Got Talent series

The Got Talent franchise is a British TV format conceived and owned by Simon Cowell's SYCO company. A pilot show was made in Britain, hosted by Paul O'Grady, but after O'Grady's acrimonious split with ITV, the series was postponed, resulting in America's Got Talent becoming the first full series of the format. It has spawned spin-offs in over 20 countries, in what is now referred to as the Got Talent format, similar to that described by FremantleMedia of the Idol format. [ [http://www.fremantlemedia.com/our-programmes/view/Global+Hit+Formats/viewprogramme/Idols Idols] , FremantleMedia website, accessed 2006-12-03] Originating on NBC the talent show that features amateur singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages compete for the advertised top prize of US$1 million. The show debuted in June 2006 for the summer television season.

The "Got Talent" franchise is one of the fastest growing international franchises, closing the gap on shows such as "The Weakest Link" and "Pop Idol" franchises, both of which originated in the United Kingdom. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4436837.stm BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Millionaire dominates global TV ] ]

Argentina

The Argentinian version "Talento Argentino" (Argentinian Talent) debuted on Sunday July 27 2008 on the Telefe network. Judges are Cesar 'Kike' Teruel, Maximiliano Guerra and Catherine Fulop, and the host is Mariano Peluffo. The winner get $100,000

Australia

In February 2007, "Australia's Got Talent" debuted on Seven Network. [ [http://www.australiasgottalent.com.au Australia's Got Talent ] ] Grant Denyer is the host, with Dannii Minogue, Red Symons and Tom Burlinson judging the performances. It has a top prize of AU$250,000 (Jul 2007, approximately £107,000; US$220,000). 12-year-old country singer Bonnie Anderson was the first winner of the grand prize. The second season began airing from April 29 2008 with 16 year old guitarist Smokin' Joe Robinson as the winner of the grand prize.

Belgium

The Belgian version called "Supertalent in Vlaanderen". [http://www.vt4.be/supertalent] ("Supertalent in Flanders") airs on VT4. Dré Steemans ("Felice", who also hosts the current Belgian version of "Deal or No Deal") and Ann van Elsen (2002 Miss Belgium) host. On the jury are Paul Jambers, Martine Prenen, and Gert Verhulst. The prize €50,000 was won by female singing trio Triple E.

China

There is a Chinese version airing on CCTV 2. The format is similar to the US version, but new competitors compete each episode. Each winner gets CN¥100,000.

Denmark

In the fall of 2008, Denmark's Got Talent will air on the Danish broadcast corporation, Danmark's Radio's DR1. Castings ran April through June, and auditions were taped in late June. Martin Hall, Peter Aalbæk Jensen and Julie Steinicke have officially been announced as judges. [ [http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur/2008/06/03/095052.htm Dommere fundet til X Factor afløseren Talent 2008 - dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur ] ] Due to the origin of the name of the show, it has been renamed into "Talent 2008", supposedly to make it easier to communicate in the danish language. Felix Schmidt and Mikkel Herforth have officially been announced as hosts. [ [http://www.dr.dk/talent Talent 2008 på DR1 - dr.dk/DR1/Talent ] ] The first programme aired on August 15 and the live semi finals will commence on September 26 with the grand final on October 24.

Finland

Finland started its version of the show in autumn 2007. The show is called "Talent Suomi" ("Talent Finland") and it's aired on Nelonen. Susanna Laine and Martti Vannas are the hosts with Timo Koivusalo, Sami Saikkonen and Katja Ståhl judging the performances. The main prize is €30,000. 18-year-old beatboxer Aleksi Vähäpassi was the first winner of the grand prize.

France

On November 2, 2006, M6 debuted their adaptation of the show, named "Incroyable Talent" ("Incredible Talent"). [http://www.m6.fr/html/emissions/incroyabletalent/index.shtml] Alessandra Sublet is the host and Jean Piere Den Bois (Agent), Sophie Edelstein (Artistic director for Circus Pander) and Gilbert Rozon (A Canadian theatrical producer) are the judges. The €150,000 top prize (Jul 2007, approximately US$205,000) was recently won by 28 year old popper/b-boy "Salah". The second season was won by 27 year old breakdancer Junior. In the second season, ballet dancer Patrick Dupont replaced Jean Piere Den Bois as one of the judges. The third season aired on 2nd October 2008.

Germany

For the new season 2007/2008 RTL Television, one of the main German TV stations, has announced "Das Supertalent" ("The Supertalent"). The prize is €100,000. The show is presented by Marco Schreyl, who is also the host of Deutschland sucht den Superstar - the German version of Pop Idol. The jury consists of: Dieter Bohlen (also a judge on Deutschland sucht den Superstar, comedian Ruth Moschner, and circus director André Sarrasani. RTL Television is the main broadcasting arm of RTL Group, which also owns the "Got Talent" production company FremantleMedia. 19-year-old opera singer Ricardo Marinello was the first winner of the grand prize. The second season will start on October 18 2008 which will see Sylvie van der Vaart (a Dutch TV presenter and wife of footballer Rafael van der Vaart) and Bruce Darnell (an American model and choreographer who also judges Germany's Next Topmodel) joining Bohlen in the judging panel and Daniel Hartwich becoming Schreyl's co-host.

