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.

Simon Cowell isn’t my favorite person in the whole world, but it’s hard to argue with his ability to produce a TV show. Plus, he has an amazing skill as a judge on TV shows too. So, I was completely intrigued when I saw this article suggesting that Simon Cowell is planning a new TV show called “World’s Got Talent.” Sounds like the perfect spin off to his America’s Got Talent / Britain’s Got Talent shows.

Here’s some details from the article:

The show will feature acts from over 80 countries, with the winner receiving a prize of up to £1m.

A source told The Sun: “This has been Simon’s dream. It will be the biggest reality show the world’s seen. There is a huge wealth of talent out there. The best acts cross language barriers.
…
ITV and NBC are said to be involved and the show is planned to be staged at the Royal Albert Hall.

This could be really fun to watch. I can think of a lot of acts I’d like to see on this show!
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A number of people are confusing Pure America’s Got Talent (this website) with the official America’s Got Talent audition website. As is stated near the top, this is just an America’s Got Talent FAN site. It’s run by fans, contributed by fans and has no relationship with NBC, America’s Got Talent, it’s owners, producers, etc etc etc.

With that disclaimer aside, hopefully this site is a good place for fans of the show to share their experience, get feedback on the process, learn from other fans and once the show starts talk about the various episodes of America’s Got Talent. One of my main focuses when the show starts will be the various music performed on the show. Until then we’ll enjoy hearing about various America’s Got Talent audition experiences and even post a few America’s Got Talent polls.

If you do have questions about the America’s Got Talent audition process, then you have a couple of options.

1.  Official America’s Got Talent website
2. Official America’s Got Talent Audition FAQ
3. Official America’s Got Talent Audition Forum (Beta) – this is a new addition that should be helpful for people who want to ask questions about the audition process.

You’re certainly welcome to post comments on this blog and interact with fans, but just know that anything said on Pure America’s Got Talent in posts or comments is just fan talk.

Now, go and vote for your favorite America’s Got Talent audition city.

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.

NBC announced that they’d be ruining America’s Got Talent for another season. You can see Simon Cowell just licking his chops can’t you? Here’s an excerpt from the announcement as reported by Hollywood Reporter:

NBC has renewed “America’s Got Talent” for a fourth season.

“The production team has stepped up their game creatively as proven by the strong ratings,” said NBC’s president of alternative programming Craig Plestis. “This is the only show where truly unique and talented performers can achieve their ultimate dream.”

“Got Talent” is the most-watched show of the summer and ranked third among programs in the adults 18 to 49 demographic.

I for one am very glad that the show got renewed. I wasn’t really worried about it to be honest with you. I knew that the ratings were doing great. Despite allowing a number of untalented people into the top 40, it’s still very entertaining to watch.

Cas Haley – A unique style that mixes so many

Terry Fator – I love how the Hoff complained about it being a ventriloquist.

Of course, he then blew people out of the water with an impersonation of Kermit’s “What a Wonderful World”

The Best Contortionist ever on America’s Got Talent. Plus, I give her bigger props for hitting the bulls eye at the end of her performance.

Bianca Ryan – I’m still always amazed that that sound comes out of such a little girl. It’s really something else. Props to her for getting to perform in “V” the Ulimate Variety show.

Julienne Irwin – I’ve loved this girl since she first performed. I’m not sure what it is about her. A nice mix of raw talent with humility. I think I first grew most fond of her when they asked where she usually sang and she said her bedroom.

Taylor Ware – The only time I’ve really enjoyed Yoddeling was hearing Taylor do it. Plus, I love that she learned it by going to the library.

Butterscotch – It’s amazing that those different sounds come out of her. The first time I heard her, I thought she had a background band.

And her original performance just blows me away.

If you’re like me, then you’re really sad to have the Russian Bar Trio get injured and unable to continue with the show. Here’s a link to see a video of the Russian Bar Trio. With such talent, it’s sad to see them not be able to continue on with the show. I hope that they either come back for the finale of America’s Got Talent or come back to compete on the show next year.

Since the Russian Bar Trio couldn’t continue on, America was given the chance to vote for the “wildcard” act that will be the last member of the America’s Got Talent Top 40.

Here’s your chance for your favorite AGT wildcard act:

If you’ve forgotten any of the America’s Got Talent wildcard acts, then below you’ll find videos of all the America’s Got Talent wildcard acts.
Read more…

A lot was made on America’s Got Talent of Donald Braswell not singing professionally for 11 years since tearing a neck muscle. Well, it turns out that he has sung in what could be considered a professional capacity. Below’s the story from My San Antonio:

Incidentally, a couple of people who saw the performance Tuesday said they were confused by the suggestion Braswell hadn’t sung on a stage for 11 years.

After all, he did perform not too long ago in a San Antonio Symphony concert staging of “Camelot.” He’s also part of the local Three Tenors.

To be fair, I did hear him clarify on the show that he hadn’t sung professionally for 11 years. When I spoke with him, he explained further.

“Professional to me is performing for an audience in a professional environment and to be able to earn a living from it, make it your career.”

That hasn’t been the case since his accident. However, he hopes this opportunity in front of a national audience on “Talent” will help him recapture a singing career.

Meantime, he’s already had the chance to distribute a CD he made less than a year ago, called “New Chapter,” to several of the “Today” show personalities, including host/newswoman Ann Curry and weather personality Al Roker.

In case you missed it, Braswell appeared on the third hour of “Today” Tuesday morning. Curry and Roker also seemed impressed by his story and the faith it took to attempt a comeback.

If you’d like to hear selection from his CD and order one, go to Braswell’s MySpace page.

The fact that he sings with some pretty much professional groups in San Antonio cuts into his story a little, but it’s still remarkable what he was able to do. The problem for me isn’t that his story might be fake. It’s that his singing isn’t even the best opera singer on the show. That means he shouldn’t get voted back in. Unfortunately, I think I might be outvoted.

I still don’t understand why you’d bring a 4 year old on the show. I have a 4 year old son and there’s no way he could really say that he wanted to go on a show. I have to admit for a 4 year old she sings pretty good. Better than my son anyway, but seriously, what were her parents thinking.

All of that said, Kaitlyn is really cute.