America’s Got Talent is shaking up the live show format. Instead of three rounds of performances (Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Final), contestants who advance to the live shows will perform in the five week qualifiers for a shot to compete in the finale.
One big change is that the number of contestants performing in the live rounds have increased from 36 to 55. AGT unveiled 54 of the 55 acts after the show’s final audition episode. However, that 55th and final spot will be determined by viewer vote.
America’s Got Talent 2022 Unveils a Top 55 and New Format
For “America’s Wildcard,” four acts are in contention for the final spot in the live shows. Viewers can go to NBC.com or the “AGT” app to rewatch the four performances and vote for their favorite contestants. Voting is open from Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. ET until Friday, Aug. 5 at 7 a.m. ET. The winning act will perform on the live show on Tuesday, Sept. 6 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT). That is, week 5 of the Qualifiers. The America’s Got Talent finale airs Tuesday September 12 and Wednesday September 16
Here are the four acts vying for your vote and a chance to perform on the live shows.
Auzzy Blood – Sword swallower
Auzzy performs dangerous stunts involving corkscrews, meat hooks, sword swallowing, and more. If you like that sort of thing…good for you. No way in heck he wins the wildcard. It will probably be either Ben or Debbii. – Watch Audition
@auzzyblood
Ben Waites – Singer
Ben is a Southern gospel singer from Nashville who was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and bound to a wheelchair. – Watch Audition
@bjwaites
Debbii Dawson – Singer-songwriter
Debbii performed an acoustic flip of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” for the judges. The running joke was that her parents from Minnesota didn’t come with her. Turned out, Debbii asked them to stay home. – Watch Audition
@debbiidawson
Jordan Conley – Comedian
Jordan’s AGT routine was about his dad wanting him to join the military. The original clip had gone viral. – Watch Audition
@loljordancon1ey
America’s Got Talent season 17 live shows begin Tuesday August 9 and Wednesday August 10 on NBC at 8 pm ET/PT. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell sit on the judges panel. Terry Crews hosts.
