America’s Got Talent Reveals Finale Guest Performers Including Leona Lewis and Mayyas
America’s Got Talent has released the list of guest performers for the two-night season 18 finale. The lineup was shared only a couple of days before the live broadcast, prompting reactions from viewers who expected an earlier announcement. While the roster feels concise compared with some prior finales, it still features a mix of charting artists, acclaimed musicians, and notable entertainment figures expected to deliver memorable moments during the live shows.
The season 18 finale opens on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT with live performances from the show’s 11 finalists. These finalists span a wide range of acts — from choirs and dance troupes to magicians, comedians, singers, and specialty performers. The finalists scheduled to perform include:
82nd Airborne Division – All-American Chorus (Choir), Adrian Stoica & Hurricane – Dog Act, Ahren Blisle – Comic, Anna Deguzman – Magician, Avantgardey – Dance group, Chibi Unity – Dance Group, Lavender Darcangelo – Singer, Murmuration – Dance Group, Mzansi Youth Choir – Choir, Putri Ariani – Singer, Ramadhani Brothers – Head balancers.
Each finalist will showcase an updated routine or a new performance aimed at impressing both the judges and the live voting audience. With variety acts and vocalists represented, the first night typically focuses on letting each act shine on the live stage while viewers begin to weigh in ahead of the finale decision.
America’s Got Talent 2023 Finale guest performers include Leona Lewis, Mayyas, Jason Derulo and more
The two-night season finale concludes on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT with additional performances alongside the top 11 finalists. Guest appearances scheduled for the second night include a diverse mix of singers, songwriters, musicians and entertainers: world-renowned chef and television personality Cat Cora, award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, pop and R&B singer Jason Derulo, acclaimed musician Jon Batiste, singing sensation and The X Factor UK alum Leona Lewis, America’s Got Talent season 17 winner the Mayyas, and multi-platinum-selling band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
This lineup brings a broad mix of musical styles and stagecraft to the finale. Leona Lewis is known for her powerful vocal performances, while Jason Derulo typically delivers high-energy pop and R&B numbers with strong choreography. Jon Batiste brings musicianship and live performance experience, and Thirty Seconds to Mars offers an arena-ready rock presence. Diane Warren’s presence highlights songwriting excellence, and the Mayyas are expected to return with their signature precision and visual storytelling. Cat Cora’s inclusion adds an unexpected, celebrity-chef dimension to the evening’s entertainment roster.
As always, the finale pairs these guest performances with the finalists’ acts and the judges’ commentary. Fans can expect polished production values, live-band arrangements or backing tracks as appropriate, and moments designed to create viral highlights. The live format emphasizes spontaneity and audience participation, with viewer votes playing a central role in determining the winner.
The season’s grand prize remains a $1 million award and an opportunity for the winner to perform in America’s Got Talent Presents SUPERSTARS Live at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. That prize package continues to offer a life-changing payout and a high-profile residency opportunity for the act that captures the public’s attention during the finals.
America’s Got Talent was created by Simon Cowell and is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. Executive producers for the series include Simon Cowell, Sam Donnelly and Jason Raff. The judges’ panel features Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara, with Terry Crews returning as host. Together, the judges and host guide the live shows, provide critiques, and help build the narrative arc that leads to the season’s final winner announcement.
Whether viewers tune in for the finalists’ final shots at the crown or for the high-profile guest performers, the two-night finale aims to deliver dramatic performances, surprising moments, and an electric live-audience atmosphere. Fans will be watching closely to see which finalist secures the votes and takes home the season 18 title.