The Wild Card is a concept that was introduced in Season 1 of America's Got Talent during the Semifinals. The judges can vote to send one of two acts, acts with the least amount of votes to be eligible for the next round, to the next round.
Seasons 1, 5, 6, and 7 devoted entire weeks to Wild Card acts. In Season 1, each act that came in 2nd place with the viewers during their Semifinals week was given a spot in the Wild Card week. Each judge selected two acts to join these four. In Seasons 5 through 7, each judge selected four acts to participate in the Wild Card week.
In Season 3, an act's withdrawal prompted the judges to select eight Wild Card acts as candidates to replace it; American viewers picked one of these acts to rejoin the competition. Subsequent seasons would bring back acts to replace acts who decided to withdraw.
In Season 4, the judges initially sent 40 acts to the Quarterfinals. When producer Simon Cowell expressed disappointment with the judges' decisions, he asked them to select 8 more acts as Wild Cards to join them.
In Season 8 and Season 9, each judge had one choice to send to the Semifinals.
In Season 10, four acts that were not selected to compete in the Judge Cuts returned for the Quarterfinals, and one act was selected by the Judges to return for the Semifinals.
From Season 11 to Season 13, the judges collectively selected three Wild Card acts (one of which did not perform in the Judge Cuts) for the Quarterfinals and one for the Semifinals.
In Season 14, all three Wild Card acts for the Quarterfinals were eliminated in the Judge Cuts instead of two.
In Season 17 and onwards, the four judges could nominate an act eliminated in the Semifinals for an Instant Save-style public vote, with the winner being sent to the Finals and turning the Top 10 into a Top 11.
Season 1[]
Each act that came in 2nd place with the viewers during their Semifinals week was given a spot in the Wild Card week. Each judge selected two acts to join these four.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round | Return Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nathan Burton Magician |
Semifinals | Semifinals | 2nd Place in America's Vote (Episode 109) |
 Bobby Badfingers Finger Snapper |
Semifinals | Semifinals | Piers's Choice |
 Jessica Sanchez Singer |
Semifinals (without Performing) |
Semifinals | Brandy's Choice |
 All That Clogging Group |
Semifinals | Semifinals | 2nd Place in America's Vote (Episode 105) |
 Corina Brouder Singer and Harpist |
Semifinals | Semifinals | David's Choice |
 David & Dania - Quick Change Quick Change Duo |
Semifinals | Semifinals | 2nd Place in America's Vote (Episode 111) |
 N'Versity Vocal Trio |
Semifinals | Semifinals | Piers's Choice |
 Natasha Le Pianist |
Semifinals | Semifinals | 2nd Place in America's Vote (Episode 107) |
 Alexis Jordan Singer |
Semifinals | Semifinals | Brandy's Choice |
 Leonid the Magnificent Novelty Act |
Semifinals | Semifinals | David's Choice |
Season 3[]
After a serious injury, Russian Bar Trio was forced to withdraw from the Quarterfinals. To fill the vacancy, the judges picked eight acts as Wild Card acts eligible for a single spot in the Quarterfinals. Voting was opened to America: Donald Braswell II would win the vote.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Dan Meyer Sword Swallower |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
 Donald Braswell II Opera Singer |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals |
 Junior and Emily Salsa Duo |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
 Kyle Rifkin Singer |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
 Lil Countrie and Page 1ne Dance Duo |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
 Miss Pussykatt Grinding Act |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
 Victoria Jacoby Contortionist |
Vegas Round (before Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
 Xclusive Dancer |
Vegas Round (Top 60) |
Quarterfinals (without Performing) |
Season 4[]
The judges initially sent 40 acts to the Quarterfinals, but when producer Simon Cowell expressed disappointment with the judges' decisions, he asked them to select 8 more acts as Wild Cards to join them.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 The Diva League Dance Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 Lake Houston Performing Arts Center Dance Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 SQ Entertainment Dance Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 Beale Street Flippers Acrobatic Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 Jay Mattioli Magician |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 U4RIA Dance Crew Dance Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 The Lollipop Girls Burlesque Dance Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
 Drew Stevyns Singer and Guitarist |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals |
Season 5[]
Each judge selected four acts to participate in the Wild Card week.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round | Return Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
 Kruti Dance Academy Dance Group |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 Rudi Macaggi Acrobat |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 CJ Dippa Rapper |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 RNG Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Harmonica Pierre Harmonica Player |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 Michael Grasso Magician |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 The Hot Shot Tap Dancers Tap Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Doogie Horner Comedian |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 Connor Doran Indoor Kite Flyer |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Anna and Patryk Ballroom Duo |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon Aerialists |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Swing Shift Side Show Sideshow Performers |
Withdrew (before Vegas Round) |
Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
Season 6[]
Each judge selected four acts to participate in the Wild Card week.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round | Return Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Kinetic King Kinetic Artist |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 Those Funny Little People Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Avery and the Calico Hearts Vocal Trio |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Seth Grabel Magician |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Shevonne Singer and Guitarist |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 West Springfield Dance Team Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 J. Chris Newberg Comedian |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Yellow Designs Stunt Team Stunt Bike Team |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Charles Peachock Juggler |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 The Fiddleheads Bluegrass Band |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Summerwind Skippers Jump Rope Group |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
