MARCHING.COM: America's Got Talent seeks marching bands for new season of hit show

Marching units welcome at nationwide auditions in January 2008

BURBANK, CA — Producers of America's Got Talent have actively extended a welcome to marching bands and other marching units that may be interested to audition for the third season of NBC's hit television show. The talent search is open to any act of any age, and the eventual winner will receive a million-dollar prize.

America's Got Talent brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture. The weekly show features a colorful array of hopeful stars including singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, impressionists and jugglers, all vying for their chance to perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges in the hopes they'll be chosen a winner by the viewing audience.

Executive Producer James Sunderland says marching bands are a good fit because the show seeks to put the spotlight on great talents from all across the country.

Americas Got Talent Judges

"America's Got Talent is the only talent competition open to absolutely anyone of any age and any talent," Sunderland says. "We welcome marching bands of all shapes and sizes to come down and audition for the judges and maybe, be our next million dollar winner."

The casting crew is also interested to see groups related to marching bands, such as drum lines and color guards.

"We are open to anyone," Sunderland says. "There are no restrictions!"

Auditions will be held in major cities across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, Orlando, Atlanta and Dallas. Audition applications, eligibility requirements and casting dates will be available on the official website at nbc.com/americasgottalent or by calling the toll-free hotline at (877) 255-8009.

Sunderland says casting will take place from January through March 2008. The acts who are successful at the auditions will advance to the live shows that take place later in the year in Los Angeles.

Americas Got Talent winner Terry Fator

The second season champion was Terry Fator, a ventriloquist from Dallas, Texas. Fator won the $1 million grand prize, and has now reached his lifelong dream to headline on the Las Vegas strip. He signed a 2008 contract with The Las Vegas Hilton in a deal worth more than $1.5 million, which he'll kick off December 31 with a special New Year's Eve performance.

In 2007 America's Got Talent was the #1 summer series, averaging 11.4 million viewers. The finale on August 21, 2007 drew 13.9 million viewers. The show is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Televison. Simon Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz (American Idol), Jason Raff, James Sunderland and Georgie Hurford-Jones are executive producers.

FremantleMedia North America produces television programs for network, cable and syndicated platforms, including American Idol (FOX), The Next Great American Band (FOX), America's Got Talent (NBC), Property Ladder (TLC), Family Feud (syndicated), and the longest-running game show in television history, The Price Is Right (CBS). For further information, visit www.fremantlemedia.com.

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Images courtesy of nbc.com.

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America's Got Talent seeks marching bands for new season of hit show