Welcome to Pure America's Got Talent

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.

So we are all pretty much annoyed by the interaction between Howie and Piers. Sharon even got in on the annoying action last night. However, I don’t see what Piers is doing is bullying of Howie. I guess this video is part of Howie’s comedy act.

Howie’s Public Service Announcement – rant against bullying – and Piers Morgan.

This is a great video where the judges and Nick Cannon talk about people showing them their talent in public. I can only imagine. I bet they’ve seen some pretty hilarious things.

Check out the following videos of the judges and host talking about America’s Got Talent. The premiere is almost here!! Tonight the fun begins and we’ll be covering it like usual including finding more information about the best acts from before being on AGT.

Piers finally admits why he picks on Howie.

Sharon Spills Backstage Secrets to Fans
It’s Howie interruptus as Sharon answers fan questions

Howie Answers Your Questions
Find out why an AGT contestant put fireworks in his underwear!

Nick Cannon reveals his very special talent

That’s right. Nick Cannon just turned 30. That’s pretty amazing. Pretty impressive what he’s accomplished at such a young age. Check him out enjoying the party:

The premiere of America’s Got Talent 2010 is tonight and so to wet your apetite for the premiere, check out these videos of Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan, and Nick Cannon answering fan questions. Some interesting insights for the show and just gets me excited for the show tonight.

Fan Questions with Howie Mandel

Fan Questions with Piers Morgan

Fan Questions with Nick Cannon

According to the NBCChicago.com, there are free tickets available for reservations at the following link.

Chicago has four opportunities to see a live taping of “America’s Got Talent” at the Chicago Theatre April 27-28, and the tickets won’t cost you a thing.

Host Nick Cannon and judges Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan and Howie Mandel will all be on hand for the show tapings, along with an array of singers, dancers, comedians, and performers of all age and style.

Simply go to the link, select a date and fill out your info… Hope to see you there!

Time to run down some random thoughts from tonight’s episode of America’s Got Talent.

Overall Impression
I was a little disappointed. I think that the producers are trying a little to hard to produce the show instead of making the talent and stories the show. Things like the strobe light buzzers that just annoy. Leave those out. They also focused on far too many crappy acts. They should know better and start us off with a killer act that makes the rest of the show not as important and locks us in.

Favorite Act of the Night – The Eriam Sisters
By far my favorite act of the night was the Eriam Sisters. That trio of sisters gave me the chills. I’m sure I wasn’t just cold, because I live in Las Vegas. No doubt the youngest sister has the most talent, but Piers was right that they can all sing. I can’t wait to see how America’s Got Talent with some makeup, costumes and production will make some incredible talent even better. I loved that they could sing, but that they could own the stage as well. Turns out I actually liked the Eriam Sisters a few weeks ago too. Very nice and made watching the show worthwhile for me.

Since they were my favorite, here’s a video of the Eriam Sisters trio who sang “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 on America’s Got Talent Premiere

Voices of Glory
Couldn’t have been a better back story. Felt a little bit fabricated by Piers, but I’ll forgive them for that. I previously dubbed Voices of Glory the most overhyped act of America’s Got Talent 2009. It’s not their fault, but I still think that’s true. They were good, but not great in my book. Actually, I should clarify that the little sister could be great. She’s better than the 2 brothers. It was touching to watch and we need more children like them in the world.

David Johnson – Hasselhoff Song
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard during America’s Got Talent. It was incredibly funny. I’m so glad that Piers put him through. I’m just not sure what type of follow up act he could perform in Las Vegas. I have a feeling we won’t see any performance by him during the Las Vegas shows.

FootworkKINGz
I hadn’t ever seen Footworking before, but it was fun to watch. I’d love to see something like this live. It doesn’t make for the best television in my book though. I’d rather just watch dancing.

Black Fire Percussion (drum line)
This was cool. About time one of these drum lines comes on. This is another that is better in person where you can really feel the beat. I’m surprised Nick Cannon didn’t pull out some line about his role on that wonderful movie Drumline.

