Ep 1. Auditions 1

As the new season of America's Got Talent kicks off, the judges are ready to be impressed by the many hopefuls vying for their chance to win the coveted title. In the first episode of season 12, Auditions 1, a diverse array of performers grace the stage, each with their own unique talents and stories.

The opening act is a group of eight dancers known as Just Jerk, who hail from South Korea. Their intricate and synchronized moves, coupled with a dramatic soundtrack, leave the judges in awe and earn them a standing ovation.

Next up is a twelve-year-old ventriloquist named Darci Lynne Farmer, who introduces the judges to her puppet, a timid mouse named Petunia. But when Darci starts to sing an operatic aria in Petunia's voice, jaws drop and the audience erupts in cheers. It's clear that Darci has a gift, not just for ventriloquism, but for singing as well.

Magicians are also well-represented in Auditions 1. One such performer, Colin Cloud, wows the crowd with a series of mind-reading tricks that have the judges and audience members alike scratching their heads in disbelief. Another magician, Will Tsai, performs a visually stunning routine involving floating paper butterflies that leaves everyone mesmerized.

Singers of all ages and backgrounds take the stage as well. A thirteen-year-old girl named Evie Clair delivers a touching rendition of Christina Perri's "Arms," dedicating the performance to her father who is battling cancer. The judges are moved to tears and give her a unanimous "yes."

Twenty-one-year-old Johnny Manuel, a former backup singer for Whitney Houston, brings down the house with his soulful version of "I Have Nothing," earning a standing ovation and high praise from the judges.

But not all the acts are musical or magical. There are comedians, acrobats, and even a group of adorably talented dogs. One such act, Pompeyo Family Dogs, features a father and his nine dogs performing a series of impressive tricks, including jumping rope and doing flips. The judges, particularly Simon Cowell, can't get enough of the furry performers.

Throughout the episode, the judges offer their critiques and commentary, often disagreeing and occasionally clashing with one another. But they all share a sense of excitement and anticipation for the talents still to come.

As Auditions 1 draws to a close, it's clear that this season of America's Got Talent will be filled with surprises, emotional moments, and jaw-dropping performances. With so much talent on display in just the first episode, it's anyone's guess who will walk away as the winner.