AGT 2026: 10 interesting facts to know
America's Got Talent (AGT) will unveil its Season 21 winner on the finale's second night, following a show that showcased 10 acts, including a dancing dog group, a robot dance crew, and other unique performers. This marks the first time all season that the creator of the show, Simon Cowell, will not be present to witness the event.
Due to his absence since August, recuperating from back surgery related to a 2020 e-bike accident, YouTube sensation KSI will replace him, alongside judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B.
The finale features the following finalists: Acro Canine Crew, Come Here, Geno Ploeger, Hundred Fingers, Lai Noelle, Nene Royal, Olivia Befus, Royal Lasers, Unitree, and Veronika Goroshkova. Viewers can participate in voting through NBC's website, the AGT app, or TikTok, with each method allowing up to 10 votes.
In its 21st season, AGT has several interesting facts. The show originated in the UK as Britain's Got Talent but was adapted for American audiences by Simon Cowell in 2006. It holds a Guinness World Record for being the most successful reality TV format, with 59 iterations in 58 countries. The $1 million prize is actually paid out over 40 years, amounting to $25,000 annually, or a lump sum alternative.
The youngest champion, Bianca Ryan, won Season 1 at age 11, still holding the record. The oldest winner, Richard Goodall, was 55. The 20th season saw Jessica Sanchez, who first appeared as a child and later won after returning as a pregnant woman. The Golden Buzzer, introduced in 2014, became a significant tool for advancing contestants to the live shows in the subsequent season.
Magician Mat Franco became the first magician to win in Season 9, and Shin Lim is the only act to have won the competition twice. Two dog acts, Acro Canine Crew and Olivia Befus, vie for the title this year. Notably, one audition has garnered 124 million views on YouTube, belonging to Kenichi Ebina's robotic dance routine from Season 8. The Season 21 winner will be revealed on the results show at 9 pm ET on NBC, or 6:30 am IST Thursday.
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