Delusional Talent
Can these people really think they were talented? That impressionist must have been delusional. Had he never listened to himself before? Maybe he’s right that it takes good hearing to do impressions and he doesn’t have good hearing.

Nick Cannon as Host
Sadly, the talent was so poor on tonight’s episode, that Nick Cannon was actually the most talented person on tonight’s show. He got the most laughs and I like his unconventional way of interacting with the guests and judges. Nice switch NBC.

Here’s a quick little video that gives you an idea of what Nick Cannon does backstage on America’s Got Talent:

Seems like it would be a pretty fun job. Although, it’s probably under appreciated how difficult it is to be funny and interesting in only a few seconds. That’s kind of what he’s required to do on America’s Got Talent.

I love checking out the previews for America’s Got Talent. The only issue I have with it sometimes is that it then ruins the show a little bit. I think it’s kind of good when I don’t know the background story of everyone. Plus, they sometimes show too much of a preview of that person that you already know what to expect. America’s Got Talent isn’t as bad as The Bachelor with this, but sometimes it’s close.

Now, check out these three videos showing what we have to look forward to on the premiere of America’s Got Talent 2009 this Tuesday!!

Read more…

Tomorrow is the last day for the live auditions. Houston will be wrapping things up tomorrow (see the official AGT website for details). However, all is not lost if you are someone who wants to still get in on America’s Got Talent 2009. Check out the following video they just put out from Nick Cannon talking about America’s Got Talent’s partnership with MySpace.

Here’s the link to America’s Got Talent on Myspace. I like this option since the internet is universal and so everyone can enter regardless of where they live.

I also got the following email from America’s Got Talent that talks about their online video submission entry form (DISCLAIMER: This is a fan site and does not officially represent America’s Got Talent, Fremantle Media or NBC). The following email is just what I received in my inbox from the show. Take it for what it’s worth. It is cool to note that the email says they’ll watch every video submission. Nice to see that in writing.

DISCLAIMER: If you have auditioned in person, submitted a DVD or uploaded a video from September 2008 until now, please disregard this email. This will be the last communication you receive by email for the America’s Got Talent 2009 season.

Hello From America’s Got Talent!

Season 4 auditions will be coming to a close soon – But we’re not done yet!

Auditions will be held in Houston May 9th and 10th. There’s still time to come strut your stuff and be a part of the best season yet of America’s Got Talent.

We’ve enjoyed seeing talented acts from across the nation perform at our auditions, but we haven’t seen YOU!

We regret that you weren’t able to make it to your in-person audition, and we wanted to let you know that we would love to see your talent on video!

The video submission deadline has been extended to May 15th, which means you still have a chance to be our next million-dollar winner!

We watch every submission, and if yours is selected, we could be flying you to audition for David, Sharon and Pierce on the show!

Video submissions should be 2-3 minutes in length with any music performed being a “cover version,” of a popular, published song. You can upload your video at www.NBC.com/AGT by signing up for, or logging into, mynbc.

To send in your video, download and fill out the contestant paperwork at www.NBC.com/AGT and send it to us with your DVD, DV or VHS audition to:

America’s Got Talent, Season 4
727 W. Magnolia Blvd., #808
Burbank, CA 91505

Auditions will be over soon. Don’t wait! Any act, any age, America’s Got Talent wants to see your talent today!

Thanks for your continued interest in America’s Got Talent and don’t forget to log on to www.AGTAuditions.com for event info, the latest news, and fun clips. Send in your video today or upload it directly at www.NBC.com/AGT!

Good Luck!

America’s Got Talent

For those wondering why I got an email saying “We’ve enjoyed seeing talented acts from across the nation perform at our auditions, but we haven’t seen YOU!” Well, let’s just say I considered going to the auditions with a laptop computer, dressed up like a nerd and blogging about the experience. Only problem is that I don’t think they’d let me take my laptop into the audition. Maybe next year I should try.