Here’s everything to know about “America’s Got Talent” season 16, which started June 1 on NBC. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced producers to overhaul the audition process, with the whole search conducted online via a live stream video link. Acts were invited to sign up for the chance to audition from the comfort of their own homes.
“AGT” contestants had a chance to meet and perform for a producer using custom-built Zoom technology. Season 13 winner Shin Lim joined the season 16 contenders in the virtual audition waiting room where they could ask the magician about his personal “AGT” journey, making for a once-in-a-lifetime audition experience.
SEE ‘America’s Got Talent’ judges rankings: All 13 judges ranked from worst to best
Those acts who make it past the producers were then given a chance to perform for the the four judges on “America’s Got Talent” (Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara). It will be these auditions that screen weekly for seven episodes starting June 1. From there, the judges will pick three dozen acts to continue on in the competition, including their Golden Buzzer acts who will be sent straight through to the live shows.
SEE ‘America’s Got Talent’ winners: Where are they now updates for first 15 ‘AGT’ champions [PHOTOS]
Those live shows hosted by Terry Crews started on August 10, with the season 16 winner crowned in late September. As always the winner will pocket a cool million dollars and a contract to headline a Las Vegas casino show.
The season 15 winner was Brandon Leake, a spoken word poet from Stockton, California who earned the Golden Buzzer in the first round from judge Howie Mandel. He performed pieces about his sister who passed away, his father, Black Lives Matter, and his daughter.
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