Night 3 Quarterfinals Overview
The third night of the America’s Got Talent Season 21 Quarterfinals took place on September 1, featuring 11 distinct acts vying for a position in the next round. Guest judge Kenan Thompson occupied a seat at the judges’ table alongside Sofia Vergara, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, as Simon Cowell continues his recovery from back surgery. The evening focused on high-stakes performances, with each contestant hoping to secure enough viewer votes to advance during the upcoming September 2 results show. While ten acts now rely on the public, one performer earned an immediate ticket to the Finals through Thompson’s Live Golden Buzzer.
Standout Performances and Judge Reactions
The aerialist duo Holland and Sienna opened the evening with a routine using a motor-assisted rope setup. While Mandel expressed hesitation about whether the act exceeded their audition, the remaining judges praised the technical skill and elegance of the movement. Isaac Atkins, the former military member and previous Golden Buzzer recipient, performed “Way Down We Go” by KALEO. Although he received acclaim for his vocal grit, Mandel suggested he could have pushed his range further, leading to a mixed reaction from the crowd and fellow judges.
Contortionist Maria from Germany drew a standing ovation from Vergara, who noted the inclusion of moves rarely seen on the main stage. Elsie, a singer who advanced through the callbacks, tackled “House of the Rising Sun.” Mandel criticized the performance for feeling guarded, though his colleagues defended the emotional delivery. The Acro Canine Crew, Terry Crews’ original Golden Buzzer choice, delivered a high-energy routine that blended acrobatics with choreography, earning a unanimous standing ovation for their technical precision.
Magicians, Poets, and Finalists
Herwan Legaillard attempted a high-stakes sword-swallowing act that drew skepticism from Mel B, who felt the level of danger did not meet her expectations for the Quarterfinals. Conversely, spoken word poet Guy Kelton Jones earned emotional praise from Mel B, who stated the act brought her to tears. Kameron Marshall returned to the stage with a card trick involving the entire audience, successfully predicting specific card selections that left the judges impressed with his growth since the Callback Round.
Teenage singer Lai Noelle, who originally earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer, delivered a performance of “Your Song.” The routine was successful enough that Kenan Thompson chose to use his Live Golden Buzzer, cementing her place in the Finals. Comedian Daniel Alvarez followed with a set that moved all four judges to their feet, with Thompson labeling him the best comedian he has witnessed on the program. Pynk Beard closed the night with an original song that the judges credited as a strong conclusion to the live show. Viewers will learn which three of the remaining ten acts move to the Semifinals when the results air on September 2.