Greece

"Ελλάδα, έχεις ταλέντο" ("Greece, You Have Talent") premiered in March 23, 2007 on ANT1. It is hosted by actress and TV presenter Sophia Aliberti, and with judges from Greek show business Ilias Psinakis, Vaggelis Perris and Matthilda Maggira. It will likely not only feature Greek nationals, but also contestants from the Greek Diaspora. The prize €150,000 was won by 12-year-old singer Christos Zacharopoulos.

Hungary

The Hungarian version of the show called "Csillag születik" ("A Star Will Be Born") started at November 3 2007 and is broadcasted on RTL Klub. The two presenters of the show are the same as the Hungarian version of Strictly Come Dancing. The jury contains a pop singer, a Dancing with the Stars professional dancer, a fashion designer and a talk show host. The prize 12,000,000 Ft (it is €48,000/$66,000) and a new Fiat 500 was won by 14-year-old comedian Utasi Arpad.

Israel

On June 26 2007, Reshet debuted their adaptation of the show, named "הדבר הגדול הבא" ("Ha'Davar Ha'Gadol Ha'Ba" = "The Next Big Thing"). Noa Tishby is the host and Moti Rief (TV producer), Yael Bar Zohar (was a child singer and one of Israel’s biggest stars) and Yehoram Gaon (singer and actor) are the judges. The prize ₪500,000 (Jul 2007, approximately US$125,000) was won by aerial trapeze act Kelev and Eve.

Netherlands

A Dutch version called "Bijna Beroemd" ("Almost Famous") is broadcast by NCRV on Nederland 1 and is hosted by Jochem van Gelder and Jetske van den Elsen. Grand prize is €100,000. Another Dutch version, Holland's Got Talent, started on SBS 6 during 2008 hosted by Gerard Joling with Henkjan Smits (who also judges Idols and X Factor), Patricia Paay (singer) and Robert Ronday (manager of Circus Herman Renz) as the judges. 14-year-old contortionist, aerial acrobat and rhythmic gymnast Daniëlle Bubberman was the first winner of the grand prize.

New Zealand

In March 2008, local broadcaster of America's Got Talent Prime Television announced that it would be launching a local version of the show. New Zealand's Got Talent. Miriama Smith (actress and participant from Dancing with the Stars) was announced as one of the judges. It was announced that Andrew Mulligan (the host of "The Crowd Goes Wild") and Jason Reeves (radio host of "Classic Hits FM") will be hosting the show and on 11th July, it was announced that Paul Ellis (who also judges NZ Idol) and Richard Driver (the host of Radio with Pictures) will be joining Smith on the judging panel. It has the top prize of NZ$100,000. The first episode went on air on 8th September. The live semi finals started airing on September 29 with the results show on September 30.

Norway

TV 2's version is "Norske talenter" ("Norwegian Talents"). The show started on February 22 2008. It was hosted by Marte Stokstad (from Idol) and Sturla Berg-Johansen (from Deal or No Deal). The jury consisted of Mia Gundersen (actress), Jan-Fredrik Karlsen (judge from Idol) and stand-up comedian Thomas Giertsen. The prize of 500,000 Norwegian kroner plus a scholarship (150,000 NKR) was won by 16-year-old singer Erlend Bratland.

Philippines

*Filipino version is called "Talentadong Pinoy"' ("Filipino Talented") hosted by Ryan Agoncillo with 3 judges: singer/stage actor Audie Gemora, singer-comedian Gladys Guevarra and actress Eula Valdes. It is aired premiering August 16, Saturday at 6-7 p.m. on TV5.

Poland

Polish version of the show is called "Mam Talent!" ("I've Got Talent!") and premiered on September 13, 2008 on TVN. The jury features Małgorzata Foremniak (Polish actress), Agnieszka Chylińska (rock singer) and Kuba Wojewódzki (controversial showman, who was also a judge on "Idol"). The hosts are Marcin Prokop (a judge from "Idol 2004") and Szymon Holownia (a journalist and columnist). The main prize is €100,000. The live semi final shows will take place on October 18, 2008 with the grand finale on November 29, 2008.

Portugal

On January 28 2007, "Aqui Há Talento" ("There's Talent Here") premiered on public channel RTP, hosted by Sílvia Alberto (former hostess of the "Pop Idol" and "Strictly Come Dancing" Portuguese spinoffs) and judged by actors Joaquim Monchique and Sílvia Rizzo and producer Paulo Dias. The top prize €75,000 was won by breakdancing group Abstractin.

