PLAYING GAMES?
America’s Got Talent makes major change to schedule as fans beg to see live show acts after auditions
Fans recently criticized the program after host Terry Crews revealed a format change ahead of the live shows
AMERICA'S Got Talent has made a major change to its schedule.
The televised talent competition has been on hiatus while NBC airs the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
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AGT doesn't return to the network until Tuesday, August 13 with new episodes streaming on Peacock.
Longtime host Terry Crews, 56, and judges Howie Mandel, 68, and Heidi Klum, 51, have been promoting the Summer Games on the America's Got Talent Instagram account while the show is off the air.
In the most recent video, in which the judges discussed gymnastics, breakdancing, and some of their other favorite Olympic events, one fan asked, "When are y’all gonna reveal the live show contestants?"
Another impatient viewer questioned, "won't there be any new episodes of agt during the olympics or does it still air?"
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"Is agt coming on tonight anyone?" begged a third.
AGT reminded the fan, "we’ll be back tuesday august 13!"
Last week, fans criticized the program after Terry revealed a major format change ahead of the live shows.
The latest season of AGT kicked off on May 28, as judges Simon Cowell, 64, Sofia Vergara, 51, Howie, and Heidi began auditioning acts from around the world.
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On Tuesday, Terry said the popular talent show would be taking a hiatus for the duration of the Paris Olympics during a two-hour broadcast that marked the end of auditions for Season 19.
Before signing off, the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star made an announcement that left fans fuming, as he explained that the divisive Golden Buzzer will now also be a big part of the live shows.
Signs former 'attention bandit' Heidi Klum has been eclipsed by ‘power-grabbing’ Sofia Vergara on America's Got Talent
“For the first time ever in America’s Got Talent history, the Golden Buzzer is about to go live,” the 55-year-old presenter said. “One more from each judge will send acts straight to the finals.
"This summer, anything can happen," he added.
SHORT-SIGHTED
Viewers declared that the "desperate" decision to use Golden Buzzers in this manner "makes zero sense" as they reacted to the Season 19 twist on X, formally Twitter.
"That's even worse than judge's cut golden buzzers," one fan wrote.
They continued, "Like live shows are for the audience to vote, not judges."
"I don't like the golden buzzer. It's never truly been about talent," another complained before adding, "I have seen the judges basically force guest celeb judges to give it to who they wanted.
"This is just telling the fans 'We don't like who you vote for."
"Such a desperate attempt to generate something new because a live show golden buzzer makes zero sense. #AGT," a third person wrote.
The Golden Buzzer debuted in Season 9, with the special button giving judges the option of sending acts directly through to the live shows.
Fans will remember Paul Zerdin was the first contestant to get a Golden Buzzer pass, with the ventriloquist ultimately winning Season 10.
OFF THE AIR
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers have also been placed on a brief hiatus.
The popular late-night talk shows will be on hold over the next two weeks as NBC airs coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
America's Got Talent judges
THOUSANDS of hopefuls have graced the America's Got Talent stage to showcase their abilities.
Here is some more information about the A-list judges.
Simon Cowell - On October 22, 2015, it was revealed Simon was replacing Howard Stern on the AGT judges panel. He became a judge during the program's 11th season and has since remained a series regular.
Heidi Klum - In March 2013, Heidi was announced as Sharon Osbourne's replacement on AGT. After a few seasons off, she returned during Season 15.
Sofia Vergara - On February 27, 2020, NBC revealed Sofia was replacing Gabrielle Union for AGT season 15.
Howie Mandel - Out of all the panelists, Howie Mandel is the longest-tenured judge on America's Got Talent. Howie joined the hit reality series during the show's 5th season replacing David Hasselhoff.
The Tonight Show, which stars host Jimmy, 49, was preempted starting Monday, July 29.
Late Night with Seth Meyers was preempted starting on Friday, July 26.
The majority of the regularly scheduled NBC programming will not air during the Olympics - which will run on the network through August 11.
NBC will not air Today with Hoda and Jenna, NBC News Daily, Dateline, and Daily Blast Live.
Other programs like Colorado and Company, Daily Blast Live, and Meet the Press will have adjusted schedules over the next two weeks.
Dateline and Colorado and Company will be airing episodes on KTVD instead.
Read More on The US Sun
Today will continue to air from 7 to 8 am EST, which will be followed by daytime Olympics coverage.
Nightly News With Lester Holt will also continue airing during the Olympics, showing at 5:30 pm on weeknights and 6 pm on Saturdays.
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