08/20/2026
Statement from Jesse White
Founder of the Jesse White Tumbling Team
Regarding America’s Got Talent
August 20, 2026
(Background: During the Wednesday, Aug. 19 episode America’s Got Talent, the Jesse White Tumbling Team received the necessary votes to advance to the top five of the quarterfinals; they did not, however, advance to the semifinals, which were selected by the top three vote-getters of the five.)
“While we are disappointed that the Jesse White Tumbling Team will not advance to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent, 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. They showed America what the Jesse White Tumbling Team has always been about since its founding 67 years ago: hard work, discipline, teamwork and young people striving to be their very best.
I want to thank everyone from Chicago, throughout Illinois and across the country who watched, voted, sent messages and supported our team throughout this incredible journey. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and it means more to our young people and our entire organization than you can imagine.
This may be the end of our journey on America’s Got Talent this year, but it is not the end of our story. We are proud of how far we came, proud of every young person who represented our program, and grateful to America’s Got Talent for giving us this extraordinary opportunity.
And we’re not finished. 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.”
--Jesse White
