NBC'S TOP-RATED SUMMER SERIES "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" REVEALS TOP 48 CONTESTANTS AS SHOW KICKS OFF FIRST LIVE SHOW OF THE SEASON - MONDAY, JULY 2, 9-11 PM ET

Special Live Preview Show - 'America's Got Talent: The Countdown' - To Air July 2, 8:30-9 pm ET

NEW YORK, NY - June 28, 2012 - The countdown begins! NBC's top-rated summer series "America's Got Talent" has selected the Top 48 acts that will vie for the coveted $1 million grand prize in the show's first ever two-hour live performance episode from the East Coast on Monday, July 2nd, (9-11 pm ET). NBC will also air a live preview show from (8:30-9 pm ET) - "America's Got Talent: The Countdown" - hosted by Nick Cannon and featuring judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Howard Stern as they get ready to take the stage live for the first time this season. Additionally, this special will give viewers an inside look at never before seen moments and outtakes from the show.

Now in its seventh season, "America's Got Talent" will then transition to its new nights, broadcasting live from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for a two-hour live performance episode on Tuesdays (8-10 pm ET) and a one hour live elimination round on Wednesdays (9-10 pm ET), starting Monday, July 9th.

The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of aspiring stars, including singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts - and the $1 million prize. With the start of the live shows, America now votes for their favorite acts via phone and online at http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/.

This year, the Top 48 contestants are:

787 Crew - San Juan, Puerto Rico (Dance Group) Follow on Twitter: @787crew Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/787-Dance-Crew-AGT/416515661721944

All Beef Patty - Brooklyn, NY (Drag Queen) Follow on Twitter: @abpatty Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Beef-Patty-AGT/406950272680647

All That! - Myrtle Beach, SC (Male Clogging Group) Follow on Twitter: @AllThatClogging Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-That-AGT/280217712075559

All Wheel Sports - Los Angeles, CA (Bike Dance Variety) Follow on Twitter: @AllWheelSports Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Wheel-Sports-AGT/394991110537008

American BMX Stunt Team - Durham, NC (BMX Stunt Team) Follow on Twitter: @AmericanBMX Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-BMX-Stunt-Team-AGT/246567055449864

Aurora Light Painters - San Francisco, CA (Graffiti Light Painting) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-Light-Painters-AGT/486315461384652

Ben Blaque - Branson, MO (Crossbow Act) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ben-Blaque-AGT/389790157725349

Big Barry - Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Singer) Follow on Twitter: @ibigbarry Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Barry-AGT/247829855325844

Cristin Sandu - Las Vegas, NV (Balancing Act) Follow on Twitter: @cristinsandu Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cristin-Sandu-AGT/237383719711083

Danielle Stallings - Richmond, VA (Singer) Follow on Twitter: @dannistar423 Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Danielle-Stallings/426197724081247

David "The Bullet" Smith - Englewood, FL (Human Cannonball) Follow on Twitter: @thebulletsmith Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-The-Bullet-Smith-AGT/384114304969272

David Garibaldi and his CMYK's - Sacramento, CA (Performance Painting) Follow on Twitter: @garibaldiarts Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Garibaldi-and-his-CMYKs-AGT/479551068724956

Donovan and Rebecca - Stony Brook, NY (Acrobalance) Follow on Twitter: @Donovan_rebecca Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=142880432502850&sk=basic

Edon - Chicago, IL (12 year old singer) Follow on Twitter: @edontweets Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Edon-Pinchot-AGT/188701981256243

Elusive - Austin, TX (B-Boy) Follow on Twitter: @BBoy_Elusive Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elusive-AGT/248099548627273?skip_nax_wizard=true

Eric and Olivia - Austin, TX (Acoustic Duo) Follow on Twitter: @ericandolivia Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-Olivia-AGT/443198879031150

Eric Dittelman - Boston, MA (Magician/Comedian/Mind Reader) Follow on Twitter: @EDittelman Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-Dittleman-AGT/433843889970580

