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America’s Got Talent (AGT) is one of the most-watched talent competition shows on television, drawing millions of viewers every summer. But if you’ve ever watched the glittering stage, the packed audience, and the jaw-dropping performances and wondered — where is AGT filmed? — you’re not alone. Here’s the complete guide to the AGT filming location, its rich history, and everything you need to know heading into Season 21 in 2026.
Where Is AGT Filmed? The Official Location
AGT is filmed at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, located at 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California 91101. This iconic venue has served as the home of America’s Got Talent for both auditions and live shows since the very first season in 2006 — making it one of the longest-standing production partnerships in American television history.
Both the televised auditions and the high-stakes live shows, including the semifinals and finals, take place at this same venue. So whether you’re watching Simon Cowell hit the buzzer or Terry Crews announce a Golden Buzzer winner, you’re seeing the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in all its glory.
About the Pasadena Civic Auditorium
A Historic Venue With Old-World Grandeur
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is not just a filming location — it’s an architectural landmark. Built in 1932, the venue was designed in a stunning Italian Renaissance style, featuring an ornate exterior and a lavish interior that blends old-world elegance with modern production capabilities.
Step inside and you’ll find:
- A hand-painted ceiling mural created by the late Italian-American artist Giovanni Smeraldi
- Intricately patterned Greco-Roman panels framing the stage and lining the walls
- A total seating capacity of 2,997 audience members
- A main floor, private enclosures (boxes), and a balcony
The auditorium is the centerpiece of the Pasadena Convention Center, a sprawling event complex situated on the edge of Old Town Pasadena. The greater complex includes exhibit halls, a hotel, a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, and even a public ice skating rink.
Why Pasadena?
Pasadena sits just outside Los Angeles — the heart of the American entertainment industry. The location gives AGT easy access to world-class production talent, crew, equipment, and performers. Its proximity to Hollywood ensures the show can operate at the highest production level possible, while the venue’s grand aesthetic provides a visually stunning backdrop for the competition.
AGT Season 20 (2025): Filming Details
When Did Season 20 Film?
Filming for AGT Season 20 televised auditions began on March 14, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. However, production was briefly delayed due to the devastating Southern California wildfires in early January 2025, which forced the show to postpone its open-call auditions until conditions were safe.
Who Were the Judges and Host?
Season 20 featured a notable shakeup to the judging panel:
- Simon Cowell — returning for his 10th season as judge and series creator
- Howie Mandel — returning for his 16th season
- Sofía Vergara — returning for her 6th season
- Mel B (Melanie Brown) — returning after a six-season hiatus, replacing Heidi Klum for her 7th overall season
- Terry Crews — returning as host for his 7th consecutive season
Season 20 Premiere and Finale
AGT Season 20 premiered on NBC on May 27, 2025, with live shows kicking off at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium from Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The season concluded on September 24, 2025, with Jessica Sanchez being crowned the Season 20 winner — beating out freestyle rapper Chris Turner and singer Jourdan Blue, who finished second and third respectively.
Golden Buzzer Twist
For the second time in show history, each judge was permitted to give two Golden Buzzers instead of the usual one. Host Terry Crews was also given two Golden Buzzers to award during the auditions phase — adding extra drama and excitement to the season.
AGT Season 21 (2026): Latest Filming Updates
Season 21 Is Already Underway
AGT Season 21 premiered on NBC on June 2, 2026, continuing the show’s tradition of summer television dominance. Filming of the Season 21 auditions began at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 13, 2026, the day after the cast was officially confirmed.
Returning Cast for Season 21
On March 12, 2026, NBC confirmed that the entire Season 20 cast would return:
- Simon Cowell — 11th season as judge
- Howie Mandel — 17th season as judge
- Sofía Vergara — 7th season as judge
- Mel B — continuing her return after Season 20
- Terry Crews — 8th consecutive season as host (tying Nick Cannon for the longest-serving host in show history)
New Twist: Judges Callbacks Round
Season 21 introduces a brand-new competition twist — the Judges Callbacks Round. After all auditions are complete and the 10 Golden Buzzer acts are locked in, the judges will revisit a select group of promising acts before filling the remaining live show spots. This gives certain performers a second chance to make the cut — a first in AGT history.
Golden Buzzers in Season 21
For the third time in show history, each judge will be able to award two Golden Buzzers during the audition phase, and each judge can also give one additional Golden Buzzer during the quarter-finals. Terry Crews also has two Golden Buzzers to award during the auditions.
Where to Watch AGT Season 21
AGT Season 21 airs on NBC every Tuesday at 8/7c, with episodes available to stream the following day on Peacock, NBC.com, and the NBC App.
How to Get Free Tickets to Attend AGT Filming
Want to be part of the studio audience? AGT filming is open to the public, and tickets are completely free. Here’s how to secure yours:
- Visit on-camera-audiences.com to register for available taping dates
- Receive confirmation and show details via email
- Arrive early on taping day — seats are first-come, first-served
- Note: The minimum age to attend is 8 years old
Due to high demand, tickets go fast — so sign up as early as possible once dates are announced for the current season.
AGT Filming Location History: From New York to Pasadena
While the Pasadena Civic Auditorium has been home to AGT since Season 1 in 2006, the show has held auditions in various cities across the United States over the years, traveling to spots like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas to scout talent nationwide.
For the live shows, the competition has consistently returned to Pasadena, making it the permanent, beloved home base for the show’s most dramatic moments — from jaw-dropping Golden Buzzers to million-dollar finale reveals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is AGT filmed in 2026?
A: AGT Season 21 (2026) is filmed at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California.
Q: Has AGT always been filmed in Pasadena?
A: Yes. The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has been the home of AGT’s televised auditions and live shows since Season 1 in 2006.
Q: How many people can attend an AGT taping?
A: The Pasadena Civic Auditorium can accommodate up to 2,997 audience members for AGT tapings.
Q: Are AGT studio audience tickets free?
A: Yes, all AGT audience tickets are complimentary and can be reserved at on-camera-audiences.com.
Q: Who is hosting AGT in 2026?
A: Terry Crews is hosting AGT Season 21 in 2026, returning for his 8th consecutive season — tying the record for longest-serving host.
Q: Who are the AGT judges in 2026?
A: The Season 21 judges are Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B.
Q: Who won AGT Season 20?
A: Jessica Sanchez won America’s Got Talent Season 20, which concluded in September 2025.
Q: When does AGT Season 21 air?
A: AGT Season 21 premiered on June 2, 2026, and airs weekly on NBC every Tuesday at 8/7c, with streaming available the next day on Peacock.
Whether you’re a die-hard AGT fan planning to attend a live taping or just curious about the magic behind the stage, drop a comment below and tell us your favorite AGT moment — and don’t forget to bookmark this page for all the latest Season 21 updates!