Latest news with #AmericasGotTalent
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guide #193: Meet Ernesto, the viral America's Got Talent contestant … who doesn't exist
Have you heard Ernesto's story? It's a real tearjerker. You may well be familiar with it, in fact, having caught it on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram at some point over the last few weeks. A hard-working carpenter, Ernesto devoted every ounce of himself to his wife and child, skipping meals and working overtime to provide for them and send his son through college. But things changed: said wife and child grew distant and walked out on poor old Ernesto, who lost his house and sense of purpose, eventually ending up on the streets. The one thing Ernesto did have left? His beautiful baritone singing voice, of course. Somehow the 54-year-old found his way on to the America's Got Talent stage, to perform not for fame and fortune but in the hope that his wife and child might hear him and remember that he never stopped loving them. Suddenly misty in here, isn't it? If you're welling up, you aren't alone – Ernesto's sad tale and stirring performance of his song Still Waiting at the Door certainly reduced the America's Got Talent judges to tears: Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Nick Grimshaw and … wait, Nick Grimshaw? Grimmy's apocryphal presence on the AGT judging panel – he's never been on it in reality, given that, with respect, he's a British radio host unknown to most Americans – is the first clue that there might be something fishy going on here, as are the appearances of fellow non-AGT judges David Walliams, Amanda Holden, Cheryl Tweedy, and an Ant-less Dec sobbing side-stage. There's the strange, out-of-sync reactions from gawping audience members. And then there's Ernesto himself with his fuzzy outline, jerky movements, and suspiciously smooth skin texture – all telltale signs of fakery, as anyone who read an earlier Guide on deepfake scams will know. Yep, this heart-rending story of a lonely carpenter is AI fakery. It was created by YouTube account AGTverseai, which specialises in splicing together videos from various UK and US talent shows to react to AI-generated performances of songs that might be AI, or AI-assisted, too. 'Some visuals and audio have been altered or enhanced using AI tools', a disclaimer in the video description reads. 'The scenarios presented are fictional and intended solely for entertainment or illustrative purposes. This is not real footage and should not be interpreted as fact.' If Ernesto's performance not being 'real footage' seemed insultingly obvious to you, you may well be in the minority. The YouTube comments for the video are, in the vast majority, credulous and approving. In fairness, plenty of the accounts posting those comments could be fake themselves: YouTube comment threads, like everywhere else online, are susceptible to bots. Still, there are enough seemingly authentic commenters praising Ernesto's performance, and likening it to their own experiences of loss, to suggest this isn't wholly artificial. The video has been played 24m times over its two 'official' YouTube videos, and a post of it on TikTok has a further 30m views – and that doesn't factor in the many, many other accounts that have reposted and disseminated it on various social media platforms. Search for the song title Still Waiting at the Door on Instagram or TikTok and you will be greeted by a wall of Ernestos warbling away (sorry for ruining your algorithm, by the way). The video has received a debunking from factchecking site Snopes, usually a clear sign that a fabrication has travelled far and wide. What's really interesting though is that there are plenty in the comments and elsewhere online who know the video isn't real – and still love it regardless. ('I never thought AI would bring such emotion,' one bandana'd YouTuber gasped.) We hear plenty about AI's depredations – its replicating, flattening and hollowing out of popular culture, the sea of AI slop – and perhaps assume that an ethical and aesthetic aversion to it is universal. But what if, per a Times piece this week looking at the popularity of AI personal essays, poetry and therapy, some people actually prefer the artificial? Why watch an actual TV talent show, whose contestant's backstories might not match the emotion and drama of their performance, when you could watch an artificially enhanced performance instead? Already there are dozen or so on the AGTverseai channel, full of overly ripe, sob-inducing tales: an ex-con singing about finding God in prison; a woman with 'a cancer' finding solace in song; a 95-year-old second world war veteran paying tribute for his fallen comrade. They're preposterous, gratuitous and pretty obviously fake – but maybe that doesn't matter if they give you the feels. Sign up to The Guide Get our weekly pop culture email, free in your inbox every Friday after newsletter promotion If you want to read the complete version of this newsletter please subscribe to receive The Guide in your inbox every Friday
CBS News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Viral Chicago high school choir video leads to "America's Got Talent" audition
Audrina Sinclair's viral video posted after her visit to Leo High School last February caught the attention of producers at "America's Got Talent." The Instagram Reel has over 2.7 million views and features the Leo High School choir on Chicago's South Side. "Leo is infectious," Sinclair said. "The young men inspire me, and the choir made me feel something. I'm so excited that the positive power of social media did its thing for the Leo boys! They deserved to be heard around the world." The local choir flew to Los Angeles for an audition. The school hosted a watch party to cheer on the choir members during their big audition. "Many of them had never flown before. So just the experience of flying for the first time, and obviously the venue, the platform, the discipline it takes to prepare for something of this magnitude," Leo High School music teacher Ladonna Hill said. Elyssa Kaufman Elyssa is a digital news producer for CBS Chicago. She covers breaking news and manages the station's social media presence. contributed to this report.
