Welcome to Pure America’s Got Talent

It’s always nice to take a look into what some of the past winners of America’s Got Talent are doing now. Bianca Ryan pretty much set the bar for young singers when she stepped onto America’s Got Talent. Looks like she’s still pretty active and performed at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in the V theatre according to her website amongst other performances.

Her debut album is out and here are links to Bianca Ryan’s music on iTunes. Pretty amazing that a girl so young is listed on iTunes. That still baffles me.
And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going sung by Bianca Ryan

I Believe I Can Fly sung by Bianca Ryan

Why Couldn’t It Be Christmas Every Day? sung by Bianca Ryan

The Rose sung by Bianca Ryan

Superstar sung by Bianca Ryan

You Light Up My Life sung by Bianca Ryan

Dream In Color sung by Bianca Ryan

I Wish That sung by Bianca Ryan

Awake sung by Bianca Ryan

I Will sung by Bianca Ryan

Pray for a Better Day sung by Bianca Ryan

Pure and Simple sung by Bianca Ryan

That’s Not Me That’s Not Me – Single Bianca Ryan

Turns out that Bianca Ryan is also on Twitter. I’m sure that many of you don’t know about Twitter, but I’m on there as well under the name TVBlog. Feel free to follow me on twitter, in my America’s Got Talent RSS feed or in your email.

Today, America’s Got Talent just launched a new audition website with all the details you’ll ever want to know about auditioning for America’s Got Talent. I just posted the email I received about the LA America’s Got Talent Auditions, but it looks like this website has all of the information you’ll need. Plus, if you didn’t get the email, then go and register now so that you can get the email also.

They also have a list of audition cities:
LOS ANGELES
January 29TH – 31st.
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA

COMING NEXT
ATLANTA
FEBRUARY 7TH – 8TH
Location TBD

WASHINGTON, D.C.
FEBRUARY 13TH- 14TH
Location TBD

CHICAGO
MARCH 1ST- 2ND
LOCATION TBD

AND COMING SOON…
Austin
Boston
Miami
New York City
Seattle

If none of those cities work for you, remember that you can always upload an America’s Got Talent video submission on that same website. Not as good as the open casting call, but at least everyone has the possibility of being on the show.

Well, I just got an email today giving details about the America’s Got Talent LA auditions. If you registered on the nbc.com/agt (like I suggested previously) then you should have gotten this email as well. It looks like they are requiring the email in order to audition or at least that they’ll be giving priority access to the auditions for those who registered their email on the site.

Below I’ll post a copy of the email I received for those that might be interested in the details of the audition process since it will probably be the same for America’s Got Talent 5 (Yes, I am assuming they get renewed for another season).

One Other Important Note: This website does not represent NBC, America’s Got Talent or anyone related to the show. This is purely a fan site with no legal connection to the show itself. Therefore, take the information as you may.

America's Got Talent Logo

Congratulations Stevie!!

We are writing you with details of your audition for America’s Got Talent! By pre-registering to audition, you have already taken your first steps to becoming our million-dollar winner, and America’s next greatest star! Please read this entire document for crucial information about your audition.

We have you confirmed to audition in:

Audition City: Los Angeles
Location Los Angeles Convention Center (Do Not Contact the Venue)
Concourse Meeting Rooms
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Date: January 29, 2009
Time: 8 am
Please make sure you bring this email with you!

• Please note your session group time above. This is the time you must show up for your audition. There will be many other contestants in each ‘session group’ and people will be seen on a ‘first come first serve’ basis.
• Please go to the “paperwork” section of AGTauditions.com and download the ”Audition Information and Personal Release form.” Read it, sign it and bring the paperwork with you. Each member of a group must have their own set of completed forms.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

US Citizens & Permanent Residents Only: Contestants must be able to prove BEFORE they can audition that they are either a US citizen, legal permanent resident of the US, or possess a current legal visa allowing you to seek employment freely in the US (not merely a visa that allows you to work for one particular employer). Bring your proving documentation with you.

Photo ID: All contestants will be required to present a photo ID. Minor contestants may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with a photo AND a birth certificate). If the contestant is too young to have a photo ID, then the parent or guardian should present a photo ID & the child’s birth certificate that includes the parents name with the child’s name on the certificate.

Under 18: Contestants under 18 must have permission from their parents or legal guardian to audition AND must be accompanied by one of their parents or their legal guardian. If the parents or legal guardian is unable to attend, and is allowing the minor to attend the audition under the supervision of a third-party (such as a coach), you must do two things:

1) Download and complete the Guardianship and Medical Authorization for Minors form from the “paperwork” section of AGTauditions.com and get it NOTARIZED by a notary public (typically at banks or mailing stores, or search your local directory) and bring it with you on the day of your audition.

2) The parent or guardian must designate the third-party specifically on the Personal Release, with a special signature by the parents or legal guardian and the third-party (see page 4 of the Personal Release).

All the paperwork can be found in the “paperwork” section of our web site AGTauditions.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AUDITION:
• There will be roving cameras interviewing contestants, their families and supporters inside and outside the audition venues, so dress to impress for your NBC primetime debut. If possible, you should arrive in the outfit or costume you plan to wear for your audition. Do not wear clothing with logos, including sports teams, designer names, or company logos. Contestants, friends, and family members wearing logos will be asked to cover or remove the articles of clothing. In addition, please do not wear clothing with thin stripes or anything predominately white unless it is a costume piece, due to issues with how they look on camera.
• As part of the show we will shoot several group shots with everyone including a welcome to each city, so be prepared to spend some time outside. We suggest you wear layers should the weather be cold, but please, when possible, try not to wear big coats, scarves and hats because they tend to cover your face. Favor brighter colors over drab dark ones and ask your family and friends to do the same. This is your chance to stand out.
• Water will be made available, but please bring snacks as the audition process will take several hours.
• You will be given up to 1 minute and 30 seconds to audition. Please keep in mind that this is YOUR opportunity to show us your talent, so please come prepared. Producers reserve the right to modify allotted times for auditions at their sole discretion.
• Please walk into the audition room ready to perform. No extensive set up will be permitted. If your act requires extensive set up, please bring a DVD of your performance for the producers to review during your audition.
• Bands will only be able to play acoustically for the initial audition. It is highly recommended if you do not typically play acoustically to bring a DVD of you performing and we will watch it there with you.
• At the producers’ discretion, singers without instruments may be asked to perform a capella, so be prepared to sing without a backing track. If you sing and dance or are a variety act you may use a track. We will have a CD player to play any music you may need during your audition. Please bring a spare copy of the CD in case the first does not work.
• If your act uses music (singer, dancer, band, group, musician, variety performer) we strongly advise you to pick music that is VERY well known. You should think top 40, Pop, R&B, current radio hits, and classics from any musical genre. Also, please be aware that it is exceptionally rare for the judges to put anyone through if they perform original material. Unless your act is so unique (a performance artist, for example) we would advise against performing your own material.
• For those needing a keyboard we will make reasonable efforts to provide one for you in the audition room. (Usually a Yamaha Motif-8 keyboard.)

We are looking forward to seeing your talent and we encourage you to bring at least 2 people with you to cheer you on and share your America’s Got Talent experience. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW Please see AGTauditions.com for the latest information and audition tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do on audition day?
Once you have your wristband, which will be given out while you are in line, you and your guests, when permitted, will be brought into our holding area where you will be allocated an audition room. If you lose your wristband, you will go to the end of the line, so don’t lose them – NO EXCEPTIONS.

What happens if I am late for the auditions?
Everyone MUST show up for the audition on the scheduled day no later than the time instructed by the Producer. If you are late, you may not have a chance to audition. Audition start and/or finish time is at the discretion of the Producer. Auditions are first come-first serve.

Do you charge for the auditions?
No. Auditions are free. Wristbands are free. You just have to be physically present to get one, have the proper paperwork as listed above, and you cannot audition without one.

How long will I be waiting to audition?
The session time is the time when you are supposed to line up. The lines may be long. You maybe we asked to do interviews or other shots for the show. It could be a full day commitment and you may be outside waiting for part of the time, therefore you should dress accordingly. You are free to bring some drinks or food.

What should I NOT bring with me to the auditions?
The list of prohibited items below is not exhaustive and even if an item is not listed below, the producers and security reserve the right to ask you to remove any such item from the venue. People in possession of prohibited items will be denied admission to the line and to the venue, and may be subject to immediate disqualification. All bags are subject to search.

• Coolers of any kind unless for medical reasons
• Fireworks
• Props that must be used with fire
• Video cameras or camcorders of any kind
• Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, “army knives” or Swiss Army-type knives, and all swords)
• Illicit drugs or alcohol
• Cameras
• Audio recording devices

We are sorry but during this first round of auditions we cannot have fire, swords or other sharp objects at this venue. If you have prop swords, knifes, or other props that appear dangerous but are not, please alert the staff, and we will try to accommodate you. Also there will not be rigging for aerial acts. However if you are chosen to go to the second round you will be able to use your props, fire and have the option of rigging, if approved in advance by Producers. Please bring a DVD of your act if your act does include these elements.

If I have an animal act, what do I need to bring?
If you have an animal act — please go to the “paperwork” section of our web site, AGTauditions.com and fill out the animal questionnaire. . You must indicate the type of animals you will be performing with so we can make the appropriate arrangements on our end. Each state has different rules and regulations for performing animals, so email us back the form as soon as possible. You also must bring paperwork to prove the animals’ inoculations are up to date.

After the audition, when will I hear if I have been selected for the show?
You may be asked to do your audition a second time for our producers. However, you will not know when you leave your audition if you will be selected to perform for the judges later in the year. All auditions are taped and producers will review these tapes and make selections. Only those contestants that have been selected will be contacted.

What happens in the next round?
The next round will involve you auditioning in front of our celebrity judges. The show will be taped in a local theater in front of a live audience and we will let you know the date as far in advance as possible. If you don’t make it to the next round but would like to come and be part of the theater audience, you can get free tickets by logging on to www.NBC.com/agt.

What if you didn’t answer my question?
Please visit our audition web site at AGTauditions.com for more information or feel free to email us at americasgottalent@fremantlemedia.com

**PRODUCER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE AN AUDITION TO ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ACT FOR ANY REASON OR NO REASON AT ALL, AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE PRODUCER. DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

In one of Piers finest (and jerkiest) moments on the show, he buzzes the plate spinning Liang Patti at the most opportune time. Her reaction after almost makes you cry for her. I’d love to see Liang do this live. I can’t imagine spinning 1 pate on a stick. Forget about spinning 8 at the same time. Ok, enjoy this flashback to season 2 of America’s Got Talent:

I’m always interested in the music that is used on America’s Got Talent. I believe that the song Liang Patti used is called Farfraes Dance by Tom Toomey from South Africa Classical Gas by Mason Williams. I’m not 100% sure, but you can also listen to Tom Toomey and the Monfi Casts perform it live in this video:

I’ve started going through some of the blog posts I’d started and never finished and I came upon some great insights from Jessica Price about her experience participating on America’s Got Talent. I should say that Jessica Price was my favorite from the start, but this interview just added to my fandom.

The following excerpts are from this interview:

She considers the “amazing” experience her most personally challenging, she said.

It didn’t make it any easier that the producers “kind of pick out everything for you,” she said.

She didn’t choose her wardrobe. And she chose the songs she performed each week from three that were selected for her. Two of the songs were “songs they knew you wouldn’t pick anyway,” Price said with a smile.

“I wasn’t able to be me,” she reflected.

One more that was pretty interesting to think about:

“It’s weird having tons of fans and not having anything to give them,” she said. “I’m excited to make a CD so that they can … have something.”

I’m currently working with a couple people close to Jessica Price to try and get an update on what she’s been doing since America’s Got Talent.

Until then, sign up to audition for Season 4 of AGT so that I can be writing about you next.

Dang, I wrote this post a few months ago and planned on posting it just before Christmas. Oh well, Christmas has past, but I still think it’s fun to see what Julienne Irwin has been up to since AGT. Kenny Rogers Christmas is pretty big.

Julienne Irwin sings a Christmas Classic, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, on The Kenny Rogers 2007 Christmas Tour

Julienne Irwin performs The First Noel on The Kenny Rogers 2007 Christmas tour

Many of you that are fans of Britain’s Got Talent will be familiar with the name: Faryl Smith. She was one of Simon Cowell’s favorite singers on the show and for good reason. One of my readers updated me on what’s happening with Faryl Smith since Britain’s Got Talent. Check out this video where Faryl Smith signs a record deal with Katherine Jenkins for Universal Classics and Jazz:

It’s also worth visiting Faryl’s website to see some beautiful shots of her. The people at Universal did a great job with that. Also, you can pre-order Faryl Smith’s debut album on Amazon.

For those of you who missed her on Britain’s Got Talent, here’s some videos of Faryl Smith on BGT:

Part 2 of Faryl Smith on Britain’s Got Talent:

Looks like Britain’s Got Talent was a good start for Faryl.

In my ongoing series of possible America’s Got Talent contestants, here’s a video of Angelle Walts performing. Let Angelle and her mom know what you think of her performance.

Leave a comment or info on the Contact Us page if you’re interested in having your act featured on Pure America’s Got Talent. A few more entries and we’ll hold a little Pure America’s Got Talent contest of our own.

Similar to my previous post showing Pia Mia’s singing talent, I’ve got another nice batch of videos of someone looking to audition for America’s Got Talent.

Beth, has pointed me to a number of great videos introducing 13 year old Casey’s singing to the world. Feel free to let Beth know which of Casey’s videos she should use for her America’s Got Talent audition video and any constructive feedback you can offer Casey.

Casey Singing “I’ll Stand By You”

Casey Singing “That’s How You Know”

Casey’s possible America’s Got Talent Audition video

You can also see Casey’s video channel on YouTube for more videos of her singing.

Which one is your favorite? Mine is definitely Casey singing “I’ll Stand By You.”

In my post about the America’s Got Talent auditions, I’ve asked for people to submit videos of their talent so we could all see the talent before they go and win America’s Got Talent. Then, we can say we knew them back before they were famous. I also hope that we can provide them some valuable feedback on their talent before they go in front of Piers and company.

Angela, took me up on my offer and pointed me to a couple videos of her 12 year old daughter Pia Mia. She’s a beautiful little girl with a big voice. Let Pia Mia’s mom know what you think of her talent in the comments.

Pia Mia performing “A Moment Like This”

Pia Mia performing “All I Want for Christmas”

Thanks for sharing your daughter with us. Pia Mia definitely has talent. I hope we get to see her on the next season of America’s Got Talent.