America’s Got Talent has brought some of the most amazing acts to the stage and to TV screens across the country for years. Now that the reality TV show is preparing for its whopping 20th season, those behind it are adding a shocking twist that viewers surely will not have expected.

Ahead of the Season 20 premiere, the judges have noted that they’re nervous and anxious for the twist to be introduced. What’s the big change coming to the show that will completely change its format?

America’s Got Talent Season 20 Will Feature Major Behind-the-Scenes Content

Though the competition aspect of the show won’t be changing, what viewers of the show will see will be. That is, it was officially announced that Season 20 will bring fans behind-the-scenes to show what production looks like outside of filming episodes. This includes the judges getting to greet contestants for the first time, and what they do during their downtime when the cameras aren’t rolling.

Simon Cowell explained in the season teaser that he gets “really, really anxious and nervous” before the start of any season. “I suppose, because it’s the 20th year, that puts even more pressure on everyone, so we’re just going to pray that people turned out this year,” he teased. No doubt the twist will help keep the show’s format feeling fresh.

A longtime judge who is now also an executive producer on the show, Simon spoke about his excitement for the change, highlighting that this season’s episodes will have “40%” behind-the-scenes content, as reported by RealityTea:

“This is something we all felt passionate about sharing. Personally, I think this is the best first episode of AGT I’ve ever seen, and I hope you do too,” he added.

The Season Got Off To A Thrilling Start

Ahead of the season premiere, Simon vowed that the first episode of Season 20 would be one of the best in the franchise’s history. Indeed, it was one for the books: one of the acts included a mesmerizing contortionist who wowed all four of the judges. The contestant, 20-year-old Amadou Diallo, bent his body in unusual ways, including seemingly popping his ribs out and then back in.

His performance left the panel stunned, and Simon explained that what he’d just seen would be unforgettable for both the judges and for viewers at home:

“I don’t think anybody has ever seen anything like that before in their entire lives. That was un-freaking-believeable!” added fellow judge and former Spice Girl Mel B. “I am in shock. I mean, we’ve seen a lot of contortionism on this show, but he took it to another level,” added Sofia Vergara.

Another act from the premiere episode was perhaps even more groundbreaking. One musical performance was so touching that it was rewarded with the golden buzzer, meaning the act gets to advance straight to the live performance round. A busker from New Orleans, 23-year-old Jourdan Blue, stopped the judges in their tracks with a rendition of the song “Breakeven” by The Script.

Jourdan’s performance was so incredible that Sofia claimed that she was “in love,” going on to add, “The hair, the voice, your energy. You’re a rock star!” For her part, Mel B expressed that Jourdan’s take on the song was so original that it made her feel as if she were listening to it for the first time.

Later, Howie Mandel added onto the praise for Jourdan, noting that performances like that were the reason for the show. “You know, this is Season 20. I’ve seen dreams come true right where you’re standing. Lives changed right where you’re standing. And that stage and that moment can take you anywhere,” he said. “And this is just the beginning of where you can go,” he added.

So far this season, the performances have started out with a bang, and viewers have been able to see sweet moments between the judges as well. When they aren’t watching acts on the main stage, they can often be seen small talking and goofing around with one another, and no doubt fans will look forward to seeing more the rest of the season.