COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — When the Paris Olympics come to a close on Aug. 11, NBC plans to keep the excitement of live competition going with “America’s Got Talent.”
In a news release, NBC announced the 44 acts taking the stage live through the next phase of the performance contest. The network also revealed the two-hour kickoff broadcast is set for Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. and the results will air at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Show creator and judge Simon Cowell will be joined by judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara along with host Terry Crews at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for seven weeks of live episodes. NBC shared that the first four weeks will be the quarterfinals, then there will be a semifinal round followed by the season finale event which will stretch over two weeks.
New this season for the live shows, each judge will be provided a Golden Buzzer during the quarterfinals to send performers straight to the finals. This rule update gives Season 19 “the most golden buzzers in the series history.” The network said the change came from the judges, who “advocated to add more buzzers to honor the innumerable standout acts.”
The notable entertainers come from all walks of life this season, according to NBC, from “professional artists to aspiring performers balancing day jobs, including a high school janitor, a dentist, and a prison nurse, all vying to win America’s hearts and a $1 million prize.” Many new twists will be part of the acts with comedians employing magic, other acts using drones and pyrotechnics and several gifted children who will amaze audiences with their age-defying skills.
The quarterfinals will begin with 11 acts each week, four contestants will be sent straight to the finals by Golden Buzzers and three additional competitors will get a chance to move on to the semifinals with America’s vote. There will be 12 contenders in the semifinal round, which will be narrowed to six by viewer voting. Over two nights, the four Golden Buzzer winners will join the six semifinalists for the grand finale on Sept. 17 and Sept. 24.
Viewers can vote for their favorite act at NBC.com/AGTVote and via the “AGT” App (available through Google Play and on the App Store.)
Season 20 auditions are going on now. Anyone interested can visit AGTAuditions.com to submit a video online or to receive updates about the upcoming in-person open-call auditions.
“AGT” 44 acts advancing to the Season 19 live shows
AIRFOOTWORKS (Acrobatic Act)
Alex Sampson (Singer)
Arshiya (Contortion)
Ashes & Arrows (Band)
Ashlee Montague (Extreme Ballet)
Attraction Juniors (Shadow Performance)
Bboy Samuka (Dance)
Biko’s Manna (Singing Group)
Brent Street (Dance Group)
Brooke Bailey (Singer)
Dee Dee Simon (Singer)
Erica Rhodes (Comedian)
Flewnt & Inkabee (Rap Duo)
Hakuna Matata Acrobats (Acrobatic Act)
Hypers Kids Africa (Dance Group)
Illya and Anastasia (Acrobatic Act)
Jelly Boy the Clown (Sideshow Act)
Jonathan Burns (Magician)
Journeyy (Singer)
Kelsey Jane (Aerial Act)
L6 (Singing Group)
Learnmore Jonasi (Comedian)
LEGIÓN (Dance)
LiV Warfield (Singer)
Los Osos High School (Dance Group)
Maya Neelakantan (Musician)
Menudo (Singing Group)
Nini (Musician)
Oscar Stembridge (Singer)
Phillip Lewis (Baton Act)
Pranysqa Mishra (Singer)
Reid Wilson (Singer)
Richard Goodall (Singer)
Rhythm & Roni (Dog Act)
Sabrina (Dance Group)
Sam Huang (Magician) Schumacher (Variety Act)
Sebastián & Sonia (Aerial Act)
Sky Elements (Drone Act)
Solange Kardinaly (Quick Change Act)
Stephanie Rainey (Singer)
The Reklaws (Band)
TONIKAKU (Variety Act)
Young-Min (Magician)
