America's Got Talent

America's Got Talent (AGT) is a televised variety talent competition that has aired on NBC since 2006. It is the American installment of the global Got Talent franchise created by Simon Cowell. Unlike singing-only shows, AGT welcomes performers of any age and any act: singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, acrobats, ventriloquists, animal acts, and more. The winner receives a $1,000,000 grand prize and a headline show in Las Vegas.

The competition begins with open auditions in multiple U.S. cities, followed by judges' auditions in a public venue. Successful acts move to live rounds, where viewers vote to determine who advances. A signature element is the Golden Buzzer, which sends an act directly to the live shows. Since 2025, the show has been taped at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California.

AGT has been the most-watched summer broadcast alternative series for 19 consecutive seasons. It holds a Guinness World Record as the most successful reality television format in history, with over 70 local versions worldwide. The show has launched major careers, including Las Vegas headliners, Broadway stars, and recording artists. [edit]

Simon Cowell conceived the Got Talent format after observing the popularity of variety talent shows in the UK and his own experience judging American Idol. The original plan was a British edition on ITV in 2005, but a dispute suspended production. NBC picked up the American version, and America's Got Talent premiered on June 21, 2006, with judges David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, and Piers Morgan, and host Regis Philbin.

The show evolved significantly over its run. A fourth judge was added in Season 8. The Golden Buzzer was introduced in Season 9, giving each judge and the host one chance per season to send an act straight to the live shows. Hosts changed over time: Nick Cannon hosted Seasons 2 through 14, Tyra Banks hosted Seasons 15 and 16, and Terry Crews took over from Season 17. Simon Cowell joined the judging panel in Season 11 and has remained an executive producer.

In 2019, the spin-off America's Got Talent: The Champions premiered, featuring winners and finalists from AGT and international versions. A second spin-off, AGT: Extreme, focusing on dangerous stunts, aired briefly in 2022. The show has maintained strong ratings and cultural relevance, adapting to streaming with episodes available on Peacock. [edit]

America's Got Talent broadened the talent show genre by accepting all ages and any performance type, setting it apart from singing-only competitions. The show's emotional backstories and underdog victories have resonated with audiences, producing viral moments that circulate widely on social media. Winners and top acts have secured Las Vegas residencies, Broadway roles, and recording contracts, demonstrating the show's ability to launch sustainable careers. The Golden Buzzer became a cultural shorthand for a moment of extraordinary talent. The format has been adapted in over 70 countries, making it the most successful reality television format in history. [edit]

The show has faced occasional criticism over judging decisions and contestant eligibility. In 2017, some viewers questioned the fairness of the live voting system after a popular act was eliminated early. The departure of host Nick Cannon in 2016 involved public discussion about his comments regarding NBC's parent company. In 2020, the show was criticized for airing a pre-recorded episode during the pandemic that included a controversial joke by a judge. [edit]