As fans of America’s Got Talent are well aware, the show has to do things differently due to the coronavirus pandemic. During the audition process, the show went without its usual studio audience out of an abundance of caution for those involved in the production. On Tuesday night’s episode, they made one more change, as the judges got to watch some performers audition from the comfort of their homes. Naturally, since this presented a significant change of pace for AGT, fans had plenty to say about it.
Instead of sitting at the judges’ panel as they typically do, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Simon Cowell judged the various contestants who auditioned from their homes with a little help from 21st-century technology. Just as they would usually, the judges got to see the contestants’ talents, which ranged from magic tricks, horse-friendly opera, and an adorable puppy pal show, via video chat. While AGT has been forced to implement these changes, Cowell previously expressed that there has been a significant silver lining to the situation. “As bad as it is, you always have to find a solution to get back to work,” he explained to USA Today via email. “I have sympathy for so many people in this situation, but if our show is an example, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s different, but hopefully, it will still be as popular.”
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Fans indeed still tuned into the series to see the first-ever AGT at home edition. However, the reception to this new audition process wasn’t entirely positive amongst viewers.
Interesting Take
The current #AGT setup is my nightmare situation tbh. It is SO much easier to sing/dance/whatever for a full theater than a tiny group of people who are there specifically to judge you.
โ Em (@figment616) July 15, 2020
Awesome
I have to admit as an #AGT fan, I wasnโt sure how the at-home shows were going to work. It was awesome.
โ Kathleen Choal (@KathleenChoal) July 15, 2020
Not A Fan
These zoom auditions on #agt are horrible
โ Nick Wallace (@nickwallace22) July 15, 2020
Into It
These zoom auditions are awesome but I wish we could focus on the acts more instead of getting two montages #agt
โ StarryMag (@StarryMag) July 15, 2020
So Much Fun
The virtual auditions were fun and great! Thatโs a โYesssssโ from me for all of them! ๐๐๐PS: I liked @SimonCowell โs pajamas! ๐#AGT @AGT
โ Sharon (@SharonSchrank1) July 15, 2020
A Bit Weird
These video auditions are weird on #AGT
โ Julia Demmin (@juliademmin214) July 15, 2020
Not Business As Usual
#AGT at home is like taking a virtual tour of the Sydney Opera House on your computer and pretending it’s the same as actually going there
โ Connor McCann (@connorm60280099) July 15, 2020