callbacks are happening on camera. Before, judges just re-watched audition tapes alone in a room. Now, you get to watch the whole process!
How the Judges’ Callback Works
Think of it like a second audition—but way more relaxed and personal.
Step-by-Step:
- Each judge picks 6 acts from their "yes" pile.
- They host those acts at a location of their choice (like Simon’s Malibu home!).
- Acts perform again in a chill, intimate setting.
- Guest judges join to give feedback and help decide.
- The main judge decides who advances to the live shows.
Why Simon Cowell Loves It
"Normally we just watch the tapes back over and over… No one sees it. Now I’m actually doing it [in front of the camera], and it’s real. I love it."
— Simon Cowell
He also says spending a whole day with the acts helps him understand them better. "The first audition, you’re on, you’re off, and it’s so quick. This is really good."
Simon Cowell’s Special Guests: Normani & Poo Bear
For his callback day, Simon invited two music experts to his Malibu home:
| Guest | Who They Are | Why Simon Chose Them |
|---|---|---|
| Normani | Singer, former Fifth Harmony member | Simon created Fifth Harmony on The X Factor in 2012. She knows what it’s like to be judged by him! |
| Poo Bear | Grammy-winning songwriter/producer (worked with Justin Bieber, Usher) | Simon calls him a "hero" for his brutal honesty and amazing taste. |
What They Said
- Poo Bear: "Simon has always been my hero… I love the opportunity to chime in and see if there’s anything special brewing, any future superstars."
- Normani: "I’m honored to be here… to pour into the future. Because I know what it’s like to be on this side. It’s not easy."
A Full-Circle Moment for Normani
This is huge for Normani. Here’s why:
- 2012: She auditioned for Simon’s show The X Factor USA as a solo singer.
- She got cut early—but Simon brought her back!
- He grouped her with Ally Brooke, Lauren Jauregui, Dinah Jane, and Camila Cabello.
- They became Fifth Harmony—one of the biggest girl groups ever.
Simon Remembers the Magic
"Sometimes, something is staring at you right in the face… They look like they’ve been a band for years, weirdly. It was just… the strangest sensation. And then… when they came back with the songs on their second album, it was like, ‘God, this is unbelievable.’ I never forget that moment."
Normani’s Advice to Contestants
"If they got past this guy [Simon], that says a whole lot… You saw it in us before anybody knew us. And just be present and enjoy the experience for what it is. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities."
All the Acts Competing in Callbacks
Each judge picked 6 acts. Here’s who’s performing:
Simon Cowell’s Acts
- Akira – Variety act
- Elektro Dads – Dancers
- Elsie – Singer
- Nyjah & Zyah – Vocal duo
- Sando – Dancer
- Travis Garland – Singer
Mel B’s Acts
- Bety – Singer
- Butter & Grit – Vocal duo
- James & Marina – Mentalist duo
- Joel M – Magician
- Lachlan Patterson – Comedian
- Madelyn & Malachi – Vocal duo
Sofía Vergara’s Acts
- Brook Lynn – Singer
- Darrell Moten – Magician
- Kameron Marshall – Magician
- Olivia Befus – Dog trainer
- Vahtang – Beatboxer
Howie Mandel’s Acts
- Bird and Byron – Music duo
- Cris Sosa – Comedian
- Daniel Alvarez – Comedian
- Naimana & Daniele – Ventriloquist duo
- Nene Royal – Musician
- Rynia Kando – Impressionist
When to Watch
| Episode | Judges Featured | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| Callbacks Part 1 | Simon Cowell & Mel B | August 4, 2026 |
| Callbacks Part 2 | Howie Mandel & Sofía Vergara | August 11, 2026 |
How to Watch:
- Live: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC
- Stream next day: Peacock
Summary
- AGT Season 21 introduces the first-ever Judges’ Callback round.
- Each judge hosts 6 acts at a personal location for a second performance.
- Celebrity guest judges join to help decide who goes to live shows (starting Aug 18).
- Simon Cowell invited Normani (his former X Factor contestant) and Poo Bear (top songwriter).
- It’s a full-circle moment: Normani went from being cut by Simon to helping him find new stars.
- Watch Part 1 on Aug 4 (Simon & Mel B), Part 2 on Aug 11 (Howie & Sofía) on NBC/Peacock.
FAQ
What is the Judges’ Callback round?
It’s a new round in AGT Season 21 where each judge brings back 6 acts for a second, in-person performance at a location they choose. Guest judges help them decide who advances to the live shows.
Why is this different from past seasons?
Before, judges privately re-watched audition tapes to cut 120 acts down to ~40. Now, the whole process is on camera, and acts get to perform again in a relaxed setting.
Who are Normani and Poo Bear?
- Normani is a solo star who started in Fifth Harmony—a group Simon Cowell formed on The X Factor in 2012.
- Poo Bear is a hit songwriter/producer (Justin Bieber, Usher) and longtime friend of Simon.
When do the live shows start?
August 18, 2026—after both callback episodes air.
Where can I stream AGT if I miss it live?
Next day on Peacock (NBC’s streaming service).
Enjoy the show—and keep an eye out for the next big star!
