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'Why change a format that worked': 'AGT' fans slam NBC after talent show removes Judges Cuts before Live Show round

The Judges Cuts round was just removed from the 'AGT' format and fans are clearly not thrilled about it

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Fans of 'America's Got Talent' were perplexed when the show debuted a new structure for live broadcasts.

There used to be elimination rounds in between auditions and live concerts that eliminated a large portion of the competition, however, they have been removed from the current season.

Fans criticized Simon Cowell for more than just the format change. 'AGT' viewers slammed him for being "mean" and "rude" to an elderly competitor. John Wines, 59, made it to the live events and performed a rock-star guitar performance. The 'AGT' competitor introduced his backing artists while he performed.

What is the new format for 'AGT' Season 18 Live Show?

The first live episode of 'AGT' Season 18 aired on August 22, with 11 acts returning to compete for a spot in the finals. However, only two of those acts will be approved.

Season 18 did away with Judges Cuts and other rounds that severely reduced the competition before the quarterfinals and finale. The Golden Buzzer performers, the contenders who are assured of making it to the finals, are also included in this new arrangement.

Regardless of whether they are the Golden Buzzer choice or not, only two acts advance. Going straight from auditions to live events creates a lot of competition in a few episodes.

Fans are dissatisfied with the new structure, believing that many deserving contenders will be eliminated.

Viewers took to X to slam the new format. One wrote, "When did they change the format of AGT? I swear it used to be judge cuts, semi finals and then finals. With the new format shouldn’t the golden buzzer go straight to the finals? I am so confused."

Another user said, "Could@SimonCowell please let us know why we know longer have Judge Cuts and quarterfinals? We want to see more rounds."

One fan also asked, "I used to like seeing the process of elimination during Judge Cuts, and the extended period of finals before we crowned a winner. It also helped the contestants get more exposure. Why change a format that worked, @SimonCowell?"

One viewer further wrote, "We need the pre pandemic set up with Judge Cuts, Quarterfinals, Semi Finals and Finals back!!!"

One fan also tweeted, "Worth noting, I still hate this format. I much preferred prelims, semifinals, and then finals."

Another person added, "I don’t like the current #AGT format at all. No Judge Cuts or quarterfinals, and only two acts per live show go through to the finals."

One asked, "Who at @nbc thought the new format is good. It’s awful. Bring back judge cuts and quarterfinals."

Another wrote, "I think I'm at the point where I'd rather just watch the #AGT auditions and skip the live shows. The format keeps changing for the worse every year."

Why was Judges Cuts removed from 'AGT'?

This isn't the first time 'AGT' viewers have been let down by the show's formula in recent years. Judge Cuts, a fan favorite round, was actually dropped from the show's schedule in Season 15 (2020) and replaced with Judge Deliberations.

Given the state of the world at the time, it was recognized that not all performers would be able to perform for the judges again. Instead of Judge Cuts, Deliberations featured judges discussing their favorite performances from the season. Unfortunately for Super Fans, this has been the format since Season 15.

For those who are unaware, Judge Cuts was often a lengthy procedure due to the large number of candidates on the 'AGT' stage. Typically, the 70–80 (depending on the season) acts audition again in this round. It used to last around four weeks in the midst of the season, when it was at its peak.

The round was famous for hosting a variety of guest judges, who were frequently able to award Guest Judge Golden Buzzers.

Because they couldn't watch their favorite performances again, they believed this season's Judge Deliberations were lackluster. Furthermore, any artist who received less than four yeses would have a difficult time progressing to live shows.

What is the schedule for 'AGT' Season 18?

This season's rounds are spread out across 15 weeks. Every Tuesday at 8 pm ET, 'AGT' will air.

'AGT' will now air every Wednesday at 8 pm ET beginning August 23. The whole program schedule is provided below:

Auditions: May 30–August 8

Live Shows Begin: August 22

Finale: September 26

Finale Results: September 27

How to vote during the Season 18 'AGT' live shows?

Simply go to the 'AGT' app (which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play) or NBC.com/AGTVote.

If you don't already have one, you'll be required to create a free NBCUniversal profile with your email address in order to vote.