Secrets About America's Got Talent That Producers Tried To Hide

‘America’s Got Talent’ is still one of the biggest reality shows on our screens. However, these behind-the-scenes facts might show there is more to the series than meets the eye.

The idea of ‘America’s Got Talent’ is simple. All you need to do is make it through the audition and impress a panel of celebrity judges before making your way onto the final few list. Hopefully, if you win over the nation, you could walk away victorious with $1 million to your name and a performance spot in the Las Vegas Strip. Just because millions of us have tuned in over the years doesn’t mean all is as it seems on the show. In fact, behind-the-scenes facts about ‘America’s Got Talent’ show that things might not always be so straightforward.

The truth behind the winner of America’s Got Talent has always been up for debate

If there is one thing that’s got people talking, it’s the reality of the winners on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ Are they really voted for by the nation, or does the show decide who they want to win before starting the series? It’s something several have wondered – and it seems we’re no closer to an answer.

User “whipchick” told LiveJournal that the producers “reserve the right to determine the winner by any means they choose.” However, an ‘America’s Got Talent’ employee used a Reddit Ask Me Anything to tell the world the votes have never been rigged. They claim that producers often have favorites and will “prep future stuff” just in case they go all the way. Still, ultimately, the winner is chosen by the nation.

Contestants used to be able to audition for the show through MySpace

Remember the time that MySpace was all the rage? It was all about having the perfect Top 8 and songs that made you stand out against the rest. MySpace was the king of social media before social media was even a thing. That’s why it might come as a surprise to young fans of ‘America’s Got Talent’ that contestants could once audition through the site.

All contestants had to do was record a video of their talent and upload it to their page in the hopes the producers would pick them to appear in front of the judges. Although contestants can supposedly still submit video auditions for a spot on the show, they no longer rely on MySpace for their chance at fame.

Ventriloquists have been the most popular contestants on America’s Got Talent

There have been 15 seasons of ‘America’s Got Talent’ so far – and two seasons of the spin-off show ‘AGT: The Champions.’ That means there have been enough episodes for some to notice a theme, especially when it comes to the winners. Perhaps you want to get your hands on the $1 million prize? Maybe you want to showcase a talent to the rest of the nation?

You might want to become a ventriloquist if you want to go all the way. That’s right; this talented bunch have won the show more than anyone else with three out of 15 wins. To date, Terry Fator from season two is still the most successful winner as Forbes published the ventriloquist earned $18.5 million from his Las Vegas show in 2017.

Fans accused 10-year-old Jackie Evancho of lip-syncing during her audition

It can be tough to know if anything is real on reality TV. Many of us have learned that producers often love to script scenes or add in some drama to make things more interesting. Would they go as far as letting a 10-year-old lip-sync to make for good TV? Apparently, not. In 2010, people wondered if Jackie Evancho was really as talented as she seemed.

The 10-year-old took part in season five of the show and wowed the crowd with her opera vocals. However, some believed Jackie was singing over a pre-recorded track. That was until Jackie performed an on-the-spot vocal exercise and proved to all the doubters that they were wrong. Some people really are just that talented.

The show apparently doesn’t look into everyone’s backstories to check they’re real

While some of us judge ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestants on their performances, some of us can’t help but get sucked into their sob stories. Believe it or not, but it seems not all of those tales are what they seem. The show landed itself in pretty hot water during season seven when it was revealed ‘AGT’ doesn’t fact-check every contestant.

Timothy Poe claimed he was a war vet who learned to sing a grenade in Afghanistan left him with a stutter. It wasn’t long after his audition aired that people realized it was all a lie – and the photo Timothy used was actually of another soldier. Even though Timothy gave a tearful apology, he claimed he didn’t know that he was lying at the time…

America’s Got Talent will allegedly exaggerate someone’s story for views

Not only have there been examples of contestants on ‘America’s Got Talent’ lying about their backstories, but it turns out the producers will allegedly exaggerate some stories if they want to make it more interesting or to pull on people’s heartstrings. This all came out in the book ‘Inside AGT: The Untold Stories of America’s Got Talent.’

The book writes that contestants must reportedly agree “that producers can trick, exploit and embarrass them” in return for them getting a spot on the show. The book also accused the show of being able to “depict their personal stories” in a way that “may be factual or fictional” if it sees fit. As if that wasn’t enough, the book even states that contestants “can’t sue for any reason.”

