NBC HIT 'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT' ANNOUNCES UPCOMING AUDITIONS AND SURPRISING TWISTS FOR SEASON TWO

NBC HIT 'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT' ANNOUNCES UPCOMING AUDITIONS AND SURPRISING TWISTS FOR SEASON TWO

Open Casting Calls to Take Place in Branson, Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Chicago

Season Two Features More Audition Episodes; Introduces New "Boot Camp" Phase of Popular Talent Competition Series

BURBANK September 25, 2006 NBC hit "America's Got Talent" is gearing up for an exciting second season, as creator and executive producer Simon Cowell ("American Idol") announced today the multiple-city casting search for the most talented act in America, and provided a first look at some surprising twists for the second installment of the series, which will return at midseason.

The audition dates and locations follow:

Branson, Missouri Chateau on the Lake - September 25th & 26th Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center 415 N. State Highway 265 Branson, MO 65616

Las Vegas Convention Center - October 3rd 3150 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, 89109

San Francisco Bill Graham Civic Center - October 7th 99 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102

New York Javits Center - October 11th 655 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001

Atlanta America's Mart - October 16th Building #1 240 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303

Boston Convention Center - October 20th 415 Summer Street Boston, Massachusetts 02210

Los Angeles Convention Center - October 24th 1201 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015

Chicago Navy Pier - October 29th 600 East Grand Ave. Chicago, Il 60611

Season two of "America's Got Talent" will include expanded audition episodes with more personal stories on the contestants vying for the coveted prize. Additionally, a new "boot camp" phase of the competition will also be implemented. Contestants who make it past the televised audition phase of the series will be sent to the boot camp where some of the most prominent experts in their respective fields of entertainment will help the contestants hone and perfect their skills. Also new for season two, during the semi-final phase of the competition the top 10 acts will battle it out and face eliminations each week, culminating in an exciting finale episode where the winner will be revealed.

Hosted by television legend Regis Philbin, "America's Got Talent" showcases the hottest performers from across the country, all vying for a $1 million grand prize, with the winner being chosen by the television viewing audience. Each week, the show features a colorful array of hopeful future stars -- singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages who have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges including actor, singer and executive producer David Hasselhoff ("Baywatch"), Grammy award-winning singer and actress Brandy ("Moesha") and U.K. television/media personality Piers Morgan.

Philadelphia native Bianca Ryan was crowned the winner of season one in an exciting finale on August 17. She recently signed a recording deal with Columbia Records/SYCO, and her first CD is due out on November 14th.

Prospects under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian and must have parental permission. In addition, all possible contestants must have: a photo identification; be a legal United States citizen, legal permanent resident or possess a current employment visa; and arrive at the audition in costume. Potential contestants who are unable to make the open calls can apply online at www.nbc.com. Click on the "For Fans" tab, and then on "casting."

"America's Got Talent" is produced by Cowell's SYCO TV production company and FremantleMedia. Simon Cowell, Ken Warwick,Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol"), Jason Raff, Andrew Lanaris and James Sunderland are the executive producers.