NBC talent competition, America’s Got Talent will cancel studio audiences until further notice.
AGT has been taping audition episodes at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium since the beginning of March. But with the coronavirus pandemic prompting television productions to tape without audiences, or even halt production altogether, it was only a matter of time before creator and judge Simon Cowell and NBC made some adjustments.
Earlier this week, judge Heidi Klum fell ill and was replaced for a day by actor, Eric Stonestreet, who had a little Modern Family reunion with his co-star and new AGT judge, Sofia Vergara. But don’t worry! According to reports, Heidi is recovering from a common cold NOT Covid-19. But now with tapings set for Friday March 13 and beyond, AGT will join Live with Kelly and Ryan, The View, The Kelly Clarkson Show and more to film WITHOUT a studio audience.
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It’s going to be tricky for Simon and the producers. More than any other talent competition, America’s Got Talent relies on their studio audience for their raucous feedback. Simon encourages a Roman Coliseum like atmosphere at his tapings. I attended an X Factor USA taping several years ago, and I remember him telling us–no URGING US, “Be as rude as you want!”
In addition, with a few weeks of audition episodes with a studio audience already in the can, the editing of the audition rounds will present an interesting challenge.
Fans on social media are posting emails from AGT about taping cancellations, reports TMZ. The notices say, “Out of an abundance of caution, America’s Got Talent is suspending all tapings with a studio audience until further notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience; however, your health is our top priority. We will notify you as soon as the show resumes with an audience so that you can reschedule and get new tickets.”
