Hollywood Junket » America’s Got Talent

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: CNN Welcomes Piers Morgan As New Larry King!

Set News — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:10:01 +0000

In an official announcement yesterday from CNN, “America’s Got Talent” critical judge, Piers Morgan will be taking over for Larry King on “Larry King Live”.

Morgan talked to our host, Marisa Petroro (Deal or No Deal Model *18) about how his hosting style will be “to charm” his guest to get the best out of them. He joked that his goal would be to pull “indiscretions” out of guests. Morgan stated that he plans to do the show his “individual way, and bring a bit of my personality to it”. He also said, “people will expect for me to be a bit fresh and different [from Larry]“.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Jackie Evancho in The Top 10!

Set News — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:28:30 +0000

“America’s Got Talent” harsher judge, Piers Morgan’s reponse to 10-year old semi-finalist contestant Jackie Evancho, “what we’ve got in you is a super-star” after hearing her perfect rendition to Sarah Brightman’s “Time to Say Goodbye”.

Evancho sang with such poise and emotion at such a young age, it is truly a gift and moving to see her talent displayed on “America’s Got Talent” in front of a vast audience. Hollywood Junket normally does not feature video content on our website not filmed and produced by us. However, in rare instances we make exceptions. This particular song is an Editor favorite, and we feel strongly to show our audience the amazing gift of Jackie Evancho as she deserves. Due to performance time constraints of “America’s Got Talent”, watch Evancho’s 90-second version below of the original full Sarah Brightman one.

The Top 10 acts are:

1- Anna and Patryk (Dancers)
2- Christina & Ali (Singers)
3- Fighting Gravity (Performance Artists)
4- Jackie Evancho (Singer)
5- Jeremy Vanshoonhoven (Stunt Bike Rider)
6- Michael Grasso (Magician)
7- Michael Grimm (Musician/Singer)
8- Prince Poppycock (Oprea Singer)
9- Studio One Young Beast Society (Dance Crew)
10- Taylor Mathews (Musician/Singer)

Watch these top 10 acts perform live on the Tuesday, September 7th episode of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Renewed for Sixth Season!

Editor — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:06:36 +0000

NBC PRESS RELEASE

NBC has picked up a sixth season of its hit summer series “America’s GotTalent” from FremantleMedia and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Television.

Celebrity Judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel will return to the hit series along with host Nick Cannon.

“‘AGT’ continues to be a ratings sensation and has hit it out of the ballpark creatively this season,” said Paul Telegdy, Executive VP of Alternative Programming and Production, NBC and Universal Media Studios. “We have a dream team of celebrity judges — Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan — and coupled with our versatile host Nick Cannon, we’re looking forward to an even bigger summer next year.”

This is the fifth consecutive year that “AGT” has ranked as the #1 summer series in total viewers. Season-to-date, the show has averaged a 3.4 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49 and 11.8 million viewers overall on Tuesdays and a 3.3/10 in 18-49 and 11.8 million viewers on Wednesdays.

In its fifth season, “America’s Got Talent,” airs Tuesdays (9-11 p.m. ET) and Wednesdays (9-10 p.m. ET). Nick Cannon hosts and Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan star as the celebrity panel of judges. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of hopeful 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.

The two-night fifth season finale will air Tuesday, September 14 (9-10 p.m. ET) and Wednesday, September 15 (8-10 p.m. ET).

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Tigers, Clowns, and Lightning.. Oh My!

Set News — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:09:36 +0000

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT showcased twelve more acts on last night’s performance show in front of judges Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan and Howie Mandel. The show, now in week ten, had some top notch acts that included a tiger, a saw death-trap, a clown opera singer, and lightning bolts!

Those acts were: Da Maniacs (Hip Hop Dance Troupe); NU Covenant (Singing Group); dancers, Anna and Patryk; Lindsey Stirling (Musician/Dancer); Comedian, Doogie Horner; Rudi Macaggi (Circus Acrobat); Taylor Mathews (Musician/Singer); Mary Ellen (Musician/Singer); ArcAttack (Performing Arts Group); Opera Singer, Prince Poppycock; Magician, Murray; and dance crew, Strikers All Stars.

“Da Maniacs” kicked off last night’s show with their dance spoofs on The Blues Brothers that ended with Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This”. Judges felt that their act was not good enough for a Las Vegas act. They were followed by singers NU Covenant, and two twelve-year-old dancers Anna and Patryk whom Judge, Piers Morgan stated he “could see them in Vegas tomorrow.”

