America’s Got Talent Launches First-Ever Judges’ Callback Round

During the 21st season of “America’s Got Talent,” the producers added a Judges’ Callback round that allows the four regular judges—Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara—to see selected acts a second time before deciding which contestants advance to the live shows. The change is described as the first time the series has offered a “behind-the-scenes” look at the decision-making process.

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Each judge hosted their chosen acts at a location of their own selection, creating a more intimate environment. Cowell invited former Fifth Harmony member Normani and songwriter-producer Poo Bear to sit in as celebrity guest judges. The guest judges joined the regular panel to weigh in on which performers should move forward. Normani reflected on her own experience auditioning for Cowell’s “The X Factor USA” in 2012, noting the “full-circle” nature of her current role.

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The callbacks feature a mix of singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and specialty acts. Highlights include variety performer Akira, dancer Elektro Dads, vocal duo Nyjah & Zyah, magician Darrell Moten and beatboxer Vahtang, among others. The episodes air on NBC on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and are available for streaming the following day on Peacock. The callbacks begin in early August, with the live-show phase slated for mid-August.

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Simon Cowell described the new round as a “brilliant idea” that gives viewers a real-time glimpse of how judges narrow 120 initial “yes” votes down to 40 finalists. Normani praised Cowell for “changing everything” in her own career and expressed a desire to help current contestants recognize their own potential. Poo Bear called Cowell “his hero” and said he was eager to spot “future superstars.”

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• “When I heard that Poo and Normani were going to help me, I knew I was in good hands,” — Simon Cowell

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