America’s Got Talent 2026 Callback Rounds Night 2 Live Blog
Tonight’s Callback Rounds continue as judges Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara host a second night of performances. Each judge evaluates a curated group of standout acts hoping to secure the remaining spots in the live shows. Last week, Mel B and Simon Cowell heard their contenders; tonight’s episode completes the callbacks for two more judges.
America’s Got Talent 2026 Callback Rounds, Live Blog
This stage of the competition brings a lineup of celebrity guest judges: Spice Girls icon Emma Bunton reunites with Mel B; comedian Nikki Glaser joins Howie Mandel; social media star Lele Pons and Latin Grammy-winning artist Sebastián Yatra team up with Sofía Vergara; and global pop star Normani and producer-songwriter Poo Bear pair with Simon Cowell. Their feedback helps shape which performers move on to the live shows.
America’s Got Talent 2026 Callback Rounds Feature Celebrity Judges
The callback process takes place over two days: a first day to get to know the contestants, and a second day of performances where each act must prove they deserve a spot in the live rounds.
Howie Mandel and Nikki Glaser at the Laugh Factory
Howie and Nikki host their callbacks at the Laugh Factory after Preacher Lawson gets the contestants settled and even takes them to Howie’s podcast space, jokingly called his “fun warehouse.” Contestants learn they must perform that same night. A short motivational message from MrBeast plays for them, and the judges encourage everyone to treat each performance like it could be their last opportunity. Learnmore Jones joins Preacher Lawson in the audience.
Nene Royal – Singer / Guitar Virtuoso
Nene Royal, a teen guitarist from Thailand, opens with a flashy guitar lick that immediately shows off technical skill. While her singing isn’t as strong as her playing, she brings charisma and stage swagger that energize the audience. Howie praises her confidence and Nikki compliments her energetic presence, saying she would go see Nene perform live.
Cris Sosa – Comedian
Cris Sosa, a stand-up veteran with 13 years of experience, delivers material about growing up in a Latin household in Texas. His set earns several laughs; he reads the room well and interacts naturally with the audience. Nikki offers constructive notes but is impressed overall. Howie suggests his pacing could tighten up to reach punchlines quicker, though he acknowledges Cris’s stage experience.
Naimana & Danielle – Ventriloquists / Singers
Naimana and Danielle are known for opera-style ventriloquism from their initial audition. Howie pushes them to try something different, but they return to a playful, operatic gag that doesn’t fully match his request. The routine is memorable for its uniqueness, but it divides opinion: Nikki finds it quirky and fun, while Howie calls it confusing. Ultimately, the act lands somewhere between distinctive and unclear.
Daniel Alvarez – Comic (Wheelchair)
Daniel Alvarez, who began doing stand-up four years ago after surviving a shooting that left him in a wheelchair, bases much of his comedy on his life and experiences. He balances vulnerability with humor but appears a bit more nervous now than during his audition. Nikki calls him likable, though she suggests he could tighten his callbacks to other comics’ jokes. Howie notes a slower pace but still advances him, moved in part by Daniel’s personal story and growth on stage.
Ryania Cando – Singer Impressionist
Ryania, who had been turned down by Mel B during auditions, performs a rapid set of celebrity impressions framed like an awards-show walk. She channels personalities such as Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Sofia Vergara, and Celine Dion with theatrical flair, reading each introduction like a playful children’s book. Nikki praises her talent, and Howie says she has a useful toolkit for variety performance, though he prefers some of her earlier work.
Bird and Byron – Singer-Songwriters / Guitar Duo
Bird and Byron, a duo from a small Ohio town, present an original song with one member on guitar and the other singing. They admit to nerves, but their chemistry and songwriting show years of collaboration. Simon had been impressed during earlier rounds, while Howie suggests they could add more showmanship to stand out. Nikki responds positively to the musicality, calling it a sound she “really digs,” but she encourages the singer to connect more visually with the audience.
Howie Mandel RESULTS
Howie and Nikki agree many acts showed potential but weren’t fully polished yet. After deliberation:
Nene Royal – ADVANCED. Howie praises her as a strong performer and moves her forward.
Naimana & Danielle – ELIMINATED. Their ventriloquism was memorable but confusing.
Cris Sosa – ADVANCED. Relatable material and stage craft earn him a spot.
Ryania Cando – ELIMINATED. Howie felt her prior audition was stronger and advised more time to refine.
Daniel Alvarez – ADVANCED. Despite pacing concerns, he advances.
Bird and Byron – ADVANCED. Howie’s surprising decision sends the duo through.
Three acts advanced and three were eliminated under Howie’s panel.
Sofía Vergara with Lele Pons and Sebastián Yatra at her Beverly Hills home
Sofía invites contestants to perform at her home for a more intimate callback session, joined by Lele Pons and Sebastián Yatra. She warns that not everyone will advance, and reveals in advance that only one of two magicians will move forward. Several performers mention concerns about staging their acts in a residential setting rather than on a big stage.
Vahtang – Beatboxer / Singer
Vahtang, inspired by AGT to pursue his dreams, performs in his late 30s with the sense that this could be a last big chance. He sings “Ain’t No Sunshine” in a deep baritone while integrating beatboxing. While his vocal tone is strong, the beatbox elements are harder to hear in the outdoor setting. Sofía nonetheless appreciates his dedication and skill.
Kameron Marshall – Close-Up Magician
Kameron performs close-up card magic for Sofía and her guest judges. The routine includes surprising reveals—ultimately spelling out judges’ birthdates—which impresses the trio in an intimate setting. While the act’s intricacies might not translate as strongly to a larger stage, his sleight-of-hand and showmanship win praise from Sofía.
Olivia Befus – Dog Act
Olivia, a trainer from Michigan, returns with her trained dogs and presents an obstacle-course routine. Her previous audition included a bedroom-themed showcase; this callback focuses more on tricks and athleticism. The dogs’ chemistry is undeniable and charming, though Sebastián spots a small mistake at the end. Still, the act’s appeal is strong thanks to the animals’ talent and stage presence.
Brook Lynn – Singer
Brook Lynn, from a small Dutch village, has struggled with social anxiety but discovered her voice in private before sharing it with family. Her callback rehearsal shows cracks due to nerves, and vocal coaches advise rest before the performance. When she sings for the judges, Brook delivers a powerful Muse cover that had previously gone viral, this time without the rehearsal vocal issues. Sofía and Sebastián note her vulnerability and the need to build confidence on stage.
Darrell Moten – Mentalist
Darrell initially appears to skip the in-person callback in favor of a phone-in performance as part of his mentalist presentation, only to reveal he is actually on-site. The ruse divides opinion; some see it as a clever twist, while others view it as an underwhelming or gimmicky choice for callbacks.
Sofía Vergara RESULTS
Sofía and her guest judges deliberate and make their selections:
Vahtang – ELIMINATED. Sofía preferred his audition but felt the callback didn’t translate as strongly.
Darrell Moten – ELIMINATED. Judges found his approach confusing and ultimately passed.
Kameron Marshall – ADVANCED. His close-up magic convinced Sofía to send him through.
Olivia Befus – ADVANCED. The dog act’s charm earned a spot in the next round.
Brook Lynn – ADVANCED. Despite nerves, her vocal performance secured advancement.
With these decisions, the Callback Rounds wrap and the live shows are next. Live performances begin Tuesday night with a results episode airing Wednesday. Stay tuned for full coverage as contestants take the stage in the live rounds.