Quarterfinals Results and Semifinal Advancements
America's Got Talent broadcast the results of its second Quarterfinals round on August 26, 2026. The live show at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium featured host Terry Crews alongside judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofía Vergara. Simon Cowell remained absent due to his ongoing recovery from back surgery. The central development of the evening centered on Thai guitarist and vocalist Nene Royal. Her rendition of the Soundgarden track Black Hole Sun prompted the studio audience to chant for a Golden Buzzer. Mel B obliged, granting Nene Royal a direct pass to the Season 21 finals. Her performance marked a high point for the night, with the artist later describing the recognition as an unexpected dream.
The remaining ten acts faced an overnight public vote to secure one of three available spots in the upcoming semifinals. The competition featured a range of performers including the Spanish singer Bety, the sideshow duo Brad & Tracy, and the vocal duo Butter & Grit. South Korean dance group Come Here, magician Geno Ploeger, and rapper LaRussell also competed for viewer support. British singer Mackenzie Sol, vocal duo Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, German dancer Patrox, and aerialist Veronika Goroshkova rounded out the field. The results phase saw these acts paired against one another, with viewers eliminating half the group before the final three selections were confirmed.
The Elimination Process
The elimination structure required acts to be called out in pairs, with one performer moving to the Top 5 and the other exiting the competition. Butter & Grit triumphed over Brad & Tracy to stay in the running. Veronika Goroshkova secured her position by besting LaRussell in the public tally. The Korean dance group Come Here moved forward, sending Patrox home. Geno Ploeger advanced over the music brothers Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, while Mackenzie Sol won the final pairing against Bety. These five remaining acts then awaited the final tally that would determine who advanced to the semifinals.
Advancing to the Semifinals
The final three spots in the semifinals went to Veronika Goroshkova, Come Here, and Geno Ploeger. Veronika expressed gratitude for the outcome, which judge Sofía Vergara described as a correct decision by the voting public. The dance group Come Here received praise from Mel B, who characterized the entire group of finalists as winners. Geno Ploeger reacted to his advancement with visible emotion, citing the achievement as a long-term goal. The conclusion of the broadcast leaves these three acts to prepare for the next stage of the Season 21 competition, while seven other performers see their journey end. The show continues to narrow its field as the search for the next talent winner proceeds through the fall television schedule.