Welcome to Pure America's Got Talent

I just got the official press release from NBC and Fremantle Media announcing Howard Stern as the new judge on America’s Got Talent.

This announcement is going to anger a lot of America’s Got Talent fans. I know since after I first posted about Howard Stern possibly replacing Piers Morgan as an America’s Got Talent judge I got a bunch of backlash from readers of this site. The most common response was, “I will not watch America’s Got Talent if Howard Stern is judge.”

I certainly appreciate the sentiment. America’s Got Talent has broad appeal across a large spectrum of ages and has generally (with a few exceptions) been a pretty family friendly show. Howard Stern represents the opposite of family friendly for most people. Maybe that’s the intent of the producers. There’s little doubt that Howard Stern as judge will make quite a splash with the media. AGT and Simon Cowell seem to enjoy a little bit of controversy.

For me personally, I’m still going to watch America’s Got Talent. I don’t like most of what Howard Stern represents either, but I wasn’t fond of Jerry Springer’s show either and I was amazed at how different Jerry was on America’s Got Talent compared to his show. Audiences loved Jerry. I’m not sure Howard will have the same sort of friendly transformation as Jerry had, but I’m willing to give him a chance.

The move of the America’s Got Talent live shows to New York is pretty interesting too. I’m sure it was to accommodate Howard Stern’s schedule. I’m not sure where the live shows are taped will matter much to viewers of the show. Although, it looks like my dream of finally attending a live show taping probably won’t happen. The trip to NY is a lot farther from Las Vegas than LA was.

Here’s the official press release from NBC:

12/15/2011 08:40

NBC ANNOUNCES HOWARD STERN AS THE NEW JUDGE ON THE TOP-RATED SUMMER COMPETITION SERIES “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” AS IT HEADS INTO SEASON SEVEN

Series Finds a New Home as Production of the Live Shows Moves to New York

Auditions for Season Seven Continue Around the Country

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – December 15, 2011 – NBC announced today that Howard Stern, American radio personality, television host and author, will serve as the new judge on the top-rated summer alternative series “America’s Got Talent,” produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Television.

Stern will provide his feedback on the colorful array of hopeful future stars who are currently auditioning in major cities around the country for the show’s upcoming seventh season.

Production of the live shows of “America’s Got Talent” also will be moving to New York, where Stern will continue to helm his SiriusXM radio program.

The announcement was made by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

“Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer,” said Telegdy. “He’s a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

Stern helped to transform American radio and put syndicated satellite radio on the map on SiriusXM. As the outspoken, unedited and headline-grabbing host of “The Howard Stern Show” radio program, Stern was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2005 and became a pop-culture icon with a massive loyal fan base. Since 1987, he has hosted numerous television shows, record-breaking pay-per-view events and home video releases. He also embarked on a five-month political campaign for governor of New York in 1994.

His two books, “Private Parts” (1993) and “Miss America” (1995), spent 20 and 16 weeks, respectively, on The New York Times bestseller list. The first book became a national sensation and was adapted into the feature film “Private Parts” (1997), a biographical comedy film that starred Stern and his radio show staff — and was a box-office success. Additionally, Stern performed on the film’s soundtrack which topped the Billboard 200 chart. Stern currently broadcasts his show “Howard 100” on the SiriusXM satellite radio station.

“America’s Got Talent” was the #1 non-sports telecast on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in total viewers every week it aired over the summer of 2011, making it the #1 summer series in total viewers for a sixth year in a row. Last summer, “America’s Got Talent” delivered its highest-rated cycle ever.

“America’s Got Talent” is the only talent competition show that is open to any age and any talent. Auditions for season seven kicked off in October with upcoming open calls set for Austin, Texas, Charlotte, N.C. and San Francisco, Calif. For all the latest information and to pre-register, go to www.AGTauditions.com.

“America’s Got Talent” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Television. Simon Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz (“American Idol”), Jason Raff, Ken Warwick (“American Idol”) and Georgie Hurford-Jones are executive producers.

For embeddable clips and full episodes of “America’s Got Talent,” please visit NBC.com’s official show site: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show, please visit the NBC Universal Media Village website at http://www.nbcumv.com.

Please follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nbcagt and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nbcagt

About NBC Entertainment:

NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network’s primetime, late night, and daytime schedules. NBC’s quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, numerous awards, and ratings success. NBC has earned more Emmy Awards than any network in television history. NBC’s roster of popular scripted series includes critically acclaimed comedy Emmy winners “The Office” and “30 Rock,” starring Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey. Veteran, award-winning dramas on NBC include “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Chuck.” Unscripted series for NBC include the new vocal competition hit “The Voice” as well as the popular “The Biggest Loser,” “The Celebrity Apprentice” and “America’s Got Talent.” NBC’s late-night story is highlighted by “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Last Call with Carson Daly” and “Saturday Night Live.” NBC Daytime’s “Days of our Lives” consistently finishes among daytime’s top programs in the valuable women 18-34 category. On Saturday mornings, the network broadcasts Qubo on NBC, a three-hour block that features fun, entertaining, and educational programming for kids, including the award-winning, 3-D animated series Veggie Tales.

