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, California – 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.

Source: NBC Press Release

UNIVERSAL CITY, California – NBC’s top-rated summer series “America’s Got Talent” will begin its nationwide search for season seven contestants with auditions beginning in New York (October 8 and 9), St. Louis (October 22 and 23) and in Washington, D.C. (November 5 and 6).

The search continues in Tampa, Fla. (November 12 and 13), Anaheim, Calif. (December 10 and 11), Austin, Texas (January 14 and 15), Charlotte, N.C. (February 4 and 5) and San Francisco (January 25 and 26).

The “America’s Got Talent” auditions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for performers across the country to showcase their talents in 90 seconds to series’ producers in the hopes of being able to take the stage in front of the judges. Every type of performer is welcome – including musicians, dance crews, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts and everything in between – all of whom want to perform for America’s votes and the coveted $1 million prize.

Details for the open auditions are below:

NEW YORK
Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: Jacob Javits Center
655 West 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10001

ST. LOUIS
Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: St. Louis Convention Center
701 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, Mo. 63101

WASHINGTON, D.C.
Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: Washington, D.C. Convention Center
801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

TAMPA (Fla.)
Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: Tampa Bay Convention Center
333 S. Franklin Street
Tampa, Fla. 33602

ANAHEIM (Calif.)
Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Ave
Anaheim, Calif. 92802

AUSTIN (Texas)
Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, Texas 78701

CHARLOTTE (N.C.)
Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5
Registration: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m
Location: Charlotte Convention Center
501 South College Street
Charlotte, N.C. 28202

Open to talent of any age, “America’s Got Talent” offers a unique chance for anyone who has dreamed of performing his or her talent on a national stage. Additional cities may be added for auditions. For all the latest information and to pre-register, go to www.AGTauditions.com.

Season six winner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. – a Sinatra-like crooner from Logan, W.V. – beat out thousands of acts, including finalists POPLYFE, the Silhouettes and Team iLuminate to take home the coveted $1 million grand prize. The win changed his life, as he is now able focus on his dream of becoming a singer. Murphy recently took to a larger stage and sang the national anthem at the West Virginia versus LSU college football game and will be headlining the upcoming “America’s Got Talent Live” show in Las Vegas.

The fifth season’s “America’s Got Talent” winner — Mississippi-bred Michael Grimm — charmed millions of viewers as he parlayed his substantial singer-songwriter appeal into a first-place finish, a $1 million prize, and the headline spot on the first-ever national “America’s Got Talent Tour,” which visited major cities throughout the U.S. in Fall 2010. Grimm has signed to Epic Records, who released his major-label self-titled debut album this past spring. He is currently on tour opening for Stevie Nicks.

Season five’s runner-up Jackie Evancho, an 11-year-old soprano prodigy who auditioned for the series through YouTube, recently released her debut album “Dream with Me,” which was certified gold after only four weeks of release. Evancho is currently on a sold-out U.S. tour and Syco/Columbia Records recently released the DVD of “Dream with Me Live — Great Performances PBS Special” in September.

Season two winner Terry Fator – a ventriloquist from Dallas, Texas – achieved his lifelong dream when he was crowned the second season champion. After the win, he went on to sign a five-year $100 million-dollar deal to headline at the Mirage in Las Vegas.

Following weeks of intense competition and awe-inspiring performances, the winner and fan favorites from this season will perform in a special three-night engagement in Las Vegas on October 28, October 29 and October 30 in the famous 4,500 seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The two-hour live event will be hosted by Jerry Springer and include an all-star roster of the country’s most dynamic “America’s Got Talent” entertainers. There will also be a special guest appearance by the 2011 “Australia’s Got Talent” winner, whose album has already gone gold, 14 year old Jack Vidgen. Tickets to “America’s Got Talent Live,” presented by AEG Live, are on sale now and can be purchased via http://agt.aeglive.com.

“America’s Got Talent,” hosted by Nick Cannon, stars Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan as the panel of celebrity judges. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of aspiring stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America’s hearts – and the $1 million prize.

