The competition on America’s Got Talent Season 21 is entering a new phase. The auditions are complete, and the judges have made their initial cuts. Now, a brand-new round called the Judges’ Callbacks is about to begin. This is the first time the show has introduced this format, and it gives selected acts a second chance to prove they deserve a spot in the live shows.
Episode 10, titled “Judges’ Callbacks 1,” is set to air on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. This episode marks a significant shift in the competition, moving from the audition stage to a more personal and intense selection process. The judges will bring performers to their own homes for one final performance before deciding who advances to the live quarterfinals, which begin on August 18.
Episode 10 Release Date and Time
America’s Got Talent Season 21 Episode 10 will premiere on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET / PT on NBC. The episode runs for two hours, consistent with the show’s regular Tuesday night slot.
For viewers in different time zones across the United States, here is the broadcast schedule:
- Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 8:00 PM (since it airs at 8/7c, it’s 8 PM in both ET and PT)
- Alaska Time (AKT): 7:00 PM
- Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HST): 6:00 PM
The show airs on NBC, which is available through local affiliates, cable providers, and live TV streaming services.
Streaming Details for Global Audiences
For those who cannot watch the episode live, there are several streaming options available.
In the United States, new episodes of America’s Got Talent are available to stream on Peacock the day after they air on NBC. Episode 10 will be available on Peacock starting Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Peacock offers both a Premium and Premium Plus tier, both of which include access to the show.
For international viewers, access depends on regional broadcasting rights. In many countries, the show is available through local NBC affiliates or international versions of the network. Streaming platforms like fuboTV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV STREAM also carry NBC and offer live and on-demand viewing options.
Viewers outside the United States may need to use a VPN service to access Peacock or other US-based streaming platforms. It is always best to check local listings and streaming services in your region for the most accurate availability.
What Happened in Episode 9: Live Acts Revealed
The previous episode, which aired on July 28, 2026, was a pivotal moment in the season. Titled “Live Acts Revealed,” it announced which contestants the judges selected to move forward in the competition.
During this episode, the judges revealed the 28 acts that would advance directly to the live quarterfinals. These included the 10 Golden Buzzer recipients who earned an automatic spot in the live shows. The Golden Buzzer acts announced were:
- Hundred Fingers – a South Korean magic act
- Luke Taleno – a Cuban rapper
- Isaac Atkins – a singer and U.S. Army sergeant
- Mackenzie Sol – a singer
- Lai Noelle – a singer
- Rubén Roldán Bustos – a one-legged parkour athlete
- Lara D – an Australian vocalist
- Veronika Goroshkova – a Ukrainian aerial pole artist
The episode also introduced a new element: the Judges’ Callbacks round. The judges selected a group of contestants who had received “Yes” votes but were not automatically advanced. These acts would get one more opportunity to perform and secure one of the remaining 34 spots in the live shows.
Additionally, the episode featured a call for viewers to submit their own audition videos for potential consideration in future seasons.
What to Expect in Episode 10: Judges’ Callbacks
Episode 10 is the first installment of the all-new Judges’ Callbacks round. This is a significant change from previous seasons, where the decisions on who made it to the live shows happened off-camera. Now, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the judges’ deliberation process.
The format is unique. Each judge selected a handful of acts they wanted to see perform again. These performers were invited to the judges’ own homes for a more personal and intimate performance. The goal is to give these acts one final chance to impress and secure a place in the live shows.
Simon Cowell hosted his callbacks at his Malibu home. He was joined by guest advisors Normani and Poo Bear to help him make his decisions. Normani’s presence is notable, as Cowell helped form her former group, Fifth Harmony, on The X Factor USA.
Mel B took her callbacks to her hometown of Leeds, England. She reunited with her former Spice Girls bandmate, Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), who served as her guest judge.
The other judges will have their callbacks in future episodes. Sofía Vergara will host hers in Beverly Hills with Lele Pons and Sebastián Yatra. Howie Mandel will bring his acts to his podcast studio and the Laugh Factory, with comedian Nikki Glaser as his guest.
Episode 10 will focus specifically on the callbacks hosted by Simon Cowell and Mel B. A total of 23 acts are competing across the two-week callback period for the remaining live show slots.
Simon Cowell described the experience as “surreal” and shared that he spent significant time with each contestant, getting to know them personally before they performed in his garden. He believes viewers will see a side of the contestants they never would have seen otherwise.
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Why You Should Watch This Episode
This episode of America’s Got Talent is a must-watch for several reasons.
First, it introduces a completely new format to the show. The Judges’ Callbacks round has never been done before in the series’ history. It offers a fresh perspective on the competition and gives viewers a closer look at how the judges make their toughest decisions.
Second, the guest judges add an exciting dynamic. Seeing Normani and Poo Bear alongside Simon Cowell, and Emma Bunton with Mel B, brings a unique energy to the proceedings. These are industry professionals with deep experience in music and performance, and their insights will be valuable.
Third, the stakes are high. The acts performing in this round are on the bubble. They have already proven themselves worthy of a “Yes” vote, but they need one more strong performance to secure a spot in the live shows. The pressure is immense, and the performances are likely to be some of the most compelling of the season.
Finally, this episode sets the stage for the live quarterfinals, which begin on August 18. The decisions made during the Callbacks round will determine the final lineup of acts competing for the grand prize. Watching this episode will give you a complete picture of who is in the running and why they deserve to be there.
America’s Got Talent Season 21 Episode 10 airs Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on NBC. It will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day. Do not miss this historic episode that changes the game for the competition.
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