We're working on lining up some interviews with the folks from America's Got Talent, and we want them to answer YOUR questions. So post your most interesting and engaging questions here and you just may get the answers you're looking for.

Here's who we've got lined up so far:
Simon Cowell
David Hasselhoff
Piers Morgan
Sharon Osbourne
Jerry Springer

Looking forward to reading your questions! The more the merrier, so ask as many as you'd like!

I guess this is for Simon. Is there any chance that you might discover someone from the auditions of this show that didn't make it on the show? Do you, Simon, actually watch all of the audition videos of the singers?

MIne is for Simon and Sharon.

sharon-as a colon cancer survivor myself, i wanna say thanks for all your doing with your cancer foundation.

simon-will you ever have and AI type show for great singers over 30 yrs old??? If so, if think you could make some more money. And some of us would love to audition for you.

Simon,

Are you going to be reviewing the tapes from the auditions and make a decision to send thru acts that should have gone thru?

Thank you for allowing me to ask Simon this question. There was such a enormous turn out of singers and songwriters for America's Got Talent, what positive suggestions can you make for those of us who are older than the age limits of American Idol to get exposure to key people such as yourself in the music industry? Some of us start our music careers later in life and would greatly appreciate the opportunity American Idol offers younger performers. Is there any chance of having an American Idol or America's Got Talent show specifically for older singers and songwriters?

Another question for Simon: It seems like singers who have a more unique vocal style like music icons Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson,
Neil Young, Barry Gibb, even Jason Castro from American Idol etc as opposed to more classic vocal styles like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton etc appeal more to and are endorsed by you. This appears especially true of female singers who don't have the typical, expected feminine, vocal style and performing appearance, but a more masculine one, like myself. What constructive advice can you offer to singers/performers who are more gender fluid to get positive exposure and recognized by music producer icons like yourself?

Thank you for allowing me to ask Simon this question. There was such a enormous turn out of singers and songwriters for America's Got Talent, what positive suggestions can you make for those of us who are older than the age limits of American Idol to get exposure to key people such as yourself in the music industry? Some of us start our music careers later in life and would greatly appreciate the opportunity American Idol offers younger performers. Is there any chance of having an American Idol or America's Got Talent show specifically for older singers and songwriters?

For Simon again: What do you think of the idea of a show specifically for singer/songwriters beyond the age restriction of American Idol? Performing original songs unfortunately was not 100% encouraged by
America's Got Talent. It would certainly be a nice mix of the singing and songwriting exposure American Idol offers.

Question for Sharon: There was an huge number of very talented singers who auditioned for America's Got Talent this season. As a result, it was extremely competitive for singers. What words of encouragement and advice can you offer to those of us who did not make the show? What is your thought about a show entitled, "America's Got Singers", of all ages ofcourse, not just certain ages like American Idol? Thank you for your kindness and support of us!

For Simon: In your feedback to many singers, the word "forgetable" is frequently used.
The music industry of the past with performers such as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand,
Johnny Mathis, Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Billy Holiday, Sara Vaughn, Cher, Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach, Carole King, The Bee Gees, Tony Bennett, Celine Dion, Prince, David Bowie,
The Rolling Stones, Motown singers, etc. seemed so much more "memorable", ecclectic and diverse than the "cooker cutter" nature of the industry today. What do you feel would make new singers and the music industry of today more "memorable than forgetable"? The reality talent shows generally favor conventional singers who seem to all sound the same.

For Simon: How did you get into the music industry?

For Simon: Do you allow singers/songwriters to try out for American Idol who are older than the age limits of the show to atleast give them the opportunity to be seen and heard by you? If so, have you ever discovered a new performer this way?

This question is for Jerry: Would you ever consider doing an episode(s) on your show featuring, without exploiting, a talent search solely for singers/songwriters who are much more diversified and gender bending/blending in vocal and performance styles than those classic, conventional singers typically chosen by reality talent shows? I'm sure the response for auditions and ratings for such an episode(s) on your show would be as positively welcomed, received, and outstanding like AGT and AI. Thank for your kindness, compassion and support of those of us!

