Overview
- The Judges' Callbacks began airing Tuesday with Simon Cowell and Mel B hosting their selected acts and NBC publishing a list of 23 performers invited back for the new round.
- Each judge staged callbacks at a location of their choosing and invited celebrity guests to weigh in, with Normani and Poo Bear joining Cowell and Emma Bunton joining Mel B.
- The callbacks give judges a second, more intimate look at acts such as Akira, Elektro Dads, Elsie and Travis Garland so they can offer guidance and reassess readiness for live shows.
- AGT is scheduled to start live shows on Aug. 18, but coverage differs on how many live‑show slots remain for callback competitors, with reports varying on the exact slot counts.
- The format change replaces the old off‑camera tape reviews and follows the discontinuation of Judges Cuts in 2021, which producers say improves transparency and contestant mentorship.