Russia

"Минута славы" ("A Minute of Fame") premiered on February 17 2007 on Channel 1, the most watched Russian channel. There are also three judges and X buzzers, and is hosted by Garik Martirosyan (a comedian originally from Armenia). The judges are Iosif Kobzon (a Russian singer), Tatyana Tolstaya (a Russian author), and Alexander Maslyakov (host of KVN, the Russian humor show). There are also semifinals and finals. The prize 1,000,000 rubles (Jul 2007, approximately US$39,000) was won by 14-year-old piano accordionist Maskim Tokaev. The second season was won by 22-year-old acrobat Dmitry Bulkin. The third season aired on September 13, 2008.

lovakia

The Slovakian version called "Slovensko má Talent" [http://talent.markiza.sk] ("Slovakia's Got Talent") airs on Markíza on September 21, 2008. Maroš Kramár and Barbora Rakovská are the hosts of the show. On the jury are Jan Kraus (Czechian humorist and actor), Adela Banášová (Friend of Martin Pyco Rauch where they both hosted "Slovensko hľadá SuperStar"), and Paľo Habera (who judges on "Slovensko hľadá SuperStar" and is a leader of TEAM group). The winner can win €100,000 (1 million slovak crowns).

pain

Cuatro in Spain picked up the rights to the "Tienes Talento" ("You Have Talent") format. It premiered in January 2008, in Primetime. [ [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117974803.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 Cuatro's got 'Talent' - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety ] ] It was hosted by Nuria Roca (who also hosted Factor X) and Eduardo Aldán (actor and TV host) and the judges were Natalia Millán (actress, singer & dancer), Miqui Puig (singer, DJ and judge also on Factor X) and Josep Vicent (Artistic director, specialized in musical creations and performances). The top prize of €150,000 was won by 16-year-old flamenco singer Salva Rodriguez.

weden

The Swedish version called "Talang 2007" ("Talent 2007") airs on TV4 (Sweden). The host is Peppe Eng. The jury is Bert Karlsson, Hanna Hedlund and Tobbe Blom. The prize 1,000,000 Swedish kronor (Jul 2007, approximately £73,000; US$148,000; AU$174,000) was won by Zillah & Totte features 18 year old Cecilia Andrén and her monkey Totte. "Talang 2008" was won by Zara Larsson the 10 year old singer. Sofia Wistam replaced Hanna Hedlund as the female judge and Kodjo Akolor becomes Peppe Eng's sidekick.

United Kingdom

The Got Talent franchise was a British invention, with comedian and talk show host Paul O'Grady producing a pilot for ITV. O'Grady left the network after disputes with ITV, resulting in Simon Cowell, creator of the show, moving the concept to America while he and ITV sourced a new show host. ITV eventually debuted "Britain's Got Talent" on 9 June, 2007 with Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell, and Amanda Holden as judges, and Ant & Dec as hosts of the show. The top prize is at least £100,000. In addition the winner will perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Charles. Paul Potts, winner of the first series, was also given a recording contract with Sony BMG by Simon Cowell. [ [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds35336.html. Reality - News - Cowell's 'Got Talent' to be remade for UK - Digital Spy ] ] . ITV also shows the American version, although not necessarily during the same general period as the original run. The second series was won by 14-year-old breakdancer George Sampson.

United States

In June 2006, "America's Got Talent" debuted on NBC. The first season was hosted by Regis Philbin, and had Piers Morgan, Brandy Norwood and David Hasselhoff on the panel. 11 year old singer Bianca Ryan won the US$1,000,000 prize.

Season 2 saw Jerry Springer replace Philbin as host, and Sharon Osbourne replace Norwood on the panel. 42 year old ventriloquist Terry Fator won the prize, and has since signed a $100,000,000 deal in Las Vegas [cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-06-16-talent-fator_N.htm |title=For Terry Fator Talent opened a lot of doors |publisher=USAToday] .

Season 3 saw 32 year old opera singer Neal E. Boyd crowned the winner receiving a show in Las Vegas on top of the $1,000,000 prize.

Other countries

; Austria: ATV aired "It's Showtime!" hosted by Alex Scheurer and the judges are Toni Polster the runner up of Dancing Stars, Gregor Bloeb and Simone Stelzer. The winner of the premier season of "It's Showtime!" is the urban dance company Nobulus.

; Mexico: "¿Quien Tiene Estrella?" ("Who Has Star?") It is hosted by Omar Fierro and Mauricio Mancera and the judges are Raul Quintanilla, Pedro Sola and Karina.

; Lebanon: LBC will host soon a Got Talent show, the project is still in the beginning, in the casting stage.

References