In Depth
Susan Boyle on ‘America’s Got Talent’? NBC Hopes So
NBC is hoping the massive publicity for "Britain's Got Talent" superstar Susan Boyle will help turn "America's Got Talent" into a bigger hit—possibly by having her appear on the U.S. show.
"America's Got Talent" has established a major following over the last few years, joining CBS' "Big Brother" and Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" as the summer season's strongest performers.
But the moment Ms. Boyle opened her mouth, NBC reality czar Paul Telegdy started having dreams of his own—dreams of higher ratings and more buzz for the American version of "Talent."
"The timing is great," Mr. Telegdy told TVWeek, joking that Ms. Boyle might have exploded "a bit closer to our premiere" on June 23.
The pull-on-your-heartstrings buzz surrounding Ms. Boyle comes as NBC was already in the process of downplaying some of the circus-like elements of the show in favor of a more feel-good flavor.
Longtime host Jerry Springer is being replaced by Nick Cannon, the popular recording artist who's married to Mariah Carey. Mr. Telegdy also revealed that "Talent" will make the switch to high-definition this summer and that a few other changes will be implemented.
"We're shining and buffing it up," he said. "It's my job to make existing franchises bigger and better. And I think we can improve 'Talent.'"
Mr. Telegdy thinks his show can "absolutely" have a "Susan Boyle moment," based on the auditions he's already seen.
"The Susan Boyle moment was an 'America's Got Talent' moment," he said.
Mr. Telegdy noted the U.S. series has already spawned a successful competition reality show artist, ventriloquist Terry Fator. Mr. Fator last year signed a deal with the Mirage Hotel & Casino worth a reported $100 million-plus.
And what about the buzz suggesting NBC is hoping to have Ms. Boyle appear on an episode of "America's Got Talent"? Mr. Telegdy confirms it's true.
"She'd be a very welcome guest," he said. "Her availability, though, is a bit of a mystery right now."
The British version of "Talent" wraps late next month, so Ms. Boyle won't have to worry about missing any appearances to fly to the States. But, win or lose, it's expected Ms. Boyle will be busy recording a record this summer, Mr. Telegdy said.
He said NBC's relationship with "Talent" producer FremantleMedia, along with the fact that Piers Morgan is a judge on both the U.S. and British shows, likely would give NBC "privileged access" to Ms. Boyle.
Whether Ms. Boyle appears on the U.S. show or not, Mr. Telegdy said the "Talent" format should continue to spawn more superstars simply because it allows for a wider range of, well, talent.
"Our show is all about the democracy of talent," he said. "Susan Boyle wouldn't have gotten out of line if she were on 'American Idol.'"
NBC has expanded the season premiere of “America’s Got Talent” on June 23 to two hours.
A one-hour episode will follow the premiere on Wednesday, June 24. The competition series will air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the rest of its run.
Also, the network has moved the premiere of “Great American Road Trip” from July 1 to July 7.
The eight-episode “Road Trip” comes from BBC Worldwide.
(Edited at 4:17 p.m. ET to add last four paragraphs.)
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Comments 16
radiotvfan
Sorry - but if you are "shining and buffing it up" and adding "feel-good flavor" - and you think Nick Cannon accomplishes this - then you're in over your head.
An American
Piers Morgan is NOT a woman. Learn the right info before you make a spectacle of yourself!
Alice
Mariah sCarey's hubby as host.......give me a break.
lilkunta
I still wont watch. If Susan sings I'll watch that clip on YT. All these shows are variey show/talent shows--AI, AGTalent,Singing Bee,-- on steroids. They used 2 be fun but they rnt anymore.
I'll watch BB. It better be good this years buc the past 2 yrs ahve been boring boring boring.
Addison
Considering the publicity the British version has gotten, it seems like a no-brainer for NBC to...just run BRITIAN HAS TALENT as well this summer. I would assume they have the relationship with Freemantle to make this happen. When you're in the ratings cellar, what the heck...cash in with the real thing instead of hoping it's going to buoy the American version. Throw the British version on Friday nights nights this summer.
And if NBC doesn't run it -- what about an NBC sister cable network. If NBC still doesn't get it...paging BBC AMERICA.
Renae
If you really want to see America Got Talent then you should have me on the show. I know i would bring the ratings. Ask Nick Cannon about Renae Mitchell in San Diego CA. and also remember me David you came too see me back in 89 i sang with a group called real to reel @ the hilton still trying to catch a break.
Renae
If you really want to see America Got Talent then you should have me on the show. I know i would bring the ratings. Ask Nick Cannon about Renae Mitchell in San Diego CA. and also remember me David you came too see me back in 89 i sang with a group called real to reel @ the hilton still trying to catch a break.
Renae
If you really want to see America Got Talent then you should have me on the show. I know i would bring the ratings. Ask Nick Cannon about Renae Mitchell in San Diego CA. and also remember me David you came too see me back in 89 i sang with a group called real to reel @ the hilton still trying to catch a break.
Renae
If you really want to see America Got Talent then you should have me on the show. I know i would bring the ratings. Ask Nick Cannon about Renae Mitchell in San Diego CA. and also remember me David you came too see me back in 89 i sang with a group called real to reel @ the hilton still trying to catch a break.
daryl magill
check out Daryl magill as a possible fill in host for nick Cannon when he gets ill see www.ccemusicanddance.org or goggle america's got talent hey new york
Cyclone X
I attending the taping yesterday, 05/21/09 in LA. It's the same acts, over and over. Jugglers, piano players, cheerleaders, dance acts, folk singers, and comedians. Oh let's not forget, an Elvis impersonator. Doesn't Las Vegas have jugglers at the Circus Circus. Elvis at the Imperial and every other lounge. Cheerleaders? Maybe in a topless marquee. Folk signers? Those are for old folks. Piano players are a dime a dozen. And let's not forget fiddel players (violinest). The violins were last years act. What a loss to let a real rockin roll legend slip away from this years show. 2009 Your true loss, no Cyclone X on the show. The show would have rocked and kicked some ass. Smells like teen spirit, paranoid, breakin the law. Songs that would have rocked 90 seconds. Its not too late.
cyclone.X.
I attended an L.A show? Quick call cyclone.x. Its not to late to rock and roll, call cyclone.X. Gaurenteed to deliver. a Natural Entertainer Amercia needs ME! cyclone.X. Sin city buy A.C.D.C Hear it live on the show call cyclone.X. P.S please! call ME! I need the MONEY!
Moussette
I hope Susan Boyle comes to AI, and that the network plugs this feature, so I don't miss it. AI bores me, but Susan Boyle will make it enjoyable for me. Just work it so the Media and the Papprazzi aren't in her face or trailing her every move while she stays here. Also, if Susan accepts the invite, please get better microphones for your stage. The stage mics at BGT are tinny-sounding, and don't seem high quality enough to handle Susan's fantastic voice. Consult the NYC Opera or the Metropolitan Opera regarding what brand of stage microphones to purchase.
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Moussette
I hope Susan Boyle comes to AI, and that the network plugs this feature, so I don't miss it. AI bores me, but Susan Boyle will make it enjoyable for me. Just work it so the Media and the Papprazzi aren't in her face or trailing her every move while she stays here. Also, if Susan accepts the invite, please get better microphones for your stage. The stage mics at BGT are tinny-sounding, and don't seem high quality enough to handle Susan's fantastic voice. Consult the NYC Opera or the Metropolitan Opera regarding what brand of stage microphones to purchase.
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