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
What Time Is The ‘America's Got Talent' Premiere? All About Season 20
Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell appear on America's Got Talent ... More Season 20. A brand-new season of America's Got Talent is airing on Tuesday, May 27, on NBC. There's a major change to the judging panel for Season 20, so read on to learn everything you need to know before the premiere. Terry Crews returns as host of NBC's long-running talent competition. Created by Simon Cowell, the show features performers from across the country and around the world auditioning for the judges to showcase a variety of talents, from singing and dancing to magic and stunts. The competition begins with auditions before moving into the live portion of the show, where contestants perform in front of audiences and earn votes from the public. Contestants can fast-track their way to the live shows with a Golden Buzzer, a special feature that allows standout performers to bypass the earlier rounds of the competition. In Season 19, a major Golden Buzzer change was introduced, allowing each judge to use the Golden Buzzer twice and send two acts directly to the live shows. Crews will also have a single Golden Buzzer to use, bringing the total to nine Golden Buzzers available in Season 20. The AGT winner is not only crowned the champion of the season, but also takes home a $1 million cash prize and gets the opportunity to headline a show on the Las Vegas Strip. Here's everything to know about America's Got Talent Season 20, including the premiere time, release schedule, which judge is not returning and more. Melanie Brown, Simon Cowell at "America's Got Talent" Season 20 Red Carpet held at the Pasadena ... More Civic Auditorium on March 26, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images) Season 20 of America's Got Talent premieres on Tuesday, May 27, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. The new two-hour episode will also stream on Peacock the next day. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Sofia Vergara attends the "America's Got Talent" Season 20 Red ... More Carpet at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 26, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Melanie "Mel B" Brown are the judges for Season 20 of AGT. Mel B is replacing model and actress Heidi Klum, who is stepping down as a judge this season. The Spice Girls singer returns to the judging panel after previously appearing on Seasons 8 through 13 of AGT, Season 1 of AGT: The Champions, and the 2024 Fantasy League spinoff. Cowell, who created the Got Talent franchise and serves as an executive producer, told NBC Insider that he's 'really excited to meet the contestants' who will audition this year. 'Over the years, we have seen some amazing acts and met some truly incredible people,' he continued. 'It's true that two or three minutes can change your life.' Canadian TV personality Howie Mandel is also marking his impressive 15th year as a judge on AGT. Joining him is Modern Family actress Sofía Vergara, who begins her sixth season after a brief hiatus from the spinoff America's Got Talent: Fantasy League last year. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Terry Crews attends the "America's Got Talent" Season 20 Red Carpet ... More at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 26, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) America's Got Talent auditions will air on Tuesdays starting May 27. The live portion of the competition begins August 9, with episodes airing weekly on Tuesday nights and one-hour live results episodes on Wednesdays. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Howie Mandel attends the "America's Got Talent" Season 20 Red ... More Carpet at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 26, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) America's Got Talent airs on Tuesdays evenings on NBC. Cord-cutters can watch the talent competition on a live TV streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live TV, all of which currently offer free trials. New episodes of AGT Season 20 are also available to stream the next day on Peacock. Peacock Premium subscription is $7.99 per month (or $79.99 annually), while Peacock Premium Plus is priced slightly higher at $13.99 per month (or $139.99 annually). PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: (STRICTLY UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2024 AT ... More 23:01 EST, 20:01 PST) (FINAL RESULTS OF SHOW MUST HAVE FIRST AIRED ON EAST COAST) AGT Season 19 winner Richard Goodall walks the "America's Got Talent" Season 19 Winner's Red Carpet at Hotel Dena on September 19, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) Indiana native and janitor Richard Goodall was named the Season 19 AGT winner after impressing the world with his powerhouse vocals. For his finale performance, he sang 'Don't Stop Believin'' alongside several members of Journey, a nod to his Golden Buzzer audition. In November 2024, Goodall told NBC Insider that he's still working as a janitor at West Vigo High while continuing to grow his music career. "I'm still at the school, but things are going on behind the scenes, you know, some concerts are popping up," Goodall revealed. 'I'm actually leaving tomorrow for Riverside, California, to do a festival lights thing... A lot of amazing things are just popping up, and so I'll continue to work at the school until, you know, I can't anymore.' Watch the official teaser for America's Got Talent Season 20 below.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Simon Cowell admits he's nowhere near as rich as people think — and he constantly lives in fear of going broke
