User:Pafcool2/Got Talent series

The American talent search television series America's Got Talent has spawned spin-offs in over 20 countries, in what is now referred to as the Got Talent format, similar to that described by FremantleMedia of the Idol format. Originating on NBC the talent show that features amateur singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages compete for the advertised top prize of US$1 million. The show debuted in June 2006 for the summer television season.

The Got Talent franchise is one of the fastest growing international franchises, closing the gap on shows such as The Weakest Link and Pop Idol franchises, both of which noriginated in the United Kingdom.

Australia
In February 2007, Australia's Got Talent debuted on Seven Network. Grant Denyer is the host, with Dannii Minogue, Red Symons and Tom Burlinson judging the performances. It has a top prize of AU$250,000 (Jul 2007, approximately £107,000; US$220,000). Bonnie Anderson was the first winner of the grand prize.

United Kingdom
In 2007, ITV debuted Britain's Got Talent (however, the original idea for America's Got Talent was a British invention - as comedian and talk show host Paul O'Grady did a pilot for ITV, however it wasn't picked up until after the American version of the show was broadcast). The series started on 9 June, 2007 with Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell, and Amanda Holden as judges, and Ant & Dec as hosts of the show. The top prize is at least £100,000 (Jul 2008, approximately US$205,000). In addition the winner will perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of Her Majesty The Queen. Paul Potts, winner of the first series was also given a recording contract with Sony BMG by Simon Cowell. . ITV also shows the American version, not necessarily during the same general period as the original run.

France
On November 2, 2006, M6 debuted their adaptation of the show, named Incroyable Talent (Incredible Talent). Alessandra Sublet is the host. The €150,000 top prize (Jul 2007, approximately US$205,000) was recently won by a popper/b-boy "Salah". The second season was won by breakdancer Junior.

Portugal
On January 28 2007,  Aqui Há Talento  (There's Talent Here) premiered on public channel RTP, hosted by Sílvia Alberto (former hostess of the Pop Idol and Strictly Come Dancing Portuguese spinoffs) and judged by actors Joaquim Monchique and Sílvia Rizzo and producer Paulo Dias. The top prize is €75,000.

Russia
 Минута славы  (A Minute of Fame) premiered on February 17, 2007 on Channel 1, the most watched Russian channel. There are also three judges and X buzzers, and is hosted by Garik Morterasian (a comedian originally from Armenia). The judges are Iosif Kobzon (a Russian singer), Tatyana Tolstaya (a Russian author), and Alexander Maslyakov (host of KVN, the Russian humor show). There are also semifinals and finals. The prize is 1,000,000 rubles (Jul 2007, approximately US$39,000).

Greece
 Ελλάδα, έχεις ταλέντο  (Greece, You Have Talent) premiered in March 2007 on ANT1. It is hosted by actress and TV presenter Sofia Aliberti, and with judges from Greek show business Ilias Psinakis, Vaggelis Perris and Matthilda Maggira. It will likely not only feature Greek nationals, but also contestants from the Greek Diaspora. The prize is €150,000.

Belgium
The Belgian version called Supertalent in Vlaanderen . (Supertalent in Flanders) airs on VT4. Dré Steemans ("Felice", who also hosts the current Belgian version of Deal or No Deal) and Ann van Elsen host. On the jury are Paul Jambers, Martine Prenen, and Gert Verhulst. Prize is €50,000.

Netherlands
A Dutch version called  Bijna Beroemd  (Almost Famous) is broadcast by NRCV on Nederland 1 and is hosted by Jochem van Gelder and Jetske van den Elsen. Grand prize is €100,000. Another Dutch version, Holland's Got Talent, is reported to start on SBS 6 during 2008.

Sweden
The Swedish version called Talang 2007 (Talent 2007) airs on TV4 (Sweden). The host is Peppe Eng. The jury is Bert Karlsson, Hanna Hedlund and Tobbe Blom. The prize is 1,000,000 Swedish kronor (Jul 2007, approximately £73,000; US$148,000; AU$174,000).

China
There is a Chinese version airing on CCTV 2. The format is similar to the US version, but new competitors compete each episode. Each winner gets CN¥100,000.

Germany
For the new season 2007/2008 RTL Television, one of the main German TV stations, has announced  Das Supertalent . The prize will be €100,000. The show is presented by Marco Schreyl, who is also the host of Deutschland sucht den Superstar - the German version of Pop Idol. The jury consists of: Dieter Bohlen (also a judge on Deutschland sucht den Superstar, comedian Ruth Moschner, and circus director André Sarrasani. RTL Television is the main broadcasting arm of RTL Group, which also owns the "Got Talent" production company FremantleMedia.

Hungary
The Hungarian version of the show called " Csillag születik " (A star will be born) started at November 3, 2007 and is broadcasted on RTL Klub. The two presenters of the show are the same as the Hungarian version of Strictly Come Dancing. The jury contains a pop singer, a Dancing with the Stars professional dancer, a fashion designer and a talk show host. The prize is 12,000,000 Ft (it is €48,000/$66,000) and a new Fiat 500.

Israel
On June 26, 2007, Reshet debuted their adaptation of the show, named  הדבר הגדול הבא  (Ha'Davar Ha'Gadol Ha'Ba = The Next Big Thing). Noa Tishby is the host. The prize is ₪500,000 (Jul 2007, approximately US$125,000).

Finland
Finland started its version of the show in autumn 2007. The show is called  Talent Suomi  and it's aired on Nelonen. The main prize is €30,000. Beatboxer Aleksi Vähäpassi was the first winner of the grand prize.

Spain
Cuatro in Spain has picked up the rights to the  Tienes Talento  (Have Talent) format. It has started in January 2008, in primetime. The prize is €150,000.

Norway
TV 2's version is  Norske talenter  (Norwegian Talents). The show started on February 22, 2008. The prize is 500,000 Norwegian kroner plus a scholarship.

Other countries

 * Mexico: Quien Tiene Estrella? (Who Has Star?)