For Simon: Did all the contestants for American Idol have to audition in front of the production staff and be prescreened before being allowed to audition for you, Paula and Randy? If not, why is this done with America's Got Talent? The audition turn out for both shows seems equally as massive in numbers of contestants especially AGT for singers.

they do AGT and American Idol the same. All of those people thatSimon, Paula and Randy don't send to LA have already gone threw the first phase, just like AGT early on auditions. They put bad people threw just for the shows sake, so they have the footage of people not going on to LA. They really just exploit them, but the contestants sign that realease form, thinking that they really are good enough to be passed threw. But the first day of American Idol auditions where you see all of those people in line to try out DO NOT audition for Simon Randy and Paula unless they get a call back. Then they have another audition several weeks later in front of the judges. That's why they say to wear the same outfit to your callback.

For Simon: My music mentors and inspirations throughout my life always encouraged me never to give up. I was told to seize every moment and maximize every opportunity in this highly competitive music industry. I was also greatly moved by the theme of the movie, "The Bucket List", starring Jack Nicholson, and at the age of 46, am determined to accomplish everything on my own personal list. One thing on my list was to see my music idols Barbra Streisand and Burt Bacharach in concert - I did. One was to complete, on my own, three CDs of my original music and have a CD release party at a famous venue - I did. One was to try out for this season of America's Got Talent - I did. One is to have the honor and once in a lifetime chance to be heard and seen by you. So...here goes my sincerest, heart and soul felt question and attempt to "seize the moment, carpe diem" by asking, "Simon, can I audition for you?". I believe my question represents one many of the wonderful singers who auditioned for AGT would like to ask. With that said, I represent myself and them alike.
Thank you for your kindness, sincerity and support,
Marlyn L. Yassen, a unique, diverse, ecclectic singer, songwriter, composer, arranger
Email address: Layne1437@aol.com

I was wondering if you're ever going to separate the singers from the rest of the acts? While I appreciate the talent of the singers, there are already so many other venues for singers to get noticed (American Idol, Star Search, etc.). I LOVE the entertaining and diverse acts that end up on AGT and feel it's unfair for these unique and different acts to have to compete with regular singers, who seem to get more votes for some reason. I think there should be completely separate competitions for singers and other acts, what I really want to see on America's Got Talent is something DIFFERENT, not just another singer!

For the panel: Will there be another season of America's Got Talent after this one? If so, when will the auditions begin? Which audition city this year did you select the most performers from to be on the show? What percentage of the performers chosen were singers?

what should us singers over the age of 30 do????? Singers get more attention because we are more versatile. I can take you to a different place with each song but a magician can only pull a rabitt out of a hat so many times and it is boring. A tight rope artist can only show us that trick once. What is it with all the singer hate around here? They didn't even pick hardly any singers this year, we were on the outs before it even started. We were at a disadvantage from the get go and everyone else was put out in front of us. Give me a break.




thanks for your persistance, and I really do hope they contact you with a decent answer if nothing else.

This is for Simon: There is a reality, model search show now being advertised for women who are over the age restriction of the one called, "Top Model". As mentioned in previous posts, I think this is a fabulous chance being given to older, beautiful women. Don't you think it would be a wonderfully appreciated, welcomed and received gesture on your part and idea if there was an AI, specifically for older singers? Simon, at your age, what would you do or which show would you try out for if you were a singer, songwriter trying to be recognized and endorsed by a famous producer like you? Thank you again for your kind and compassionate response. Greatly appreciate it.

This for Piers: Did being on Celebrity Apprentice and overcoming some of the difficulties you faced in the competition being perceived as the "bad guy" when compared to Trace Atkins, the "good guy", give you a greater appreciation of how challenging it is for many fine performers who auditioned for AGT to illicit positive, constructive feedback from you as opposed to the negative tone of much of it?

This is for Piers. I have really enjoyed this show the first two seasons and though you were my least favorite judge (I just thought you were doing a very bad job trying to be Simon) I didn't let it affect my enjoyment of the show. After watching you on the Apprentice however I will be passing on this year's AGT. I realize now you aren't just trying to be like Simon and doing it badly, you really are (unlike Simon) just a nasty, unlikeable man and I just can't watch the show if you are on it. I'll miss David, Sharon, Jerry and the contestants but I can't get past my distaste for you.

