From NBC Universal Media Village

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT
301
06-17-2008 9:00PM

NBC’S HIT TALENT COMPETITION SERIES RETURNS WITH THE HOTTEST PERFORMERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY– Hosted by Jerry Springer and presided over by celebrity judges David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne, “America’s Got Talent” brings the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country. A colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists perform for the judges. The third season kicks off with auditions shot on-location in theaters across the nation.

I a huge David Hasselhoff fan and can't wait for tonight's premiere. The reviews have been fantastic. The NY Daily News did a full spread on the show...http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/06/17/2008-06-17_opera_guys_a_high_point_for_americas_got.html

There was an even better article in the New York Post today:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06172008/tv/dr...han__115836.htm

SIMON good eveing this is a no brainer i believe the lil 4 year old girl should be singed to do a series of childern albums and or music books. i believe she can really be a super star if i had the money i would get this lil girl in to a studio yesterday. it wont be long and she will be a SUPER STAR. get this done now kids music is huge. thanks

The song went like

"I can't figure this out" or

"I can't figure you out"

It was really upbeat and the song was playing when they were showing upcoming acts or something.

Please RESPOND. I NEED THAT SONG!

Oh my goodness! Tonight's premier was fabulous! The guy who sang opera was awesome. I wonder, what company does he sell insurance for?

Ok, am I the only one who felt cheated by this premiere? Come on, anyone with youtube knows well enough about Paul Potts and that sob story behind the kid with the battons. It utterly cheapened the brilliance of the performances. To this day Paul Potts audition and Simon's reaction, and the reaction of all involved, continues to be one of my most cherished, mistifying performances.

So, this episode did nothing but prove the random brilliance of auditions is a sham. They're looking to replicate the amazing events from BGT. And in doing so has cast a shallow glow on America. Come on, do all we have is half arsed attempts at copying the brits? And, sorry, the opera rendition tonight had none of the magic of the original performance overseas.

I feel cheated.

Does anyone know who sings the version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow that was played on tonight's episode before the little 4 year old girl sang?

If anyone knows the name/artist of the song the show played at the end as it was ending I'd really appreciate it. It was a slow song and part of the lyrics were "...I'll promis you, I'm always there. When your heart is full of sadness & dispair...". It's a beautiful song and I'd love to have it. THANKS

Like many people I was blown away by Neil singing. Thought others might like a translation I found o what was being sung in Italian.

Nessun Dorma

Nessun dorma, nessun dorma ... No one sleeps, no one sleeps...
Tu pure, o Principessa, Even you, o Princess,
Nella tua fredda stanza, In your cold room,
Guardi le stelle Watch the stars,
Che tremano d'amore That tremble with love
E di speranza. And with hope.

Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me, But my secret is hidden within me;
Il nome mio nessun saprà, no, no, My name no one shall know, no, no,
Sulla tua bocca lo dirò On your mouth I will speak it*
Quando la luce splenderà, When the light shines,
Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio And my kiss will dissolve the silence
Che ti fa mia. That makes you mine.

Il nome suo nessun saprà No one will know his name
E noi dovrem, ahimè, morir. And we must, alas, die.

Dilegua, o notte! Vanish, o night!
All'alba vincerò! Set**, stars!
Tramontate, stelle! At daybreak, I shall conquer!

I'm looking for music too. If anyone knows the name/artist of the song the show played at the end as it was ending I'd really appreciate it. It was a slow song and part of the lyrics were "...I'll promis you, I'm always there. When your heart is full of sadness & dispair...". It's a beautiful song and I'd love to have it. THANKS

Maybe Jefferson Starship, the little girl was adorable. And I think whoever insults the twirler on here should be ashamed. You know there are little children everywhere who are bullied DAILY and sounds like your another one of those bullys. You know if you don't think it's talent fine but lay off on the computer. You know I'm a single mom and my son isn't a aggresive kid and is not into sports but that doesn't mean he deserves someone insulting him if he decides to twirl a baton. And the Opera singer was great if you like it better overseas, move there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLr1sBQ5gpE
Leona Lewis

or... it could be:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o79415DcXYM
Katharine McPhee

Linda Ronstadt&James Ingram?? "An American Tail"

This is a show I hate to like but it was going pretty well until the cute little girl sang. That performance reminded me of the Britain's Got Talent little girl (Connie Talbot) that sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow. As adorable as I thought Kaitlyn was, I started thinking - copycats!

