America’s Got Talent Season 21 entered another crucial stage on September 1, as 11 acts returned to the live stage for Quarterfinals 3 with only a handful of spots left in the competition.
The stakes were especially high because only four acts from the night can advance. One contestant would receive the Live Golden Buzzer and move directly into the Finals, while America’s vote would determine the three additional performers heading to the Semifinals.
With Simon Cowell temporarily away while undergoing a back-related medical procedure, Kenan Thompson stepped into his seat alongside Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B for the third quarterfinal round.
Thompson also received one of the night’s biggest responsibilities: choosing the Live Golden Buzzer recipient. After watching the performances, he ultimately sent 14-year-old singer Lai Noelle straight into the Finals following her emotional interpretation of Elton John’s “Your Song.”
That decision immediately changed the competition for the remaining ten acts. Lai no longer needed America’s votes, leaving everyone else fighting for just three Semifinal positions.
Among the performers still relying on viewers were aerial duo Holland & Sienna, singer Isaac Atkins, magician Kameron Marshall, comedian Daniel Alvarez, singer Pynk Beard and several other acts representing very different kinds of talent.
Some performances earned almost universal praise from the judges. Holland & Sienna impressed with their dangerous aerial routine, while Kameron Marshall attempted an enormous card trick involving members of the entire theater audience.
Daniel Alvarez also produced one of the strongest reactions of the evening, with Thompson offering particularly high praise for his comedy performance. Meanwhile, Pynk Beard closed the show with an original song that received an enthusiastic response from the panel.
But positive comments from the judges no longer guarantee anything at this stage of the competition. With the Golden Buzzer already used, the fate of the remaining contestants rests largely with viewers.
Fans were allowed to vote following Tuesday night’s performances, with voting remaining open until Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. ET. Season 21 also introduced additional voting options, including a new TikTok voting method alongside the show’s established voting platforms.
The results will be revealed during the September 2 live results show, when Terry Crews announces the three acts receiving enough support to continue into the Semifinals. Everyone else from the group will see their AGT journey come to an end.
With Lai Noelle already safely in the Finals and ten very different performers competing for only three remaining spots, Quarterfinals 3 has become one of the season’s toughest voting decisions yet — and this time, the judges can offer opinions, but America ultimately decides who stays.
