Overview
America's Got Talent (AGT) season 10 is the tenth installment of the American talent competition television series produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment for the NBC network. The season premiered on May 26 2015 and concluded with the live finale on September 15 2015.
Broadcast and Production
- Network: NBC (United States)
- Air dates: May 26 2015 – September 15 2015
- Number of episodes: 27 (including audition, Judge Cuts, semifinals, and finale episodes)
- Host: Nick Cannon (returning for his seventh season as host)
- Judges: Howie Mandel, Mel B., Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell (all returning from the previous season)
Format
The season followed the standard AGT format: open auditions were held across multiple U.S. cities, followed by televised audition episodes where the judges selected acts to advance. Successful acts proceeded to the “Judge Cuts” round, after which a combination of public voting and judges’ decisions determined the semifinalists. The live semifinals and finale featured audience voting via telephone, text, and the official AGT app.
Prize
The winner received a cash prize of US $1 million, a headline performance slot in a Las Vegas show, and a potential contract with a major entertainment agency.
Winner and Notable Acts
- Winner: Paul Zerdin – a British‑American ventriloquist who performed with his dummy “Cyril.” Zerdin secured the victory following the final public vote.
- Other notable finalists: The season featured a diverse range of performers, including singers, dancers, magicians, and specialty acts, several of which received the “Golden Buzzer” privilege during auditions, granting them direct advancement to the live shows.
Reception
- The season averaged approximately 11 million viewers per episode in the United States, maintaining strong ratings for the summer television schedule.
- Critical reception highlighted the variety of talent and the continued popularity of the “Golden Buzzer” moments.
Legacy
Season 10 contributed to the ongoing success of the AGT franchise, reinforcing its reputation as a platform that showcases a wide spectrum of performing arts. The victory of a ventriloquist emphasized the series’ openness to unconventional and niche talents.
References
- NBC Press releases (May–September 2015) detailing episode air dates, judges, and host.
- Official America’s Got Talent website and episode guides.
- Nielsen Media Research ratings reports for the 2015 summer television season.