For more information, please visit nbc.com/americas-got-talent/, twitter.com/nbcagt and facebook.com/nbcagt.

For contestant 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/

Source: NBC Press Release

Guest Performers Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, LeAnn Rimes, Cobra Starship with Sabi and OneRepublic Join Previously Announced Performers Tony Bennett with Queen Latifah, Season 5 Finalist Jackie Evancho, Def Leppard and Cirque du Soleil ‘Iris’

Winner of the $1 Million Prize Will Be Announced Tonight, September 14

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. ‘ September 14, 2011 ‘ NBC’s top-rated summer series “America’s Got Talent” today announced additional guest musical and variety acts and exclusive performances that will be featured during the live finale tonight, September 14 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The new guest performers include Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, LeAnn Rimes, Cobra Starship with Sabi and OneRepublic who join previously announced performers Tony Bennett with Queen Latifah, Season 5 Finalist Jackie Evancho, Def Leppard and Cirque du Soleil ‘Iris.’ Wonder, LaBelle, Rimes and Cobra Starship with Sabi are set to perform duets with the remaining top four acts during the live finale on September 14.

The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Television.

The guest performers who will share the ‘America’s Got Talent’ stage follow:

Wednesday, September 14

Stevie Wonder performs ‘Higher Ground’ duet with finalist POPLYFE;

Patti LaBelle performs ‘You’re All I Need To Get By’ duet with finalist Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.;

LeAnn Rimes performs ‘Give’ duet with finalist Silhouettes;

Cobra Starship with Sabi perform ‘You Make Me Feel” duet with finalist Team iLuminate

OneRepublic performs ‘Secrets -Good Life’;

Def Leppard performs ‘Rock of Ages ‘ Pour Some Sugar on Me’;

Jackie Evancho performs ‘Nessun Dorma’;

Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah in an exclusive performance of ‘Who Can I Turn To’

An exclusive primetime premiere performance by Cirque du Soleil ‘Iris.’

American singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, Stevie Wonder, is one of the most celebrated and prominent figures in popular music. To date Motown legend Wonder has amassed an astounding 49 Top 40 singles, 32 #1 singles, and worldwide album sales totaling more than 100 million units. He has garnered 25 Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and received a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for the 1984 hit “I just Called To Say I Love You” from the film “The Woman In Red”. In 1989 , he was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. In 1999, Wonder became the youngest honoree of the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2009, Wonder became the second recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, honored by President Barack Obama at the White House. He performed his Library of Congress musical commission, “Sketches Of A Life”, joining a very select group of eminent composers who have received the Library commissions, ranging from Aaron Copeland and Leonard Bernstein to Paquito D’Rivera. Recently, Wonder performed at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.

Legendary entertainer and Grammy Award-winning artist LaBelle received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards earlier this year and will be on tour through the end of 2011. LaBelle, who first earned worldwide acclaim over 50 years ago with the Bluebelles and later Labelle, has amassed classic hit songs including ‘Lady Marmalade,’ “On My Own” with Michael McDonald, “New Attitude,” ‘Love, Need & Want You’ and “If You Asked Me To.” She is also an accomplished actress, the author of five books, and a successful businesswoman with her own line of spices and sauces, Lady Marmalade, available at retailers nationwide and at www.pattilabelle.com, as well as a bedding collection, Patti LaBelle Home, available at Macy’s

Rimes has sold more than 40 million albums, won two Grammy Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Rimes is the youngest recipient of a Grammy Award, and was also the first country recording artist to win in the ‘Best New Artist’ category. Rimes recently released two songs from her forthcoming album ‘Lady & Gentlemen,’ where she reinterprets classic country songs by men, including the Grammy-nominated song ‘Swingin’ and the original song and current single ‘Give.’ The album is set to release on September 27, 2011.