Question for Simon Cowell -

I've seen a few questions along this line, so maybe you ought to give some thought to what people are asking....

AI has a cut off age of 28. So what happens to anyone past that age that has talent, has honed that talent and experience? Specifically I would like to see some show geared to age 50 and older. There is so much untapped talent in this age group. Just because someone reaches that "golden" age does mean their dreams have to die, does it?

Here's a thought...a new show called "Golden Idol"....got to be 50 or older to participate! You'd be amazed at that talent and the dreams still waiting for that once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes, I am one of those...still eeking out a living singing in local clubs with locally produced CD's.

Every Monday I perform at a resort in my area and every Monday people say, "you should be on American Idol"... Every Monday I tell them I am too old for American Idol...and every Monday I get the same response..."that is ridiculous".

"Golden Idol"....could be the next new hot talent show you create! What do you think?

come on songbird, you could have said 40 and older. lol theres lots of us between 30 and 50 that are let out, lol

Question for Simon.

If you could judge America's Got Talent, what type of acts would you be most likely to hit the buzzer on? Which type of acts, other than musical, are your favorites?

You really are great!!! Have you considered Nashville Star? They don't have an age limit. I'm a 48-year-old country singer, and I would love to do NS, but I don't write songs, which is required on that show. You should consider AGT, too; I have contemplated trying out as well, maybe for next season. The best of luck to you!!! Keep plugging; something will happen.

What about the people that are over 28? We do exist to ya know.But it seems like we don't.

In reply to all you 28, 30 and 40 year olds...I feel your pain and I agree completely, a large number of talented folks over 28 are left out...however, once you hit 50 NOBODY even considers you, so this is an age group I feel is most overlooked. This is an age group where there is still a lot of youthful looking, energetic and seasoned artists that for whatever reason (not having the cash for promotion; not being in the right place at the right time)...just never got the big break.

I did audition for Nashville Star and was told I was really talented, but not the "image" they were after and you know that means, they thought I was too old, without them having to actually say it. If you watched the opening show of NS last night, mostly young people. I'm not sure about Melissa's age, but I believe she was the oldest. The rest are quite young...I rest my case.

For the panel: I've heard America's Got Talent described as being similar to the Ed Sullivan Show. There are so many reality television shows now based on competition - looking for singers, dancers, models, just about everything these days. What is your thought about having a show truely like Ed Sullivan, where all types of wonderful talent, of all ages, are showcased without it being a competition? Everybody's a winner in that case!

For Simon: What happens to all the material (tapes/DVDs/CDs etc.) mailed into you and the production staff by contestants who could not audition in person, once the show has started?

i would imagine they're destroyed, wouldn't you??? I doubt they want to stash all those dvds and tapes and keep up with them. They belong to them once you give it to them.

To the panel:
Does the first set of tryouts remind you of the old show The Gong Show?

Do you ever see an act that you think is brilliant but the audience thinks is horrid?
If so do you make your comments towards that act reflect how the audience feels?
I guess what I'm really asking is does the audiences reaction to an act make you change your criticism of said act or will you still say you loved them even after the audience has booed them?

To Sharon: I just adore you and your sharp tongued, don't take no B.S. off anyone attitude. I also love seeing you have a much softer side and can sympathize with some of the acts that just don't quite have what it takes.
Have there been acts on the previous shows that didn't win that you would love to manage because you thought they were wonderful?

To David: Does juggling all that you do (home, kids, the show, media, etc.) ever get to you so bad that it effects your judgement of the acts? Do you always keep home and family seperate from your work?

To Piers: Wanna go out? I think your adorable!

Is Terry Fator going to make an appearnace on season 3? I really hope so. He is amazing! I wonder what new acts he has. He should do a puppet that looks like The Hoff and sing "Jump In My Car". HAHHahaha

simon: two former contestants id like to see come back on a future season that have done very well on YouTube and MySpace after their appearance on your show...JESSICA SANCHEZ and CAITLIN TAYLOR LOVE...any chance?

I also hope to see Terry make an appearance......I went to see him in Las Vegas......he is my favorite act in Vegas. I am going back when he changes location...so I can take my 80 year old mother who adores him. My brother went to see him last month (again) and was able to take pictures! Terry is not only the very best act in Vegas.......he is also a very nice guy!