It’s reported the show uses people who have already appeared on other reality shows

Several people have noticed that as soon as some people appear on reality TV shows, they seem to make it their job to appear on as many as possible. It’s common for people to carve a niche path to fame from their time on our screens – and some have built pretty successful careers as a result.

Perhaps it’s no wonder that ‘America’s Got Talent’ allegedly uses contestants who have appeared on other shows? Some of them have already tried to make it to the top on the likes of ‘The X Factor’ or ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ another show in the franchise. These were both created by Simon Cowell, so it might not be surprising they get another shot on another one of his shows.

It’s reported the contestants are given therapy after America’s Got Talent

Getting eliminated from ‘America’s Got Talent’ can have a huge effect on someone’s life. After all, many contestants hope the show will give them their ticket to fame after years of trying to make it on their own. So what happens when the nation isn’t ready for their talents or the judges have some harsh truths about their auditions?

It turns out they might have access to therapy to recover from it all. Radar Online says eliminated contestants are often advised to head to counseling before returning to their normal lives. Eli Mattson from season three confirmed this as he claims the show does it for legal reasons. Another contestant accused the show of making their loved ones deal with the aftermath of them getting eliminated.

America’s Got Talent contestants have to wait for a long time

It appears you might need to prepare for a long wait if you want to make it onto ‘America’s Got Talent.’ Every show has its own procedures when it comes to finding the next best star, and it seems that contestants on the show have to line up for hours before they even get a chance to step in front of the judges and showcase their talents.

The show’s website states that contestants are seen on a “first come – first seen basis.” The auditions are all open from 8 am all the way through to 7 pm. The result? Some people begin lining up from 6 am and still might not get a chance to perform. In the end, everyone has to prepare for long days.

There have been times the show has pitted contestants against one another

One of the more heartbreaking secrets about ‘America’s Got Talent’ is how the show allegedly pits contestants against one another. Cas Haley from season two claims the producers manipulated contestants to get the reactions they wanted for the camera. Cas used the tell-all book to talk about one example in particular.

Here, he claims the show took a “young girl from Hawaii” to her audition. Apparently, a producer came out into the green room and told everyone waiting that she’d made it and to “give her a big hand when she comes back in here.” Even though they started clapping, “she just burst into tears.” Cas said she never really made it, and the producers merely wanted to “get a reaction out of her.”

A couple filed a lawsuit against the production company of America’s Got Talent

Even though ‘America’s Got Talent’ allegedly makes it pretty tough for people to file lawsuits doesn’t mean that everyone has given up trying. It seems some contestants are less than impressed with the way they’re treated on the show. Nick Cannon left the series after season 11 after several years as the host of the show.

Supermodel Tyra Banks quickly replaced him – and it seems that’s where the trouble started. Even though the nation widely praised the new host, Tyra only lasted for two seasons before she was given the ax and replaced by Terry Crews. Perhaps being in the middle of a lawsuit was enough for ‘AGT’ to rethink their choices? It certainly seems that could be the case.

Tyra Banks was at the center as they accused her of manipulating a child

The woman behind the lawsuit, known only as Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit in May 2017 as she stated some audience members and the judges “publicly humiliated” her and her husband. The couple took to the stage to sing a song about motherhood, a tune that was apparently a favorite of their young daughter, named Mary Doe in the lawsuit.

Jane claimed that Tyra “physically manipulated” her daughter throughout the song by pulling her hair and shaking her shoulders. Apparently, Mary was too afraid to stop. Jane also accused the host of implying Mary was a mistake and mocked the song in front of the youngster. Jane finished it all off by saying Mary was “deeply depressed” as a result of it all.

Contestants getting injured is common during America’s Got Talent auditions

There are plenty of reasons millions of us have fallen for ‘America’s Got Talent.’ Not only does the show help showcase some of the most talented individuals across the nation, but it also shows off some skills many of us have never seen before. Then there’s the added fun on the dangerous acts that have us on the edge of our seats.

One of those came in season 11 when Ryan Stock was hit in the chest with a flaming arrow during a bow and arrow act gone wrong. Ryan instantly claimed he was fine and uninjured from it all, but it was too much. The judges refused to judge someone who had just risked their life – and almost lost – and they cut the act.

It’s thought there are certain dress codes contestants have to follow on the show

Appearing on ‘America’s Got Talent’ comes with plenty of behind-the-scenes rules that many of us have never learned about over the years. One of the many supposed rules on the list all has to do with contestants and their outfits. Some shows have their own sponsors, while others don’t want to get in trouble for showcasing branded clothes.