AGT judges discuss this week’s talent acts below:

A very energetic and talented violinist Lindsey Stirling jumped and hip-hop danced as she played the violin on stage. But, the judges response were not what she expected. Morgan stated that her instrument sounded like “rats being strangled.” While Howie Mandel said she was great, but by adding movement it didn’t make her “as great.” A feat that can be successful by a world renowned violinist.

Comedian Doogie Horner gave a successful performance that left tougher judge, Morgan stating “I never thought I’d say before Doogie you’re funny!” The laughter soon ended once third generation Circus Acrobat Rudi Macaggi brought “one of the most dangerous acts ever seen on the show” observed by host Nick Cannon. Macaggi risked his life in a stunt that hurled himself towards a sharp circular saw. Osbourne said she felt like she was watching a horror film. Mandel couldn’t even watch.

Mary Ellen on AGT stage.

Musicians and singers Talyor Matthews followed by Mary Ellen took the stage after Macaggi. Morgan commented on Matthews talent with “I saw a real potential pop star”. While Ellen had not as good of luck. Her act consisted of cowboy and cowgirl dancers, and a fake motorized cow. Cannon literally pulled the plug on her routine after receiving only one strike that was from Morgan. Mandel remained a loyal fan and paid homage to her by wearing a blond beehive wig. He stated “You’re unique and different. People are going to be talking about you tomorrow.” Ellen revealed that she’s had a virus for two years.

Lightning musical act “Arc Attack” proved that playing instruments with lightning bolts can be a good possible Vegas act. A band member explained that the spark works like a speaker which moves air. Opera Singer Prince Poppycock wooed judges with his beautiful voice and colorful clown appearance. Although Mandel questioned “will middle America respond to this?”

The last two performances on the night were magician Murray, and dance crew “Strikers All Stars”. Murray impressed everyone with his tiger act which replaced a beautiful girl with a tiger, making her re-appear behind Mandel. “Strikers All Stars” received a disappointing response from Mandel, “You stepped it DOWN instead of stepping it up.”

The highlight of the night was Bret Michaels performance of “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”. His performance came a night early due to his tour, called “Roses and Thorns” which has him playing in New York today.

Last night’s talent acts can be seen here: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/

Tonight’s results show features performances by Bret Michaels and UK musical artist Taio Cruz. Watch which acts will move forward and which ones will be voted-off tonight on NBC at 9-10pm ET.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: CELEBRITY APPRENTICE Winner Bret Michaels To Perform!

Set News — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:29:13 +0000

Former “Celebrity Apprentice” team mates, and “America’s Got Talent” judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan will welcome a fellow former contestant and last season winner from ‘Apprentice, Bret Michaels, front man to legendary ’80’s rock bank, “Poison” to the stage this Wednesday August 4th.

Bret Michaels will reunite with Osbourne and Morgan on AGT.

At the end of last season’s “Celebrity Apprentice” Michaels and Holly Robinson Peete were the last two standing in the board room after Michaels miraculous return from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. A real-life drama that was the pinnacle of the rest of the season’s snooze-fest episodes.

Bret Michaels is scheduled to perform during AGT’s results show with Mercury Recording artist Taio Cruz from the UK. Michaels will perform “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”. Michaels, star of VH1s successful reality show, “Rock of Love” will be embarking on a new reality show venture also for VH1 called “Bret Michaels: Life as You Know It” this fall.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Stage Gets a Mars Attack, Fire, and Half Naked Man!

Set News — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:59:38 +0000

Last night’s episode of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” brought unpredictable reactions from judges, one of which included a standing ovation from difficult judge, Piers Morgan, aliens on stage; fire; and a strip tease!

The twelve talent acts that performed included: The South Philly Vikings, CJ Dippa, Harmonica Pierre, Polina Volchek, The Strange Familiar, Haspop, Luigi, Chipps Cooney, Kaya & Saddie, Jeremy Vanschoonhoven, Debra Romer, and Studio One Young Beast Society.

Judges and Host talk to us about the talent acts below:

We were present on the set and one thing you didn't see on last night's show was a pre-tape of the judges intro due to the extensive set-up that was required for dance group The South Philly Vikings.

"The South Philly Vikings", a dance group consisting of truck drivers, and other blue collar workers from from Philadelphia made a tribute to Star Trek, Mars Attacks!, and The Fifth Element by dressing in costumes displaying characters from the films. Judge, Morgan gave them a strike, and stated that they were like "overgrown costumed kindergartens". Prior to their performance, the group stated that they were performing a routine that night done in three weeks of preparation that would normally take one year.

An AGT judges favorite was child rapper CJ Dippa. He performed an original rap and impressed the judges with his ability to command the stage.

