Even as “America’s Got Talent” enters its 21st season, the show’s creator and longtime judge, Simon Cowell, continues to be surprised by the wide range of contestants who step onto the stage for a shot at fame.
“We don’t know on the day anything about the contestants, not a thing, until they walk on stage, and then it all happens,” Cowell told reporters on Monday during a virtual press conference. “I haven’t got a clue before that.”
Cowell said the Season 21 premiere episode — which airs Tuesday night and features everything from singers and comedians to a robotic dance crew — came with a number of surprises. Ahead of the premiere, the music executive and producer reflected on the best part of doing “AGT” — and the act that stands out the most to him in recent years.
The best part of ‘AGT,’ according to Simon Cowell
With social media so rampant and so many people uploading their own content, it can sometimes be a challenge to cut through, Cowell said.
A show like “AGT,” he said, can act as a sort of career launchpad.
“I genuinely believe that these shows, they have to have a purpose,” he said. “It puts you on the ladder, so to speak. So if you do a great audition or a great live show performance, ... I’ve seen it happen so many times now, a massive, massive knockout effect in terms of their careers, their lives, their confidence. That’s one of the best parts of doing the job.
“If that didn’t happen, I promise you I wouldn’t do shows,” he added. “That moment where you can sit there and go, ‘Wow, I was there on their first audition, and I’ve got a feeling great things are going to happen,’ I really still get a buzz out of that.”
Simon Cowell reveals the ‘AGT’ act that stands out the most
Cowell said he hopes “AGT” continues to feel fresh and exciting with each new season, and that the element of surprise is alive for viewers at home.
“You don’t want it to turn into Groundhog Day,” he said.
In recent years, the act that stands out the most to him is the Lebanese dance troupe The Mayyas, who won Season 17.
“I thought they were sensational,” he said. “That was for me, perfection. From their first performance to their final performance, about as good as I’ve ever seen. That act just blew me away.”
The dance group earned a golden buzzer from “AGT” judge Sofia Vergara during their audition, which to date has 41 million views on YouTube.
What to know about the ‘AGT’ 2026 season premiere
The Season 21 premiere airs Tuesday night at 7 on NBC.
Acts performing during the two-hour premiere include:
- Comedian Kev Adams
- 14-year-old singer Lai Noelle
- Rapper Luke Taleno
- Dance/dog act Acro Crew
- Crossbow stunt duo Tyrone and Margo
- Breakdance team KOSE 8ROCKS
- Unitree Robotics