Cobra Starship recently released their new album, ‘Night Shades,’ which features the Top 10 pop hit “You Make Me Feel…(featuring Warner Bros. rising star Sabi). “Night Shades’ is Cobra Starship’s boldest and brightest collection to date. The album ‘ the band’s fourth, and first since 2009′s top five breakthrough ‘Hot Mess’ ‘ sees the superstars teaming up with a wide range of collaborators and producers, including Ryan Tedder, Mac Miller, Stargate and others. Since emerging in 2006, Cobra Starship has earned both critical applause and a fervent fan following for their blend of pop hooks, punk energy, and dance-floor creativity.

After seven years together as a band, OneRepublic took the world by storm in 2007 with their debut release ‘Dreaming Out Loud.’ The album included the smash single ‘Apologize,’ which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide, and along with their second single ‘Stop And Stare,’ propelled the album to platinum-plus sales. Their 2009 sophomore set ‘Waking Up’ has produced three singles ‘ ‘All The Right Moves,’ ‘Secrets’ and ‘Good Life’ — that have topped the radio charts and sold more than 6 million downloads to date.

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their careers, the band members have produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the sound for generations of music fans and artists. For the past 30 years, the band’s concerts have become must-see events and have quickly made them and institution in the touring industry, as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide.

Last season’s runner-up for America’s Got Talent is Evancho, an 11-year-old soprano prodigy who auditioned for the series through YouTube. She recently released her debut album Dream with Me, which was certified gold after only four weeks of release. Evancho is currently on a sold-out U.S. tour and Syco/Columbia Records will release the DVD of ‘Dream with Me Live — Great Performances PBS Special” on September 13.

American icon Bennett, who has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, is set to release his new album ‘Duets II’ on September 20. The career-spanning compilation features pairings with today’s most beloved artists, including Queen Latifah, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli and many more. Entering his seventh decade as a recording artist with over 100 albums and 15 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bennett has earned his legendary status many times over.

Iris A Journey Through the World of Cinema is the latest production from Cirque du Soleil currently performing in Hollywood at the Kodak Theater. Bringing together dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation, the show takes spectators on a fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres, taking them into the heart of the movie-making process. From illustration to animation, black- and-white to color, silent films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements, spectators witness the poetic construction/deconstruction of this art as an object and as a way of transcending reality.

Now in its sixth season, America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays (9-11 p.m. ET) and Wednesdays (9-10 p.m. ET) on NBC. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges, and Nick Cannon serves as host. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of aspiring stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America’s hearts ‘ and the $1 million prize.

“America’s Got Talent’ is delivering its highest-rated season ever in 18-49 and total viewers. The series is up this summer versus last by 13 percent in 18-49 (3.6 vs. 3.2) and 9 percent in total viewers (12.9 million vs. 11.9 million). For each of its 15 weeks on the air so far this summer, ‘America’s Got Talent’ has ranked #1 in total viewers among all primetime non-sports programs on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW. So far this summer, the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “America’s Got Talent” are the #2 and #4 series on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in adults 18-49, behind only ‘The Voice’ (#1) and “The Voice” Results Show (tied for #2). In total viewers, the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “Talent” rank #2 and #3, behind only ‘The Voice’ (#1).

‘America’s Got Talent” is the only talent competition show that is open to any age and any talent. Auditions for season seven will kick off in New York City in October, followed by St. Louis, Washington, D.C., Tampa, Fla., Los Angeles, Austin, Texas and Charlotte N.C. (more cities to be announced soon). For all the latest information and to pre-register, go to www.AGTauditions.com.

Following weeks of intense competition and awe-inspiring performances, this year’s winner and fan favorites including special guests Jack Vidgen, winner of “Australia’s Got Talent” 2011 and last year’s winner of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Michael Grimm will perform in a special three-night engagement in Las Vegas on October 28, October 29 and October 30 in the famous 4,500 seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The two-hour live event will be hosted by Jerry Springer and include an all-star roster of the country’s most dynamic ‘America’s Got Talent’ entertainers. Tickets to ‘America’s Got Talent Live,’ presented by AEG Live, are on sale now and can be purchased via http://agt.aeglive.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.