Contortionist/gymnast Polina Volchek received a strike also from Morgan. She attempted to wow judges with body tricks and playing with a "rope". She received props from Osbourne.

Hip hop dancer/popper, Haspop had Howie saying "That's WOW! Loved it!", and Piers stating, "The best performance of the night so far", with Sharon agreeing.

Talent acts that didn't do so well included Luigi whom would do well if it was "a normal season" according to Morgan who striked him as well as Chipps Cooney who opened his routine with former judge's David Hasselhoff song then proceeded to strip down to his underwear. Morgan stated that it was the worst performance in AGT history! He was the only act of the night to receive strikes from all three judges.

The last four acts of the night were the most impressive. Kaya & Saddie managed to have all three judges swooning over their gifted body skills with their hypnotic belly dancing talent. Jeremy Vanschoonhoven gave a great bike stunt show that ended in a tricky blind-folded finale. Singer, Debra Romer proved to show her confidence on stage and sang a beautiful song that left Morgan compelled to give a standing ovation! Finally, the night's acts wrapped with Studio One Young Beast Society dance group that left Howie saying they are the "best dance crew performance I've seen on this stage". Morgan agreed. Watch the acts here:http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/categories/season-5-highlights/1231785/

Tonight's live show includes celebrity guests Mike Posner, and "Jabbawockeez".

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Contestants Compete LIVE In Hollywood!

Editor — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:35:46 +0000

NBC recently announced the top 48 acts that will compete against one another for the $1 million grand prize. Contestants will perform LIVE in Hollywood beginning Tuesday July 13th! We’ve listed twenty of the 48 talent acts below. Acts among the full list include: ten singers, three dance crews, one hand whistler, five dance groups, one fire performer, two comedians, one country band, one juggler, and a cheer dance squad.

Viewers can vote for their favorite acts via phone and online: http://www.NBC.com/americas-got-talent

1) Airpocalypse (Air Guitar Band)
2) Alice Tan Ridley (Singer)
3) ArcAttack (Performing Arts Group)
4) Antonio Restivo (Firer Performer)
5) Doogie Horner (Comedian)
6) Mona Sampath Dance Company (Bollywood Dance Group)
7) Hannibal Means (Opera Singer)
8- Kay & Sadie (Belly Dancing Duo)
9) Kung Fu Heroes (Martial Artists)
10) Nick Pike (Juggler)

11) Polina Volchek (Gymnast/Acrobat)
12) Rudi Macaggi (Circus Acrobat)
13) Ronith (Comedic Impressions)
14) Sally Cohn (Hand Whistler)
15) Studio One Young Beast Society (Dance Crew)
16) The Hot Shot Tap Dancers
17) The Strong Man (Strength Competitor)
18) Wreckless (Dance Group)
19) Cheer SF (Cheer Dance Squad)
20) Iron Horse (Country Band)

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: What Audiences Think of Howie!

Set News — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:55:16 +0000

HOLLYWOOD JUNKET was at the live Los Angeles taping of AMERICA’S GOT TALENT at the Orpheum Theater to get audience responses of what they thought of the talent, and new judge Howie Mandel. Watch their video interviews by clicking on the image below.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Sneak-Peek at the Talent!

Editor — Mon, 31 May 2010 04:14:28 +0000

We were at the Los Angeles open call auditions of the new season of “America’s Got Talent”. Here’s a video montage of some of the talented hopefuls we talked to while we were there.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT returns to NBC Tuesday, June 1st with new judge Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”).

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: Holding Casting Calls Via YouTube!

Editor — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:56:22 +0000

NBC and the producers of “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) announced today that their partnership with YouTube will allow talented hopefuls all across the country to audition via online on the show’s new YouTube channel.

Got talent? Upload it to AGT new YouTube channel and maybe you'll be on the LIVE show!

The fifth season of “America’s Got Talent” open casting calls have taken place in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Atlanta, and Portland. But, now, talented hopefuls can audition for the show by making their own video and uploading it to the “America’s Got Talent” brand new YouTube channel for submission to be on the show. Twelve acts will get the chance to perform LIVE on the “AGT” stage, but only one will be chosen by the YouTube community by popular vote. AGT producers will select the other eleven acts to also perform on the show.

Video submission uploading starts today, April 26th through June 16th. According to an NBC press release, “America’s Got Talent” is an “online sensation with some of the most viewed videos on YouTube.” America’s favorite talent show returns June 1 (8-10pm ET).

Submit your video now by going to: http://www.youtube.com/americasgottalent