America’s Got Talent 2026 Callback Rounds, Live Blog
Tonight’s Callback Rounds continue as Mel B and Simon Cowell each audition a group of standout acts for one more performance, vying for the remaining spots in the live shows. Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara will complete their callback rounds next week. The episodes feature an impressive roster of celebrity guest judges, including Emma Bunton, Nikki Glaser, Lele Pons, Sebastián Yatra, Normani and Poo Bear, who join the main judges to help decide which acts advance.
The callbacks span two days for each judge: the first day focuses on getting to know the contestants, and the second day is dedicated to final performances. Below is a clear recap of each judge’s session, the performances, and the results.
Mel B: House in Leeds, UK with Emma Bunton
Lachlan Patterson – Comic
Mel brought her six contestants to her home in Leeds, where her mother and guest judge Emma Bunton were waiting. For comic Lachlan Patterson, Mel opted for a real-world test and took the group to a local pub so he could perform for an audience. Lachlan’s relaxed style generated a few chuckles, though he admitted afterward he could have tightened the set. The judges appreciated his charm but felt he needs more polish to advance.
Butter & Grit – Country songwriting duo
Butter & Grit surprised the judges with an original, tender ballad that showcased their harmonies and songwriting ability. Their audition had leaned toward a novelty vibe, but this new song revealed emotional depth and strong vocal blending. Emma Bunton was visibly moved. The duo clarified they are close collaborators and soulmates creatively, though not romantically. Their original material and emotional delivery gave them a clear edge in the callbacks.
Joel M – Magician
Joel M returned with inventive sleight-of-hand and playful theatrics, having borrowed Mel’s diamond bracelet during his audition bit. For callbacks he used everyday props—fruit from the fridge and an egg—to build clever illusions. Mel praised his originality and Emma enjoyed the charm, though some moments felt a touch meandering. Overall, his craft impressed but the act needed tighter focus to feel truly exceptional.
Madelyne Tallent & Malachi Martin – Country duo
After a mixed reaction to their audition—Howie had said “no” earlier—Mel continued to work with this pair. Though Mel suggested trying a different arrangement, the duo ultimately played it safe and stuck with their original song choice. Their version of “Shut Up and Dance” infused with banjos showed Madelyne’s strong lead vocals and tight harmonies, but Mel remained unconvinced they offered enough originality compared to fellow country duo Butter & Grit, who write their own material.
James & Marina – Mentalists
James and Marina delivered a polished mentalism routine that blended close-up acts and bigger stage stunts. They began with James identifying objects while Marina guessed blindfolded, then progressed outside where Marina correctly identified items while wearing Mel’s cowboy boots. The finale involved Emma correctly naming a photo Mel had hidden, a dramatic moment that leaned on subtle suggestion and showmanship. Their performance used the space well and landed emotionally with the judges.
Bety – Singer (Spanish / English)
Bety, a high school student, arrived visibly nervous but connected to her material. She sang a bilingual rendition mixing English and Spanish, choosing an emotional song that showcased her vocal tone and vulnerability. Emma felt Bety genuinely connected to the lyrics, and Mel admitted the decision would be difficult. Bety’s calm, heartfelt delivery earned her praise and secured her a chance to move forward.
Mel B RESULTS
Madelyne Tallent & Malachi Martin – ELIMINATED — Mel felt they need more time to develop.
James & Marina – Mentalists – ADVANCED
Joel M – Magician – ELIMINATED
Lachlan Patterson – Comic – ELIMINATED — Mel thinks he needs more work
Bety – Singer (Spanish/English) – ADVANCED
Butter & Grit – Country Duo – ADVANCED
Simon Cowell: House in Malibu, CA with Normani and Poo Bear
Sando – Comic dancer
Sando, a social-media star, was encouraged by Simon to scale up and go big—more dancers and drones. For callbacks he performed on an outdoor platform with backup dancers while drone cameras captured aerial shots. The expanded production was entertaining, and Simon responded with genuine laughter and approval.
Travis Garland – Singer (Dancing with the Stars)
Simon confronted Travis about being overly polished and encouraged him to show more of his authentic self. Travis, who previously had a record deal, delivered a soulful cover of “Love on the Brain.” His vocal ability was clear and the judges acknowledged the quality of the performance; Normani noted it felt technically perfect, while Simon wanted more risk. Ultimately, Simon gave a positive verdict.
Nyjah & Zyah – Singing duo
The young duo can appear unseasoned on stage, but their callback performance showed improvement. Simon stopped them mid-song to offer direction on stage presence, encouraging them to use the space and move with confidence. With guidance, they delivered a more assured second performance that highlighted their potential with a stronger song choice than in their audition.
Elektro Dads – Dad dance group
Elektro Dads leaned into a deliberately corny, family-friendly routine full of dad humor, fake babies and voicemail skits. The shtick is intentionally cringe in a warm, nostalgic way. Simon praised the act as clever and cute, believing it could resonate with viewers, but ultimately their callback did not earn advancement.
Akira – Silly naked act
Akira presented a comedic routine that relies on avoiding explicit exposure while using props to obscure his body. It’s an intentionally absurd, lowbrow gag that has become a recurring type of act on the show. The judges found the bit dumb in a playful way, and Simon rewarded the entertaining silliness with a yes.
Elsie – Singer-Songwriter
Elsie admitted she may have over-rehearsed during her audition, which made her feel stiff. For the callbacks she aimed for a more authentic delivery and sang a soulful cover of “Make it Rain.” Her sultry, restrained performance landed emotionally; Simon said she finally let go and made a genuine connection. Her understated approach won him over.
Simon’s RESULTS
One contestant, Sando, had to leave before the results to attend a family obligation. Simon ultimately advanced the majority of his acts, eliminating only one of the six.
Travis Garland – Singer – ADVANCED.
Elektro Dads – Dad dance group – ELIMINATED. Simon encouraged them to keep practicing and consider returning.
Sando – Comic dancer – ADVANCED.
Akira – Silly naked act – ADVANCED.
Nyjah & Zyah – Singing duo – ADVANCED.
Elsie – Singer-Songwriter – ADVANCED.
Simon’s results included a brief “fake-out” moment before Elsie was told she’d advanced. With both Mel B and Simon filling most of their allotted live-show slots, the callbacks set the stage for next week’s rounds with Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara, where more finalists will be chosen for the America’s Got Talent 2026 live shows.