Topic: “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT”

[puddin]

BRANDY, DAVID HASSELHOFF AND PIERS MORGAN NAMED AS JUDGES OF NBC'S “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” FROM SIMON COWELL AND FREMANTLEMEDIA
Released by NBC


BRANDY, DAVID HASSELHOFF AND PIERS MORGAN NAMED AS JUDGES OF NBC'S AMERICAS GOT TALENT FROM SIMON COWELL AND FREMANTLEMEDIA

Regis Philbin Hosts New Talent Competition Series Premiering With Two-hour Episode on Wednesday, June 21

BURBANK, Calif. -- May 18, 2006 -- Grammy award-winner and television star Brandy, (Moesha) actor, singer and executive producer David Hasselhoff (Baywatch), and U.K. television/media personality Piers Morgan have been named as judges for NBCs upcoming talent competition series Americas Got Talent from Simon Cowell (American Idol) and FremantleMedia (American Idol).

Hosted by television legend Regis Philbin (Live with Regis and Kelly), the series will have its two-hour broadcast premiere on Wednesday, June 21 (8-10 p.m. ET). The regular telecast time of Americas Got Talent will be Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; (30-minute results shows will air on Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET).

We have three different judges from three different backgrounds, said Cowell. Expect the unexpected.

Im looking forward to seeing all the elements and talents of this show come together on one stage. It should make for great television, added executive producer Ken Warwick.

Being a fan of reality television, I'm happy to be a part of a show that embraces all of America's diverse talent, said Brandy. When I got the call from Simon to be part of "America's Got Talent," I was thrilled because I have always wanted the opportunity to help newcomers with their career the way so many people have helped me.

"I have a long standing relationship with FremantleMedia Media and Simon Cowell, who is always great fun to work with," said Hasselhoff. It should be a blast, especially now with Regis on board. I'm looking forward to discovering what wild new talent is out there."

"I've chased, interviewed, broken, admired and laughed at celebrities for the last 20 years and the one thing I can safely say from all my experience is that America has produced more great entertainment talent than any other country in the world, said Morgan. My sincere hope is that we uncover a genuinely talented new superstar in this show, as well as a few acts that make us all laugh out loud."

Cowell and FremantleMedia will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in this new variety series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. Hosted by television legend Philbin, "America's Got Talent" features a colorful array of hopeful future stars -- singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of Hasselhoff, Brandy and Morgan, who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds where America will vote for the ultimate performer.

At 26, few have reached the luminary stature of Brandy. She is a Grammy Award-winning singer, a major film and television actress, a model, a spokesperson, producer and a Mom. Having sold over 25 million copies of her 4 solo CD's, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist. Her long-running television show, Moesha helped launch the UPN Network where it ran for 6 successful seasons. Additionally, she was the star of Cinderella and Double Platinum, two of televisions highest rated special programs.

Internationally recognized for both his work in television and music, Hasselhoff shot to fame with his starring role in Knight Rider, which garnered him a Peoples Choice Award as Most Popular Actor. In 1989, Hasselhoff was cast in the internationally popular series Baywatch, of which he eventually became the executive producer. Additionally, he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as "The Most Watched TV Star in the World due to his starring roles on both series. Hasselhoffs musical career took off in the late 1980s after he recorded the album Looking for Freedom at the end of the Cold War. The song became an anthem for the newly united German people and remained at the top of their charts for eight weeks. The album went triple platinum in Europe and Hasselhoff was named Most Popular and Best Selling Artist of the Year in Germany. Additionally, he has released six other albums in Europe, which have all gone platinum and gold. He made his theatrical debut in the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde, and went on to make his West End debut in the hit musical Chicago. Hasselfhoff has also appeared in several feature films including, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and the family favorite, The Spongebob SquarePants Movie. He will also star in Adam Sandlers Click, a new feature film to be released next month.

A former editor of the London Daily Mirror, Morgan was arguably the best-known national newspaper editor since his good friend Kelvin MacKenzie edited the Sun in the 1980s. He became editor of the News of the World at the age of 28 - the youngest national newspaper editor for more than 50 years. Two years later, he was recruited to edit the Daily Mirror. During this time, he was responsible for breaking several high-profile stories and also became close friends with Princess Diana. Earlier this month, he launched First News, the first weekly newspaper for children that endeavors to educate them on social and political issues in a language they can understand. On television, Morgan served as host for two episodes of Tabloid Tales for BBC1 during the shows 2002/2003 season. Additionally, he hosted a three part series The Importance of Being Famous, as well as the one-hour documentary The Death of Celebrity, for Channel 4. His latest project You Cant Fire Me, Im Famous starts airing in the U.K. on June 5. Morgan also created The Pride of Britain Awards, in which high profile celebrities and royals honor ordinary citizens for doing extraordinary and/or heroic things.

