The moment Guy Kelton Jones revealed what he planned to perform, many viewers likely assumed they knew exactly what was coming. Unlike singers, dancers, or viral novelty acts, spoken-word poets face a unique challenge on America’s Got Talent — winning over an audience in just a few minutes using nothing but their words

Guy Kelton Jones on 'America's Got Talent' 2026

America’s Got Talent is back on Tuesday, June 16 with their third episode of 2026. Within this episode, fans should expect to see various different acts taking the stage for the first time. One of the contestants taking the stage is Guy Kelton Jones, a spoken word poet from New York, who was raised in the south.

Spoken Word Poet to Take the America’s Got Talent Stage

All the AGT 21 Auditions in Episode 3: A Yes or an X? (RECAP)

Guy Kelton Jones is a spoken word poet hailing from New York. According to his bio on Rumble in The Jungle Rematch, he began performing poetry at the age of 4. He began writing poetry later, and started performing musical theater at the age of eight.

From his love of poetry, musical theater, and singing, be began traveling the world performing, writing and collaborating with different artists. He’s previously worked with The Floacist (Floetry), Fantastic Negrito, Talib Kweli, Saul Williams and many others.

Guy Kelton Jones I' Spoken Word Performance Gets An 11/10 From Simon  Cowell! | Auditions | AGT 2026

Guy Kelton Jones recently shared via Instagram that he’ll appear in the upcoming episode of America’s Got Talent. In the comments of his announcement video, AGT Winner Brandon Leake can be seen sharing his support of the fellow spoken word poet.

He Also Performs Gospel Music

Guy Kelton Jones - Survive To Be Black Men - YouTube

In a 2024 interview, Guy spoke on his experience bringing gospel music around the world. Since he grew up in the Black American Church, he brings those influences everywhere. He sees the church influence as all-encompassing in the history of gospel, blues, R&B and rock ‘n roll.

“In the Western hemisphere, there is no innovation, artistically speaking, that does not come from Black culture,” he said. “I was very lucky to grow up in Black American Church. It is an excellent training ground.”

Throughout his time as an artist in his lengthy career, he’s taken on the knack of being a jack of all trades. He sees Church as one of his biggest inspirations.

As a modern day artist, Guy prides himself as being an artist that speaks about contemporary issues. That being said, there are multiple things he won’t do in his art, like using the term “phobia,” since he thinks it’s misused. His music is “dedicated to uncovering and retelling concepts that have been misinterpreted, contributing to his peculiar sensitivity to Black Christian culture.”