 Landon Swank Magician |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Piers's Choice |
Season 7[]
Each judge selected four acts to participate in the Wild Card week.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round | Return Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
 Spencer Horsman Escape Artist |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howard's Choice |
 All That! Clogging Group |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Jarrett & Raja Magicians |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Jake Wesley Rogers Singer |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Cristin Sandu Balancing Acrobat |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Todd Oliver Ventriloquist |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howard's Choice |
 Bandbaz Brothers Acrobat Duo |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Sebastien "El Charro de Oro" Mariachi Singer |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Horse Nutshot Taker |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howard's Choice |
 Lindsey Norton Dancer |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Sharon's Choice |
 Andrew De Leon Opera Singer |
Vegas Round | Quarterfinals | Howie's Choice |
 Ben Blaque Crossbow Shooter |
Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | Howard's Choice |
Season 8[]
After Red Panda withdrew from the Quarterfinals, Melody Caballero was brought back to replace her. Each judge also selected an eliminated act to return for the Semifinals; coincidentally, Red Panda was one of these four acts.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round | Return Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
 Melody Caballero Contortionist |
Judgment Week | Quarterfinals | Replacement (for Red Panda) |
 Tone the Chiefrocca Rapper |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Mel B's Choice |
 Red Panda Unicyclist |
Withdrew (before Quarterfinals) |
Semifinals | Howie's Choice |
 Duo Resonance Acrobat Duo |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Heidi's Choice |
 Illusionist Leon Etienne and Romy Low Magicians |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Howard's Choice |
Season 9[]
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round | Return Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
 Flight Crew Jump Rope Jump Rope Group |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Heidi's Choice |
 Bad Boys of Ballet Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Mel B's Choice |
 Mike Super Mystifier |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Howie's Choice |
 Wendy Liebman Comedian |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Howard's Choice |
Season 10[]
After Duo Volta and Silvia Silvia withdrew from the Quarterfinals, Alondra Santos and DADitude! were brought back to replace them. Four acts that did not compete in the Judge Cuts also returned for the live shows. The judges also chose one act to return for the Semifinals.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Alondra Santos Mariachi Singer |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 DADitude! Dance Group |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Damone Rippy Flyboarder |
Before Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Showproject Gymnastics Team |
Before Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Metal Mulisha Fitz Army Motocross Team |
Before Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Craig and Micheline Dance Duo |
Before Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
Metal Mulisha Fitz Army Motocross Team |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
Season 11[]
The judges chose three acts (including one that did not perform in the Judge Cuts due to a injury) to return for the Quarterfinals and one act to return for the Semifinals.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 FLIP Dance Group |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Steven Brundage Magician |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Sila Sveta Videomapping Act |
Withdrew (before Judge Cuts) |
Quarterfinals |
 The Passing Zone Juggling Duo |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
Season 12[]
The judges chose three acts (including one that did not perform in the Judge Cuts) to return for the Quarterfinals and one act to return for the Semifinals.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Bello Nock Daredevil |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Final Draft Vocal Group |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Oskar and Gaspar Videomapping Act |
Before Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 The Pompeyo Family Dog Act |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
Season 13[]
The judges chose three acts (including one that did not perform in the Judge Cuts) to return for the Quarterfinals and one act to return for the Semifinals.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Human Fountains Novelty Act |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Daniel Emmet Opera Singer |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Front Pictures Multimedia Act |
Before Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
Front Pictures Multimedia Act |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
The Champions[]
For The Champions, the judges brought back two acts that were eliminated in the Preliminaries to participate in the Finals. Both finished in the Top 3 of their respective shows.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Darci Lynne Singing Ventriloquist |
Preliminary | Finals |
 Jon Dorenbos Magician |
Preliminary | Finals |
Season 14[]
The judges chose three acts to return for the Quarterfinals. Unlike the last three seasons, none of the acts were cut before Judge Cuts. Additionally, one act returned for the Semifinals.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Ansley Burns Singer |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 The Sentimentalists Mentalist Duo |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Matthew Richardson Aerialist |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Lukas & Falco Dog Act |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
Season 15[]
There were no standard Judge Cuts wildcards, but Broken Roots was brought back after Thomas Day withdrew. Two eliminated acts from the Quarterfinals returned for the Semifinals, one of which was Thomas Day.