"America's Got Talent" is produced by Cowell's SYCO TV production company and FremantleMedia. Cowell, Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol") are the executive producers. Jason Raff (Three Wishes) and Charles Boyd American Idol) are the co-executive producers.

http://thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060518nbc02

[Nuala]

Simon Cowell....you gotta love the man!!!  He can't help it that he is British.

[puddin]

I hope its more interesting than " So you think you can dance "

[mckingsley]

Whats with Regis as the host, though....not impressed.  Oh well it still might be good.

Haselhoff might actually be a good host, if he can keep from crying
Brandy, I still think of as a little girl.
I don't know the third judge.

[Jeffrey Scott]

Germans love David Hasselhoff. He should host it.

[puddin]

Piers Stefan Pughe-Morgan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piers_Morgan

[Jeffrey Scott]

Sounds good to me.

[puddin]

This show is so stupid that it makes me LOL 
Don't like this Pier guy because he rips off Simon but Sharon rocks although she has horrible taste 

[CeeeJay]

Sharon is a good replacement for Brandy

and  JERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRY JERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRY!!! Better than Regis!!! hahahahahahahahah he kills me

but i still refuse to watch this show!! 

[puddin]

Why won't you watch it CJ?

[CeeeJay]

its on when canadian idol is on first off....but secondly the talent stinks!! maybe i'll watch it closer to finals....

if it was like starsearch quality maybe i'd watch it!!

[Jeffrey Scott]

I disagree about the Jerry Springer bit, I'd rather watch Regis than Springer any day.
I've been enjoying the show so far. It's a nice filler in the summer.

[puddin]

OIC, CJ!
well I didn't watch it the first time around but there was nothing on last night and was flipping through the channels and caught most of it and if anything it was funny but really that Pier dude sucks so won't die if I miss an episode here or there.

[CeeeJay]

i find regis to be fake when he speaks ....i always have...but thats just me

PIer is annoying...hasselhoff needs gto be drinking on the show...and sharon...well its sharon!! lol

[Jeffrey Scott]

Piers is just a simon wannabe. I think he's faker than Regis. He'll hit his button and when other people claim how they love the act he just adds "Oh I was just trying to throw you off." RIGHT! I think he's just trying to be dislikable and it just making him look dumb.

[CeeeJay]

 

lol i'm bored!

[BballKates]

lol i'm bored!

Britain's Got Talent is much better!

[CeeeJay]

i don't have the time to watch on my computer at home!! lol someone burn the dvds and mail to me lol
!!!

[Kilarney]

I am usually no fan of British television, but let me just say........
Britain's Got Talent is 1000% better than the American version.  It was some of the best reality television that I've seen in a LONG time.

The key is that you really became attached to the performers, and wanted to see them do well.  The hosts were also great.  The American version is just a prime-time Jerry Springer show.  And really... Simon Cowell (who is on the British version with Piers) is better than Hasselhoff any day of the week.

Even if you don't watch it for a while, you owe it to yourself to download all 10 episodes while you still can. 

[Jeffrey Scott]

Perhaps, but at least Hasselhoff makes the show interesting. Springer is just annoying.
Do they show the bad acts in the UK version as well? And if so, are they just as bad as the American ones? Example.

[Kilarney]

They show bad acts in the British version, however, there seems to be a better balance between bad acts and good acts. 

And yes.... the bad acts are just as bad.

[Jeffrey Scott]

Anyone else still watching this? I'm sorry but I almost tuned out when Boy Brittney went to the top 20. What was that all about?
Top 10 acts are okay, though I can't believe this is the best America has to offer, far to many singers for my taste, I wish it was more acts and such.
Any thoughts?

[Kilarney]

I'm just barely hanging on.  As it is, I fast forward through about 75% of the show.  Now that I know how much they will be dragging it out, I think I may be done.

Too bad.  The British version  was so good!

[Jeffrey Scott]

I never did get around to watching that. Wish it was available on netflix or something.
What's with Pierce still buzzing all the acts?

