For over 20 years now, America’s Got Talent has been a summer staple. It’s given us something fresh to watch while most of the other network shows are on summer hiatus.
Over the years, AGT has made huge stars of ordinary people, such as magician Shin Lim, ventriloquist Darcy Lynne and singer Kodi Lee. The brightest of them not only became household names, but went on to become headliners on the Las Vegas Strip.
But lately this show seems to have gotten somewhat tired and repetitive. Additionally, the airing of so many compilation shows during the season just seems lazy. It feels like the cast and crew are getting the week off, while we’re watching a rerun.
Should AGT be cancelled?
According to Collider, the show has reportedly lost over 50% of its audience in the past decade. Judge Simon Cowell’s grumpy persona has worn thin, as has Sofia Vergara’s endless parade of strapless gowns. Likewise, Howie Mandel’s sometimes inappropriate comments are nearly as annoying as Mel B.’s tiresome “I’m so confused” schtick. It all just seems stale.
While continuing to stick with the same formula year-after-year, the show seems to focus more on contestants’ emotional backstories than actual their talent. While some acts are genuinely talented, others cause viewers to wonder, “Why are they here?” And the answer is, “To be on TV, of course.”
Singers, magicians, the occasional dog act are fine. But then there are bizarre acts like the Japanese “naked guy,” who covers his genitals with various objects while walking around completely naked. It’s worth a couple of chuckles, but as charming as he is, I wouldn’t pay big money to see him in Vegas.
In AGT Season 21, producers tried to add a fresh touch by holding call-backs at judges’ homes. We saw contestants re-audition at Simon’s Malibu mansion, while another group visited Mel B.’s gorgeous Yorkshire estate. However, I actually found seeing their luxurious homes more interesting than the auditions.
Ultimately, after 20 years the show is showing its age. We can already guess what the judges will say before they even speak. Perhaps it’s time to retire this tired old dog and replace it with something fresh. More Traitors, please.
TELL US – ARE YOU TIRED OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT? SHOULD AGT GO ON PAUSE?