Source: NBC Press Release

Guest Performers Include Tony Bennett with Queen Latifah, Susan Boyle, Season 5 Winner Michael Grimm, Season 5 Finalist Jackie Evancho, Il Divo, David Guetta with Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida, Def Leppard and Cirque du Soleil “Iris”

Three Weeks Remain Until the Winner of the $1 Million Prize is Announced

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – August 25, 2011 – NBC’s top-rated summer series “America’s Got Talent” today announced a wide spectrum of popular guest musical and variety acts and exclusive performances that will appear on the show leading up to the live finale on September 14 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The guest performers include Tony Bennett with Queen Latifah, Susan Boyle, Season 5 Winner Michael Grimm, Season 5 Finalist Jackie Evancho, Il Divo, David Guetta with Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida, Def Leppard and Cirque du Soleil “Iris.”

The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios.

The dates for each guest performer heating up the “America’s Got Talent” stage follow:

August 31 – An exclusive performance by David Guetta with Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida of “Where Them Girls At” and Susan Boyle performs “You Have to Be There.”

September 6 – Michael Grimm performs “Stay with Me Baby.”

September 7 – Il Divo performs “Wicked Game” and Def Leppard performs “Rock of Ages – Pour Some Sugar on Me”

September 14 – Jackie Evancho performs “Nessun Dorma,” an exclusive performance from Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah of “Who Can I Turn To,” as well as an exclusive primetime premiere performance by Cirque du Soleil “Iris.”

Guetta — one of the most in-demand producers, multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, and the world’s reigning #1 deejay — is set to release his much-awaited fifth album ‘Nothing But the Beat’ on August 29 through Capitol Records. It features the summer smash “Where Them Girls At” with Minaj and Flo Rida and also includes vocals from artists such as Akon, Chris Brown, Dev, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Sia, Snoop Dogg, Taio Cruz, Timbaland, Usher and Will.i.am.

Global phenomenon Boyle, who became a household name after her audition for “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009,” is the biggest-selling artist in the world today. Boyle’s debut release, “I Dreamed a Dream,” was the most pre-ordered album worldwide of all time at Amazon, and six weeks after its release, it had sold nine million copies. Boyle has gone on to sell over 14 million albums worldwide over the course of the last 14 months. She is currently working on her third studio album for release this fall.

Last season’s “America’s Got Talent” winner, Mississippi-bred Grimm charmed millions of viewers as he parlayed his substantial singer-songwriter appeal into a first-place finish, a $1 million prize, and the headline spot on the first-ever national “America’s Got Talent Tour,” which visited major cities throughout the U.S. in Fall 2010. Grimm has signed to Epic Records, who released his major-label self-titled debut album this past spring. He is currently on tour opening for Stevie Nicks.

Il Divo, formed in 2004 after a worldwide search of international opera houses by Simon Cowell, has sold more than 26 million albums and over 2 million concert tickets worldwide. Their first four albums achieved 50 #1 album chart positions internationally, including a #1 debut in the U.S. for “Ancora.” This was the only classical crossover album to debut on the Billboard Top 200. The group is currently working on their new album to be released this fall.

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their careers, the band members have produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the sound for generations of music fans and artists. For the past 30 years, the band’s concerts have become must-see events and have quickly made them and institution in the touring industry, as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide.

Last season’s runner-up for “America’s Got Talent” is Evancho, an 11-year-old soprano prodigy who auditioned for the series through YouTube. She recently released her debut album “Dream with Me,” which was certified gold after only four weeks of release. Evancho is currently on a sold-out U.S. tour and Syco/Columbia Records will release the DVD of “Dream with Me Live — Great Performances PBS Special” on September 13.

American icon Bennett, who has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, is set to release his new album “Duets II” on September 20. The career-spanning compilation features pairings with today’s most beloved artists including Queen Latifah, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Lady Ga Ga, Andrea Bocelli and many more. Entering his seventh decade as a recording artist with over 100 albums and 15 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bennett has earned his legendary status many times over.