[apskip]

Jenius, Piers is the Simon Cowell(they are good friends) of this show. His role is to be the bad guy who tells the truth about the acts when David Hasselhof and Sharon Osbourne just want to be everyone's friend. His buzzer marks his lack of respect for an act while they are still performing.

Now as to the specifics of Tuesday night's round of 10 competition, I was enthralled by the Calypso Tumblers and Terry Fator the ventriloquist. Either one deserves to win. The voters of America keep voting for sappy singers. There are 6 sappy singers who are mediocre in this competition. There is also one singing group, the Duttons, who are worse than medicore, never should have been in the group of 10, and are likely to get shown the way home if sanity prevails. The other group deserving elimination is Sideswipe, a martial arts group that went for cheap applause.

[Texas_kimmie]

I am loving this season's show. Way better than last years. Sharon is so much better than Brandy, and Jerry is so much better than Regis. You can see Jerry's sweet side, and I am loving him after years of not liking him because of his show.

And by the way, the buzzers are there for the judges to use if they are not liking the performance. Even during this time of the top ten. It is not disrespectful to the performers, they know the buzzers are there. They can keep performing unless all three buzzers have gone off. 

[Jeffrey Scott]

In total agreement about Calypso Tumblers, Terry Fator and Sideswipe. Sideswipe did try to use the kids for votes I think. Bad move. Calypso Tumblers also do something more I'm in awe of. Job well done. As for the other singers, I totally agree. If they were on American Idol I think they would not be where they are. As for the Dutton's, I kind of like them. Maybe because it's more of a group effort and that's kind of hard to do, and I think they put on a good show at the very least. Last week they did pick an awful song to do, and I think choosing the wrong song is their biggest hindrance. I don't see them going very far in the competition. I guess I can see why people don't like them.

The show wouldn't be the same without the Hoff. Though at times I can't stand Piers, I do like the fact that (usually he tells it like it is.) He does sugar-coat things at times, I just can't figure out when he decides to do it.

I've mentioned before that I don't like Springer, I did enjoy the show more when Regis was hosting, love his quirky inane sense of humour I guess. Yea, I'm a weird one I know.

[apskip]

I was watching another show and as it ended up popped the repeat of AGT round of 10, which I will call the quarterfinals. Springer was talking as I shut it off. It reminded me of the role he played on the original of that show last Tuesday night. His focus was basically on asking the question "Can you take it to the next level?" What a stupid question! Hey Jerry, of course people are going to tell you that they have no next level and are going to fold their tent; what do you expect? However, different groups are going to have different degrees of difficulty with that next level question. In particular I am concerned about Calypso Tumblers, who in executing an attempted next level might make a costly(both in competitive and maybe phsyical terms) error. I believe that their current level is better than anywhere any of the singers can possibly get to. The same with Terry Fator, who might indeed have a next level but he is already better than where anyone else except Calypso Tumblers can get to. Singing groups can sing different songs and project more energy than previously, but their singing performances are limited by their voices.

[apskip]

Tonight I watched with a heavy heart. The voters of America showed what they know by eliminating the Calypso Tumblers in the round of 10. The other eliminee was the Duttons, most deservedly so. The only good thing I can say about it was that Sideswipe, who did not perform well enough last week to stay, did really well this week and are likely to get into thte round of 4. Terry Fator had another brilliant performance by his ventriloquist dummy of songs by Dean Martin and I Left My Heart in San Francisco that Piers Morgan said "was better than the Tony Bennett original." Butterscotch had her usual disconcerting performance with her mouth accents breaking up the lyricism of her singing. Her fan base is so wide that she is likely to go forward. Cas Haley gave a good performance and he is likely to also be in the round of 4.

That means that in my opinion Robert Hatcher, Julienne, the Glamazons and Jason Pritchett will not make the round of 4.

[apskip]

THE FINALE PERFORMANCES

While all 8 remaining groups were on stage, Jerry Springer started the night off by announcing the first group to advance to the round of 4, all of whom then preformed a judges-pick piece. The first was Cas Haley, singer(and guitar accompanist). Second was Butterscotch, singer (and beatboxer and piano accompanist). Third was my favorite ventriloquist Terry Fator. Last and a poor choice by America's voters was Julienne Irwin, singer with the immature voice. Cas Haley and Butterscotch did OK. Terry Fator continued to blow everyone away. Julienne was weak.  Then each finalist got to perform their own choice. Cas Haley and Butterscotch did a little better on their own turf. Terry Fator amazed the judges with his Roy Orbison impersonation by his turtle dummy. Julienne Irwin did somewhat better with Over the Rainbow, but she still is clearly behind the other singers(no surprise since she is only 14 years old). I do not see her as the the second coming of Bianca Ryan and hope that she doesn't get any sympathy votes from the American public(who are not good judges of talent although they did get 3 of the 4 right from the 8 possible choices).

