The comeback season

Season 16 of reality show America’s Got Talent gets back to basics with the return of judge Simon Cowell and the live studio audience mid-pandemic.

- IPELENG RAKGANTSHO

America’s Got Talent Season 16 Thursdays (from 10 February) M-Net (*101) 18:00

The appeal to reality talent show America’s Got Talent (AGT) is its simple format. It’s a bit like watching a talent show at your local community hall but AGT is on a bigger budget. Ordinary US citizens of all ages and backgrounds perform in front of a judging panel and a live audience for a shot at winning $1 million (R15 million) and their own short-term residency in Las Vegas. These acts range from singers and dancers, to magicians, mimes, comics and more.

Essentially, the winning act should be original and draw the judges in with their backstory. “What makes a good show is people who step up and are serious about winning. I like competitive people, people who’re unique and acts that I haven’t seen before. I’ve got a feeling that we’ll get that in season 16,” explains long-time judge Simon Cowell, who stopped filming midway through season 15 following a back injury.