'America's Got Talent' Season 21 finally gets a release date as NBC reveals judges lineup and host
‘America’s Got Talent’ is gearing up for another season. The long-running competition series is officially returning to NBC for Season 21. This upcoming season carries a little extra meaning because the show is celebrating a major anniversary. The franchise first hit television screens back in 2006, meaning it has now been entertaining audiences for two decades. The announcement about Season 21 arrives about six months after Season 20 wrapped up in September 2025, when singer Jessica Sanchez walked away with the trophy and the million-dollar prize. Before the network even made the official announcement, some fans had already figured out that another season was probably coming.
The reason? The audition process had already begun. The official ‘AGT’ website posted several audition dates months ago, giving hopeful contestants a chance to show off their skills to the producers. Musicians were scheduled first, with a virtual audition set for October 18, 2025. Dance acts followed on November 21, while variety performers (jugglers, illusionists, stunt artists, and more) had their opportunity on January 10. And for those who don’t fit neatly into one category? They were allowed to pick any available date. Most auditions took place through video calls with the production team, allowing people from all over the world to participate without boarding a flight. Contestants could also upload recorded audition clips whenever they wished.
Moreover, fans won’t have to wait too long for the new season to begin, as per NBC Insider. Season 21 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ will premiere on Tuesday, June 2, airing on NBC at 8 p.m. ET. The opening episode will run for two hours, which usually means plenty of first auditions. Audition episodes will air every Tuesday through August 11. After that stretch ends, the competition moves into the live performance stage beginning August 18. Those live shows tend to raise the stakes because viewers get to vote for their favorites. Results episodes will air on Wednesday nights once the live rounds begin. Another piece of news fans might appreciate: the judging panel will stay exactly the same as last season.
Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B will all return to their seats behind the desk. Mel’s return last season was particularly notable because it marked her first appearance on the main series since 2013. She stepped in as a judge again after Heidi Klum departed from the show. Meanwhile, Mandel has been part of the panel since Season 5, while Cowell joined in Season 11, and Vergara arrived later during Season 15. Furthermore, host Terry Crews, who has been part of the show since Season 14, will also be back for the upcoming season to guide contestants through nerve-wracking moments before they walk onstage.
