The 2025 season of “America’s Got Talent” kicked off on May 27, 2025, with a fresh approach to its familiar format, marking a significant milestone as the show entered its 20th season. Viewers were introduced to a revamped structure designed to deepen their connection with the contestants and give fans more insight into the audition process.
The most notable change in the new format is the expanded coverage of contestants’ personal stories. While previous seasons have focused largely on performances and the judges’ reactions, this season goes beyond the auditions, showcasing the challenges, aspirations, and nerves of the hopefuls before they even step in front of the judges. This approach allows viewers to get to know the contestants on a more personal level, making the experience of watching the competition more immersive.
The premiere episode featured an emotional look at contestants as they prepared for their big moments, some of whom were overcoming personal hurdles like stage fright, financial difficulties, or long-held dreams of becoming famous. Behind-the-scenes footage showed participants practicing their acts, receiving advice from family members, and discussing their motivations for being on the show. For many, it was the culmination of years of hard work.
The judges were all visibly excited about the changes, with Simon Cowell calling the new format “the best first episode” the show has ever had. “We’ve always had great performances, but this new angle allows us to really connect with the talent on a deeper level,” Cowell said in a pre-show interview. His fellow judges, including Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, echoed his sentiment, praising the more intimate nature of the show.
In addition to the new format, the show featured a diverse range of acts, from talented singers and dancers to magicians and comedians. The judges, as always, played a key role in shaping the journey of the contestants, offering both praise and constructive criticism in a manner that fans have come to love.
This season’s premiere also highlighted some of the most unique and groundbreaking performances to date. For example, a synchronized swimming troupe performed an underwater routine, while a comedian used a real-time audience response to shape the punchlines of his set, adding a creative twist to the typical comedy act. These new elements helped distinguish Season 20 from previous seasons, keeping the long-running show fresh and engaging for viewers.
One of the standout moments of the premiere was a 12-year-old girl from Utah who performed a jaw-dropping acrobatic routine that left the audience gasping in amazement. She was not only technically skilled but emotionally captivating, and her performance resonated deeply with the judges, who all gave her standing ovations.
With a diverse array of contestants and a more personal storytelling approach, Season 20 of “America’s Got Talent” is set to be one of the most compelling seasons yet. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming episodes, as they’ll be able to see how the contestants progress not only in their performances but also in their personal journeys.
The change in format was a strategic decision by the show’s producers, aiming to keep the audience hooked for another two decades of competition. As the season progresses, viewers can expect more surprises, unexpected twists, and of course, more incredible talent.