Hawley Magic - Shelby, NC (Illusionist Couple) Follow on Twitter: @hawleymagic, @TrishaHawley Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawley-Magic-AGT/190581447734354

Horse - Harrisburg, PA (Daredevil) Follow on Twitter: @nastythehorse Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Horse-AGT/425860410778440

Inspire the Fire - Charlotte, NC (Hip Hop Choir) Follow on Twitter: @ForeverINSPIRED Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspire-the-Fire-AGT/236849416427005

Jacob Williams - Chicago, IL (Comedian) Follow on Twitter: @mrjacobwilliams Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacob-Williams-AGT/445664522118285

Jake Wesley Rogers - Ozark, MO (Singer/Guitarist) Follow on Twitter: @JakeyRogers Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jake-Wesley-Rogers-AGT/218370694950508

Jarrett and Raja - Las Vegas, NV (Comedy Illusionists) Follow on Twitter: @JarrettLV, @RajaLV Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jarrett-Raja-AGT/401402156579080

Joe Castillo - Lexington, KY (Sand Story Artist) Follow on Twitter: @Joescastillo Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Castillo-AGT/452063564806625

Lisa Clark Dancers - Sacramento, CA (Contemporary / Classical Dancers) Follow on Twitter: @LCD_Dancers Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Clark-Dancers-AGT/457173780961665

Lightwire Theater - New Orleans, LA (Electroluminescent Puppet Show) Follow on Twitter: @LightwireTheatr Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-Wire-Theater-AGT/121151621356298

Lil Starr - Chino, CA (Tap Dancer) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Starr-AGT/252661658166810

Lindsey Norton - Tampa, FL (Solo Dancer) Follow on Twitter: @LindseyNorton7 Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsey-Norton-AGT/477945042221085

LionDanceMe - San Francisco, CA (Lion and Dragon Dancing) Follow on Twitter: @LionDanceMe Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LionDanceMe-AGT/455386684490560

Michael Nejad - San Jose, CA (Musician) Follow on Twitter: @MichaelNejad Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Nejad-AGT/452468581430977

Nikki Jensen - Sydney, Australia (Singer/Guitar) Follow on Twitter: @NikkiJensen8 Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nikki-Jensen-AGT/277415665689086

Olate Dogs - New York, NY (Performing Dogs) Follow on Twitter: @Olatedogs Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olate-Dogs-AGT/253065204793781

Rock Star Juggler Mike Price - Las Vegas, NV (Juggler) Follow on Twitter: @rockstarjuggler Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-Star-Juggler-Mike-Price-AGT/310989635655332

Sebastien "El Charro de Oro" - San Antonio, TX (Young mariachi singer) Follow on Twitter: @selcharrodeoro Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sebastien-El-Charro-de-Oro-AGT/243547529093336

Shanice and Maurice Hayes - Kansas City, MO (Father/Daughter Duo) Follow on Twitter: @ShaniceMara Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanice-Maurice-Hayes-AGT/307933715967212

Spencer Horsman - Baltimore, MD (Escape Artist) Follow on Twitter: @SpencerHorsman Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spencer-Horsman-AGT/367935626603991

The All Ways - New York, NY (Upbeat Cover Band) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-All-Ways-AGT/434725786546812

The Distinguished Men of Brass - Tampa, FL (Dancing Brass Band) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Distinguished-Men-of-Brass-AGT/344514178950639

The Scott Brothers - Las Vegas, NV (Cartoon Popping) Follow on Twitter: @midascott Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Scott-Brothers-AGT/241569419290433

The Untouchables - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Junior Miami Allstars) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Untouchables-AGT/305369796224158

Tim Hockenberry - San Francisco, CA (Singer/Musician) Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-Hockenberry-AGT/121560297981759

Todd Oliver - Branson, MO (Stage circus with rescued pets) Follow on Twitter: @thockenbone Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Todd-Oliver-Irving-AGT/348237151913448

Tom Cotter - Stoney Point, NY (Standup Comedian) Follow on Twitter: @ ToddandIrving Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Cotter-AGT/403322359719726

Turf - San Francisco, CA (Dance/Contortion) Follow on Twitter: @ToddandIrving Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurfAGT

Ulysses - Statesville, NC (Singer/Impersonator) Follow on Twitter: @tomcottercomic Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ulysses-AGT/316543838427576

Unity In Motion - Cape May, NJ (Contortion Troupe) Follow on Twitter: @UnityinMotion1 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Unity-in-Motion-AGT/379858388730167

William Close - Los Angeles, CA (World's Largest Stringed Instrument) Follow on Twitter: @earthharp22 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/William-Close-AGT/366997103365894

Wordspit and the Illest! - New York, NY (Musical Band) Follow on Twitter: @Wordspit Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wordsplit-and-the-illest-AGT/419822531372957

So far this summer, the Monday and Tuesday editions of "American's Got Talent" are the #1 and #2 primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49 and total viewers, with the Monday edition averaging a 3.8 rating, 11 share in adults 18-49 and 12.2 million viewers overall through June 24 and the Tuesday telecast averaging a 3.7/10 in 18-49 and 11.8 million viewers overall. It's the seventh year in a row "Talent" is the #1 summer series in total viewers. Since the end of the May sweep, "America's Got Talent" has accounted for the five top entertainment telecasts on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in both adults 18-49 and total viewers. Every original edition of "America's Got Talent" this season has ranked #1 or tied for #1 in its time period among entertainment telecasts in adults 18-49.

"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, Ken Warwick ("American Idol") and Georgie Hurford-Jones are executive producers.

For embeddable clips and full episodes of "America's Got Talent," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/americasgottalent/

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About NBC Entertainment:

NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late-night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, numerous awards, and ratings success. NBC has earned more Emmy Awards than any network in television history. NBC's roster of popular scripted series includes such critically acclaimed and Emmy Award-winning comedies as "The Office" and "30 Rock," the latter starring Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey. NBC's drama slate includes the veteran, award-winning series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and the popular first-year musical "Smash." Unscripted series for NBC include the vocal competition hit "The Voice" as well as "The Biggest Loser," "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "America's Got Talent." NBC's late-night story is highlighted by "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," "Last Call with Carson Daly" and "Saturday Night Live." NBC Daytime's "Days of our Lives" consistently ranks among daytime's top programs in the valuable women 18-34 category. The five-time, Emmy Award-winning NBC.com streams full episodes and provides original content for NBC entertainment shows online and through apps for mobile and tablet devices. On Saturday mornings, the network broadcasts Qubo on NBC, a three-hour block that features fun, entertaining, and educational programming for kids, including the award-winning, 3-D animated series "Veggie Tales." For more information, visit www.nbc.com.

About SYCO:

Syco's television and music assets include the global TV franchises "The X Factor" and "Got Talent." as well as international artists such as One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Il Divo, Cher Lloyd, Rebecca Ferguson and Labrinth.

"Britain's Got Talent" in 2009 launched the global singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut Syco album sold over 8 million units in six weeks, making it the world's biggest-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album in history with 20 million records sold to date.

"Got Talent" first launched in the US as America's Got Talent and remains the #1 summer entertainment show. "America's Got Talent" airs in 125 countries with original versions of the format now produced in 50 territories around the world. Britain's Got Talent is the highest rating entertainment show of the year in 2012 and has remained the UK's most watched format since it launched.

Local versions of The X Factor are now produced in more than 43 territories and the U.S. version of The X Factor airs in over 162 countries. Artists discovered by The X Factor around the world have achieved over 250 number ones, 270 top 10, and 501 top 50 releases.

About FremantleMedia North America:

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative programs for network, cable, syndicated and online platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon "American Idol" (FOX), "The X Factor" (FOX), "America's Got Talent" (NBC), "Take Me Out" (FOX), "Family Feud" (syndicated), "The Price Is Right" (CBS), "Let's Make A Deal" (CBS), "Total Blackout" (Syfy), "Final Offer" (Discovery), "The Pet Collective" (YouTube) and the first scripted series "The Wedding Band" (TBS premieres Fall 2012).