NBC has finalized its summer schedule and confirmed the premiere date for America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 18. The long-running talent competition will return to the network on Tuesday, May 30, maintaining its familiar late-May start. For fans eager for live performances, AGT’s live show schedule will begin at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Tuesday, August 22, airing 8–10 p.m. ET/PT, with results episodes following on Wednesday nights from 8–9 p.m. ET/PT.
The judging panel for season 18 remains intact, featuring executive producer Simon Cowell alongside Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara. Terry Crews also returns in his role as host. Viewers can expect the familiar chemistry and commentary that have become hallmarks of the show as these personalities evaluate a new crop of performers competing for the AGT crown.
The NBC summer lineup
NBC will launch its summer slate with back-to-back premieres on Tuesday, May 30, when America’s Got Talent and Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge debut. The competition programming continues with the return of American Ninja Warrior on Monday, June 5. A new docuseries, LA Fire & Rescue, is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, June 21. According to the network schedule, all programs will be made available to stream on Peacock the day after their broadcast on NBC, giving viewers on-demand access to summer’s lineup. Leading into May and June, NBC will also air the return of The Weakest Link, hosted by Jane Lynch, on Tuesday, April 11, and the series That’s My Jam, moving to Monday nights beginning April 17.
Dancing with Myself Canceled
One show not returning is the TikTok-inspired dance competition Dancing with Myself, which ran for a single eight-episode season last summer and featured Nick Jonas and Shakira among its judges. The series has been canceled, trimming NBC’s dance-focused offerings for the season and narrowing the network’s summer competition roster.
Meanwhile, rumors and casting whispers continue to swirl around AGT. Performers from across the talent-show circuit have been linked to the series, and there are indications that crossover contestants are trying their luck on multiple stages. Notably, American Idol alum Ada Vox has hinted that she may have auditioned for AGT, adding to the season’s intrigue and lineup speculation.
AGT is taping auditions, and Simon Cowell has lost his voice
AGT is currently taping auditions in Pasadena, and early behind-the-scenes glimpses show judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara actively participating in the sessions. Simon Cowell, however, has been noticeably absent from public audition clips due to a temporary vocal setback. Sources on the set report that Cowell has lost his voice, forcing him to share reactions differently during filming.
Sofia Vergara joked about the unusual situation, noting that Cowell has been passing her notes and asking her to relay his reactions, akin to classmates sharing messages in school. Howie Mandel added a touch of humor about the timing, quipping that it’s almost fitting for a season expected to be especially exciting that Cowell would, for once, be left speechless. When he can appear on camera, Cowell has reportedly been limited to smiles and soft whispers rather than his typical blunt commentary.
Despite the vocal hiccup, production continues, and the series remains on track for its May premiere and August live shows. Fans can look forward to the customary blend of awe-inspiring talent, comedic judge interactions, emotional backstories, and the high-energy live performances that define America’s Got Talent. With the full summer schedule now public, viewers can plan their tune-in and streaming options for a season filled with competitive variety entertainment.