The live shows are officially underway on America’s Got Talent Season 21, with the first group of 11 Quarterfinalists taking the stage on August 18. From singers and comedians to magicians, dancers and dog performers, the lineup brings together a wide range of talent competing for a spot in the Semifinals.

With the power now in the hands of viewers, each performer has one night to make a lasting impression and earn enough votes to move forward.

How to Watch America’s Got Talent

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streams the following day on Peacock.

Season 21 premiered June 2, with Terry Crews returning as host and Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B serving as judges. This season also introduced the Judges’ Callbacks, giving selected contestants another opportunity to prove themselves before the Live Shows.

Meet the 11 Quarterfinalists

Ashford Sanders — Singer/Musician

Ashford Sanders impressed the judges during his audition with a performance of Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For?

The soul food restaurateur won over the room not only with his voice but also with his humble personality. The judges unanimously sent him through after his audition.

Brook Lynn — Singer

Brook Lynn was brought back by Sofía Vergara for the Judges’ Callbacks after nerves affected her vocals during her first performance.

She managed to overcome those difficulties and deliver a much stronger final performance, securing her place in the Quarterfinals.

Cris Sosa — Stand-Up Comic

Cris Sosa has built his act around relatable stories about growing up with immigrant parents.

With guidance from Howie Mandel, Sosa has continued working on his delivery and now gets the chance to bring his comedy to the live stage.

Hundred Fingers — Magic Group

Magic veteran Yu Hojin returned to AGT with a new concept, creating the group Hundred Fingers to push his sleight-of-hand performances further.

The idea earned him a Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel and sent the magic group directly into the competition.

James & Marina — Mentalists

James and Marina are a real-life couple whose act revolves around their seemingly extraordinary psychic connection.

Marina’s ability to read James’ mind has left the judges trying to figure out how the duo pulls off their mysterious performances.

Jesse White Tumbling Team — Acrobats

The Jesse White Tumbling Team brought together Chicago performers of different ages for a high-energy display of flips, jumps and acrobatics.

The organization was founded 67 years ago by Jesse White, who is now 92 and personally appeared to support the team during their AGT journey.

Luke Taleno — Rapper

Luke Taleno, a leukemia survivor, took the stage with a bilingual rap performance in English and Spanish.

He even directed part of his Spanish performance toward Sofía Vergara, adding a personal touch to his audition.

Olivia Befus — Dog Tricks

Olivia Befus and her dog Zeke quickly won over the judges with their tricks and onstage chemistry.

Their performance particularly delighted animal lover Sofía Vergara, who invited the pair to callbacks at her home, where they continued to demonstrate their impressive partnership.

Royal Lasers — Laser Dance

The three members of Royal Lasers first met while working as dancers in an AGT show in Las Vegas.

They eventually made their way to the main America’s Got Talent stage in Pasadena, combining dance with lasers and illuminated visuals. Their spectacular performance earned a Golden Buzzer from host Terry Crews.

Sando — Dance

TikTok sensation Abiud Sando brought his signature dance style to AGT, although Simon Cowell initially questioned whether his social-media performances would translate to a larger live stage.

For the Judges’ Callbacks, Sando expanded the act by adding two more dancers and a drone camera, creating a bigger production that ultimately earned him a place in the Quarterfinals.

The CommUNITY ATL — Choir

The CommUNITY ATL Choir had the audience dancing and clapping during their audition performance of Lovely Day.

Their energetic performance immediately connected with the judges and audience, helping the group advance to the Live Shows.

The Competition Moves Into Its Next Round

The first Quarterfinals featured a mix of established performers, newcomers and acts that have already generated significant momentum during the audition and callbacks stages.

Now, however, the contestants face a different challenge: winning over viewers at home.

The second round of the Quarterfinals will take place next Tuesday, August 25, at the same time, as another group of contestants competes for a place in the Semifinals.

Source: Compiled from various sources