‘AGT’ is no exception, as the series has allegedly banned all sports teams, logos, and brand names on clothes. That’s not all. While it’s not a rule, the producers allegedly say that wearing bright colors can help contestants stand out as they wait for their audition. Just don’t forget to wear your costume before you arrive as no costume changes are allowed at the venues.

Jokes supposedly have to be submitted before they’re used on America’s Got Talent

The tell-all book, ‘Inside AGT,’ talks about several behind-the-scenes secrets on the show. One of the many listed in the book talks about comedians and the jokes they plan to use in their audition. For some producers, the audition isn’t the first time they’ve heard these lines. That’s because they are supposedly told to “submit their jokes to the producers in advance.”

This is to ensure “they cleared network standards” and they don’t “clash with the show’s family friendly values.” We guess that if things are too bad, then the comedians are told to alter their content or remove them altogether. Watered-down and pre-screened jokes? That’s no laughing matter, but it’s one that supposedly helps the network keep things PG at all times.

Someone has accused producers of faking Will Tsai’s magic tricks

Many of us know that not everything we see on ‘America’s Got Talent’ is filmed in front of a live audience. The ‘Judge Cuts’ and auditions are all pre-recorded, but does that mean things could be edited and staged? Some people sure seem to think that’s the case when it comes to magic acts. Captain Disillusion took to YouTube in 2017 after watching magician Will Tsai.

In the lengthy videos, he talks about how some of the close-up segments of Will’s performance could have been faked and edited with CGI to make it look like he’s really pulling off the unimaginable. While it can be easy to find faults in a magician’s act, Captain Disillusion talks about interesting details that suggest it could all be a ruse.

Kayvon Zand says his America’s Got Talent act was deliberately edited to make him look worse

Kayvon Zand is one of the most memorable performers to appear on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ He took to the stage in 2015 and wowed many with his extravagant outfit and full-of-energy performance, but the judges weren’t that impressed with it all. To top it off, Kayvon went down in ‘AGT’ history after his fight with the judges.

Sadly, the singer and dancer says the producers edited his segment to make it look as though he did worse than he did. Kayvon says that he was given three X’s, but he couldn’t hear the buzzers over the music – even though it looks like he reacts to the noise in his performance. Kayvon even claims producers edited the content and order he received the comments from the judges.

Contestants are only allowed to bring dangerous props if they clear them with security

Several ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestants have tried to wow the crowd with dangerous routines. It’s pretty common to see fire, swords, and all things dangerous take to the stage as people try to push their routines as far as possible. Did you know that you’re not just allowed to turn up with these items by your side?

It turns out contestants have to clear everything with security before they’re allowed into the venue, even if the props are the main attraction of their routine. As if that wasn’t enough, some rumors claim that contestants have to have video footage of them pulling off their routines before they’re allowed to audition to try and reduce any injuries or routines going wrong.

Animals are off the list unless contestants fill out lots of paperwork

If there’s one thing that many of us love to see, it’s an animal show off their talents. From dancing dogs to cats jumping through hoops and everything in between, ‘America’s Got Talent’ has seen some of the most talented pets across the nation throughout the series. However, there are supposedly plenty of rules before someone is allowed to bring their beloved pet to the stage.

Some reports claim that owners have to fill out online forms before their audition to ensure there are no extra steps they need to take before the big day. Others state that ‘AGT’ makes owners bring all vaccination records to ensure no one is bringing a wild animal to the show. It certainly makes sense.

Several America’s Got Talent contestants have allegedly been recruited

One of the show’s biggest parts is the audition process, as we get to see who makes the cut and who needs to work on their routine. Just because it’s a huge part of the series doesn’t mean it’s all as natural as it appears on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ That’s if some of the rumors are true. Some contestants have accused producers of recruiting performers before the start of the season.

Julienne Irwin, the country singer from season two, told the book ‘Inside AGT’ that some contestants are “discovered on YouTube,” while others are found “in comedy clubs and performance venues.” Julienne added that she was “the only one that really came from an open call audition” when she made it to the top 20.

Getting a yes from the judges might not be enough to keep you in the show

It can be easy to think that wowing the judges is one of the best ways to get a ticket to the final on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ According to several former contestants, that’s not always the case. Kayvon Zand claimed that he got three “yes” votes in his preliminary round in season ten.

