Undiscovered singers, dancers, magicians, comics, musicians, and ventriloquists give minutes-long performances before celebrity judges. Contestants hoping to make it to the finals can win a life-changing $1 million prize.
During pre-taped audition episodes, participants must impress the judges (Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel) to secure a spot in the live shows.
Auditioning
The main series is aired during the summer, with open auditions conducted in venues within cities such as Orlando, Los Angeles, New York City and Atlanta. NBC also broadcasts live callback episodes in which participants are called back to perform before the judges once again.
After each act gives a minute-long performance, the judges decide whether to advance that participant to the next round. If the judges don’t approve of a participant, they can press a button to “buzz” them out of the competition.
Starting with the tenth season, a two-vote majority is required to send an act to the next stage in seasons with three judges, and a three-vote majority is required in seasons with four judges. The finalists then move on to the live shows at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The winner is awarded a one-year contract to headline a show at the venue. Throughout the competition, audience members are able to vote for their favorite acts online.
Judges
Since its debut in 2006, AGT has become one of the most popular shows on NBC. While wildly talented acts are certainly responsible for its success, the judges have also played a key role in keeping the show going strong.
The judges of AGT are usually a mix of professionals and celebrities. For example, Heidi Klum is a German model and actress who has been on the show since its eighth season. She is joined by Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell on the judging panel.
During the audition phase, the judges have the power to press their Golden Buzzers, which sends an act straight to the finals. Starting in Season 11, the host was given the ability to press a Golden Buzzer as well, known as the Group Golden Buzzer.
The judges then select one act to move on to the live shows and compete for the coveted $1 million prize. This year, the winner will perform in a two-hour Las Vegas show.
Finale
Undiscovered talents of all ages — singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, ventriloquists, musicians and more — compete for a $1 million prize. Contestants advance through the rounds by impressing a panel of celebrity judges, who decide which acts move on in the competition.
The sixth season aired between May 31 and September 14, 2011 with no major changes to the format. This season, the show’s sponsor introduced a new online voting system for viewers, which helped determine the winners of each show and who would make it to the finale.
In the semi-finals, the Ramadhani Brothers performed one of their most daring acts in AGT history. They balanced each other on a head stand while walking up ladders and over a bridge obstacle more dangerous than any they had ever tried before.
Putri Ariani once again brought the judges to their feet with her performance of Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” She commanded the stage, and Cowell said she left him speechless.
Airdates
The show airs Tuesday and Wednesday nights in June, July, August and September. The results shows will air on Wednesdays and the live finale will be on September 27. The show is available to watch on NBC.com, the NBC app and on streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live + TV and fuboTV.
During the auditions, each judge has the ability to use a Golden Buzzer to send an act to the live shows. The majority of the judges must approve the act in order for it to advance to the finals. The act that receives the most votes will be declared the winner of the competition.
This season of the talent contest features Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara on the judging panel. Terry Crews is returning to host. The winner will receive a prize of $1 million and the chance to headline a Vegas residency. The first round of live shows begin on May 26.