NBC announced a premiere date for the beleaguered series America’s Got Talent: Extreme. It will premiere Monday, Feb. 21 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC and air in that time slot for four weeks. New competition series, American Song Contest has been moved back to Monday March 21 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC due to COVID-19 concerns and will air in that time slot for eight weeks with the Grand Final scheduled for Monday, May 9.
The show features dangerous acts that “can’t be confined to a theater stage.” Contestants will vie for a chance to win a $500,000 prize and the ultimate title, the champion of America’s Got Talent: Extreme. Creator and executive producer Simon Cowell will judge alongside WWE superstar Nikki Bella and motocross and rally car driver Travis Pastrana. America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews will also serve as host.
AGT: Extreme began taping last September and October at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, but was immediately halted after a life-threatening accident landed a contestant in the hospital. British escape artist Jonathan Goodwin was hospitalized with multiple injuries, including broken bones in both legs. The daredevil is still in the hospital. He tweeted on January 17.
Ah yes…still in hospital from that lil escapade. Don’t drop cars on yourself… it’s best avoided. Hope you are well too sir ?? https://t.co/yL68lLH0rD
— Jonathan Goodwin (@TheDaredevil) January 17, 2022
It’s amazing that the show will go on, considering that a contestant almost died. NBC started an internal investigation before resuming taping in California in early January. Producers tell The Wrap they have not yet decided how they’re going to address the on-set accident.
The accident was part of the a rehearsal, so it was never filmed for the show. The investigation into the accident is still ongoing, the person said.
American Song Contest will air LIVE
Meanwhile American Song Contest, based on the long-running European hit competition, Eurovision Song Contest, “combines the competitive spirit of rooting for your favorite sports team with the joy of watching a live performance of an original song.” The show will air instead of the usual spring cycle of The Voice, which will return to NBC in the fall.
American Song Contest will feature LIVE new music performances – representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital – competing to win the country’s vote for the Best Original?Song.
Because each episode will air LIVE and NBC is hoping to tape in front of a live studio audience, it makes sense to postpone the show’s premiere, as many live awards shows have already done.
A solo artist, duo or a band will represent each location and perform a new original?song, celebrating the depth and variety of different styles and genres across America.
The live competition consists of three rounds as the acts compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi Finals and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory will emerge victorious.
