By Janice Malone
Tennessee residents can show off their talents for the chance to compete for the $1 million dollar prize on the upcoming season of NBC’s top-rated summer series America’s Got Talent! NBC’s top-rated series is the only talent competition show open to any age and any talent, and has been recognized as a “shocking, modern-day variety show.” The auditions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for performers across the country to showcase their talent in 90 seconds to the series’ producers, in the hopes of being able to take the stage in front of “America’s Got Talent” celebrity judges’: Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howard Stern, and host Nick Cannon.
Nashville auditions will take place, January 28th at Sound Check Studios. 750 Cowan Ct., Nashville, TN 37207. The opening hours will be approximately 8 am to 6 pm.
America’s Got Talent executive producer Jason Raff and several of the show’s casting agents will be touring the country in the custom made America’s Got Talent tour bus. “This is our third time visiting Nashville. We’ve found so much talent there until we’re coming back again,” says Raff by telephone. “We obviously see a lot of singers in Nashville but if you’re a juggler, dancer, magician, your pet has talent, or can do some unique talent with your body and more, we want to see you,” continues Raff. According to the executive producer, about 2,000 people turn out for these auditions, which is usually a one day process, unlike some of the other juggernaut TV talent shows. Jason readily admits that when it comes to “talent” he’s pretty much seen it all. “I’ve seen people play different parts of their bodies; beat on tables with their fingers; and even spread peanut butter all over their bodies while music is playing. So my definition of weird has definitely changed since we started this show,” says Raff with a laugh.
Last season’s America’s Got Talent winner, dancer/illusionist Kenichi Ebina, is not only enjoying his one million dollar grand prize money but he’s also touring all over the country as a headlining act. Even last season’s second place winner, comedian Scott Taylor, has been selling out shows. Before appearing on the show he was a restaurant waiter. As stated earlier, the show’s executive producer noted how abundant Nashville is in music talent but he offers some helpful tips below for locals who will be coming to the auditions. Raff says:
- You want to stand out from the crowd. So have a unique outfit, a good song selection, or something that’s different but unique
- Nashville has a lot of great singers who audition for us but for some reason, many of them like to keep their eyes closed while auditioning. So singers please open your eyes while auditioning and make eye contact with us.
- Think of the audition as if you’re on a job interview. So let your personality shine and show off your talent, no matter what it is.
- Show a lot of enthusiasm. Show us who you are and show us what you can do. We’ll be waiting for you!
For more even more information and to pre-register for the America’s Got Talent Nashville auditions visit: www.americasgottalentauditions.com/nashville/ The casting call is open to people of all ages and talents. Good luck Nashville!