However, the producers backtracked the success when Kayvon received a “generalized email” stating he needed their go-ahead for the next round. His claims were echoed by Sammy Obeid from season seven as he claims he earned all the yeses he needed to make it to the next round. Apparently, Sammy was then told he was on “stand by” for the judges’ cuts. Amazingly, both contestants made it to the next stage.

Personal photos and souvenirs aren’t allowed on American’s Got Talent

If there’s one thing most shows try to avoid, it’s any spoilers. ‘America’s Got Talent’ needs to work hard to ensure none of the contestants let slip how they did on the show before the auditions air. That means there are plenty of rules in place to make sure everything is kept under wraps for months – including rules about personal photos and souvenirs.

It’s reported that contestants are banned from taking any behind-the-scenes photos of pictures with the judges. If they do break the rules and film some clips from backstage, then contestants quickly learn they are all property of the show and can’t be distributed. If they do get published, we guess these contestants could be in for quite the lawsuit.

America’s Got Talent winners don’t get any help after their Las Vegas show

While many contestants find themselves thinking about how they will spend the $1 million if they win, others can’t wait to perform in one of the entertainment capitals of the world: the Las Vegas Strip. Sadly, that doesn’t mean the rise to fame will be easy once the show comes to an end. It’s reported that winners are left to fend for themselves after their Las Vegas show.

That means they could return to normal life if they don’t land a contract after their performance. That’s why many winners have merely faded away after their win. Forbes reports that Terry Fator is still the most successful winner as the ventriloquist landed a $100 million contract for a five-year residency at Vegas’ The Mirage.

Contestants aren’t allowed to appear on another reality show for a long time

It must be pretty easy for ‘America’s Got Talent’ winners to find work after their time on the show, right? While they might have people lining up out the door, it turns out the contestants have a lengthy battle to fight before they’re allowed out into the world. That’s all thanks to the clause in the contract that states they’re not allowed to appear on another reality show for a year.

That’s right; it doesn’t matter if you win, lose, or you’re disqualified – no one is allowed to expand their horizons. Another tough rule to follow is the one that states contestants aren’t allowed to seek endorsement deals or publicity with anyone other than NBC for 12 months. Apparently, talent holds are common in the industry.

America’s Got Talent contestants are apparently told what they need to perform

Some contestants spend years perfecting their ‘America’s Got Talent’ audition to ensure they’re seen as the best of the best. Although it seems the contestants are allowed to perform whatever they like, some people claim that couldn’t be further from the truth. The book ‘Inside AGT’ talks all about how the producers always have the final say.

Season eight’s Special Head opened up about his elimination in a video. Here, he claims, “The producers decide when it’s time to get kicked off the show.” Special Head insists he had a routine planned, but the producers wanted him to get the chop in favor of fan favorites. He states, “The levitation on the pyramid is what they had me do instead.”

Appearing on America’s Got Talent can open the doors to mockery

Unfortunately, signing up for a reality show means people need to be prepared for the fact they might not be portrayed in the best light. This isn’t just restricted to talent shows. One of the main things that keep people coming back to reality TV is all the drama that usually unfolds on the shows.

Of course, this often means that a series needs a victim, a villain, and some twists and turns along the way. Sadly, this can have a huge effect on people’s lives, something many of the contestants on ‘AGT’ have learned the hard way. Some people work tirelessly on their routines only to find themselves getting ridiculed by the judges and audience during their time on the show.

Kayvon Zand feels he was tricked into looking like a “freak” on the show

It didn’t take long for people to parody Kayvon Zand’s performance from 2015. Although the contestant appeared to take it all in his stride at the time, he opened up about getting labeled “a freak” during a blog post for The Huffington Post. Kayvon claims the producers made out that his routine would be perceived positively and not something to mock before he took to the stage.

Kayvon also suggested the show needs to find a way to make a hit series without hurting or bullying people. He wrote that “my career and ego don’t matter.” However, Kayvon believes, “What really hurts is the message America sends with shows of this nature.” The performer thinks “if you are weird” that “your opinion holds no value next to theirs.”

Contestants on America’s Got Talent allegedly have to sign a confidentiality agreement

It seems that ‘America’s Got Talent’ is willing to go to some pretty extreme lengths to ensure no one leaks any behind-the-scenes secrets about the show, especially in the buildup to the live shows. After all, would people want to watch the series if they already know who is destined to make it all the way? Apparently, the contestants are all told to sign a confidentiality agreement.