There were some great acts (although we missed many of the full acts) and then another copycat moment - the opera singer. I can't tell you how many times I watched the video of Paul Potts singing the same song. At least Paul didn't stop before ending and the tears didn't flow like they did with Neil Boyd. In fact, after I'm finished typing I'm going to watch Paul Potts again as his performance gives me goosebumps.

Sure, Neil did a good job (wish he would have finished the song). But in my opinion it did not beat Paul's performances. I guess they figure most of us haven't seen the British version of these acts and for those that didn't these acts were new and fresh.

But it really made me think that this is already a set-up. I mean, they had to have been looking for an opera singer to cash in on the Paul Potts storyline. Paul was a mobile-phone salesman, Neil is an insurance salesman. Sheesh, can we even believe this? You know they sent scouts out there to find a Paul Potts & a Connie Talbot "look alike", or better, "similar act."

Really makes the show so much less sincere & cheaper than it already is to me. If it wasn't for the few acts they scanned that I would love to see in full, I'd probably not watch again just because of this British rip-off.

I believe it was Eva Cassidy.

How is it possible that a man looks, sounds and dances even better than the real Britney Spears? Oh man, that's what makes this show so great! I anticipated the premiere and it totally lived up to the hype. What a great premiere. I'm going to watch all season!

Oh man, this really is a great show isn't it? I was excited when the promos started running, but I couldn't have anticipated enjoying the first episode as much as I did! That was fantastically entertaining.

This is for David: Mary Blye, the 80 year-old tap dancer who auditioned in the opening show deserved more respect than you showed to her. I agree that her talent would not win the contest but she did very well especially considering her age. I am the dj for the weekly dance at the senior center in my city and most of the participants are in their 70s and 80s with some in their 90s. These people love to dance and most of them are very good and have wonderful attitudes about aging. Ms Blye showed that she is a very spunky lady who is in great shape and is not afraid to get up in front of you judges and the audience to perform. She wasn't upset by your comments and said that she intends to keep on dancing because it makes her happy.

Sharon was most gracious to her and Piers was cordial. Only you appeared to be laughing at her for trying. I hope you will remember that you are also nearing that certain age when the younger generation will laugh at you and show disrespect and imagine how that will make you feel.

smiles... it is Eva, now that i'm listening to it. i thought Eva at first but then thought... hmmm, maybe not..... she has a beautiful voice... so sad she passed at such a young age.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccCnL8hArW8

To All:Thank you for a wonderful start to the new season!All charming as ever!I know it's VERY early, but do you think it is going to be possible for anyone to top NEALE? He touched my heart and I wish the best for him. How lucky are you to meet and work with such people,although you do have to deal with the not so nice or talented as well.

Oh I think, given his actions on-screen and off, that "The Hoff" is probably used to not being taken very seriously.

Holy COW!!! The 4 year old was amazing! The Twirler was a HUGE talent. BUT Neil, the Opera singer, was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!! I was totally blown away!!

it's called footprints in the sand by leona lewis

Alright, I'm all for displaying true talent and giving people an opportunity to break into the business, but the two man band "Nuttin But Strings" is already a professional talent. They have appeared on late night talk shows like "The Tonight Show", have made an appearance on CSI New York, and have an album out already in stores. Granted, they are extremely talented and unique, but lets give some non-professionals who have yet to make a mark on the scene a chance and keep the pros out of the competition!

I have to agree with this statement. I had no intentions of watching this show but had seen a preview of Neal E Boyd so I was taping it. I happened to catch when he came on and was blown away by his performance!!!! I will watch this show now just to see him. I DO agree that it seems strange that he sang this song after I found out about BGT but I just chalk that up to the producers doing their normal manipulations ... nothing new. I also found the audition video for Paul Potts and while he was very good I much prefer the richness, depth and power of Neal's voice. No one will ever sing that song as well as Pavarotti but I thought Neal did a unbelievably fantastic job. If his voice sounded shaky at all it was due to his emotions at the time.

I've got no idea what happened to my last post- perhaps there is a conspiracy to keep this covered up! Anyway, Nuttin' But Strings is a professional act, guys! They've appeared on The Tonight Show, CSI New York and have a full length album in stores already. Granted, they are talented and unique, but lets give the folks who are still looking to break into the business a chance, and let the pros fend for themselves!

I've left three posts tonight about Piers' unfair judging of the Britney Spears impersonator, and they were all removed. I'm an attorney and made certain not to use any defamatory language. Ironically, it seems censorship is alive and well, indeed pervasive, at one of the very networks that has attacked censorship so vehemently in the past.

