Jesse White Tumblers Bow Out in ‘America’s Got Talent’ Quarterfinals, Founder Vows 2027 Return
Despite delivering a high-flying, crowd-pleasing routine that brought the entire studio audience to its feet, Chicago’s iconic Jesse White Tumblers have been eliminated from America’s Got Talent following the season’s first live quarterfinals round.
The results, revealed during Wednesday night’s broadcast, confirmed that the historic tumbling and stunt troupe fell just short of securing the viewer votes necessary to clinch one of the three available semifinal spots.
1. An Electrifying Routine and a Standing Ovation
The team’s live performance on Tuesday showcased an expansive setup featuring two parallel tumbling mats and non-stop, gravity-defying flips set to Jamiroquai’s hit “Canned Heat.”
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Founder on Stage: The routine featured a special live appearance from the organization’s 92-year-old founder, Jesse White, alongside performers as young as 8 years old.
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Judges’ Acclaim: The act drew unanimous praise from the judging panel and had the studio audience on their feet throughout the high-energy display.
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Narrow Elimination: The group advanced into the night’s top five contenders, competing directly against dog trainer Olivia Befus, visual act Royal Lasers, and rapper Luke Taleno before missing out on the final advancing slots.
2. Pride in Representation and a Promise to Return
In a statement following the results show, Jesse White expressed immense pride in the young acrobats and reaffirmed their long-term ambitions:
“I could not be prouder of these remarkable young men and women and how they represented our team, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois on a national stage. To advance as far as we did and perform before millions of people across the country and world is an accomplishment these young people will remember for the rest of their lives.”
White also made a clear pledge to bring the troupe back to the NBC stage in 2027: “We intend to come back next year, give it another shot and show America how high we can get without roots, herbs or spices. Thank you, America, for believing in the Jesse White Tumbling Team. We’ll see you again.”
3. Decades of Community Impact in Chicago
Founded by White in 1959 as a gymnastics initiative at East Garfield Park’s Rockwell Gardens housing development, the program has spent more than six decades steering Chicago youth toward positive paths.
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Ongoing Local Performances: While their national television run has concluded for the season, the Tumblers remain active across Illinois, coming off an appearance at the Bud Billiken Parade and preparing for upcoming routines at Halo Fest in Austin.
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Open Tryouts: The organization continues to hold regular auditions for boys and girls ages 6 to 16, hosting training sessions at Tuley Park in Chatham and the Jesse White Community Center on the Near North Side.
The second live quarterfinals round of America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. on NBC, streaming the following day on Peacock.