The Seven Network has announced the judging panel for Australia’s Got Talent, plus a twist to the series in which Aussie acts will take on some of the best Got Talent champions from around the globe.
The line-up includes celebrated Emmy and Tony Award-winning performer Neil Patrick Harris; actor and radio host Kate Ritchie; multi-platinum selling recording artist Alesha Dixon, star of Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent: The Champions; and, making a very welcome return to Australia’s Got Talent, actor and entertainer Shane Jacobson.
Neil Patrick Harris is an acclaimed star of stage and screen whose numerous television credits include How I Met Your Mother, It’s A Sin, A Series of Unfortunate Events and Doogie Howser, M.D.. On film, he has appeared in Gone Girl, The Smurfs and the upcoming The Matrix 4. Neil has also famously hosted the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards and Tony Awards.
Neil said: “To say I’m a fan of the AGT franchise is an understatement – I’ve been watching since the very first season! I’m a performer who has taken many stages throughout the, well, many stages of my career – be it acting, singing, dancing, hosting, juggling, magic-ing, even breathing fire! – and I have developed enormous respect for anyone with the courage to pursue their talents and passions at any level, let alone televised on a national stage.
“Australia has phenomenal talent across so many disciplines, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to join AGT in 2021 to see firsthand what the country’s awesome contestants have to offer.”
Neil Patrick Harris
Making her return to series television for the first time since 2013, Kate Ritchie said: “People have spent more time at home than usual this past year. Some developed brand new skills and others fine-tuned their already spectacular talents! I am not only flattered to be sharing the AGT panel with this season’s line-up but super excited to see the incredible talent Australia has to offer… from what I believe to be the best seat in the house!”
Alesha Dixon, who has notched up nine years as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent after being hand-picked by creator Simon Cowell, said: “I’m super excited to be joining the panel at AGT. I can’t wait to see what talent Australia has to give and I’m really looking forward to working with my fellow judges.”