“Iris A Journey Through the World of Cinema” is the latest production from Cirque du Soleil currently performing in Hollywood at the Kodak Theater. Bringing together dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation, the show takes spectators on a fantastic voyage through the history of cinema and its genres, taking them into the heart of the movie-making process. From illustration to animation, black- and-white to color, silent films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements, spectators witness the poetic construction/deconstruction of this art as an object and as a way of transcending reality.

Now in its sixth season, “America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesdays (9-11 p.m. ET) and Wednesdays (9-10 p.m. ET) on NBC. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges, and Nick Cannon serves as host. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of aspiring stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America’s hearts – and the $1 million prize.

So far this summer, the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “America’s Got Talent” are the #1 and #3 series on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in total viewers, with the Wednesday edition of “Talent” ranking behind only NBC’s “The Voice.” In adults 18-49, the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “Talent” rank #2 and #4, behind only “The Voice” (#1) and “The Voice” Results Show (#3). Versus last year, “America’s Got Talent” is up in adults 18-49 by 21 percent on Tuesdays (with an average 4.1 rating vs. a 3.4) and up 12 percent on Wednesdays (3.7 vs. 3.3), according to “most current” averages through August 21 from Nielsen Media Research. In total viewers, the show is up 20 percent year-to-year on Tuesdays (14.223 million vs. 11.832 million) and 9 percent year-to-year on Wednesdays (12.976 million vs. 11.861 million).

“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.

Source: NBC Press Release

FOUR YOUTUBE ACTS JOIN THE SEMI-FINALS

“622″ – The votes are in and four acts from the YouTube episode move on to the semi-finals. Those acts will continue their pursuit of the $1 million prize and will be one step closer to being named the most talented act in America. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges and Nick Cannon hosts.

YOUTUBE ACTS CHOSEN BY VIEWERS AT HOME TAKE THEIR CHANCE AT COMPETING LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD

“621″ – YouTube acts from across the country perform live in Hollywood for a chance to win the $1 million prize and become the most talented act in America. The YouTube community’s favorite act will perform alongside 11 other YouTube acts chosen by the show. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges and Nick Cannon hosts.

THE RESULTS ARE IN LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES

“614″ – The votes are in and four acts from the previous night’s performance show move on to the top 24 to continue their pursuit of the $1 million prize — and be one step closer to becoming the most talented act in America. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges and Nick Cannon hosts.

THE FIRST WEEK OF LIVE SHOWS BEGIN

“613″ – Judging is turned over to the American viewing audience as twelve of the top 48 acts perform live in Los Angeles for the chance to win the $1 million prize and become the most talented act in America. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges and Nick Cannon hosts. See a video sneak peek:

NBC’S POPULAR SUMMER SERIES FROM FREMANTLEMEDIA NORTH AMERICA AND SIMON COWELL’S SYCO TELEVISION ANNOUNCES ALL ACTS TO COMPETE LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD BEGINNING TUESDAY, JULY 12

UNIVERSAL CITY, California – ”America’s Got Talent,” NBC’s top-rated summer series from FremantleMedia North American and Syco Television has selected the Top 48 acts that will vie for the coveted $1 million grand prize when the live performance episodes begin Tuesday, July 12 (9-11 p.m. ET).

With the start of the live shows, America now votes for their favorite acts via phone and online at http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/.

The Top 48 contestants are:

Anna Graceman – Juneau, Alaska (singer/pianist)

Attack Dance Crew – Tallahassee, Fla. (drilling dance crew)

Avery and the Calico Hearts – Lubbock, Texas (singing trio)

Captain & Maybelle – Atlanta, Ga. (variety act)

Charles Peachock – Kent, Ohio (juggler)

Dani Shay – Orlando, Fla. (singer/guitarist)

Daniel Joseph Baker – Katy, Texas (singer/pianist)

Dezmond Meeks – Pineville, La. (singer/pianist)

Duo Aero – Saint Paul, Minn (trapeze duo)