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Broken Roots Vocal Duo |
Judge Cuts | Quarterfinals |
 Dance Town Family Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
 Thomas Day Singer |
Withdrew (before Quarterfinals) |
Semifinals |
Season 16[]
The judges could not choose a 36th Spot for the live show. As such, five acts were selected to perform in a Wild Card show to fill in for the spot, with one spot left in the last Quarterfinal round. Gigi Deluxe & Devon and Nightbirde withdrew after progressing to the Quarterfinals, though it is unknown who replaced them. Additionally, one eliminated act from the Quarterfinals returned for the Semifinals.
Wild Card show contestants[]
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Proceeded to Quarterfinals | |
| Eliminated |
 Matt Mauser Singer |
 Storm Large Singer |
 Mike Goodwin Comedian |
 Patrick Kun Magician |
 Dylan Zangwill Singer and Keyboardist |
Other[]
| Act | Elimination Round | Return Round |
|---|---|---|
 Beyond Belief Dance Company Dance Group |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals |
Season 17[]
The judges could not choose a 55th spot for the live show. As such, four acts were chosen to face a public vote, with the winner going on to participate in the fifth Semifinal episode.
Additionally, the four judges each nominated an act eliminated in the Semifinals for an Instant Save-style public vote during Episode 1719. The winner would advance to the Finals, turning the Top 10 into a Top 11.
Wild Card contenders[]
For the Semifinals[]
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Moved On | |
| Eliminated |
 Auzzy Blood Danger Act |
 Ben Waites Singer |
 Debbii Dawson Singer and Guitarist |
 Jordan Conley Comedian |
For the Finals[]
 Lily Meola Singer (Nominated by Heidi) |
 Don McMillan Comedian (Nominated by Howie) |
 Players Choir Choir (Nominated by Simon) |
 Celia Muñoz Ventriloquist (Nominated by Sofia) |
Season 18[]
The four judges each nominated an act eliminated in the Semifinals for an Instant Save-style public vote during Episode 1819. The winner would advance to the Finals, turning the Top 10 into a Top 11.
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Moved On | |
| Eliminated |
 Herwan Legaillard Sword Swallower (Nominated by Heidi) |
 Avantgardey Dance Group (Nominated by Howie) |
 Chioma & The Atlanta Drum Academy Percussion Group (Nominated by Simon) |
 Gabriel Henrique Singer (Nominated by Sofia) |
Trivia[]
- No act that received a Wild Card has won a season, but All That and Broken Roots have made the Top 3 in Seasons 1 and 15, with the latter finishing as the runner-up.
- Season 2 and Season 19 are two seasons so far to lack a Wild Card aspect.
- All That! is the only act who has received a Wild Card in two different seasons.
- Metal Mulisha Fitz Army and Front Pictures are the only two acts to receive two Wild Cards in the same season. They got both the Wild Card for the Quarterfinals (both acts bypassed the Judge Cuts) and the Semifinals.
- Daniel Emmet is the only act to receive all three of a Wild Card, an Instant Save and a Judges' Choice win in the same season.
- Red Panda and Thomas Day are the only Semifinal Wild Cards that did not perform in the Quarterfinals.
- Since the format change in Season 10, Thomas Day is the first Wild Card act to skip two rounds of competition as well as the first singing act to receive a Wild Card in the semifinals.