LOS ANGELES, Calif. — America’s Got Talent is expanding its competition format for Season 21 with one of the biggest changes in the show’s history. NBC has officially introduced the new Judges’ Callback Round, allowing selected contestants to perform a second time before the final Live Show lineup is announced. The new stage comes after the audition rounds and gives judges additional time to evaluate acts that narrowly missed automatic qualification.
Instead of making immediate decisions after auditions, judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel now mentor hand-picked contestants in private callback sessions. The performances take place in unique locations rather than on the traditional AGT stage, offering a more personal environment where contestants receive direct feedback before their final evaluation.
One of the biggest additions this season is the appearance of celebrity guest mentors, who join each judge during the callback process. Singer Normani and producer Poo Bear assist Simon Cowell, comedian Nikki Glaser works alongside Howie Mandel, while Lele Pons and Sebastián Yatra help Sofía Vergara evaluate performers. Mel B reunites with fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, bringing a nostalgic moment for longtime music fans.
New Format Raises the Stakes
According to NBC, the callback stage was created because the judges advanced more talented performers than there were available Live Show positions. Rather than eliminating promising acts during deliberations, the new format provides another performance opportunity before the judges finalize their selections. Simon Cowell said the additional time helps the panel better understand each contestant’s story, personality, and long-term potential.
Industry observers have compared the revised format to coaching-style talent competitions, noting that judges now take on a more active mentoring role instead of acting solely as critics. The change has also created more behind-the-scenes moments, giving viewers a closer look at rehearsals, judge discussions, and contestant preparation.
The first Judges’ Callback episodes are scheduled to air on NBC on August 4 and August 11, before the competition officially transitions to the Live Shows. Contestants who impress the judges during this new round will secure the remaining places in the race for the $1 million grand prize.