Next week is the announcement of the winner show, which means that NBC will have over an hour of fluff to fill the air time. A performance by David Haselhoff was promised.

[Jeffrey Scott]

Wow, totally agree with you here. I'm glad it has not turned into a purely American Idol rip-off by having just the singers competing. I love Terry Fator and hope he ends up winning. I was surprised Jason did not make it to the top four in lieu of Julies. She does have potential but I hate to hear her sing because she is still unrefined. Sideswipe would have been a better pick than her. I have been pulling for the performances more this year and would have liked to see them go on.

[kevinfromduluth]

This show is totally boring this year...Too many Commercials...Don't be surprised if the Irwin girl wins, she is in the Demographics that the show is drawing...I say least number of votes goes to Fador?.....These types of shows are losing audience big time, even American Idol

[Jeffrey Scott]

Yea, that's for sure. My kids and I have been watching this, but my kids have essentially lost interest. Last year was nice because they at least had the bizarre acts. Those were at least entertaining. None of that this year. I'd be surprised if this came back for a third year.

[apskip]

FINALE RESULTS SHOW

It's over and the unbelieveable thing is that the voters for this show got the order right from #4 to #1. The show opened with a forgettable performance by the "Top Ten". Then each of them got a turn with a current singing or performing group. In Terry Fator's case it was Kermit the Frog. Then they each got a testimonial from a superstar, ranging from Martina McBride to Miss Piggy. Then, interspersed with funny clips from the auditions and earlier rounds of the show, the announcment of the elimination order one by one began, with opportunities for their story through the competition to be highlighted.

First out at #4 was Julienne. Her voice can be improved and no doubt will be with age and experience.
Next out at #3 was Butterscotch. I did not like her "beat boxing" style. I think she would have done better with a straight lyrical piano and voice style.

Next was a really dynamite song from David Hasselfhoff meant to lead up to the announcment of the winner. Instead what we got was ...a commercial.

The next-to-last event was a live performance by some of the worst performers from early rounds of the competition.

Finally, Jerry Springer stepped up and announced that Terry Fator was the winner. Terry said he wanted it to help revive the art of ventriloquism. Jerry said that in addition to $1 million, arrangements had been made to fulfill his goal of a Las Vegas performance by booking a significant theatre there with Terry as the show. I found it unbelieveable that America's voters got it right. My 10 votes for Terry Fator obviously helped him win. He deserved it.

[kevinfromduluth]

FINALE RESULTS SHOW

It's over and the unbelieveable thing is that the voters for this show got the order right from #4 to #1. The show opened with a forgettable performance by the "Top Ten". Then each of them got a turn with a current singing or performing group. In Terry Fator's case it was Kermit the Frog. Then they each got a testimonial from a superstar, ranging from Martina McBride to Miss Piggy. Then, interspersed with funny clips from the auditions and earlier rounds of the show, the announcment of the elimination order one by one began, with opportunities for their story through the competition to be highlighted.

First out at #4 was Julienne. Her voice can be improved and no doubt will be with age and experience.
Next out at #3 was Butterscotch. I did not like her "beat boxing" style. I think she would have done better with a straight lyrical piano and voice style.

Next was a really dynamite song from David Hasselfhoff meant to lead up to the announcment of the winner. Instead what we got was ...a commercial.

The next-to-last event was a live performance by some of the worst performers from early rounds of the competition.

Finally, Jerry Springer stepped up and announced that Terry Fator was the winner. Terry said he wanted it to help revive the art of ventriloquism. Jerry said that in addition to $1 million, arrangements had been made to fulfill his goal of a Las Vegas performance by booking a significant theatre there with Terry as the show. I found it unbelieveable that America's voters got it right. My 10 votes for Terry Fator obviously helped him win. He deserved it.

Just found out how screwed Fator got....The $1M prize is paid out over 40 years...He could take a lump sum, but he would get no where near the total amount (probably around 500-700 grand), also, there is a possiblity that he may have to actually pay a fee for the booking....This is just another rip off NBC show...(They do the lottery thing on all there reality shows)..