AXN Announces “Asia’s Got Talent” Premiere: 12 March 2015, Thursday 8.05pm

Press release

Manila, Philippines – AXN announces today that “Asia’s Got Talent” is set to premiere first on AXN on 12 March 2015, airing on Thursdays at 8.05pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 7.05pm (JKT, BKK). The series is the biggest talent competition in the world featuring some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title.

Officially launching “Asia’s Got Talent” today is the series’ esteemed celebrity judging panel made up of 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu. The judges met with 500 members of the media, sponsors and partners for the first time at the “Asia’s Got Talent” showcase held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is the 63^rd adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “‘Asia’s Got Talent’ is a milestone made-in-Asia original production that reinforces SPT Networks, Asia’s position as a leader of original, local content in our region. With a stellar judging panel as well as some of the most spectacular acts from our region, ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ is a top quality production that will thrill Asia.”

Mr George Tanasijevich, Marina Bay Sands’ President and Chief Executive Officer said: “Marina Bay Sands is proud to be the premier partner for the inaugural Asia’s Got Talent. The ‘Got Talent’ series has earned multiple accolades across the globe entertaining millions of viewers. The multi-tiered entertainment strategy that we have adopted at Marina Bay Sands offers our guests an exciting range of unique events ranging from concerts, Broadway musicals, movie premieres and award shows. As the venue for the semi-finals and finals for the show, Marina Bay Sands will be the platform where a deserving act will be launched into stardom. Our participation adds yet another dimension to Marina Bay Sands, showcasing the endless entertainment possibilities we offer. ”

From thousands of applicants from 15 territories across Asia, the four judges must select the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing and breath-taking performances. Those who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, the AXN audience at home who will decide the winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.

Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Prizes worth up to US$100,000 are at stake, along with the opportunity for the winner to return and perform at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.

Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Marc and Rovilson are familiar to AXN audiences as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” will span a total of 10 weekly episodes, leading with five judges’ auditions episodes, before three semi-finals, a finale episode and concluding with the results show. In addition to enjoying the amazing performances, audiences can expect to learn more about their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.

The inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Marina Bay Sands is a premier partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. As Asia’s leading entertainment destination and crossroads for global celebrities, Marina Bay Sands provides opportunities for local talent to shine on the world’s stage.

BIG is the exclusive beverage partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With BIG Cola, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’. Contestants and fans across Asia will be encouraged to ‘Think Big’ and ‘Dream Bigger’ in pursuit of their dreams.

Pantene, the exclusive haircare partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”, makes hair stronger inside and shinier outside, to enable contestants to shine and be the world’s number one talent.

Caltex is the exclusive petroleum partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Caltex delivers a hassle-free experience to get people back on their journey quickly, so they can have more time and energy to do whatever matters most to them. By being a part of “Asia’s Got Talent”, Caltex wants to celebrate key moments of the contestants’ journey to stardom, providing viewers the opportunity to enjoy the journey with them.

Jetstar is proud to be the official airline of the very first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With more than 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Jetstar enables talent to fly further, connect with families and fulfil dreams.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including four seasons of the International  Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia”; the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia”; “The Apprentice Asia”; “Cyril: Rio Magic”; “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition”; and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic”.