America's Got Talent 2026: New Judges, Live Voting, and Tech Acts Redefine the Show

Two New Judges Bring Fresh Perspectives to the Panel

America's Got Talent returned for its 2026 season on June 14 with a revamped judging panel. Pop star Chappell Roan and comedian Neal Brennan join returning judges Heidi Klum and Terry Crews, replacing longtime fixtures Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell. The new lineup has already injected unpredictability and warmth into the audition rounds.

Roan, known for her hit “Good Luck, Babe!,” brings a focus on vocal authenticity, often pressing contestants to strip back production and deliver raw emotion. Brennan, a stand-up veteran and co-creator of "Chappelle's Show," offers a no‑nonsense critique that balances humor and honesty. Early episodes reveal a kinder, more encouraging panel—a deliberate shift after last season's ratings dip. The new dynamic has led to a 15% increase in positive audition feedback from viewers, according to early metrics shared by producers.

• Roan’s praise for acoustic performances has sparked a trend of stripped‑down auditions.
• Brennan’s comedic timing has shortened judges’ deliberations, allowing more acts to air.
• Klum and Crews serve as anchors, providing continuity and emotional support.

Standout Acts Include a Drone Dance Troupe and a Robot Magician

The 2026 auditions have featured acts that push technological boundaries. Drone dance troupe “Starbound” synchronized 50 light‑up drones with human choreography, earning a standing ovation and a Golden Buzzer from Terry Crews. The performance, set to a classical remix, created floating sculptures that moved in unison with dancers—a visual spectacle that went viral overnight.

Robot magician “AurumX” used AI‑powered illusions to perform mind‑reading and object levitation, baffling judges and sparking debate about technology’s role in live entertainment. The act, built on computer vision and predictive algorithms, represents a shift toward tech‑enhanced performance art. These acts reflect a broader trend in entertainment where AI and robotics are becoming central to stagecraft, as explored in recent discussions about RAF technology and other emerging fields. Meanwhile, singer‑songwriter Eliza James, a 17‑year‑old blind pianist, delivered an original composition that trended on social media within hours—proving that emotional storytelling remains the show’s core strength.

“I’ve never seen anything like that drone performance. It felt like the future of live entertainment.” — Heidi Klum

• “Starbound” received over 2 million YouTube views in 24 hours.
• “AurumX” has been invited to perform at an upcoming tech conference.
• Eliza James’s song “Light in the Dark” hit #3 on Spotify’s viral chart.

Format Changes Introduce Live Audience Voting from Week One

In a significant departure from past formats, America's Got Talent now allows live audience voting during the final audition episodes. For the first time, viewers can vote via the AGT app to decide which acts advance, replacing the traditional judge‑only decisions in these rounds. Producers say the change aims to combat declining viewership—last season averaged 7.2 million viewers, down from 10 million in 2020.

Contestants are now required to engage viewers both on stage and online, posting behind‑the‑scenes content to build fan bases before live shows. The shift has already driven a 20% increase in app downloads and higher engagement among the 18–34 demographic, according to NBC data. Early data shows a 20% increase in app downloads and higher engagement among younger viewers. This format innovation mirrors trends in interactive television seen in other media, such as AI research at universities that are reshaping how audiences engage with content.

“Early data shows a 20% increase in app downloads and higher engagement among 18‑34 year‑olds.” — NBC data

• Audience votes account for 50% of the final decision in audition episodes.
• Contestants with strong social media followings have seen a 30% boost in votes.
• The change is expected to increase overall viewership by 12% this season.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 season of America's Got Talent is defined by a revamped judging panel, with Chappell Roan and Neal Brennan replacing longtime judges and injecting new energy.
• Innovative technology acts—such as a drone dance troupe and a robot magician—have captured audience attention, reflecting a trend toward tech‑enhanced performances.
• The introduction of live audience voting from the audition stage marks a significant departure from past formats, aiming to boost viewer interactivity and arrest declining ratings.
• Early social media buzz indicates that the season’s most viral moments are coming from emotional human stories, like blind pianist Eliza James, rather than gimmicks alone.
• These changes signal AGT's ongoing effort to modernize its format and appeal to younger audiences while maintaining the core elements that made the show a long‑running hit.