PASADENA, California, USA, August 26, 2026 — Magician Geno Ploeger secured a spot in the America’s Got Talent Season 21 semifinals Wednesday, the last of three acts revealed by host Terry Crews to advance out of the competition’s second quarterfinal round.
Ploeger, an Arizona State University senior double-majoring in acting and marketing, joined aerialist Veronika Goroshkova and dance group Come Here in moving on, defeating country duo Butter & Grit and singer Mackenzie Sol in the viewer vote. “You have no idea how much of a dream this has been to me,” Ploeger said. “Thank you so much, everyone who voted, thank you so much. I’m so excited to show everybody.” Judge Howie Mandel told Ploeger the moment captured what the AGT stage is about. “We get to witness the beauty, the magic, the talent of a young man getting to do what he’s dreamed to do all his life,” Mandel said.
For his quarterfinals routine, Ploeger built a storytelling act around his childhood, incorporating his parents and drawing on memories of practicing magic with household objects. His grandfather, who first inspired him to take up magic, watched from the audience. Judge Sofia Vergara said the performance reflected who Ploeger is as a performer.
Ploeger has cited Mat Franco’s 2014 “AGT” win as the spark for his own career, and he interned under Franco two years ago. He is based in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and is a two-time International Brotherhood of Magicians close-up champion.
Singer Nene Royal also advanced Wednesday, receiving Mel B’s Golden Buzzer for her performance of “Black Hole Sun” and moving directly into the finals. Seven quarterfinalists were eliminated: LaRussell, Bety, Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, Patrox, Mackenzie Sol, Brad & Tracy, and Butter & Grit.
Ploeger is the second of Season 21’s five magic and mentalism acts to have his fate decided. Mentalist duo James & Marina were eliminated in the first quarterfinal round, while magic group Hundred Fingers bypassed the semifinals entirely on a Golden Buzzer, advancing straight to the finals. Two more magic acts are still to come: close-up magician Kameron Marshall performs in the third quarterfinal round on September 1, and British duo Young & Strange close out the quarterfinals on September 8.
Ploeger will take the stage again during the semifinals, airing September 15 and 16, with a chance to earn a spot in the finals.
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