“America’s Got Talent” is back for season 21, and viewers can expect some notable changes when the competition returns to NBC.
Host Terry Crews and judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofía Vergara are all returning to search for the next standout performer. This season, however, the show is introducing a new format twist that could significantly impact the competition before the live shows begin.
The two-hour season premiere airs June 2 on NBC, kicking off another summer of auditions, Golden Buzzers, and performances from acts around the world.
According to Crews and Cowell, the show’s longevity is one reason it continues to attract contestants and audiences more than two decades after its debut.
Terry Crews Says ‘America’s Got Talent’ Has Become a TV Institution
Speaking with NBC Insider, Crews reflected on the milestone season and the impact the series has had over the years.
“AGT is now officially Americana. You know what I mean. At 21 years, you have people who grew up watching the show. Grew up literally from the beginning all the way to the end. The show is older than a lot of our contestants,” Crews said.
The longtime host noted that the show’s history has created a unique situation where some performers returning to audition this year grew up watching the series before eventually stepping onto the stage themselves.
That trend has also caught Cowell’s attention.
Simon Cowell Teases Returning Acts Ahead of Season 21
Cowell revealed that several contestants who previously appeared on the show have returned with dramatically improved performances.
“I’m seeing a lot of people who’ve been on the show before, but coming back better,” Cowell said. “One Act in particular. A magic act. I mean it was honestly like night and day.”
The judge credited the show’s willingness to evolve for helping it remain successful after more than 20 seasons.
“Look, when we created the show we said no rules,” Cowell explained.
That philosophy is continuing with a new competition format that will debut later this season.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Adds New Judges’ Callbacks Round
The biggest change for season 21 is the addition of a new Judges’ Callbacks round.
After auditions conclude and the show’s 10 Golden Buzzers have been awarded, the judges will narrow the field of contestants before the live shows begin.
However, some performers will receive another opportunity to prove themselves.
The Judges’ Callbacks round will allow select acts to return for a second performance before Cowell, Vergara, Mandel, and Mel B as the panel finalizes the lineup for the live shows.
The new stage of the competition gives borderline acts one final chance to earn a spot in the next round.
Golden Buzzers will also continue to play a major role this season. Each judge receives two Golden Buzzers, while Crews also receives two, bringing the total to 10.
According to Vergara, there were moments during auditions when even that number didn’t feel like enough.
“I feel like we need more every time,” she said. “There is such good talent that there were several times during the audition time that we were like, we all wish we had more Golden Buzzers because that’s how good the people have been.”
Mel B Says ‘AGT’ Remains a Family Viewing Event
As the competition prepares for another season, Mel B believes one of the show’s greatest strengths remains its broad appeal.
“It’s just one of the only shows that still is, is existing where it’s a family show,” she said.
“You can sit down with your grandkids, your grandpa, your grandpa. Your boyfriend, your wife. And it’s a whole family event. Sit down and just get your popcorn out and watch and really enjoy it.”
She also highlighted the value of comedy acts in the competition.
“Laughing is the best medicine. It gets you over everything and anything. It gives you a bit of a six pack. And you walk around with a smile,” Mel B added.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 21 Schedule Revealed
Season 21 begins with two-hour audition episodes airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
Once auditions conclude, the new Judges’ Callbacks round will determine which acts advance.
The live shows begin August 18, with live results episodes debuting the following night on August 19.
From that point forward, the competition will air twice each week until the season finale.
The winner of “America’s Got Talent” season 21 will be crowned on September 23, earning a Las Vegas performance opportunity and the title of the show’s newest champion.
