Spoilers ahead.
The results of Week 2 of the America’s Got Talent Season 21 quarterfinals are in. The key distinction is that Nene Royal did not wait for the semifinal results like the other contestants: Mel B gave Nene Royal a live Golden Buzzer during the performance, sending the act directly to the finale.
These results should be viewed separately as “three acts advancing to the semifinals” and “one act advancing directly to the finale.”
Nene Royal Advances Directly to the Finale
Nene Royal performed Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” during Week 2 of the quarterfinals, which aired on August 25, 2026. Mel B then pressed the live Golden Buzzer, confirming Nene Royal’s place in the Season 21 finale.
According to reports, Nene Royal is a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, Thailand. The official America’s Got Talent YouTube channel has published a clip of the performance.
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Three Acts Reaching the Semifinals Through the Viewer Vote
On the results broadcast aired August 26, 2026, Veronika Goroshkova, Come Here, and Geno Ploeger advanced to the semifinals based on the viewer vote.
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Nene Royal | Advanced directly to the finale with Mel B’s Golden Buzzer |
| Veronika Goroshkova | Advanced to the semifinals through the viewer vote |
| Come Here | Advanced to the semifinals through the viewer vote |
| Geno Ploeger | Advanced to the semifinals through the viewer vote |
Official clips identified Veronika Goroshkova as an aerial performer, Come Here as a dance act, and Geno Ploeger as a magic act.
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<iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/5WBlKFa4mro?rel=0&playsinline=1" title="Come Here’s AGT quarterfinal performance" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Seven Eliminated Acts and What Comes Next
The seven acts eliminated in Week 2 of the quarterfinals were LaRussell, Brad & Tracy, Patrox, Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, Bety, Mackenzie Sol, and Butter & Grit. Mackenzie Sol and Butter & Grit, both mentioned as Top 5 candidates before the results announcement, were not among the three acts ultimately advancing to the semifinals.
Simon Cowell was absent from this week’s broadcast. Related reports described the reason as back-related surgery or a medical procedure, and there is no basis for expanding on his condition beyond what has been confirmed.
TV Insider explained that two more weeks of quarterfinals remain, adding six semifinalists and two Golden Buzzer acts advancing to the finale.