America’s Got Talent 2026 Auditions 6 Recap and Live Blog
America’s Got Talent returned tonight (July 14) for another round of auditions in Season 21. Judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B. sat on the panel while Terry Crews hosted. This episode continued to build toward the live shows, introducing the Judges’ Callbacks round that gives acts another chance to reach the finals. The Golden Buzzer format also remains in place, with each judge and the host able to send two acts directly to the live shows, totaling up to 10 Golden Buzzers this season.
Yukuta – Joke contestant
Yukuta, a performer from Japan, presented a comedy routine grounded in physical impressions and absurdist bits. The act included exaggerated routines playing off a Simon Cowell impression. The judges were split at first, but ultimately the performance earned three yes votes and one no.
Cameron Logsdon – Impressionist
Cameron, a young college student who shared that he became a teen parent, delivered a set of celebrity impressions performed on the spot. He handed out mock resumes for celebrities and responded to judge prompts with spot-on impressions — his Will Smith impression received particular praise. Sofia called the performance “brilliant and fun,” Howie enjoyed it, and Simon appreciated the originality. The judges sent him forward with three yeses and one no.
Carolina Mic – Comic rapper
Carolina Mic, a systems architect by day, performed a comic rap about what he would do with a million dollars. The routine aimed for viral humor but struck many judges as monotonous. Mel B. was the lone yes while the other three judges pressed no, ending the act’s run with one yes and three nos.
Viola Panik and Mister Punch – Puppeteers
Viola Panik appeared in a flamboyant costume backed by puppets, and the routine revealed a duo performance with a theatrical, burlesque-tinged presentation. Judges found the act odd and reminiscent of an old-fashioned children’s show; ultimately they did not advance the act.
Naimana & Danielle – Ventriloquists
This Italian couple performed ventriloquism with a comedic twist, incorporating a surprising rendition of “Nessun Dorma.” The audience reacted enthusiastically; Sofia called the performance surprising and confusing in a positive way, Howie loved it despite not precisely knowing the category, and Simon praised their talent. The act moved forward with three yeses and one no.
Nicole Tissington – Cake illusion artist
Nicole presented an act of realistic food and object illusions, revealing that items appearing dangerous or inedible — including what looked like raw chicken — were actually cake. The concept did not resonate with the judges, and she did not advance.
Butter & Grit – Singing duo
This Nashville duo brought an upbeat, original performance with a live band. Their warm chemistry and catchy arrangement won over the panel: Mel B. enjoyed the fun energy, Howie praised the Americana vibe, Simon compared it to a wholesome commercial but ultimately supported them, and Sofia found them very likeable. The act earned four yeses and advanced.
Veronika Goroshkova – Aerialist – Sofia’s 2nd Golden Buzzer
Veronika, who moved from Ukraine four years ago and was joined by her mother in the audience, performed a high-risk aerial routine using rope and a raised platform near the judges’ table. Her precision, strength and showmanship impressed the panel. Simon called it a “gold medal performance,” and Sofia was so moved she hit her Golden Buzzer, sending Veronika straight to the live shows.
Elsie – Singer-songwriter
Elsie, a 32-year-old mom from Mississippi, performed an original, soulful song with gospel-tinged themes and an edge of retribution. The judges praised her vocal ability but offered mixed feedback on the original material. Howie was the lone no; Sofia, Simon and Mel B. voted yes, advancing Elsie with three yeses and one no.
Joel M – Magician
Joel M, a 28-year-old magician from Northern Ireland, performed close-up sleight-of-hand at the judges’ table using their personal items. The routine was clever, entertaining and showcased polished technique. Sofia and Simon were impressed by the magic, Mel B. and Howie felt it ran a touch long but still gave positive feedback. Joel advanced with three yeses and one no.
Lachlan Patterson – Comedian
Lachlan’s comedy montage landed well with the audience and the judges, who praised the timing and material. He earned a unanimous four yes votes from the panel.
Jesse Joe – Singer
Jesse Joe, a third-generation oilfield worker from Texas fronting a recently formed band called the 96ers, performed an original country-tinged song titled “Rhinestone.” Opinions were mixed: judges appreciated the authenticity and catchiness but questioned the lead vocal. Mel B. voted no while the other three judges voted yes, sending the act forward with three yeses and one no.
Alseny Sylla – Tumbler
Alseny, who recently became a U.S. citizen, delivered an energetic tumbling routine with theatrical elements that delighted the crowd. Simon praised his energy and the act received a positive vote.
Elektrodads – Dancers
Elektrodads, a family-based dance quartet from Gilbert, Arizona, performed a family-friendly routine featuring a mix of dancers and children. The performance charmed many viewers and received mostly positive feedback: while some judges found it entertaining rather than groundbreaking, the act earned three yes votes and one no.
Ashford Sanders – Singer
Ashford, who runs a soul food kitchen and performs regularly for customers, delivered a heartfelt rendition of “What I Was Made For” with a classic soul feel and contemporary warmth. The judges were enthusiastic: Mel B. was on her feet and all four judges praised his voice and presence, granting him four yeses.