If It’s ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Why Can People Who Aren’t From America Audition?
Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 2 minutes
Have you ever wondered why there are so many acts on America’s Got Talent that aren’t from America? Not to mention that not one of the current judges was born in the United States. What are the rules, are you allowed to audition if you aren’t a U.S. citizen?
According to America’s Got Talent‘s eligibility requirements, all contestants need to be a United States Citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States. But, you can still audition if you’re not a United States Citizen. You just must possess a current employment authorization card (EAD card) or be in the United States legally at the time of your audition. There is no specification on how long you have to be living in the United States to be able to audition.
Basically, this means every contestant was born in America, works in America, or is a legal immigrant. From the wording on the website, it seems like they will not allow you to travel on a temporary visa to audition for the show. You must currently work in America if you are auditioning for the show. Although these contestants talk about where they’re originally from, they currently reside in the United States when we see them.
Why Audition for America’s Got Talent?
We’re sure it doesn’t surprise you that America’s Got Talent is the largest talent show out of all of its competitors. So, if you’re trying to go on a show for exposure, why not do it with the largest platform?
It’s no secret that Americans love their television, and the country leads the world in the music industry. So even if acts do not win, the chance to perform in front of this huge platform can still be life changing. Possibly bigger than they would have seen in their own country.
There are dozens of Got Talent shows across the globe, and acts frequently will audition for America’s Got Talent after appearing on the show of their home country. This, again, gives them a wider exposure and another chance at winning both the prize money and the reward.
Multiple acts this season have already appeared, and even won, other Got Talent seasons. There are currently no rules preventing acts to audition or compete on more than one show.
Essentially, America’s Got Talent, as the largest talent stage in the world, has become the stage of stages. It’s the place where people who have found fame elsewhere can come and try out their act on an even bigger platform. AGT provides those auditioning to truly prove that their talent is the best.
I am going to stop watching. So many people on here are not Americans. Should not be called AGT! Watching last week and the person could not speak or understand our language.
I am not going to watch AGT since they are allowing acts from Japan, India, and other countries on the show. We need to give OUR citizens the. opportunity to win and not foreigners. Let their country host their own show. It is called AMERICAS got talent!!
13-year-old polish singer shouldn’t qualify to audition for AGT. She’s not employed in the US, she’s not a citizen, and she’s not an immigrant. Right?
Why are so many contestants on AGT foreigners? Not watching anymore! Americans only should apply! Misleading name for a show.
There are so many other countries that do the “Got Talent” series, why do the we allow others to join into what is our Countries “Got Talent” is? I would not expect a US singer or whatever to be allowed on another Countries program. If they want a Universal program, then they need to create just that. I Love some of the acts that are from afar, I just don’t feel they are preforming in the proper venue. Ms. ??? from ??? will not be proclaimed the winner for another Country, she will proudly be from the Country she is… Read more »
Stopped watching AGT because it seems a large number of people from the show ARE NOT from or legally living in USA. It can be stayed in “the rules” but the show can claim anything can’t they? How do small children who are obviously not from UDA even get on this American show?
Celia the ventriloquist already won Spain’s Got Talent so why is she allowed to perform here? She’s a Ringer! They never mention it on the show because it might bring her voting down.
Not watching this show ever again. Contestants should have to be American Citizens.
Why do they audition so many acts that make it to the next stage when they have no intention of having them all continue to the next round? Then they bring back people who were sent home. I don’t get it.
I hope these comments reach the show. I have slowly stopped watching the show for the same as others. I don’t mind that other countries auditioning in the past. In the past it all worked out, but this season it seems over 80% or more are non american. It may be persecption, but I don’t think so. It’s sad when a show looses it’s original intentions. Like many shows instead of doing a spin off they continue to force the new or what looks like a new premise on the fan base. Spin off the show to the worlds got… Read more »
This is my last season watching this show. Where are the Americans????? Seems almost all contestants are from other countries.
I quit watching. America’s Got Talent should be AMERICANS!!!!!! I will never watch again!
I would have no problem with foreigners competing in AGT if ALL of the Got Talent competitions allowed foreigners but they do not…Asia for instance does not allow foreigners. It seems that so many of American benefits are given freely to people unless you happen to be AMERCIAN! its total b.s. Can someone name one country that will give something or do something for an American citizen that it will not give or do for its own citizen? I’ll wait………
MISREPRSENTATION AND a lie!!! ANY OTHER COMPANY WOULD BE CLOSED DOWN AND PROSECUTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How has Cowell pulled this off????
This show is a joke. I haven’t watched it in several years. My husband has been screening the shows on Youtube recently and I happen to be in the room. There are enough talented peoplein our country, why should the competition be open to people who are not American?
There should be a one and done policy. If they win on a show that’s it. Give others a chance.
It’s good show it helps many people