NBC Entertainment News

• October 31, 2012 10:34 AM

NBC's Top-Rated Summer Series Kicks Off Initial 12-City Talent Search Beginning November 14th

New York, NY - October 31, 2012 - Ready for your shot at $1 million? NBC's top-rated summer series "America's Got Talent," will begin its nationwide search for season eight contestants with auditions beginning in Los Angeles on November 14 and 15. Last season the show discovered unprecedented and unique talent with finalists that included a comedian, a family dog act and a one-of-a-kind musical instrument.

With the talent search open to acts of all ages, the auditions then continue in Seattle (November 29), Portland (December 1), New Orleans (December 8 and 9), Birmingham (December 10), Memphis (December 11), Nashville (December 13) and continues onto the East Coast, making stops in Savannah ( December 14), Raleigh (December 15), Norfolk (December 16), before heading to San Antonio (January 12 and 13) and Chicago (January 26 and 27.) Additional auditions cities will be announced shortly. Updates, pre-registration forms, audition tips and a full list of details with all venue information can be found at www.AGTauditions.com.

"America's Got Talent" is the only talent competition show that is open to any age and any talent. The auditions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for performers across the country to showcase their talents in 90 seconds to the series' producers in the hopes of being able to take the stage in front of the judges. Every type of performer is welcome - including musicians, dance crews, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts and everything in between. Last year's auditions took the show to numerous cities, including New York City, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Austin, and Charlotte. This year's search is bigger than ever before, with the show traveling to the most cities in search of one-of-a-kind talent. Last year the winning act, Richard and Nick Olate of Olate Dogs, beat out thousands of hopefuls to take home the coveted $1 million grand prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas.

Olate Dogs is a high-energy, fast-paced dog act filled with impressive pet tricks led by Richard Olate, 55, and his son Nicholas Olate, 19. Richard grew up in South America in a poor family. A third generation circus performer, Richard has performed since he was 12, and through hard work and constant struggle, he made it to the United States at the age of 33. Click here to see reactions from Olate Dogs and the "America's Got Talent" Season 7 judges: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQ3FvfkhuA&feature=youtu.be

2012/2013 Audition cities:

Nov 14 & 15, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Convention Center

Nov 29, 2012 - Seattle, WA - Venue TBA

Dec 1st, 2012 - Portland, OR - Oregon Convention Center

Dec 10, 2012 - Birmingham, AL - Sheraton Birmingham Hotel

Dec 11, 2012 - Memphis, TN - Venue TBA

Dec 13, 2012 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Convention Center

Dec 14, 2012 - Savannah, GA - The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa

Dec 15, 2012 - Raleigh, NC - Raleigh Convention Center

Dec 16, 2012 - Norfolk, VA - Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

Jan 12 & 13, 2013 - San Antonio, TX - Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Jan 26 & 27, 2013 - Chicago, IL - McCormick Place

Feb 15 & 16, 2013 - New Orleans, LA - Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center

Jennifer Vessio
t:212-664-2348
m:347-924-7001
e: Jennifer.Vessio@nbcuni.com