AGT Season 21: Who Could Win It All? Howie Mandel Says He Still Can’t Pick a Clear Favorite
America’s Got Talent Season 21 has officially entered the Live Shows, and even Howie Mandel isn’t sure who will walk away with the $1 million prize.
That may be the biggest sign yet that this season is wide open.
With 44 acts competing in the Live Shows, AGT has reached the stage where every performance matters. The auditions are over, the Judges’ Callbacks are finished, and now the fate of the remaining performers is increasingly in the hands of America’s voters.
And according to longtime Judge Howie Mandel, picking a clear winner this early is unusually difficult.
👀 Even Howie Mandel Can’t Pick a Clear Winner
Mandel has been judging America’s Got Talent since 2010, and he says he normally has a strong idea of who could win by the time the Live Shows arrive.
This season is different.
In a recent interview, Mandel admitted that he still doesn’t have a clear favorite to win the competition, despite having an impressive track record of predicting AGT winners.
He pointed to several performers who have caught his attention, including young rock singer Nene Royal and the innovative magic group Hundred Fingers.
That uncertainty could make Season 21 one of the most unpredictable AGT seasons in years.
🎸 Nene Royal Has Already Become a Breakout Star
One name that continues to attract attention is Nene Royal.
The 16-year-old singer from Phuket, Thailand became one of the season’s biggest viral acts after her powerful rock performances.
NBC has highlighted Nene as the most-watched audition of the season, while Entertainment Weekly reported that her Judges’ Callbacks performance drew more than 40 million views, according to Mandel.
Now Nene is preparing for one of the biggest moments of her AGT journey.
She is scheduled to perform during the second Live Quarterfinals on August 25, giving her another opportunity to prove that her viral popularity can translate into votes when the competition becomes much tougher.
✨ Hundred Fingers Already Has a Ticket to the Finals
Nene isn’t the only act Howie has singled out.
Magic group Hundred Fingers made a major impact during the first Live Quarterfinals.
After previously receiving Howie’s Golden Buzzer, the group returned with a dramatically expanded performance featuring additional spectacle and choreography.
Mandel ultimately used the Live Show Golden Buzzer on the group, sending Hundred Fingers directly to the Finals.
That means they don’t have to worry about surviving another public vote during the Quarterfinal stage.
But the competition is far from over.
🇺🇸 Now America Gets to Decide
The Live Shows have changed the equation.
During the Quarterfinals, performers must not only impress the Judges and the studio audience—they need to connect with viewers at home.
America’s votes determine which acts continue their journey, making every performance potentially career-changing.
The first Quarterfinal results already demonstrated how unpredictable the process can be. Three acts advanced through America’s vote, while another moved directly to the Finals through the Live Golden Buzzer.
Now the second group is ready to take the stage.
🔥 Who Should You Watch in Quarterfinals 2?
Nene Royal will be one of the biggest names to watch, but she isn’t alone.
The second Quarterfinal lineup includes performers such as Come Here, Mackenzie Sol, Geno Ploeger, LaRussell, Bety, Butter & Grit, Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, Brad & Tracy, Patrox, and Veronika Goroshkova.
That gives viewers a little bit of everything—from singers and musicians to magic, comedy, and specialty performances.
And with only a limited number of acts moving forward, there is very little room for mistakes.
🏆 Could Season 21 Produce a Surprise Winner?
That’s what makes this season so interesting.
At this point, there is no guaranteed winner.
A performer who wasn’t considered a favorite during the auditions could suddenly deliver the performance of the season.
A viral star could turn that online popularity into votes.
And an act that seemed like an underdog could become America’s next million-dollar champion.
Even Howie Mandel’s uncertainty is a reminder that AGT Season 21 is still wide open.
The next few weeks could completely change the rankings.
📺 When Is AGT Quarterfinals 2?
America’s Got Talent Season 21 — Quarterfinals 2
📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⏰ 8 p.m. ET/PT
📺 NBC
The Quarterfinals 2 results episode follows on Wednesday, August 26.
By then, America will have a better idea of which performers are truly emerging as contenders.
Who Do You Think Will Win AGT Season 21?
Is Nene Royal the season’s biggest breakout star?
Could Hundred Fingers become the ultimate champion?
Or is there another performer waiting to surprise everyone?
The Live Shows are here—and America has the final say.
Tell us in the comments: Who is your pick to win America’s Got Talent Season 21? 🇺🇸🔥
