Def Leppard Steals the Show with “Pour Some Sugar On Me” on AGT 2025
On August 20, 2025, the British rock legends Def Leppard took center stage during an episode of America’s Got Talent Season 20, delivering a powerful rendition of their classic hit, “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” The electrifying performance was broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock, bringing a high-energy moment to the live shows.
The appearance marked a much-anticipated return: Def Leppard had not performed on network television in the United States since May 2022, underscoring the significance of their AGT comeback. The band’s earlier AGT appearance occurred in September 2011, when they performed a medley of “Rock of Ages” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” making their 2025 return especially nostalgic.
News of the performance emerged earlier in the month. On August 6, 2025, Def Leppard confirmed via their social media platforms: “Excited to announce that Def Leppard will be performing on AGT Wednesday, August 20th! Save the date and watch on NBC.” The announcement immediately created a wave of anticipation among longtime fans and AGT viewers alike.
Although the episode aired on August 20, the performance itself was taped two days earlier, on August 18, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. That evening, the band recorded one or two songs that would air during the live shows, completing the session before 8:30 PM. This taping gave AGT’s production team time to perfect the broadcast.
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with its rich cultural history, provided a fitting stage. Known as the site of Michael Jackson’s first televised moonwalk in 1983, it has hosted many iconic moments. For Def Leppard, performing there as part of AGT’s milestone 20th season added to the significance of the occasion.
During the broadcast, host Terry Crews introduced the band with his usual enthusiasm and later asked lead singer Joe Elliott to share advice for the contestants. Elliott kept it short but impactful, telling them to “live your dream.” His words carried extra weight coming from a band that has lived out its dream for nearly five decades.
The performance also aligned with Def Leppard’s ongoing plans, as they continue to attract global attention. The band has a Las Vegas residency scheduled for February 2026 at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum, ensuring their presence remains strong on both television and in live arenas. AGT offered a perfect platform to remind audiences of these upcoming shows.
AGT’s Season 20 was already a ratings success before Def Leppard appeared, averaging nearly six million viewers per episode. The addition of a legendary rock band to the live shows only strengthened its appeal, creating a moment that resonated across generations of fans, despite the show’s traditionally older viewership demographic.
As part of the coverage, Joe Elliott spoke about how the band chooses its setlists. He described their system as sorting songs into A-, B-, and C-lists. The A-list contained “crown jewel” tracks like “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” which they almost always performed. This philosophy highlighted why the band continues to satisfy audiences night after night.
The personal stories of the band members also played a role in the night’s emotional impact. Guitarist Vivian Campbell, who has battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma for years, recently underwent a bone marrow transplant. Now in remission, his presence on stage symbolized resilience and strength, giving fans even more reason to cheer.
Def Leppard’s busy year added to the importance of this appearance. Their first 2025 concert was in January in Mexico, and they released a charity single—a cover of “Stand By Me.” The track supported FireAid and also appeared on the soundtrack of the Netflix film Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, showing their continued relevance beyond the stage.
The AGT showcase also gave the band a chance to remind fans of their future musical projects. While their 2022 album Diamond Star Halos was the most recent full release, speculation has circulated that a follow-up is already in development. Their AGT appearance reaffirmed that Def Leppard still has new music and performances on the horizon.
Featuring Def Leppard during AGT’s milestone 20th season live shows wasn’t just about nostalgia. It also emphasized how music competitions like AGT bridge generations by pairing young hopefuls with iconic artists. The performance highlighted the way classic rock can remain vibrant, relevant, and thrilling in modern mainstream television.
Social media buzz confirmed the impact. AGT’s official accounts shared clips and posts celebrating Def Leppard’s performance, sparking thousands of comments and reactions. Fans praised the energy of the band, with many remarking on how well Joe Elliott’s vocals and the band’s overall sound have held up over time.
For the contestants competing that night, sharing the stage with a band of Def Leppard’s stature offered motivation and inspiration. It reminded them that perseverance, passion, and authenticity can turn dreams into decades-long careers. The message was clear: greatness takes work, but it is within reach for those who believe.
Ultimately, Def Leppard’s performance of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” on America’s Got Talent was more than just a nostalgic flashback. It was a testament to endurance, artistry, and the timeless nature of rock music. The band’s presence energized both the audience in Pasadena and millions watching from home, cementing the night as one of the standout moments of AGT’s 20th season.