Your posts have not been removed, per the forum guidelines, they have been moved to the threads they should have been posted in originally. The ones on Piers are in the Negative Discussion thread and the ones on the Violin players are in this episode thread. If you are ever unsure about where your posts are you can go into your control panel and locate them yourself.

JD/Forum Moderator

Thanks for the insight. I did find them after some searching. Appreciate it.

Who were your favorite acts tonight from New York and Chicago???

Julian...

No problem, it's understandable that it'll take a bit for everyone to get used to how the board is operating this season since every Moderator runs things a little differently. I've tried to organize threads to make things easier for people to locate discussions and so am moving like topics into them as they are posted.

JD/Forum Moderator

I really enjoy watching this show because I really enjoy watching this show because it highlights the many unusual and entertaining acts that the US has to offer. While many of them are just bizarre and/or really aren't worth moving on to the next round, I must say that I am appalled at the way the audience just boos some of those people so much that you can barely hear them anymore. Honestly, it's just insulting to watch. I don't care how bad someone is, they shouldn't be booed like that. It takes a lot of confidence to get up there and (in some cases) a lot of money. I personally perform at my school's Open Mike Night every time, and as much as I enjoy being on stage and people enjoy having me on stage, I'm still so nervous I'm practically shaking before each and every act. I can only imagine what these people go through when they have to go on stage in front of thousands of people and national tv. I applaud the judges efforts to calm them down in this episode, but I feel that they need to work on crowd control a lot more. Besides, everyone knows full well that if they suck the judges will tear them apart anyway.

Now although the four-year-old was cute, and yes what she did was courageous for her age, can people honestly say that she'll beat everyone else and get that million-dollar reward? She'll make everyone go "aww" for about two years, then her voice will change or something will happen and no one will care. Fine, move her on to the next round if you want, but don't sit there and coddle her like she's actually going to make it. People are almost just using her at that point. I almost feel bad for her because she's so young that she's just along for the ride really.

And that group of dancers that appeared right after her (the Slippery Kittens or whatever) just makes me feel ashamed. And I quote from Hasslehoff(sp?): "You've brought class". What?!? No wonder they want to perform for the troops, it'd be great for them to see those "dancers", but that's not a talent for America's Got Talent, seriously.

Of course, as much as I enjoy seeing the different acts on the show, I'll admit that I have a bit of cynicism (sp?) towards these kinds of shows every since I found out how American Idol works behind the scenes.

EDIT: Well, Azizal, if you feel the need to move this, feel free. I'm sorry if this is in the wrong thread, I just started typing here because this post has to do with this episode. I would've seen your posts earlier, but I was trying to multi-task while I was typing this post.

i agree wholeheartedly!!! that performance by paul potts with simon's reaction...awesome!!! tonights opera singer, eh!!! the little girl from new york was not as good as BGT's connie...those stories have been well documented on youtube...we aren't that naive now, c'mon producers!!! simon, you should know better my friend!

After watching Season 3's premiere, I have to say, it was more than i had hoped for. It's like the epitome of what a variety show should be. If you had me make a list of all the things I'd expect to see i bet i wouldn't come up with half of them. NBC pretty much has me captive all summer on tuesdays, haha. America indeed has some pretty incredible talent.

Pyro...

Your post is fine in this thread, you've offered a balanced opinion of this episode so, there is no need to move it. If you had done nothing but offer a negative post that was directed to one specific point for example, then it would have probably been more appropriately placed in the Negative Opinions thread. Thank you for asking though.

JD/Forum Moderator

The four year old girl Kaitlyn was amazing! Both she and the opera singer Neal gave me goosebumps. I do think, however, it less unique to have a great adult opera singer and I do think that Paul Potts was better. I think the little girl had a sweetness and innocence that went along with her excellent singing that you rarely see. I don't think it matters what she will do in years to come with her voice, but I think it is great that she is just getting up there and doing what she clearly loves to do. My teenage daughter was crying listening to her, so clearly she has the ability to touch people which is a talent in and of itself. As for the comparisons to Connie Talbot. Connie was amazing too, but Connie was also 6, this girl is only 4. I think she shows natural talent and that's what this show is supposed to be about, discovering new talent. So far, I'm hoping this little girl goes all the way!

Does anyone know the title of the song they played in the backround for the BAD chicago auditions?? It was an instrumental orchestra song.