Dylan Andre – Zieglerville, Pa. (singer/guitarist)

Echo of Animal Gardens – Lake Geneva, Wis. (animal act)

Fatally Unique – Rockford, Ill. (hip hop dance team)

Fearless Flores Family – Myakka City, Fla. (family daredevil act)

Frank Miles – Los Angeles, Calif. (variety act)

Geechy Guy – Las Vegas, Nev. (comedian)

Ian Johnson – Hebron, Ill. (yo-yo tricks)

J Chris Newberg – Los Angeles, Calif. (comic/musician)

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. – Logan, W. V. (singer)

Landon Swank – Wasilla, Alaska (magician)

Lys Agnès – Denver, Colo. (singer)

Mauricio Herrera – Pomona, Calif. (singer/dancer)

Melissa Villasenor – Los Angeles, Calif. (impressionist)

Miami All Stars – Miami, Fla. (dance group)

Mona Lisa – Houston, Texas (twin singers/guitarist duo)

Monet – Charlotte, N. Car. (singer)

POPLYFE – Oakland, Calif. (teen band)

Professor Splash – Lakewood, Colo. (shallow water diver)

Purrfect Angelz – Los Angeles, Calif. (dance troupe)

Sam B. – Falls Church, Va. (dancer)

Sandou Trio Russian Bar – San Antonio, Texas (Russian bar trio)

Scott Alexander – Lancaster, Pa. (magician)

Seth Grabel – Los Angeles, Calif. (magician)

SH’Boss Boys – Atlanta, Ga. (young rap trio)

Silhouettes – Arvada, Colo. (interpretative dance)

Smage Bros. Riding Shows – Elkhorn, Wis. (motorcycle stunt show)

Snap Boogie – Boston, Mass. (dancer)

Squonk Opera – Pittsburgh, Pa. (band)

Steven Retchless – New York, N. Y. (pole dancer/aerialist)

Summerwind Skippers – Boise, Idaho (jump rope team)

Taylor Davis – Leesburg, Ga. (singer/guitarist)

Team iLuminate – New York, N.Y. (glow suit dancers)

The Fiddleheads – Dahlonega, Ga. (bluegrass band)

The Kinetic King – St. Paul, Minn. (variety act)

The Rhinestone Ropers – Jerome, Idaho (variety act)

Thomas John – Woodland Park, Colo. (variety act)

Those Funny Little People – Chicago, Ill. (variety act)

Yellow Designs Stunt Team – Monument, Colo. (BMX bike tricks)

Zuma Zuma – Las Vegas, Nevada (tumblers)

Now in its sixth season, “America’s Got Talent,” airs Tuesdays (9-11 p.m. ET) and Wednesdays (9-10 p.m. ET) on NBC. Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne star as the celebrity panel of judges, and Nick Cannon serves as host. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of aspiring stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America’s hearts – and the $1 million prize.

So far this summer, the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of “American’s Got Talent” are the #1 and #2 series on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in total viewers, while ranking #2 and #3 in adults 18-49, behind only NBC’s “The Voice.” Versus last year, “America’s Got Talent” is up in adults 18-49 by 14 percent on Tuesdays (with an average 4.1 rating vs. a 3.6) and up 27 percent on Wednesdays (4.2 vs. 3.3), according to “most current” averages from Nielsen Media Research. In total viewers, the show is up 17 percent year-to-year on Tuesdays (14.5 million vs. 12.4 million) and 21 percent year-to-year on Wednesdays (14.3 million vs. 11.8 million).

Source: NBC Press Release

ACTS COMPETE FOR A SPOT IN THE TOP 48 IN LAS VEGAS

“611″ – At the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas the acts who made it through the first round of auditions must now impress celebrity judges Howie Mandel, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne in order to get into the Top 48 and a chance to compete in the live shows in Los Angeles. Nick Cannon hosts this variety competition series which features a colorful array of hopeful future stars as they compete for a chance to win a $1 million prize and become the most talented act in America. See a video sneak peek: