Americas Got Talent question

[_Sheffjs_]

I suppose for this show there is a pre judging/elimination that takes place before a contestant can go before Simon, Mell B, Howie, Heidi and patrons in a theater. Not quite sure how this works however I wonder do they (Simon etc) pre-see any of these performances that are "special" or do they get a heads up to watch this one. I ask because it feels like they have an idea what is coming.  Thoughts anyone?

[Willow]

I suppose for this show there is a pre judging/elimination that takes place before a contestant can go before Simon, Mell B, Howie, Heidi and patrons in a theater. Not quite sure how this works however I wonder do they (Simon etc) pre-see any of these performances that are "special" or do they get a heads up to watch this one. I ask because it feels like they have an idea what is coming.  Thoughts anyone?

It's entertainment.  They're selling entertainment for the advertising dollars they receive.  If it draws more watchers to make them believe they are truly searching for viable talent then they will do that.  They are in business.  Business is in business to make money.  Watchers are searching for what entertains them.  It is a tenuous symbiotic relationship.

[Jess Tolbirt]

the contestants go before a bunch of judges just to be able to get to stage 2,,they sing accopello and if the first set like them then they in front of a second set of judges and if they like that then they move to the next set,,,the 25,000 contestants are dwindled down to about 500 or so before going in front of simon and company...thats the way it was explained to me by a former contestant...

[Rams]

Well, that explains a lot to me.       No wonder I couldn't get on the show.   

Doesn't appear too many folks are on board with my particular talents................   

[jimmytee]

The first clue is that once in awhile they have an act that had to be outside. When you are watching the show, those acts come on stage and it's kind of presented / edited to insinuate that judges and audience are hearing about the outside aspect for the first time. Then magically, the whole audience along with the judges are transported outside.

[Jack B]

At the end of the show it says the $1,000,000 payout is over 40 years.

[Jess from VA]

I never watch singing and dancing. 

[fudgie]

the contestants go before a bunch of judges just to be able to get to stage 2,,they sing accopello and if the first set like them then they in front of a second set of judges and if they like that then they move to the next set,,,the 25,000 contestants are dwindled down to about 500 or so before going in front of simon and company...thats the way it was explained to me by a former contestant...

Unless they are a stand out (odd) then they get bumped to go before them. Like old guys singing about penises, cute little girls singing, etc.