Congrats to AGT judges........you got it right last season......good luck with this one!

This is for David...
David on the show last night you had said "Where's the talent"?
Well i was wondering for some people who has talent, and the producer
told him he had talent, then why didnt he get a chance to show you what he had?
He tryed out for the show this year, and he got on camera, and when he auditioned the
producer told him he has talent, and was very good, but didnt send him through to the
next round.
So what i was wondering is, what really are you looking for? This isnt a show for talented
people, b/c if it was then he should have got on the show, and had a chance to show you
his talent..

hi soccer chic...being a viewer of this show from season one...ive learned that it is ultimately is a "REALITY" show and that the producers are going to put through acts they believe will not only give the audience an entertaining show but also add a touch of "why" acts in there to stir things up much like AI...if they had everyone on the show with "real" talent then it would probably start getting boring...but in the end, the act that wins, probably deserves it as in the case of the awsome Terry Fator, although i completely disagreed with season one winner!!! they made the wrong choice IMO!!! oh well, its all "REALITY" ie "scipted"...lol...but its my summer obsession so as long as they keep me entertained, im good!

This is for Piers,though Simon as producer of the show is also concerned by this question. Could Piers write a blog on this show,he does for Britain's Got Talent and it's well-written,incisive and funny!

If other people feel as i do , Please let it be known!!

America's Got Talent applies to all age groups.

Can someone please tell me where the Vegas callbacks are being held and when? I will be in Vegas July 24-29 and thought it would be cool to see them in person if possible (Paris had Last Comic Standing one year). Thanks!

several weeks ago dude, It's already over.

This is to reality junkie, are you allergic to the truth? Piers tells it like it is,
if you're good he'll say so, but if you're bad he'll also say so. The mean people is those who encouraged horrible acts to go audition. By the way, i've watched
the first show of season 3 of A.G.T. it's great fun, if anything i found Piers's
judging a bit toned down, so that might encourage you to watch, though i hope
Piers will be keeping it real, love him!

Dear America's Got Talent,

Im Marcelle Peters and i have some quesions


How do you enter for America's Got Talent? I really want to know when it starts and how to enter i really need the money!

Sincerly, Marcelle

PS: PLEASE WRITE BACK!

Watch this link for updates on casting information:

http://boards.nbc.com/nbc/index.php?act=an...f=51&id=429

JD/Forum Moderator

Are You doing any more auditions? I was thinking about auditioning.

s21...

Go to the link above your post for casting/audition information.

JD/Forum Mooderator

This question is for David, Sharon and Piers. First of all, I have to say that I love the show! But, when I watch each of the three judges riding in separate (gas guzzling) limo's, but all going from the same starting point to the same ending point I have to ask why. Given the global energy issues, I think you could all share the same vehicle and not have triplicat emissions for every city. You share the same plane, why not share the same limo? Thank you!

Not to rain on your save the world parade... but I am more than willing to bet that the drive is less than a mile each time. Besides the 2 extra limos are not going to kill off our pitiful species alone.... I'll leave that to... well the 6.5 billion of us.

oh and the scientist in me would like to review the sources that back up the claim of "Global Energy Issues" .... since I am assuming you are talking about the oil monopoly .... I mean crisis .... last I checked Brazil is running quite well energy wise with their sugar cane based Ethanol.

For Simon or anyone on the panel:

There can be only one winner but there are many who are very talented.

Lets say it came down to Neil the opera singer and Kaitlyn that little cutie pie American. Both are deserving. Do you help those who don't have any connections in the business or do they already have people helping them ?

Kaitlyn would be a great fit with Disney.

hmm I see my question from yesterday was deleted. So here goes again. Question for any of the judges and/or producers.

Isn't the show's basic premise to discover new talent and/or amateurs? How do you justify having a "professional" magic act go through to Vegas?

Im being nice this time so please don't delete my question.

Calicat40...

Your post was not deleted, if you had taken a moment to look for your post, you would have seen it was moved to the episode discussion thread where others were also discussing the same subject. As stated in the forum guidelines merging of common posts will occur.

JD/Forum Moderator.