With the live shows starting tonight on “America’s Got Talent” 2026, we have a new twist happening this season. While the “AGT” judges — Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Melanie “Mel B” Brown — typically each have one more Golden Buzzer to hand out during the Quarterfinals, it looks like NBC has removed those and put all the power in the hands of the fans. Check out the details below in our “America’s Got Talent” spoilers.
No More Golden Buzzers
Typically during the Quarterfinals, the judges each had one Golden Buzzer to hand out. Last season, the judges even had the Semifinal Golden Buzzer, which they had to decide together as a group to send one act right to the Finals.
Now, for “AGT” Season 21, the Golden Buzzers are done. The judges and host Terry Crews each had two Golden Buzzers to hand out during the auditions.
The Top 44 acts are in place and will perform live for your votes. The judges will have no say in who moves on to the Semifinals, as that power lies solely in the hands of America!
Then, again, when the Semifinals take place, the judges won’t have a Golden Buzzer or Save to use. The “AGT” results will be based solely on America’s votes. The acts performing in the “AGT” Finale will all be selected by America, which is exciting news for fans of the show.
What Is the ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 21 Live Show Schedule?
The new schedule for the live shows on “AGT” Season 21 is:
- Live Quarterfinals and Results: These will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting tonight, August 18, through September 9.
- Live Semifinals and Results: These will take place on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16.
- Final Round and Finale Results: The performances will take place on Tuesday, September 22, with the winner of “America’s Got Talent” 2026 being named on Wednesday, September 23.
These live shows will air every Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 8/7c on NBC. You can then stream them the next day on Peacock.
How Do You Vote for Your Favorite Acts?
When the live shows start tonight, viewers will be able to cast up to ten votes for their favorite act. To do this, there are three different ways:
- Logging into the “AGT” section of the NBC website.
- Voting on the “AGT” mobile app.
- Commenting on the designated “vote here” TikTok post on the official “AGT” TikTok account.
The TikTok method is brand-new for “AGT” Season 21. It doesn’t require a special login. If you have an active TikTok account, then you are eligible to cast your vote via comment.
Each week, the voting will open at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesdays when the live shows kick off. Voting will end at 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday mornings, and the results will be read on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET.
Are you excited for the “AGT” 2026 live shows to begin? Any early favorites you’re rooting for? Let us know in the comments below.
