‘AGT’ Fans Call For Kids Spin-Off & Tighter Rules

America’s Got Talent fans want AGT contestant requirements around kids to change, calling the current setup “unfair.”

According to fans of the reality tv show, the current arrangement has created an unwinnable situation for some contestants, and it’s time for an overhaul.

They’ve suggested a spin-off for kids and a fresh look at the whole competition.

Are Kids Taking Over AGT?

People of all ages and from all walks of life have made their talents shine on the America’s Got Talent stage. There are currently no age-related restrictions for competing on the show, and kids have always been a major part of the competition.

In fact, the very first winner on the show was a kid. Season 1 was won by 11-year-old Bianca Ryan, a small child with a huge voice.

But since then, fans of AGT have complained that they see a growing trend of kids taking over the show. In Season 18, a seemingly higher-than-usual number of kids have been shooting their shots, and earning the golden buzzer for their efforts.

Some fans think it’s more than a little unfair. And the host may agree.

Fans Call It ‘Unfair’ That Kids Can Compete

One video posted to Instagram seemed to stir a hive of controversy.

The video showed AGT contestant Mikheeva Marina Eseniia dancing on stage, and fans flocked to the comments to share their thoughts. Many expressed dismay that a contestant that young was on the show and others suggested that she wasn’t that talented, but her “cuteness” factor was weighing in her favor.

One fan wrote, “I would appreciate a AGT Kids… the cuteness factor is blinding the judges and it‘s not fair to the other older contestants.”

Another added, “How about AGT Kids edition ❤️.”

 

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And Simon Cowell himself may agree. The controversial judge and talent guru said on last week’s episode that he was interested in producing a kids-only version of AGT.

Just How Badly Is ‘The Cuteness Factor’ Impacting Results?

Some fans may believe that kids are taking over the show, and they come with an unfair advantage. But there’s little data to back up the concern.

In 17 concluded seasons of the show, only three children have won the big prize. That includes the aforementioned Ryan who won Season 1. 12-year-old performer Grace VanderWaal won Season 11. And 12-year-old ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer who won Season 12.

There have been multiple runners-up who were under 18, so kids are definitely competing. But they aren’t taking the gold star home as often as it seems.

However, host Terry Crews recently drew attention to the concern that some have about kids competing unfairly. The Atlanta Drum Academy took to the stage with an all-kids troup. All four judges seemed poised to vote to pass them on to the next round. But Terry took to the stage and interrupted the voting, saying, “No, no no! There is no need to vote.”

Terry turned to the group’s leader and said, “Chioma, you told me backstage that you dreamed about being on AGT and getting a golden buzzer. Now Chioma, and the Atlanta Drum Academy, I am honored to make that dream come true!” He pressed the golden buzzer and automatically advanced the group to the live show, bypassing the rest of the auditions.

Judges have the right to advance the groups they want by using their “automatic advancement” golden buzzer. However, it highlighted concerns fans have that kids are getting by on their cuteness and not on their talent. Fans called the act “awful” and questioned why they got the buzzer while other, potentially more talented, groups did not.

Do you think America’s Got Talent needs an AGT kids-only version? Or do you think that the kids aren’t getting as much of a “cuteness factor” boost as it seems? To watch Season 18 of AGT, tune in to NBC on Tuesday evenings at 8 PM EST.