AGT 2026: Which three acts will advance to the semi-final? Vote for your favorite act
America’s Got Talent 2026 live Quarterfinals continued Tuesday night, August 25. Our recap covers standout moments and which performers are in contention as the competition tightens heading into the semi-finals.
As in last season, each judge will still select a Golden Buzzer act that advances directly to the finale. Meanwhile, America’s votes determine the three acts that will progress from each quarterfinal evening into the semi-final round.
On Night 2 of the Quarterfinals, judge Mel B pressed her Golden Buzzer for viral hard-rock teen sensation Nene Royal. The young guitarist and singer delivered a high-energy performance that impressed the judges and audience alike — and Mel B’s immediate decision to send Nene through was no surprise. With that momentum, Nene is widely regarded as a top contender for the season.
Simon Cowell was absent from the live broadcast as he is scheduled for back surgery, a procedure host Terry Crews said could not wait due to lingering injury from a past e-bike accident. His temporary absence means the judging panel relied more on the remaining judges’ feedback while viewers cast their votes.
Overall, the quality of this week’s talent felt stronger than the prior week’s lineup. In addition to Nene Royal, several acts delivered memorable routines that could earn America’s votes: aerial pole artist Veronika Goroshkova impressed with daring and elegant aerial work; the eclectic dance troupe Come Here offered inventive choreography that blended multiple styles; and former American Idol contestant MacKenzie Sol connected with the audience through a heartfelt vocal performance. The creative duo Butter & Grit, pictured above, also made a visual impact during the broadcast.
AGT 2026 Quarterfinals 2 Polls
We want to hear who you think should move on. Below are the main acts highlighted from Night 2. Pick the three performers you believe deserve to advance to the semi-final round. We’ll post poll results and our reaction ahead of Wednesday night’s official results show.
Official results will air Wednesday, August 26 at 8 PM ET on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock the following day. In the meantime, consider your choices and cast a vote through the official AGT voting channels when they open.
Which THREE Acts Advance to the Semifinal? (PICK THREE)
Choose the three acts you want to see in the semi-finals. If you’re sharing on social media or in the comments, tell us why you picked them.
- Nene Royal — teenage hard-rock guitarist and vocalist (Golden Buzzer by Mel B)
- Veronika Goroshkova — aerial pole artist with striking athleticism and grace
- Come Here — innovative dance group blending multiple styles and theatrical staging
- MacKenzie Sol — soulful singer with strong emotional presence
- Butter & Grit — dynamic performance duo featured in the Night 2 broadcast
Vote for your FAVORITE Act
If you had to pick a single favorite from Night 2, which one left the biggest impression? Tell us your top pick and why in the comments or on your social feeds. Your feedback helps highlight acts that resonated most with viewers.
Reminder: the official outcome is decided by America’s vote. To ensure your preferred performers advance, follow the show’s official voting instructions on broadcast night. We’ll update this page with poll results and observations after the results are announced.
Night 2 strengthened the competition and introduced a mix of high-energy rock, daring aerials, inventive choreography, and heartfelt vocals. With more quarterfinals to come, the race to the finale is shaping up to be competitive — and every fan vote matters.
Stay tuned for our recap and analysis after Wednesday’s results show. Which three acts will you be voting for?