The winning act on the first season of America's Got Talent was awarded a $1 million cash prize. The inaugural season aired in 2006, with singer Bianca Ryan winning the competition at age 11.
The series premiered on NBC on June 21, 2006, after the planned British version was suspended. Regis Philbin hosted the season, while David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, and Piers Morgan served as judges. Contestants performed talents ranging from singing and dancing to comedy, magic, and variety acts.
The prize was advertised as $1 million, but winners could choose between receiving a lump sum or an annuity paid over 40 years, with taxes applying to either arrangement. The first season initially promoted the possibility of a Las Vegas headline engagement, but producers replaced that element with the cash award partly because of concerns about awarding such a prize to a minor. Later seasons added major performance opportunities as part of the winner's reward.