GLOBAL — AXN’s highly anticipated “Asia’s Got Talent” premiere collectively topped ratings among English Pay TV channels in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. During the show’s two hour debut on Thursday, March 12 at 8:05pm, AXN delivered more than 10 times the ratings of the next English general entertainment channel across Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. In Taiwan, “Asia’s Got Talent” premiered on Friday, March 13 at 9:00pm and was the top program of the day amongst the international general entertainment channels.
Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, “Asia’s Got Talent” features some of the region’s most breathtaking, jaw-dropping and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title. The premiere episode was a kaleidoscope of quirky characters and stunning talent, with many acts winning the hearts of viewers across the region.
In Malaysia, “Asia’s Got Talent” was the #1 rated show in its timeslot across all English channels on Astro. AXN dominated the timeslot with over 80 per cent share across all English general entertainment channels.
In the Philippines, “Asia’s Got Talent” was the top AXN program year to date. During its telecast, AXN ranked #1 with more than 80 per cent share amongst all English general entertainment channels, and ranked #2 amongst all Pay TV channels.
In Singapore, “Asia’s Got Talent” led the ratings chart in its timeslot for English Pay TV channels and AXN was also the top English channel for the night on StarHub.
“Asia’s Got Talent” eclipsed the competition in Taiwan during the premiere with a 79 per cent share among the international general entertainment channels, and was the top rated program of the day in this set.
Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “Asia’s Got Talent is off to a thrilling start on AXN as we bring together millions of viewers to celebrate the diversity of talent and dreams of contestants from over 15 territories in Asia. The response to the premiere is truly incredible and after the success of both The Amazing Race Asia and The Apprentice Asia, AXN continues its mission to create high quality and engaging content.”
Driven by the strong performance of programs such as “Asia’s Got Talent”, AXN has maintained its top English general entertainment channel position in 2015 year-to-date. Collectively across the three Southeast Asian countries, AXN enjoyed a 30 per cent share amongst 19 English general entertainment channels during prime time.
“Asia’s Got Talent” is the 63rd 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.
Each act competing in “Asia’s Got Talent” will have to receive at least three “Yeses” from the esteemed celebrity judging panel comprising 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 four judges must select the most dazzling performances from thousands of hopefuls from 15 territories across Asia. Those who make it to the semi-finals will contend with an even tougher judge, AXN viewers at home who will ultimately decide the winner of “Asia’s Got Talent”.
A grand prize worth USD$100,000 is up for grabs, along with the opportunity to return and perform at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading entertainment destination – where the semi-final shows and finale will be held.
“Asia’s Got Talent” spans 10 weekly episodes, including five audition episodes, three semi-finals, a finale episode and a results gala. In addition to enjoying the performances, audiences can get to know more about their favorite acts as “Asia’s Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colorful individuals and groups in the competition.
“Asia’s Got Talent” is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex, Jetstar and GrabTaxi.
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”.
