America’s Got Talent 2026 Auditions 2 Recap and Live Blog
America’s Got Talent continues tonight (June 9) as Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and the returning Mel B. take their seats on the panel for the talent show’s 21st season. Terry Crews once again serves as host.
This season brings a new twist later on in the Judging process: A new round of competition called the Judges’ Callbacks round which will give Acts another golden opportunity to make it all the way to the Season 21 finals.
The Golden Buzzers are back, of course. All the panelists and Terry can award two buzzers to acts they feel should advance straight to the live shows. That is 10 buzzers total.
Kevin Quantum – Science act
Kevin performs tricks with science items. He’s probably a hit on the elementary school circuit. Although, the act is scaled up to include cannon balls. OK, he’s actually a danger act. He walks through hanging cannon balls set on fire. The cannon balls are so heavy they can smash watermelons. Howie buzzes because he’s bored. Simon also is impatient. Give him a chance, the audience demands. One more buzzer and he’s out. The act is taking too long, I gess. But once it gets going, it’s dangerous. But Simon hits the 4th red x and that’s it for Kevin. Simon feels he talked too long. The audience is mad. – 4 nos
Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm – Singing brother duo
The act consists of 15 and 16 year old brothers from Hawaii. They were inspired by winner Grace Vanderwaal. They are a singing duo and perform an original called “Heartbeat.” The song isn’t terrible. The brothers are heartthrob types. Typically, this is the kind of act Simon likes to mold. They ARE very cute.
Howie compares the duo to Grace, he calls them stars. Sofia says, “You were in heaven on that stage.” Mel calls them likeable, but she did not like the song. But she loved the vocals and harmonies. Simon believes they have talent – 4 yeses.
Terry conducts an onstage ad for Disney’s Toy Story 5 ahead of a special trailer. Man, American Idol, a Disney entity, was also all over this.
Frankie Lapenna – Joke TikTok star
He’s a TikTok star, apparently, He’s 28 years old and from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He busts balloons with his butt to the tune of “Sexy and I Know it” Pretty silly. The buzzes come fast. He was trying to set a record. Oh well – 4 nos
Abiud Sando – Jokey B-Boy
Abiud has 2 billion viewers across social media. Howie knows who he is. He’s basically a jokey b-boy. THis is popular? OK then. Mel is not impressed. Howie loves it. Simon compares his to other acts who manage to supersize, so he says yes. – 3 yeses Mel says No.
Rynia Kando – Vocal impressionist/Comedian
Rynia conducts vocal impressions. Much of it is singing, but she’s got Paris Hilton in her arsenal. She’s kind of amusing, demonstrating how a bunch of people would react to stubbing their toes. The kinda hits Mariah’s whistle note. Kinda!
Howie calls her hysterical. Mel felt it could have been funnier. Simon reacts to Mel, “that’s why you’re not a comedian!” He felt she was annoying but GREAT ANNOYING. Mel says no, the rest are yeses – 3 yeses, 1 No
Lara D – Singer/Rapper – Sofia’s first Golden Buzzer
Lara, an Australian, works with her family in real estate. But she’s on AGT to pursue her dreams. Lara sings and raps. She’s decent, especially her singing voice. Very pop, yet bluesy and jazzy. Her phrasing and range are sensational. The judges jaws are dropped!
Sofia calls her special. Howie is looking for a surprise and something unexpected. He stands up to hit his buzzer. But then Sofia reaches out and hits her buzzer. Oh, I guess this is a thing. Last week there were a couple of instances of Sofia losing out to other judges for Golden buzzers. “She stole it,” Howie complains. – Sofia Golden Buzzer
Julia and Charlie – Singing dog act
Charlie is 3 years old. Julia is an opera singer. The doggo sings along. Tracy begins singing an operatic “All By Myself.” Charlie seems unphased. Ha ha. This happens so often. Can’t make an animal do a thing if they don’t want to do it. She tries again. But the dog only licks her mouth. Finally, Charlie warbles a few notes. But overall, unimpressive.
Simon believes the dog is asking Julia not to sing, but asks her to come back. I wonder if a couple of these acts are being set up for that comeback twist? – 4 nos
Brad and Tracy – Gross out variety
The older couple like doing ordinary things. The lady is a doctor. He is retired from the University of Idaho. Yuck. It’s a gross out act. Brad nails a board to his face. Tracy helps out. Sorry, I don’t look during these type of acts. He also sticks his face and and torso into broken glass while Tracy walks on his back. It finishes up with epic sword swallowing, and finally hanging a heavy anchor from the inside of his nose. Mel B, who hates these acts, buzzes. The seem like a lovely couple!
Simon namechecks the movie Misery. Simon felt their normality made it seem crazy. Howie calls it his favorite tonight. Mel says no. But the rest say yes. Mel is on a roll with the nos. Ouch. Brad is bleeding, but unbothered. – 3 yeses, 1 no.
Hundred Fingers (Yu Hojin) – Howie’s Second Golden Buzzer
The act features a magician, Yu Hojin, who was rejected by Simon on season 17. I remember this guy. He was really good, but Simon wanted something bigger. Now, he comes as part of a troup, who perform synchronized card tricks. It’s a cross between dance and magic. Really interesting!
So, Terry and Howie are gonna fight over the Golden Buzzer…after the break. Illustrates how fake this show can be. Howie wins, because he’s closer to the buzzer. Simon calls it “sensational” and one of the best he’s ever seen.
Holland and Sienna – Aerial acrobats
The couple live in Las Vegas and hope to one day have a headlining show there. HEY STRIP OFF THAT SHIRT HOLLAND. The two work high in the air, utilizing hopes with hand straps. It looks dangerous! Oops. Her dress pops open in the back. Wardrobe malfunction coming? – Close up Holland, in particular, is physically strong, while Sienna is grace under pressure.
Sofia calls it exciting and flawless. Mel B calls the act “impossible” and “perfection. Simon calls it one of the best aerial acts better. They promise something special for next time. 4 yeses.
Geno Ploeger – Close up magic
Winner Mat Franco inspired him to become a magician. He pulled Gino on stage. Now they seem to be friends. Geno “interned” with him. The 21 year old is from Arizona. He approaches the judges table to do a bunch of card tricks. Oh, he tells stories, which I kinda hate. But the way he integrates cards into the bit is clever. It’s a very slick presentation.
Mel loved the showmanship. Howard calls him professional and entertaining. He suggests that next time, he do something more original. Simon feels he has enthusiasm and love for magic, but then pretends like he might say no. Sure. – 4 yeses
Cesar Dias – Comic Singer
Cesar is from Puerta Valla. He confesses that he’s nervous. And he looks really nervous. He sings “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. Oh. He’s a comedian and it’s all an act. Mishap after mishap on stage is meant to be funny. It’s very vaudevillian, the act. CORNY. It’s like, have we transported back in time to the Ed Sullivan Show?
Sofia calls it “super funny.” Howie calls it the “best way to end the night.” Simon thought it was funny. – 4 yeses
