Comedian Nikki Glaser joined the judges’ panel as a guest judge for the Judges’ Callbacks round of America’s Got Talent [1].
The addition of guest judges to the callbacks round represents a strategic shift in the show's format to discover new talent and provide diverse perspectives during the selection process [2].
Filming for the round took place on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2024, at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, California [3]. Glaser joined the production after regular judge Howie Mandel texted her to ask if she would participate [2].
This season, known as Season 21 [1], has introduced a twist involving six celebrity guest judges [4]. These guests supplement the four regular judges on the panel, which includes Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B [1].
The collaboration with the Laugh Factory provided a specific venue for the interviews and filming of the callbacks. Producers said that the guest judges were brought in to shake up the established format of the competition [2].
While the regular panel provides continuity for the series, the inclusion of guest stars like Glaser allows the show to tap into different areas of expertise, such as stand-up comedy, during the critical callback phase.
“Nikki Glaser joined the judges’ panel as a guest judge for the Judges’ Callbacks round”
The integration of external celebrity judges into the callback phase suggests that the producers of America’s Got Talent are seeking to modernize the show's discovery process. By utilizing venues like the Laugh Factory and recruiting specific talent through personal networks, the series is moving toward a more curated, industry-driven approach to vetting contestants before they reach the live stages.
