There’s truly no other show like America’s Got Talent. Sure, that phrase is often exaggerated, but in this case, it’s actually true. The NBC juggernaut brings together every kind of performer imaginable: singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, daredevils, and everything in between. It’s part variety show, part national talent survey — and every summer, it delivers pure spectacle.
But this season revealed something hard to ignore: America overwhelmingly votes for music acts. Out of ten finalists, seven were singers, groups, or rappers. And when Jessica Sanchez was crowned the winner, it marked back-to-back victories for vocalists, following janitor-turned-star Richard Goodall’s emotional win last year. The singers are undeniably gifted, but how can dance troupes, illusionists, or acrobats compete when decades of reality TV have conditioned audiences to root for music above all else? As AGT heads into a new era, it may be time to rethink the format and give the so-called “novelty acts” a fairer shot at center stage.
America Loves Singers
America loves singers and it’s likely because viewers have easier accessibility to support them beyond the show. With a social media assist, you can listen to their music immediately and become a fan. Not every act has that freedom or ability. It’s harder to pinpoint how to follow an act like Brazilian-based LightWire, the multimedia dance and animation troupe, in the same way. They are not going to be bringing their brilliant work to a local venue near you. The same goes for the finalists, Sirca Marea or Team Recycled. They don’t have the same opportunities to just hop on YouTube and post the latest video of them performing. They have their place, but on AGT, it’s not on equal footing. And that’s where AGT needs to explore something new and revolutionary.
After 20 seasons, AGT needs to reformat its game. Following the initial auditions, AGT should consider implementing a bracket system, pitting each type of act against one another, allowing the best of the best in each discipline to compete in the finale. For whatever reason, similar styles of acts that are not singing are compared to one another so America can pick one to fulfill a quota. Just look at this season’s rival dance crews from India, B Unique Crew and Unreal Crew. Their backstory united the two, but with Howie Mandel tasked America to believe one was better than the other, hurting both their chances. Other shows have explored new mechanics, including a bracket system that has refreshed the series exponentially. It’s time for AGT to try too.
Having spoken with Jessica Sanchez following her win, she noted the importance of diversity in music styles and genres, but it is excruciatingly difficult to go up against very different acts. “I was just so honored to share the stage with so many amazing talents…you see people jumping in the air, doing these crazy things, dangerous things, and then, you know, super funny people, people doing magic,” she said. “Just to be there, sharing the stage with them was just such an honor.” We mastered the diversity in musical genres and styles; now, let’s do the same for the rest of the talent. We don’t need seven singers or rappers in the finale. AGT must stop looking like a high school talent show.
Do ‘AGT’ Acts Stand Up to Singers on ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice?’
As a self-appointed reality television historian, my knowledge of the genre, specifically singing talent competition series, goes deep. I was there day one on American Idol with Kelly Clarkson, had a meltdown after Jennifer Hudson‘s elimination, and found solace watching Frenchie Davis earn redemption on The Voice. When it comes to talent on AGT compared to its peers, I hate to say it, they just don’t compare. Some of the artists this season likely wouldn’t have fared well on the other two series. But on this specific show with these specific judges and the ability to hit the Golden Buzzer, some decent singers were applauded as the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Take, for instance, Jessica Sanchez and Jourdan Blue. Both had a run on Idol; Jessica was a runner-up, Jordan was cut before the live round. The former won AGT through growth. The latter was propelled forward due to his endearing story, the Golden Buzzer, and his likability. If his second show were The Voice, it might have been harder to get a chair turn. Austin Brown came to AGT for a second chance as a solo artist after winning The Sing Off. He made it to the quarterfinals because of his narrative. And then there is the Tom Sandoval of it all. It’s easier to stand out on AGT than on the other shows because the pool of competition is smaller. In this new format, it will really allow the cream to rise to the top.
America’s Got Talent is available to stream on Peacock.