Even multimillionaires aren't immune to money worries. Simon Cowell — the media mogul behind The X Factor and America's Got Talent — recently opened up about his financial anxiety on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast and shared a vulnerable side. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'I always worry about money,' he said, as the Daily Mail reported. 'I haven't made anywhere near as much as people think I have.' Cowell, 65, is widely perceived as one of the wealthiest figures in entertainment. During the podcast, he was asked if he was worth £500 million (the equivalent of $671 million), as has been reported. He quickly shut that down. 'Oh God, it's not that. I'm not even close to that,' he said. 'I've made a lot, I'm not going to lie. I've made a bit of money, yes, but not that much, no.' His relationship with money has been shaped by hardship. At 28, Cowell found himself in serious debt. Those days are far behind him, but he still finds the financial world so unstable that he never feels fully at ease about his finances. 'What is safe? Is it gold, cash, stocks? I don't think anything's safe any longer,' he said. 'I guess your house.' That sense of unease was clear during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Cowell rushed to accelerate production on his shows. 'I had a horrible feeling it's going to be like that movie Contagion, and I think we need to get all of our shows into production around the world quicker this year,' he recalled. 'And we did.' Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Cowell now says he's walked away from the constant pursuit of wealth. In recent years, he's downsized his company, Syco Entertainment, and stepped back from the spotlight. He is focused more on spending time with his 11-year-old son, Eric, and his partner, Lauren Silverman. 'I've definitely got enough. I don't need any more,' he said. 'I don't yearn for what I thought I wanted a few years ago.' His shift in mindset stems from challenging the 'myth of more' or the belief that more money means more happiness. At one point, he tried to keep up with billionaires and mingled with yacht-owning elites. But the deeper he went, the more disillusioned he became. 'I didn't like the people,' he said. 'I thought they were obnoxious, I thought they were snobby. … I remember saying to Lauren, 'Do we actually know anyone who's super rich and happy?' She went, 'No.' I went, 'Nor me.'' Cowell's perspective mirrors long-standing research. A 2010 Princeton University study found that happiness rises with income, but only up to about $75,000 annually (about $109,000 today). The message remains: financial stability can reduce stress. Still, beyond a certain point, more money doesn't buy more happiness. These days, Cowell says he's choosing meaning over money. He's inviting friends to work on passion projects without pay and has let go of the drive to accumulate wealth. 'Someone did actually say to me once, 'Live in your money.' And it was really good advice,' he said. 'Enjoy it, and be happy with it, but understand that the world is precarious.' He seems to be taking that advice to heart, and offering a timely reminder: Sometimes, enough really is enough. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sofia Vergara, 52, makes shock claim about her future romantic relationships
Sofia Vergara is ready to date again - but with a few caveats. Vergara, 52, appeared on the Today show alongside Mel B promoting the 20th season of America's Got Talent when the conversation turned to what she is looking for in a partner. 'I want to say the basic stuff, like health and somebody that loves me,' Vergara told co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Erin Andrews. 'And somebody tall, handsome.' But the Modern Family star didn't stop there as she decided to touch on financials as well. 'I want somebody that has as much money as me or more, because if not, it's a nightmare,' she explained. 'They end up resenting you.' Relationship expert Dr. Channa Bromley told that Vergara is absolutely right. Vergara has an estimated net worth of $180 million and is reported to make about $10 million per episode of America's Got Talent this season 'Why? Because deep down, many men are socialized to view themselves as the financial providers in relationships,' she explained. 'When that's disrupted, it messes with their sense of identity and self-worth. 'It isn't just a matter of ego. It's biological, psychological, and societal.' She said that in situations where women make more than men, men feel that their masculinity is threatened - as archaic as that may seem. 'It's not logical, but it's deeply ingrained,' Dr. Bromley said. 'This often leads to resentment, which might not show up immediately but builds up over time.' And you can typically see the warning indications early in the relationship. Dr. Bromley said to watch for signs like jealousy masked as humor or any sort of passive-aggressive behavior about money. 'If a man starts making digs about your financial success or gets defensive about his role, even in the early stages, trust me, this is where resentment begins,' she said. 'If he can't celebrate you, then he's not the right partner for a relationship built on equality and growth.' If you want to avoid this altogether, she, like Vergara, said that finding a man who earns equal or more to you might be key. 'But if you want a relationship where that doesn't become an issue, you need someone secure in their own identity, someone who doesn't derive their sense of value from their paycheck,' Dr. Bromley added. Vergara currently has an estimated net worth of about $180 million while her ex-husband Joe Manganiello is valued at $40 million. Vergara was married to Manganiello for nine years before they decided to go their separate ways. While the couple has said different things about their split, Vergara remained firm that it had to with the fact that she didn't want to be an 'old mom,' while Manganiello wanted children. She revealed that when she first got divorced, she panicked. 'I was like, "I'm 52, what's gonna happen? Where am I going to find [someone]?"' But fast forward to her being single for over a year and a half, she said that she feels much more calm about where she is in her life. 'I'm not really in a hurry anymore,' she said.
