AGT Judges' Callbacks Week 2: Every Act That Was Eliminated and Advanced to Lives

First to perform at the Laugh Factory in LA was singer Nene Royal, who was Howie Mandel’s pick to return for another performance. But before she even uttered a single note, Mandel said she “has the talent,” but her showmanship needed some work. She performed Muse’s Hysteria while playing the guitar. When she was done, Mandel praised her, saying, “It seemed like you had even more confidence than you had originally. It seems like you’re having more fun.” Guest judge Nikki Glaser added, “You got us all really amped up. You didn’t have an opening, so to have that much energy and get us all feeling like … I want more!” And more they will get because she has advanced to the Live Shows.

Cris Sosa is a comedian who was also picked by Mandel to return to the AGT stage. He performed another stand-up routine, which prompted Glaser to say, “You have just some great observations. The only thing I would say for you … [there] are crutches that you use when you’re coming up in comedy. You don’t need that anymore. You’re good.” Mandel agreed with Glaser’s comment about those “crutches.” Still, Sosa got a Yes and earned himself a place in the Quarterfinals.

Before their second performance, opera ventriloquists Naimana and Daniele had already received some advice from Mandel. The judge urged them to go in a pop music direction to better connect with the show’s audience. That proved a bit difficult for the duo, so they decided to stay somewhere in “the middle between pop and opera.” Their Callbacks performance turned out to be confusing for the panel, and Mandel still felt the act was not relatable enough. Nonetheless, he praised them, saying, “You were wonderful. I don’t know that you veered from opera, but you were really memorable.” So, that was their last performance on the show, as they got eliminated.

Daniel Alvarez is a comedian who performs stand-up about his life in a wheelchair. His authentic act finally earned him a place in the Quarterfinals. Glaser told him, “You’re just so likable,” while Mandel asked for more “punch” in the upcoming routines. He advised Alvarez to practice every night at the club to prepare for the Live Shows.

The third comedian to perform from Mandel’s side was Rynia Kando, who is specifically a comedic impressionist. Last time, she did impressions of multiple celebrities reacting after stubbing their toes. This time, she again performed famous personalities' impressions but changed the scenario. She played a celebrity assistant at an awards show who shared her experiences with different A-list stars. Unfortunately, her performance felt repetitive, which led to her elimination. Mandel said, “She’s got some tools that other people don’t have. It’s music, impressions, and comedy. I actually don’t know that she stepped it up [though].”

Musical duo Bird and Byron were feeling out of their “comfort zone” while standing on such a big stage, and it showed during their performance. Glaser pointed out in the middle of the act, “He won’t open his eyes. He’s closing his eyes the whole time.” Afterward, Mandel stated, “I think you’re great. The voice and the music is so distinctive. But we’re talking about the showmanship…” while Glaser encouraged them, “You’re scared of seeing something that isn’t even happening.” Despite all the anxiety, they made it to the next round.

After all six of Howie Mandel’s performers, it was time for Sofia Vergara’s picks. Beatboxer Vahtang was the first Callback contestant from her side, and he was a little hesitant about whether presenting the act outdoors would produce the same results as performing indoors. That proved to be a valid concern, as Vergara felt his Callback routine was not as good as his previous one. Still, she assured him by saying, “That was amazing.” Guest judge Sebastián Yatra noted, “It’s one of those things you see on TV where you’re like, ‘This can’t be true,’ until you actually see it live in person…” However, his journey on AGT came to an end as he was sent home.

Magician Kameron Marshall once again left the judges wide-eyed with his card trick in the Callback round. And fans will be seeing more of his illusions, as he has advanced to the Live Shows. Vergara told him, “Amazing, Kameron.” He left such an impression on her that she later told the panel, “He’s so good. I love it. The way he does it is so natural and interactive. We’re part of it.” But, she also voiced her concern, “There’s too many magicians, that’s the problem.” Only time will tell if he can outshine the other magic performers.

Olivia Befus and her adorable dogs were next. In the audition round, she had two dogs perform several charming tricks while she danced and music played in the background. This time, Befus performed her act outdoors and brought three dogs with her. The tricks were somewhat similar to her previous performance, and Yatra also noted, “She had a little bit of trouble at the end there.” But Lele Pons came to her defense, saying, “I just love her so much!” Despite the mixed reactions from the panel, she made it through to the Live Shows.

Singer Brook Lynn traveled all the way from the Netherlands to Vergara’s home. On top of that, she was dealing with some vocal issues just the night before the Callbacks, which made her even more nervous. But all her efforts paid off, as she impressed the judges with her performance of Evanescence’s Bring Me to Life and earned a spot in the next round. Noticing her nerves, Vergara worried about how she would handle the Live Shows. “She has what it takes to be a global superstar,” she stated. “She has to believe it.”

Magician Darell Moten had to prepare his act twice. When he found out that the Callbacks would take place outdoors rather than on a stage, he got stressed. The night before the performance, he scrapped his original act and came up with a different routine. Then, he didn’t show up when the show’s van arrived to pick him up from his hotel. Moten later video-called Vergara and asked if he could perform over Zoom, which she agreed to. During the video call, he asked the judges to pick numbers, which he guessed correctly. Those numbers then led to a yellow Lamborghini. At that point, Moten revealed that the video was prerecorded and asked the judges to go to the front door, where he was waiting with the yellow Lamborghini. “That was amazing!” Vergara exclaimed. However, Moten was not selected to move forward.