America’s Got Talent is set to return for Season 21. With new episodes right around the corner, one of the returning judges has already teased what to expect. In fact, this season is already set to include a new twist in the format.
America’s Got Talent Will Return For Season 21 This June
Last year, fans saw America’s Got Talent wrap up Season 20, with the finale airing on September 24, 2025. At the time, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell all returned as judges, with Mel B also returning after a hiatus. Jessica Sanchez, who previously served as the runner-up of American Idol‘s Season 11, ended up the season’s winner.
Back in March, it was announced that the show was renewed for Season 21. Mandel, Cowell, Vergara, and Mel B are set to return as judges. This season is scheduled to make its debut on June 2, 2026.
This summer, the show is set to introduce a new twist. This will be the new Judges’ Callbacks round. During this, select Acts will be given a second chance to make the Live Shows.
This round will take place after the auditions are complete and then of the spots on the Live Shows have been awarded to the ten Golden Buzzers. Before the remaining spots are filled, the judges will revisit a few chosen acts before making their final choices.
Cowell Explained The New Round, While Also Teasing His Future On The Show
Speaking with TV Insider, Cowell shared, “One question I get asked a lot is, ‘How do you decide who makes it through to the live shows?’ We’ve been trying to be more transparent year after year, and then we said, “Let’s just show the audience how we get to that place.”
Cowell continued, explaining that the show wanted viewers to see what often happens behind-the-scenes. He explained, “You have your Golden Buzzers, and there are about 44 spots [for the live shows]. When you watch the tapes back, there’s about, say, 20 acts, which I call the no-brainers. Then we have the maybes. These are acts who we think have got potential, and in an ideal world, you’d want to see again.”
“So, effectively, that’s what we’ve done. Each judge has chosen a number of acts they want to see. I think I’m seeing six. And then I might put all of mine through, or I might put one through. Whoever we feel has done enough to merit being in the live show.”
During the interview, Cowell was also asked about when he thinks he would be leaving the show. He shared that it wasn’t going to be anytime soon, if he could help it, noting, “At some point, realistically, I’ve got to hand over the reins. That’s going to happen; the question is when. But the show is going to live on.”
At this time, auditions are believed to be underway. Thanks to this, a trailer hasn’t yet been released for the show.
What is your reaction to Simon Cowell’s recent share? Are you excited for Season 21 of America’s Got Talent? Have you been following this story? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
