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Season guide

America's Got Talent: Season 11

23 episodes Premiered May 31, 2016 Updated Sep 25, 2026

In season 11, Simon Cowell joins the judges panel alongside Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel. Nick Cannon is back as host, and the series returns to Los Angeles this summer, with live shows broadcast from the famed Dolby Theatre.

Previously on America's Got Talent

Season 11 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of America's Got Talent Season 10.
  • ⚡ Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
  • ⚡ Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
  • ⚡ Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.

Season overview

In season 11, Simon Cowell joins the judges panel alongside Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel. Nick Cannon is back as host, and the series returns to Los Angeles this summer, with live shows broadcast from the famed Dolby Theatre.

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Season 11 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 11 Progress Shield

Future titles & synopses blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any card to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 11: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

13%
87%
Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (20): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S11·E1 Mytharc

Auditions Week 1

May 31, 2016 · 85 min

The auditions begin with creator and executive producer Simon Cowell at the judges table alongside Heidi Klum, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and host, Nick Cannon. The Golden Buzzer is back

S11·E2 Core

Auditions Week 2

Jun 7, 2016 · 85 min

The laughs, cries and gasps continue as more incredible and incredibly wacky acts take the stage in the hopes of making it to the next round.

S11·E3 Core

Auditions Week 3

Jun 14, 2016 · 85 min

More emotional, jaw-dropping and hilarious acts give their all for the judges. Another performance garners a coveted Golden Buzzer.

S11·E4 Core

Auditions Week 4

Jun 21, 2016 · 85 min

Simon, Howie, Heidi and Mel B judge another round of awe-inspiring acts - and the notoriously tough Simon finally uses his Golden Buzzer!

S11·E5 Core

Auditions Week 5

Jun 28, 2016 · 85 min

The fun never stops as the judges see a new slew of diverse and inspiring talents.

S11·E7 Core

Best of Auditions

Jul 6, 2016 · 85 min

Nick Cannon hosts a special recap of the moments that left America speechless during the auditions. Never before seen footage is also revealed as we get ready to head into the judg

S11·E8 Core

Judge Cuts, Night 1

Jul 12, 2016 · 85 min

Superstar Ne-Yo joins America's Got Talent as a guest judge for the first round of Judge Cuts.

S11·E9 Core

Judge Cuts, Night 2

Jul 13, 2016 · 85 min

Country superstar Reba McEntire joins America's Got Talent as a guest judge for the second round of Judge Cuts.

S11·E10 Core

Judge Cuts, Night 3

Jul 19, 2016 · 85 min

The judges push their favorite acts through to the top 36. Guest judge George Lopez takes control of the Golden Buzzer.

S11·E11 Core

The Judge Cuts 4

Jul 19, 2016 · 85 min

The fun and surprises keep coming on the final night of Judge Cuts before the live shows. Louis Tomlinson of One Direction joins as a guest judge.

S11·E18 Core

Semifinals 1

Aug 30, 2016 · 85 min

The first 11 of the remaining 21 acts perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America.

S11·E19 Core

Semifinals Results 1

Aug 30, 2016 · 85 min

Only 5 of the previous night's performers will move on to the Finals. Tonight, viewers will have one last chance to send their favorite act to the Finals by using Google Instant Sa

S11·E20 Core

Semifinals 2

Sep 6, 2016 · 85 min

The last 11 of the remaining 22 acts perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America.

S11·E21 Core

Semifinals Results 2

Sep 7, 2016 · 85 min

Only 5 of the previous night's performers will move on to the Finals.

S11·E22 Mytharc

Live Finale

Sep 13, 2016 · 85 min

The top 10 acts compete one last time live at the Dolby Theatre for a chance to win the $1 million prize and be voted the most talented act in America

S11·E23 Mytharc

Live Finale Results

Sep 14, 2016 · 85 min

Host Nick Cannon reveals who America chose as the $1 million winner. This 2-hour season finale will feature special guest performers and not-to-be-missed surprises.

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