Should awards be given for all advancing acts?

I realize AGT only has 1 final winner but shouldn’t there be certain awards given to acts who advance from auditions and onwards? Aside from their efforts, hard work, and performance, most of them have spent so much time and energy into this and should be compensated as such. Besides it would be a nice fallback for people whose dreams get crushed. We have had many really good singers for some reason not get voted onwards from Quarterfinals (a couple acts even from callbacks should have advanced but were told no), so this would be a nice way to be like “Really sorry but hope this helps you come back next year.”

For example, say Act 1 passes auditions then they’d get a guaranteed minimal, say, $2000. Passing callbacks brings it to $5000. Quarterfinals, $20000. Semifinals, $50000. Something like that. That way hard work can pay off and there’s something to help move forward that person’s career. I know it probably will never happen but I think it would be beneficial to everyone!

Posted Sep 13, 2026, 6:25 AM UTC

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