Arts & Entertainment

'America's Got Talent' Debuts in Newark

Popular reality show broadcasting from NJPAC this summer

It’s not just politics that makes for strange bedfellows. The red carpet can be the site of some pretty interesting pairings too.

Mayor Cory Booker and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno joined shock jock media personality Howard Stern at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center last night for the Newark premiere of America’s Got Talent, the NBC variety show where amateur performers from across the nation -- including singers, comedians and  magicians -- compete for a $1 milllion prize. 

Stern, along with Sharon Osborne, Howie Mandel, and Nick Cannon  are the reality show’s three judges and its host, respectively.

The show will be broadcasting from NJPAC weekly from now through early September, when the winner among 48 contestants will be crowned.

“I love this. It’s the most gorgeous facility ever,” said Stern, as a legion of fans chanted his name nearby. “I love Newark.”

While that may be so, it’s apparently a love that dare not speak its name: the show’s web site announces that it is broadcasting from the “New York tri-state area,” but there’s nary a specific mention of New Jersey’s largest city. The word “Newark” was not uttered at all during last night’s episode.

Still, Jersey officials were clearly excited to play host to one of the most popular shows of its kind.

“They went up and down the East Coast” and decided on Newark, Guadagno said, declaring herself “thrilled.” Booker joked about performing a duet on the program.
 
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