America’s Got Talent 2026 Quarterfinals 1 Recap, Live Blog
America’s Got Talent live shows kick off tonight (Aug 18) with the first wave of quarterfinal performances. This recap covers the opening night of AGT 2026 Quarterfinals 1, highlighting standout acts, judges’ reactions, and details on voting for the live shows.
Forty-four acts will compete across the quarterfinals, and tonight 11 of those acts performed for public votes. The live results show airs Wednesday (Aug 19), when three acts from tonight will move on to the semifinals. Across the four weeks of quarterfinals, one act per week will secure a direct spot in the finale via a Golden Buzzer from the judges.
To vote, use the AGT phone app, visit NBC.com to cast your vote, or vote on the official AGT TikTok account by commenting under the designated voting post. Judges for season 21 are Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B., with Terry Crews returning as host.
The CommUNITY ALT Choir
The CommUNITY ALT Choir, led by siblings who grew up in a strict religious household, opened the night with a vibrant, gospel-tinged rendition of “Unwritten.” The group blends tight harmonies, choreographed movement and standout solo moments. Their polished staging, strong group dynamics and uplifting energy made for an upbeat start to the live shows.
Judges praised the performance: Sofia called it a perfect opener, Howie predicted it could launch them into full-time music, and Mel B. described it as magical. Simon applauded the brilliance of the performance but questioned the song choice—an opinion not shared by the other judges.
James & Marina – Mentalists
Marina, who is from Ukraine, and partner James returned with a mentalist routine built around premonitions and audience-driven prompts. The act involved audience suggestions that Marina then transformed into paintings, delivering several surprising hits. The presentation relied on classic mentalist techniques presented with theatrical flair.
Reactions were mixed: Simon buzzed during the act and admitted he was bored until a strong finish, Howie found the presentation dull, while Mel B. called it incredible. Sofia preferred their earlier performance, noting the first appearance felt stronger. The act raised curiosity about its method even as opinions varied.
Jesse White Tumbling Team
A longstanding staple, the Jesse White Tumbling Team showcased high-energy acrobatics and spectacular vaults. Founded in 1959, the group promises even bigger stunts in the live shows. A heart-stopping moment came when the nonagenarian founder joined the formation as athletes vaulted high over him, emphasizing athleticism across generations.
All four judges applauded the energy and inspiration of the act: Sofia praised their spirit and disregard for age barriers, Simon called the performance even stronger than their audition, Mel B. labeled it slick, and Howie urged the audience to vote.
Ashford Sanders – Singer
Ashford Sanders, a soulful R&B singer from Mississippi who overcame kidney failure at a young age, delivered an emotional, contemporary performance with R&B stylings. Currently working as a restaurant cook, Ashford infused the song with personal feeling and vocal warmth, despite a few minor pitch issues.
Mel B. rose to her feet and praised his resilience; Howie thought Ashford deserved his place on the stage but preferred a different arrangement; Sofia appreciated his personality and growth; Simon criticized the song’s arrangement and felt it didn’t give Ashford a defining moment. The judges’ varied reactions underscored both his talent and room for refinement.
Sando – Dancer
Viral sensation Sando returned to translate his TikTok choreography to a large stage, performing hip-hop routines alongside other dancers. His signature moves, including a distinctive “crab” step, are crowd-pleasing, though the challenge remains to expand short-form viral moments into a cohesive live routine.
Simon called it the best act of the night and predicted viral traction, while Mel B. said she didn’t quite connect with the performance. Sofia praised the fun energy and Howie said Sando stepped it up, reflecting the split between social-media appeal and traditional stage impact.
Hundred Fingers – Magic/Dance – Howie Golden Buzzer
Hundred Fingers returned as a large-scale magic and dance ensemble built around a leader who had previously competed solo on AGT. Their Las Vegas-style production combined tightly choreographed dance, sleight-of-hand illusions and showmanship. The seamless integration of magic and movement delivered a cinematic live act.
The judges stood to applaud and, in a decisive moment, Howie Mandel hit his Golden Buzzer, sending Hundred Fingers straight through to the next round. Howie also designated them as his Live Act Golden Buzzer pick, guaranteeing their advancement and making them one of the night’s biggest winners.
Brook Lynn – Singer
Brook Lynn, a young singer from the Netherlands who has battled social anxiety, performed an original dramatic ballad showcasing wide vocal dynamics and emotional control. The performance felt theatrical and personal, with strong phrasing and a commanding delivery that suggested she could move to the next phase.
Mel and Sofia gave standing ovations, calling her amazing and noting her growing confidence. Howie compared her to a blossoming flower, and Simon respected her risk in performing an original, likening the song’s scope to a James Bond-style theme.
Royal Lasers – Light Dancers
Royal Lasers returned with a futuristic, high-energy routine that previously earned them Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer. With an expanded troupe and elaborate light effects, the performance felt like a cross between high-octane dance and sci-fi spectacle—playfully described onstage as “cowboy Star Wars.”
Judges responded enthusiastically: Howie and Mel were on their feet, Simon called the act breathtaking and praised the finale, and Sofia noted the group had elevated the choreography from their earlier appearance.
Olivia Befus – Dog Act
Eighteen-year-old Olivia Befus presented a charming dog routine she trained herself. Set to a car-racing theme, the dogs navigated obstacles with infectious enthusiasm. While many of the tricks were familiar from past AGT pet acts, the irresistible charm of the animals and Olivia’s connection with them made this a crowd favorite.
Judges praised the performers: Mel loved seeing the dogs enjoying themselves, Sofia admired Olivia’s hands-on training, Howie noticed the act had been stepped up, and Simon called it “absolutely fantastic,” predicting a strong public vote.
Cris Sosa – Comedian
Cris Sosa, a comedian with 13 years on the circuit and a personal background shaped by a father who boxed professionally, delivered a rapid-fire set built around family stories and divorced parents. His kinetic stage presence and steady stream of punchlines produced several genuine laughs and showcased his ability to engage a live audience.
Howie highlighted his crowd-pleasing qualities and urged viewers to vote, Sofia praised his charisma, Mel wished he had more time to develop bits, and Simon said Cris naturally has what it takes to connect with America.
Luke Taleno – Rapper
Luke Taleno, a Cuban-born rapper who previously received a Golden Buzzer, performed autobiographical rhymes about his life and struggles, including a battle with leukemia. His passionate delivery emphasized storytelling over technical complexity, aiming to connect emotionally with the audience.
Judges reacted warmly: Simon said this performance was a step up from his audition and called Luke’s talent special; Sofia called him authentic and predicted America would embrace him; Mel and Howie echoed admiration for his storytelling and stage presence.
Tonight’s quarterfinals offered a wide range of talent—from heartfelt singers and emotional rappers to viral dancers, inventive magic ensembles, and adorable dog performers. With Howie’s Golden Buzzer sending Hundred Fingers directly onward, the public vote will now decide which other acts advance. Remember to cast your vote via the AGT app, NBC.com, or the AGT TikTok voting post before the results show on Wednesday.