America's Got Talent Slammed After Guinness World Record Audition Proves The Show Isn't About Talent Anymore (2024)

America's Got Talent is coming under fire once again, this time after a Guinness World Record attempt was featured on the hit NBC competition show. America's Got Talent has always had a wide range of opinions on the judging panel, but in the early years, original AGT judge Piers Morgan and his sharp critiques ensured there would be a voice of reason at the table. Then when Simon Cowell became a judge, there was an expectation that he'd bring his American Idol persona over to AGT, but he's been one of the kindest judges the show has ever seen.

The America's Got Talent season 19 auditions just came to a close. Now that the reality show is on a break until the 2024 Olympics concludes, fans took to social media to express their displeasure at the way the auditions ended. The final act of the night was Nick Manning, who brought a Guinness World Record official with him as he attempted to break a record for the greatest number of people with underpants on their head. When America's Got Talent posted the video on Instagram, the comments section was filled with numerous fans complaining about what they were watching.

Several Instagram users criticized America's Got Talent for showcasing an act that wasn't even a talent to begin with. @Krista.guillemin called the act "stupid" and said it was a "waste of time." @Charlie.p.miller noted that Nick didn't actually "do anything" since it was the underwear that did all the work. @Agnescol called the whole ordeal a "shame" since there's a lot of people with actual talent that should be given a platform instead. @Rudy.h.2086 bluntly claimed America's Got Talent is "not about talent anymore." Others said it wasn't a great way to end the auditions.

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The America's Got Talent judges seemed to have a ton of fun participating in the world record attempt. Even Simon got in on the action and put the underpants on his head, with @Markbishopcampbell admitting that "it was worth it" to see Simon with underwear on his head. Fortunately for Nick and everyone in the room, they did end up breaking a new world record.

Despite the world record being set, none of the America's Got Talent judges voted to advance him to the next round. That might be the only upside to this particular audition, especially since the judges regularly vote yes for mediocre acts that don't deserve to be in the competition. It's possible the producers invited Nick onto America's Got Talent just for this one appearance to attempt the world record, with the expectation that the judges would send him home after that.

The disappointing ending to the America's Got Talent season 19 auditions came on the heels of Sofia Vergara's final Golden Buzzer the previous week, which saw her sending through a terrible act to the live shows. Both incidents call into question the legitimacy of America's Got Talent in 2024. AGT used to create stars, like Terry Fator, Jackie Evancho, Mat Franco, Grace VanderWaal and Shin Lim. Unfortunately, the judges and producers seem to only care about creating a silly entertainment show now instead of helping to launch superstar careers.

America's Got Talent returns August 13 at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.

Sources: America's Got Talent/Instagram, @Krista.guillemin/Instagram, @Charlie.p.miller/Instagram, @Agnescol/Instagram, @Rudy.h.2086/Instagram, @Markbishopcampbell/Instagram

America's Got Talent

Reality

A dynamic and engaging reality competition series where contestants from across the nation showcase their unique talents in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience. Acts range from singers and dancers to magicians, comedians, and a variety of other performers, all vying for a cash prize and national recognition. The show features a blend of emotional backstories, high-energy performances, and nail-biting eliminations, culminating in a grand finale where the audience votes to crown the winner.

Cast

Regis Philbin , Jerry Springer , Nick Cannon , Tyra Banks , Terry Crews , Piers Morgan , David Hasselhoff , Brandy Norwood , Sharon Osbourne , Howie Mandel , Howard Stern , Mel B , heidi klum , Simon Cowell , Julianne Hough , Gabrielle Union , Sofia Vergara

Release Date

June 21, 2006

Seasons

18