Will anyone at NBC provide a comment on the similarities between the contestants on AGT and BGT? More specifically how Neil Boyd and Kaitlyn Maher are very similar to Paul Potts and Connie Talbot, respectively. The likely answer is it is a coincidence, but something doesn't seem right about it. I cannot be the only one who sees the similarities. The audition for Neil seems scripted straight from the Paul Potts' audition. Sharon even asks Neil the same question that was asked of Paul. The same thing for Kaitlyn and Connie. Piers should have mentioned Paul after Neil's audition to avoid any "conspiracy" talk.

okay so I've been searching for hours now..I can't remember the name of the band that was playin when the audience was in the middle of an unclassy boo-fest..as the members of the band stormed off one looked out into the crowd and shouted "you suck"...does ANYONE remember who that was?? they had all black suits and had a brass band almost ska sound..well what they had started to play anyway...ANY help would be greatly appreciated..I think the name started with an "S"..like snuffalufagus or somethin... Thanks!

Like I said "thank God" for America's Got Talent"

How can NBC be so right and so wrong at the same time. After the way "Nashville Star" has been crucified in it's format since NBC took over, I was so relieved to see that at least NBC has some talent scouts who recognize talent. I supposed because Simon Cowell is the producer makes the difference and I don't believe he would be associated with anything less. There's the difference between a good staff of talent scouts and the jokers that decided who would appear on Nashville Star.

I laughed, cried and truly enjoyed the show.

Yes, it had the no talents, the good, the bad and the ugly; but all in all it was very entertaining, had some outstanding talent in many forms and a show I will look forward to seeing week after week.

Well done!

with AI ending, i needed a shot of AGT to end the withdrawals! but i what i didn't like was the "copying" of britian's got talent storylines in the form of the opera singer (BGTs Paul Potts) and little girl (BGTs Connie Talbot)...other than that, i'm glad AGT is back! there may be other acts similar but those two were quite obvious.

Does anyone know the name of the song (and artist) played in the background leading up to Neil Boyd's performance. The only lyrics I know include "I promise you..."

Someone please tell me the name of the song playing in the background during Neil's intro? Something...I promise you??????

I enjoyed the show last night but wished it had been on earlier. I especially was looking forward to hearing the opera singer. He was terrific. Wish he could win but I don't think he will because it is not "original...unique" but I do really hope someone out there in the music industry...theater business sees him. He deserves a contract from someone. Don't let his talent go to waste.

During the opening montage I thought I saw a familiar face.

It was the Michael Strelo-Smith, the opera singer guy from last season. At first I thought it was a recap from last season...BUT...thanks to TIVO...I went back and watched the opening a few times and it is DEFINITELY him! I checked his myspace page (i friend-ed him last year)AND it looks like they brought him back because there is a banner that says "I auditioned for america's got talent."

I want to wish him the VERY best of luck because he was ROBBBBBBBED last year...can ANYONE say BOY SHAKIRA?????

Best of luck Michael!!!!

-April Ann

Some of the acts were RIDICULOUS last night...I did not find anything that compelling.

I wish I had tivo because I thought I saw the big guy opera singer from last year in the opening sequence of acts for this season.

A friend in another time zone said that it was him...she has him on her myspace...his name is Michael something...and he had a banner or something from the show saying he was auditioning.

Anyway, the opera guy last night was amazing...is the show going to do some battle of the opera singers...or is it going to be nothing more than a battle of the "big guys" which besides ridiculous...is offensive. I still dig the dude from last year and look forward to seeing what he does this season.

peace

THIS GUY WAS AWESOME! My God he made britney look like an amature, LOL. he was so much better than the real thing.

I want to know if anyone knows if derek has a myspace page.

and another thing, what the hell were they thinking putting those twin things through to vegas, the ones that hacked up "new york new3york". My God have they gone deaf? I mean they sucked so bad that I think frank sinatra came back rom the grave to tell them "dont quit your day job.", LOL

Well, I agree with you all saying that this show reminded me of the BGT as well. But, don't these people know that YOU TUBE is worldwide? We all saw and heard what Paul Potts was capable of on his audition and the little one Connie Talbot.
But, I mean, theres a Paul Potts and Connie Talbot all over the world in every continent!
But, I loved the "Britney" guy too.
What I have a feeling is with Simon Cowell. Here he has Paul Potts and Neil "last name" and if he were to find another one...Well, we could have a new millennium Three Tenors!
Look what he did with Il Divo. Simon Cowell is one of the most TALENTED guys out there...plus, a money making machine.
So, watch this space...Love you Sharon!!!