"AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" ANNOUNCES SEASON FIVE AUDITIONS IN CHICAGO, PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK CITY

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - October 12, 2009 - "America's Got Talent," NBC's hit series from "American Idol" producers FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television, begins its nationwide search for the hottest and most unique performers to compete in season five of the number one talent competition series.

Upcoming open call dates and locations are as follows, more cities to be announced in the near future.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Open Call - October 17, 18
*McCormick Place
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Open Call - October 25, 26
*Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19107

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Open Call - October 31, November 1
*Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

*Do not contact the venue directly.

The show kicks off auditions in Chicago October 17th and 18th, followed by auditions in Philadelphia October 25th and 26th and New York City October 31st and November 1st. Season five's search for talent will be bigger and more extensive than ever with the largest audition events in the show's history. More cities are to be announced soon.

Producers will be looking for talent of all kinds - musicians, dance crews, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts and everything in between, from all walks of life - to strut and perform on-stage competing for America's votes, a headline show in Las Vegas and a million-dollar prize.

Singing chicken farmer Kevin Skinner, of Mayfield, KY., was recently crowned the winner of season four. The win moved the humble country singer to tears. "I've always loved to perform," he said, "I want to go out there and give 'em the best show I can." Skinner took home the show's million-dollar prize and will be headlining "America's Got Talent Live," hosted by Jerry Springer at the Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas beginning this October.

Open to any talent of any age, "America's Got Talent" offers a unique chance for anyone to perform on a nationwide variety show. Contestants are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.AGTauditions.com. By pre-registering, contestants will be kept up-to-date with the most current information.

"America's Got Talent" is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television. Simon Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol"), Jason Raff, and Scott St. John ("Deal or No Deal") are executive producers.