America’s Got Talent 2023 Starts Filming: Set Photos

America's Got Talent Howie Mandel, Terry Crews, Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum.
Pictured: (l-r) Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

America’s Got Talent Judges Return to Pasadena as Auditions Begin

America’s Got Talent has started filming audition episodes at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. Production is underway and the judges have been sharing behind-the-scenes photos and updates from the historic venue where the show frequently shoots its audition rounds.

Auditions are scheduled to continue through April 14. Tickets for in-person audience members are available through official audience vendors and the show’s ticketing system. If you plan to attend, check the verified channels for availability and entry instructions.

The full judging panel is back for the upcoming season: Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara will sit on the judges’ table, with Terry Crews returning as host. Sofia Vergara is rejoining the main summer series after not appearing on the recent winter offshoot All-Stars. That All-Stars edition featured Simon, Heidi and Howie on the panel and wrapped its eight-week run by naming aerialist Aidan Bryant as the winner, while Terry Crews served as host.

Network scheduling has not yet confirmed an official premiere date for the new season. Traditionally, the summer series premieres late in May, typically following the conclusion of The Voice. Fans should watch for announcements from the network for the exact premiere and broadcast schedule.

Judges and Hosts Share Behind-the-Scenes Moments

The judges and host have been posting photos and short clips from their time in Pasadena. Highlights from their social updates include posts celebrating the return to set and glimpses of the auditorium as it prepares for the audition tapings.

“And we’re back!” — Heidi Klum, sharing her excitement about returning to the AGT stage.

“Back to the best job in the world!!!!!” — Sofia Vergara, marking her return to the main show after the All-Stars break.

Howie Mandel and other cast members also shared playful backstage content from hair and makeup to wardrobe teasers, showing the camaraderie among judges and crew as they ramp up for another season of variety and talent.

Pasadena Civic Auditorium: A Longtime Home for AGT Auditions

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is a familiar backdrop for America’s Got Talent audition episodes. Its acoustics, stage size and historic character make it ideal for a wide range of acts, from singers and comedians to aerialists and large ensemble performers. Production teams typically transform the space with set dressing, lighting and audience seating to create the televised audition environment.

As auditions proceed, viewers can expect the usual mix of emotional backstories, head-turning performances and surprise moments that define the series. Judges will evaluate a wide variety of acts in hopes of finding the next standout performer to progress through the competition.

What to Expect This Season

With the returning panel intact, fans can anticipate the familiar dynamic between Simon’s exacting critiques, Heidi’s fashion-forward presence, Howie’s quick humor, and Sofia’s warmth and charm, all guided on stage by Terry Crews’ energetic hosting. The creative producers and a diverse slate of contestants often produce memorable audition episodes that set the tone for the rest of the season.

Keep an eye on official show announcements for details about episode lineups, premiere dates and ticket updates. For now, the Pasadena audition tapings signal that America’s Got Talent is gearing up for another summer of discovery, drama and extraordinary performances.

Check out the photos and social posts from the judges and crew as they return to Pasadena and prepare for the new season of America’s Got Talent.