Carlisle OH
8-23-2026 9:45pm

From Carlisle High to AGT: Luke-Michael Baker Competes for America’s Vote Tuesday

Photo from Butter and Grit Instagram

CARLISLE, OH -- When millions of viewers tune in to “America’s Got Talent” Tuesday night, Warren County residents will have a hometown connection to one of the acts competing for America’s vote.

Luke-Michael Baker, a 2019 graduate of Carlisle High School, is one half of the Nashville-based country-soul duo Butter & Grit, which will take the stage during the second live quarterfinal round of Season 21.

The show airs Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 8 to 10 p.m. on NBC, and this time viewers will have a say in whether Baker and his musical partner, Laurel Taylor, continue their journey on one of television’s biggest talent competitions.

For those who remember Baker from his days at Carlisle High School, performing is nothing new.

During the 2018-19 school year, Baker earned an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play honor from the Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards for his portrayal of George Wilson in Carlisle High School’s production of The Great Gatsby.

Years later, the Carlisle performer who once took the stage before local audiences is now performing before millions.

Baker, who performs professionally as Luke Michael, continued pursuing music after high school. An ArtsWave artist profile describes him as a small-town Ohio native and singer-songwriter whose journey included studying at Berklee College of Music and auditioning for Season 22 of “American Idol.” According to the profile, Baker received yes votes from Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and advanced to Hollywood Week.

His musical journey eventually led to Butter & Grit.

The Nashville duo pairs Baker with singer-songwriter and producer Laurel Taylor. Butter & Grit describes its sound as a combination of country, soul, gospel, blues and hip-hop influences, with an emphasis on original songs and storytelling.

Butter & Grit first caught the “America’s Got Talent” judges’ attention with their original song “Sweet South.” The performance earned four yes votes from judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara and moved the duo forward in the competition.

Their path to the live shows included one more hurdle.

Butter & Grit was selected for the new Judges’ Callbacks round and traveled to Mel B’s home in Leeds, England, where the duo performed another original song, “God Knew.” Mel B ultimately selected Butter & Grit to advance to the live quarterfinals.

Now the decision moves from the judges to viewers.

For Carlisle and Warren County residents, Tuesday’s performance offers an opportunity to support a performer whose path to the national stage includes a familiar starting point — Carlisle High School.

The results of Tuesday’s voting will be announced during the “America’s Got Talent” results show Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m. on NBC.

HOW TO VOTE FOR BUTTER & GRIT

Voting opens Tuesday at the start of the live show and closes Wednesday at 7 a.m. Eastern time, according to NBC. Voting is available to eligible viewers in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Online: Go to NBC’s official “America’s Got Talent” voting page, sign in or create a free NBCUniversal profile, select Butter & Grit and submit your votes. Vote for Butter & Grit on NBC

AGT App: Download or open the official “America’s Got Talent” app, sign in and select Butter & Grit when voting opens. NBC allows voters to assign up to 10 votes through the voting interface.

TikTok: Season 21 also offers voting through the official @AGT TikTok account. Look for the official “Vote Here” post and comment Butter & Grit. Up to 10 separate voting comments may be submitted on the designated post.

For those wanting to rally behind a hometown performer, Tuesday night is the night to watch — and vote.


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