America’s Got Talent moving to Radio City Music Hall for Season 8

“There are few entertainment shrines in the world that are as venerated as Radio City Music Hall,” said Paul Telegdy, President of Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment, today in an announcement that NBC’s hit competition series America’s Got Talent will be moving into New York City’s venerable Radio City Music Hall this upcoming season. “Many of America’s greatest performers have graced this legendary stage, and now AGT will have the rare opportunity to discover greatness in this renowned venue.”

According to NBC, America’s Got Talent Season 8 will air live from Radio City Music Hall twice a week when live episodes begin on Tuesday, July 23, at 9pm ET, and Wednesday, July 24, at 8pm ET (America’s Got Talent Season 8 begins Tuesday, June 4, at 9pm ET, and begins its regular hour-long Wednesday edition on July 10 at 8pm ET.)

In his statement, Telegdy added that he thinks this change in venue will help enhance the viewing experience of America’s Got Talent for audiences.

“This move,” said Telegdy, “coupled with the addition of Mel B and Heidi Klum joining our judges’ panel of Howie Mandel and Howard Stern, takes the show to a new and even more exciting level.”

While ostensibly the move was made for creative reasons, and for enhancing that aforementioned “excitement level” among viewers, those involved also admitted financial reasons that aided in the decision to move, as well. The recent extension and enhancement of the New York Production Tax Credit was instrumental in helping America’s Got Talent make this change, according to NBC.

“We applaud Gov. Cuomo and the New York legislature for developing and advocating programs that attract investment and create jobs for New Yorkers,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for NBCUniversal.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that New York is becoming the place to go for the film and television industry, creating new jobs for New Yorkers and spurring economic activity across the state,” Gov. Cuomo added. “We have the resources, the talented workforce, and the best venues, including the iconic Radio City Music Hall, which will be sure to inspire the contestants of America’s Got Talent – and all the visitors who flock to see it.”

America’s Got Talent Season 8 premieres June 4 at 9pm ET on NBC, with the hour-long Wednesday edition premiering July 10 at 8pm ET.

The live Radio City Music Hall episodes of America’s Got Talent begin July 23 at 9pm ET and July 24 at 8pm ET on NBC.

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Skip Bolen/NBC