The First AGT Live Show Is Here And Three Golden Buzzer Acts Are Ready To Battle For The Semifinals

Ashford Sanders, Brook Lynn, and Cris Sosa on 'America's Got Talent' 2026

The live competition is officially beginning on America’s Got Talent Season 21, with 11 acts scheduled to take the stage for the first Quarterfinals show on Tuesday night.

For the first time this season, viewers at home will have a direct say in which contestants continue their journey toward the Semifinals.

Which Acts Are Performing In The First AGT Live Show?

The first live episode features a varied lineup of singers, comedians, dancers, mentalists and specialty performers.

According to Entertainment Now, the 11 acts competing are singers Ashford Sanders and Brook Lynn, comedian Cris Sosa, mentalist duo James & Marina, the Jesse White Tumbling Team, dog trainer Olivia Befus, dancer Sando, and the CommUNITY ATL Choir.

The lineup also includes three acts that have already received Golden Buzzers during the competition.

Hundred Fingers, the magic group created by magician Yu Hojin, received a Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel. Mandel also awarded the honor to rapper Luke Taleno, a leukemia survivor who performed in both English and Spanish.

Ashford Sanders performing on stage during America's Got Talent Season 21 Episode 6.

The third Golden Buzzer act competing Tuesday is Royal Lasers, a dance group known for incorporating illuminated and laser elements into their performances. Host Terry Crews gave the group its Golden Buzzer.

With such a broad mix of performances scheduled for the opening live show, each contestant will have the opportunity to make a strong case for advancing to the next stage.

Viewers Have The Final Say

The Season 21 live shows introduce an important change to the competition: the results will be determined entirely by viewers.

There will be no Judge Saves, Wild Cards or Golden Buzzers available during the live rounds. Instead, the audience vote will determine which acts advance.

The results of Tuesday night’s overnight voting will be revealed during Wednesday night’s episode.

That makes the first Quarterfinals particularly important for the 11 performers, as their future in the competition will depend on how strongly they connect with viewers during their live performances.

Brook Lynn performing onstage in America's Got Talent Season 21 Episode 4.

How To Vote For Your Favorite Acts

The August 18 show is also the first point in Season 21 when viewers can officially vote for their favorite contestants.

Fans have three ways to cast their votes this year. They can use the AGT app, visit the NBC website, or vote through the show’s TikTok account.

Through the AGT app or NBC’s website, viewers can submit up to 10 votes. Those votes can either be divided among several contestants or given entirely to one act.

Cris Sosa performing on stage during America's Got Talent Season 21 Episode 3.

The addition of TikTok provides another voting option for fans following the competition on social media.

Voting across all three methods closes at 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday, giving viewers a limited window to support the performers they want to see continue.

With 11 acts competing and no judges able to directly save contestants during the live rounds, the first Quarterfinals show marks a significant turning point in America’s Got Talent Season 21.

Source: Compiled from various sources

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