This means they agree to keep quiet about their participation, they’re barred from speaking about the show, and they “shall keep the strictest confidence” when it comes to their time with the series. Basically, if they open their mouth about anything, they could be in for a lot of trouble from the power giant that is NBC.

No one is allowed to challenge their elimination or fight the decision

It can be devastating to learn that our dreams aren’t destined to become a reality. Appearing on ‘America’s Got Talent’ could be all some of us need to make it to the top. On the other hand, it could be the final nail for some to give up on their dreams. Whatever the case, it turns out contestants have to think twice before arguing with the final results.

It’s rumored that no one is allowed to challenge their elimination as the producers have the final say. It’s claimed that whatever is said on the show is final, no exceptions. The worst part? Contestants reportedly agree to this in their pre-signed contracts meaning they have no legal leg to stand on.

Grueling schedules are apparently common for contestants on the show

Appearing on ‘AGT’ takes a lot of hard work from the word “go.” Not only do contestants have to work on their routines and find ways to stand out from the crowd, but they also have to be prepared for grueling schedules. Several former contestants have opened up about the boot camp-like conditions.

Season four’s Damien Escobar told Radar Online that he was kept in the holding area “forever.” Apparently, they had to wait for “19 hours” before they could rehearse. After that, Escobar claims they got “about four hours of sleep” before getting up at “5:00 AM to do it all over again.” To top it off, he claims a nurse was there to give shots of vitamins K and B for energy.

The America’s Got Talent production team can disqualify a contestant at any time

It turns out the producers have a lot more control over the show than meets the eye. Of course, they are the ones in charge of making sure the series runs without a hitch but does that mean they should be allowed to control all of the contestants? It certainly seems the producers might have the final say when it comes to making it to the next round rather than the judges.

Rumors state that producers can disqualify a contestant at any time throughout the series, even if they’re not in the voting rounds. To top it off, the show is allegedly allowed to tell the audience about the disqualification in any way it sees fit, even if it might not be the whole story.

Contestants have to be alright with being filmed all day, every day

Talent shows are a little different from other reality series. After all, contestants on ‘Big Brother’ quickly get used to being filmed at all hours of the day. What about people on ‘America’s Got Talent’? While most of the drama takes place on stage, it turns out that contestants on the show have to agree to be filmed 24 hours a day if needed.

As if that wasn’t enough, this can be seven days a week. Apparently, there is even more to the contract as contestants allegedly have to agree to hidden cameras that may be used in areas that are usually private. The result? It seems that appearing on ‘AGT’ means contestants have to agree to no privacy if they want to appear on the show.

No one is paid to be on the show, but they do get living expenses covered

Most ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestants have their eyes on the final prize. However, most people have to leave home for weeks on end to film the show, meaning they can’t work. Who is supposed to foot the bill for their accommodation and everything they need while they’re away? Amazingly, it seems that it falls on the show.

Reports claim that ‘AGT’ covers everything from living accommodation to food while contestants are away from home. Just because the bills are paid doesn’t mean contestants make money from being away from home. That’s right; no contestants are paid to appear in the series. Still, there’s a chance you could walk away $1 million richer, so we guess that makes up for it.

The $1 million prize is spread out over a contestant’s life

It can be easy to get carried away thinking about all the ways you’d spend $1 million. A new car? A new house? A chance to go after your dreams? The possibilities are endless. At least, they would be for ‘America’s Got Talent’ winners if they actually got their hands on the prize all at once.

Rather than get a check for $1 million, it turns out the winners actually have the prize split up into installments of $25,000 a year – for 40 years. Wow. That’s not all the bad news contestants have to prepare for as the cash prize is still taxed, meaning that $1 million quickly disappears before it’s even in their bank account. Apparently, winning doesn’t always mean riches.

Rumors claim the America’s Got Talent audience is filled with planted people

User “whipchick” opened up about her time auditioning for the show during a post of LiveJournal. Here, she claims that one of the biggest behind-the-scenes secrets on ‘America’s Got Talent’ is how the audience is allegedly filled with planted people who prompt the rest of the audience. Apparently, they will cheer and boo depending on how the producers want them to react.

To top it off, “whipchick” claims that “If someone next to you jumps up or makes an X, you do it, too!” That’s just the beginning. A Reddit user added that when they were a guest in the audience, the show filmed people making an X, booing, and cheering before the show and edited it into the final episode.