America’s Got Talent 2026 Quarterfinals 2 Recap, Live Blog
America’s Got Talent live shows continue tonight (Aug 25) with the second of four quarterfinal nights.
Eleven of the 44 quarterfinalists perform for viewer votes. Three acts from this week will move on to the semifinals; the full results will be revealed during Wednesday’s (Aug 26) live results show. Each week of this four-week quarterfinal round will also include one Golden Buzzer act who advances automatically to the finale.
To vote: use the AGT mobile app, visit NBC.com’s voting page, or vote on the official AGT TikTok account by commenting under the designated voting post.
Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B sit on the judging panel this season, with Terry Crews hosting. Simon Cowell will be absent for several weeks while recovering from back surgery related to an earlier e-bike accident; the show announced his procedure could not be postponed. There were no guest judges for this quarterfinal night. Mel B. held the Golden Buzzer for the episode.
LaRussell – Rapper
LaRussell, a former UPS worker chasing a long-held dream, brought a community ensemble onstage. Their performance was earnest and uplifting, if not the most polished production. LaRussell’s charisma and connection to his group were clear, and the act’s positive message resonated.
Mel praised the group’s purpose and energy while noting some chaotic moments. Sofía said the performance felt like a step up, and Howie characterized it as closer to a high-school-level routine—an observation that captured the act’s enthusiasm more than its technical execution.
Veronika Goroshkova – Aerial pole
Veronika, who began dance training as a child in Ukraine, delivered a stunning aerial pole routine defined by fluid movement and remarkable control. She executed difficult spins and transitions with apparent ease, finishing with a high-altitude blindfolded sequence that required perfect timing and trust in her technique.
Judges were impressed: Sofía called her “effortless,” Howie labeled her “amazing,” and Mel described the performance as brilliant and high-risk. The routine showcased both grace and athleticism, earning strong praise across the panel.
Bety – Singer
Bety celebrated her 18th birthday this week and returned to the AGT stage with a dramatic presentation, framed by flames and cinematic staging. Her vocal tone was warm and stylish, though judges felt she chose a song that limited her range and left the performance slightly restrained.
Mel praised the quality of her voice, comparing it to velvet, while noting Bety played it safe. Sofía complimented her star quality onstage, and Howie called her one of the stronger singers this season but encouraged bolder song choices to better showcase her range.
Come Here – Dance group
Come Here, a dance ensemble from Seoul, South Korea, overcame limited rehearsal time with tight synchronization and a mix of hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet-inspired movement. Their precision, musicality, and inventive choreography created an engaging routine that built to memorable moments.
The judges stood to applaud. Howie praised the unique blend of styles, Sofía compared their polish to past standout acts, and Mel called the routine “incredible,” singling out the choreography and discipline that made the performance stand out.
Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm – Singing duo
Teen brothers Nyjah and Zyah were inspired by former AGT talents and advanced through callbacks. On this night, however, their vocals struggled with pitch and consistency. The performance felt underdeveloped, showing raw potential but not yet the polish expected at this stage.
Howie acknowledged their harmony potential but emphasized they need experience. Mel used her buzzer during the act, saying she felt the performance lacked passion; that decision drew audible reaction from the audience. Sofía encouraged them to keep working, calling them adorable with room to grow.
Geno Ploeger – Magician
Magician Geno Ploeger, who interned with Mat Franco, offered a personal, story-driven routine inspired by his grandfather, who attended the show. Geno’s sleight of hand and storytelling combined to produce surprising moments that connected emotionally with the judges and the audience.
Sofía praised how authentic the performance felt, and Howie noted that Geno had clearly taken previous feedback to heart, delivering an act that felt uniquely his own.
Patrox – Dancer
Patrox’s signature concept is performing a routine and then repeating it in reverse, creating a visually clever effect. This time he began with the reverse sequence and followed with the forward routine. The trick is inventive and entertaining, though some judges suggested the novelty has limits on repeat viewings.
Sofía found the act clever and fun, Mel enjoyed the performer’s energy, and Howie called the trick amazing and unique, even if its impact may be strongest on a first watch.
Nene Royal – Guitarist/Singer – Mel B Golden Buzzer
Sixteen-year-old Nene Royal from Thailand delivered a high-energy rock performance that showcased extraordinary guitar work and a raw vocal style. Nene’s rendition leaned into a screamo-rock vibe with intense lead guitar solos and a commanding stage presence.
The crowd responded enthusiastically. Judges raved about Nene’s musicianship and star quality; Howie suggested she was deserving of the top prize, and Sofía said she could win the competition. Moved by the performance and the audience reaction, Mel B pressed her Golden Buzzer, sending Nene directly to the finale.
Mackenzie Sol – Singer
Mackenzie Sol, a British singer with prior exposure on other talent shows, returned with a polished pop-ballad performance that highlighted emotional delivery and strong vocal control. He has a veteran presence onstage that connects with the audience, and judges encouraged viewers to support him with votes.
Mel called the performance “everything,” Sofía predicted strong appeal among younger viewers, and Howie urged America to vote, praising Mackenzie’s vocal charisma.
Brad & Tracy – Gross out act
Married performers Brad and Tracy presented a shock-based routine featuring classic sideshow stunts—nails, chainsaw-assisted props, sword swallowing, and other extreme elements. The act blends danger with dark humor, and audience reactions ranged from impressed to uncomfortable.
Howie admired their showmanship and called the act defiantly entertaining, while Sofía questioned how neighbors might react. Mel used her buzzer at one point, citing a mix of amusement and bafflement.
Butter & Grit – Country music duo
Songwriting duo Butter & Grit showcased original material backed by a live band. Their songs are catchy with strong hooks and solid vocal delivery, qualities that previously earned them a commercial opportunity and praise from the judges.
Mel noted vocal improvement and offered constructive feedback, while Sofía enjoyed the songwriting and overall vibe. Howie called their track an “earworm” and suggested the duo has mainstream appeal and chart potential.
Tonight’s quarterfinals delivered a varied lineup: powerful singers, inventive dancers, bold instrumentalists, and high-risk specialty acts. Voting is open until the live results show on Aug 26—three acts from this night will move forward, while Mel B’s Golden Buzzer act advances directly to the finale.