America’s Got Talent season 20 is set to shake things up with a dramatic format makeover that will completely change how the show operates. The reality television talent competition series premiered in 2006. Created by Simon Cowell, the show features a wide range of performers, from singers and dancers to magicians and comedians, all competing for a grand prize and the opportunity to headline a show in Las Vegas. America’s Got Talent season 20 is now here, featuring returning judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Simon, along with Mel B, who returns as an AGT judge after a six-season hiatus.
If there’s one little plot twist that no one saw coming with America’s Got Talent season 20, it’s been revealed in the supertease.
America’s Got Talent released a sneak peek of season 20 on YouTube, promising a more personal behind-the-scenes look at the show’s production and how judges spend their time off-camera. In the clip, Simon admits, “I get really, really anxious and nervous before any season, and I suppose, because it’s the 20th year, that puts even more pressure on everyone.” The video also features moments of Simon, Howie, and Sofía arriving at the auditorium, joined by former Spice Girl Mel B and host Terry Crews.
Simon spoke to People about America’s Got Talent‘s new behind-the-scenes format, explaining that it will offer viewers a much deeper look into the show’s inner workings and highlight fan-favorite contestants in a more personal way. “This season is special – I reckon we’re showing about 40% more of the process and everything that goes on behind the scenes, which I find fascinating,” he shared. The goal, he said, is to give the audience a true sense of what it’s like to be an AGT contestant, experiencing the excitement, the nerves, and the full range of emotions. “Everything,” Simon promised.
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The team felt strongly about introducing the new format and was excited to share it with the audience. Given that it’s the show’s 20th season, the timing was perfect. According to Simon, this will be the best season of America’s Got Talent that fans have ever experienced. Viewers will get a fly-on-the-wall perspective of the production, with cameras capturing behind-the-scenes moments. They’ll also get a closer look at how the show operates and how the judges spend their off-camera time between scenes, including how they interact backstage and prepare for tapings.
AGT season 20 adopts a fresh documentary-style format, featuring approximately 40% more behind-the-scenes content. Audiences will witness genuine interactions between the judges and get a closer look at the emotional experiences of contestants, from their nerves before auditions to their reactions afterward. The focus moves beyond just the performances to highlight the full journey of the show. As a special anniversary season, it honors 20 years of America’s Got Talent while offering a refreshed and more personal storytelling approach.
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America’s Got Talent will be offering a more personal look at the whole experience, making it easier to connect with the stories and people behind the performances. It feels like fans will now be getting the full picture as they see what really goes on offstage. After 20 years on air, America’s Got Talent has become a huge part of TV culture, but even a long-running show needs to evolve. After two decades, this update feels necessary to keep things exciting and connect with fans on a deeper level, giving the show a well-deserved refresh while honoring its legacy.
America’s Got Talent season 20 premieres Tuesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.
Sources: America’s Got Talent/YouTube, People