American Idol season 23 just came to a close, it felt like the season dragged on for far longer than a few months. While many have been watching the show since the beginning, most Idol viewers have had grievances with the series, especially since Katy Perry left after the last season. America's Got Talent, which debuted just a few years after Idol, premiered just this week with its 20th season.
Although America's Got Talent and American Idol aren't the same concept entirely, they're both talent competition shows at their core. The former has acts outside of singers audition for the series, including dancers, dance troupes, magicians, and most other possible talents, while Idol is a singing-only competition, which limits things a lot. America's Got Talent season 20 premiered this week, and while there was some confusion leading up to the premiere about who was going to be part of the show, it offered such a complete look at its own identity from the start that Idol was a distant memory.
America's Got Talent Is More Exciting Than American Idol
There's More Focus On The Contestants
Although America's Got Talent season 20 just began, it was clear in its mission from the start. The show worked hard to show viewers a diverse group of talented people who were all at different levels of their craft. While some were ready to perform on a larger stage, some were hopeful that they'd get the chance to audition at all. America's Got Talent does something wonderful that American Idol has never been able to achieve. There's a whimsical energy to AGT that Idol's never been able to touch, because their acts don't have to be set to a standard.
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While American Idol acts often seem like they have to be polished and prepared for the world at large to consume, America's Got Talent isn't looking for the next best singer, dancer, actor, or anything of the like. Instead, they're looking for talent in whatever packaging they can find, and there's something deeply freeing about the show's concept that allows viewers to watch it with a bit more carefree whimsy. The show is allowed to be far more exciting because it doesn't focus on industry standards or technique, but on what an audience will enjoy watching on the show.
America's Got Talent Has A Wide Range Of Talents
It Doesn't Just Showcase Singers, Who Grow Boring
Although American Idol has always been angled towards singers, America's Got Talent broadens the scope for performers in a way that allows others to come to the main stage. Most reality TV talent competitions that are currently airing have one main focus, typically singing or dancing. The limitations that sets on other acts is challenging, and America's Got Talent gives them a platform to show off their true talents to the world. While American Idol can be a fun competition, seeing singers moving through their series can get boring, while America's Got Talent is never stale due to the diversity.
Former AI Judge Simon Cowell Is Refreshing On AGT
Simon's AGT's Secret Weapon
America's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell is the secret weapon of the series. While all of the judges, including Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara, can be great to watch, Simon is the heartbeat of AGT. For years on Idol, Simon was under-appreciated for knowing talent when he saw it and speaking his mind. On AGT, Simon is a trusted, beloved judge who can be harsh sometimes, but often is right when he delivers criticism, and always rewards talented acts. Simon's charm and talent are missing from American Idol at this point, and have been better utilized on AGT.
America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.
Source: America's Got Talent/Instagram
America's Got Talent
- Release Date
- June 21, 2006
Cast
Regis Philbin
Jerry Springer
WHERE TO WATCH
- Creator(s)
- Ken Warwick
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