‘America’s Got Talent’: Simon Cowell Explains Judges’ Callbacks

And now for something completely different: A fresh twist in America’s Got Talent‘s 21st season starts on Tuesday, August 4, and airs again next week. The Judges’ Callbacks will precede — and completely shake up — the live shows, beginning on Tuesday, August 18.

This new post-auditions stage, not to be confused with the Judges Cuts, which AGT discontinued in 2021, welcomes back 23 remaining hopefuls host Terry Crews or judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Simon Cowell or Sofía Vergara would like to watch perform one more time. The acts, including magician Joel M, singers Elsie and Travis Garland, comedian Akira, and the Elektro Dads dance group, among many others, were revealed during NBC’s “Live Acts Revealed” Special on Tuesday, July 28.

“Each judge has chosen a number of acts they want to see again,” Cowell explained to us at the beginning of the season. “It’s not an exact science. And then I might put all of mine through [to the live show], or I might put one through. Whoever we feel has done enough to merit being in the live show.”

Trae Patton/NBC

For Cowell, who enjoys mentoring the sometimes up-and-comers, it’s extra personal, as he welcomes these acts to his Malibu home, where they’ll perform in his garden, as he watches alongside celebrity guest judges, former Fifth Harmony member Normani and songwriter Poo Bear. “I get to know [the contestants] better,” Cowell says. “And I can give them a bit more advice this way.”

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Additionally, the other judges’ will be setting up spots to view their chosen callbacks on their own turf. Mel B will be stationed in her Leeds hometown alongside fellow Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), while Vergara sticks around Beverly Hills with singer Sebastián Yatra and creator Lele Pons. Mandel, with comic Nikki Glaser, welcome performers to the Laugh Factory.

And, it’s AGT, so expect surprises — and maybe even some confetti.

America’s Got Talent, Tuesdays, 8/7c, NBC