Īmerica's Got Talent debuted on 21 June 2006, and was the first international edition of the franchise to be produced and broadcast.

Cowell subsequently promoted the concept to American television networks sooner than planned, and secured the interest of American television network NBC to produce a season for their 2006 summer broadcast schedule. When it proved a success, work began on producing a season of the competition for British television, but was suspended after its intended host had a dispute with ITV and ultimately ended their involvement.

The concept was first proposed to the British television network ITV, which agreed to a pilot episode of the format. The concept of the format was for a large-scale televised talent competition where anyone, of any age and background, could participate with any form of talent before an audience and a panel of judges. Cowell said:'I was a fan of variety shows Opportunity Knocks and New Faces, and to be able to update that tradition, really was a buzz'. Both shows showcased singers, dancers and comedians, as well as performers such as acrobats, animal acts and novelty acts.

The format's origins can be traced to the British talent shows Opportunity Knocks (on-screen from the 1950s, with the winner using the now-standard method of a telephone vote) and New Faces. Got Talent was conceived in 2005 by Simon Cowell, creator and judge on The X Factor. We owe its success to a group of very talented producers all over the world who have made this happen. Cowell said: 'I am very proud that Got Talent is a homegrown British show. In April 2014, the format was named the world's most successful reality TV format ever by Guinness World Records. Unlike those shows, Got Talent (influenced by the variety of talent shows Opportunity Knocks and New Faces) showcases other artistic disciplines as well as singers. It has spawned spin-offs in over 69 countries, in what is now referred to as the 'Got Talent' format, similar to that described by Fremantle of the Idol and The X Factor formats. Got Talent is a British talent show TV format conceived and owned by Simon Cowell's SYCOtv company.

Britain got talent game show