While the COVID-19 pandemic has jeopardized the status of various TV shows, force America's Got Talent to abandon the live rounds that have come to define the popular competition series, the show is returning to its live format next week with 44 different acts.
The new acts will perform for judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel in Universal Studios Hollywood. Host Terry Crews will also be in attendance. Eleven acts will perform each Tuesday and a Wednesday night episode will reveal the five moving on to the semifinals. The show's 15th season will also see the return of the "Dunkin' Save" which was introduced last season and allows fans to save an act in danger of going home.
In a recent press release, invited Sofia, Simon, and Howie up onstage to pull swords out of his mouth. His quick wit and acerbic tone resonated with the audience, which should have fans dying to see what he comes up with next. Watch his full audition video below:
Of course, it s Got Talent without a magician. Holding down the fort in that department is Max Major, whose ability to impress in two virtual auditions landed him a spot in the quarterfinals. After getting inside the judges' heads from miles and miles away, Max now gets the opportunity to shine in person, and fans can't wait to see what he has in store. Fans are also excited for Cristina Rae's performance. The Nashville, TN resident arrived at her America's Got Talent audition with her 4-year-old son, Jeremiah. She told the heartbreaking story of living as a single mother in her car while working both towards a degree and as a body sculptor. Cristina soon offered an incredible rendition of "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins, but it didn't seem to be enough for Simon, who asked her to perform a second song. Her encore - "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones - blew everyone away, earning her a Golden Buzzer from Heidi! Her beautiful voice and memorable story make Cristina worth following throughout the quarterfinals and, hopefully, beyond.
Particularly amidst controversy and scandal, America's Got Talent seemed to experience some growing pains as it transitioned to its virtual format. But as the live quarterfinals begin, the show seems poised to recapture the energy that has made it one of the most successful programs in reality TV history.
America's Got Talent airs every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 pm ET.
Source: NBC