About FremantleMedia North America:

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative programs for network, cable, syndicated and online platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon “American Idol” (FOX), “America’s Got Talent” (NBC), “What Chilli Wants” (VH1), “Hole In The Wall” (Cartoon Network), “Let’s Make A Deal” (CBS), “Family Feud” (syn), “The Price Is Right” (CBS), and “The X Factor” (Fox).

About SYCO:

Syco, with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. Syco Television owns and produces the BAFTA Award-winning “The X Factor,” which has topped the charts around the world. Syco Television is also the owner of the “Got Talent” television format. Versions of both “The X Factor” and “Got Talent” are co-produced by Syco, and are shown in more than 70 countries and have won multiple awards including national television awards and BAFTAs.

Syco is also the record label home for such diverse international recording stars as Leona Lewis and Il Divo. Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 200 million albums and delivering more than 180 #1 records. Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 launched the global singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut Syco album sold over 8 million units in six weeks, making it the world’s biggest-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album in history, selling a total of 20 million records to date.

I’ve been a little bit busy, but a couple of days ago Piers Morgan announced on his CNN show that he would not be returning as a judge on America’s Got Talent. Here’s what he said in the video:

I think we all knew that something had to happen with the judges. I’m just sad that it was Piers leaving and not Howie. Sharon was a wash for me. I’m not sure they’ll be able to find someone as good as Piers in what he did. He was pretty good at playing devil’s advocate. Unless Simon decides to step in and be a judge, then I think we’re going to be disappointed by whoever replaces him. Now, Simon Cowell replacing Piers would be fantastic and now that he’s not a judge on American Idol, maybe that’s a possibility since it shouldn’t overlap too much with X Factor either. Simon judged Britain’s Got Talent and was great.

As for Piers, his choice makes a lot of sense. Between not wanting to deal with Sharon, Howie and Nick, there’s little doubt that 2012 will be a huge year for “Piers Morgan Tonight” thanks to the presidential election.

Howard Stern has be rumored as a replacement for Piers Morgan on America’s Got Talent. The Hollywood Reporter quotes him as saying:

“Everyone knows I love America’s Got Talent,” he said he said on his syndicated radio show. “I think it’s the greatest and I would be certainly honored to sit with Howie [Mandel] and Sharon [Osbourne] and judge these lunatics.”
He also insisted that his big personality wouldn’t get in the way of the job at hand.
“I take show business very seriously,” he said. “If I was a judge on there, there would be no nonsense whatsoever. I would be there for the talent. I would be there to actually find somebody good.”

The Parents Television Council (PTC) has issued a statement asking NBC to not hire Howard Stern as a judge on America’s Got Talent. Turns out, a number of my readers are in agreement. Here’s what they’ve sent me on my contact page:

I have been a fan of America’s Got Talent since it started but I will not watch it anymore if Stern is hired. I am sure I am with others in not wanting to give Mr Stern any credibility at all. I can see a push via the internet for a boycott of this program if this person is hired.

And this one I just received:

Just to let you know. if the rumors are true that Howard Stern is being considered I will not be watching AGT. I voted religiously for Michael Grimm and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr and cannot see them or anyone else I would be interested in watching being judged by this man.

Considering I hadn’t even posted about the Stern rumor and I was already getting messages like this, I’d say it would be a mistake for them to put Howard Stern on the show. Sure, I’m sure Howard would be a different man on America’s Got Talent than he is on his radio and TV shows. It might even show us that Howard is a real person like we found when Jerry Springer hosted the show. However, I think the show would definitely take a hit with its core viewers if they chose to put Howard on. The outcry would be big. Maybe that’s what they want. Sad if that’s the case.

I’m always happy when I’m able to predict the America’s Got Talent Winner. Landau just had too many fans swooning over him. He’s got a great voice, so I’m not disappointed by him winning at all. Now I just need to find a way to get tickets to the AGT Las Vegas show.

I was also struck by this comment that someone sent me through our contact us form:

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., I just want you to know that there is a 65 year old white man who grew up on a cotton farm in Arkansas who has been pulling for you since you sang your first note on AGT and I was as happy as your were when you won. I hope you reach the top and stay ther and continue to be as humble and as real as you are now. You are an inspiraton to everyone who has watched you take this incredible journey and a credit to every hard working person in this country. Man, you owned that stage!

Congrats Landau Eugene Murphy!

Finale Red Carpet: Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
Watch him talk about winning first place!

Finale Red Carpet: Stevie Wonder
Watch him talk about his duet with POPLYFE.

Finale Red Carpet: Patti LaBelle
Watch her talk about her favorite act, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Finale Red Carpet: POPLYFE
Watch them talk about their AGT experience.

Finale Red Carpet: Jackie Evancho
Watch her talk about going from contestant to guest performer!

Time for me to use my magical abilities and predict the winner of America’s Got Talent 2011 winner. I must admit that this is quite possibly the hardest America’s Got Talent winner that I’ve ever had to predict. In the past, it’s usually been quite clear who was the favorite. This time all 4 acts are pretty extraordinary and I’d actually be fine if any of the top 4 acts win. I love when that’s the result.

Now for my AGT 2011 Winner: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

I think that Team iLuminate will be up there with Landau battling for the last spot and the producers will love that Landau wins and not the amazing Team iLuminate.

Watch for POPLYFE to be sent home first. It’s too bad that I was right about the song choice. They should have chosen a song that featured her choice. I hope she gets picked up and we get to see her sing again. I’d pay to hear her sing.

Then, that means Silhouettes are going out next. I just hope they don’t flash any of the little kids crying. I tried to tell my wife that the little girl they showed was blind and started crying before I could even tell her.

There you have it. I predict another singer: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will win. He does have a fantastic voice.

Who else is excited for the special performances by each act?

In case you missed it last night, here are the videos of the America’s Got Talent finalists and also Terry Fator’s performance as well.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Performs

Team iLuminate Performs

POPLYFE Performs

Silhouettes Perform

Terry Fator Performs!

I’ll save my predictions for who is going to win America’s Got Talent 2011 until later. Instead, now I’ll make some predictions about the America’s Got Talent finalists performances tonight.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. – Much of the same. His voice will rule. He will smile. The old people will swoon and he’ll get lots of votes.

POPLYFE – I think they’re going to make a poor song choice. It’s going to be a disappointment since it will feature the band and not be a great song for the lead singer’s voice.

Silhouettes – A few moments of beauty, but with nothing all too spectacular. However, the kids smile after their performance will still steal my heart and many others. Regardless of how they do, what an amazing story.

Team iLuminate – Another exciting performance. Some unexpected choreography and lighting. It won’t be so wow that we can’t stop talking about it, but people will still love what they do.

Interesting. I didn’t realize this was what I was doing, but I’m basically predicting a bunch of solid, but less than sensational performances. I guess that’s the problem with 2 dance acts and 2 singing acts. How do you up your game in those 2 genres? It’s much harder to do that.

Of course, I hope I’m proven wrong and something blows me away!

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I really enjoyed the performance of Il Divo on America’s Got Talent. It was a full scale production with some great singers. I loved it. In case you missed it, there’s the video below.

Il Divo Performs!

Turns out, some viewers didn’t agree with me and hated their performance. However, their response says it all. Here’s one example (although there were others that said something similar).

I thought it was America got Talent Not Mexico got talent, hated the group that sang the mexican song!!!! was not a good pick for the show that is titled America!!!!

Really? Did they say Il Divo sang a Mexican song? Really? First, that was Italian, not Mexican. Second, the idea that American’s don’t enjoy and don’t represent other cultures is just silly. America is the melting pot of cultures. I like to describe America as taking the best from every culture and enjoying all the best parts of the other cultures. One of those is Italian music. To say singing something in Italian isn’t American is just stupid. Hopefully this person is in the minority.

Even more viewers complained about Howie Mandel being naked on the show with many remarking that America’s Got Talent is a family show. I actually agree with them wholeheartedly. It was poor taste on the producers part and should have never happened. They could have made the joke with just the door shot. The naked Howie Mandel was inappropriate, unnecessary and terrible TV. Seems in line with the theme throughout this AGT season of the judges being terrible.

I tweeted out my predictions for tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent. Only 4 acts will make it to the America’s Got Talent 2011 finals. Which 4 acts do you think will make it? Here’s my thoughts (using my tweets).

My America’s Got Talent 2011 Finals Locks:
pureagt Pure AGT
Tonight’s AGT Finals locks: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and Team iLuminate

My America’s Got Talent 2011 Finals Possibilities:
pureagt Pure AGT
Tonight’s AGT Final Possibilities: Anna Graceman, Landon Swank, POPLYFE, Silhouettes. I’m going to take Anna and Silhouettes.

My America’s Got Talent Final 4 prediction:
pureagt Pure AGT
So my predictions for the final 4 on America’s Got Talent are: Anna Graceman, Silhouettes, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and Team iLuminate. u?

Honestly, did anyone really like the performance of Susan Boyle on America’s Got Talent? Sure, I get how we fell in love with Susan Boyle when she sang the first time. It was shocking that her voice was coming out of that image and that story. Her idiosyncrasies were interesting and made us laugh. They even made her endearing. However, her performance on America’s Got Talent last night was boring. She’s not a bad singer, but she’d never have been invited to the AGT stage if she hadn’t gotten so big on the stage before.

Maybe I’m wrong and there are a ton of Susan Boyle fans out there that loved her performance. If there are, more power to you. For me personally, it was terrible. I literally turned the channel. In case you missed it, you can see the video below. Am I way off base?

Susan Boyle Performs!