Showtime at the Apollo

Showtime at the Apollo (formerly It's Showtime at the Apollo) is a syndicated music television show, first broadcast on September 12, 1987 to May 24, 2008 with 1093 episodes, and is produced by the Apollo Theater. The show features live performances from both professional and up-and-coming artists, and also features the Amateur Night competition made popular at the famous Apollo Theater in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, where the show is recorded. In 2012, it was announced that after 4 years, Showtime at the Apollo would return with Tony Rock as the host. The current series is produced by Lady Luck Productions, along with the Apollo Theater.

While there is also a live version of the show every Wednesday (which is the original Apollo Amateur Night competition that has been running for over 70 years), the taped version of the show for television usually airs on weekends.

Amateur Night competition
The highlight of the show was the Amateur Night competition, a singing contest. Upon entering the stage, contestants would rub a log made from the "Tree of Hope" which formerly stood outside the Lafayette Theatre, placed on a pedestal for good luck. Contestants' singing (or occasionally comic) ability was immediately judged by the audience. Talented singers or comedians were rewarded by vigorous applause, but those perceived as lacking were harshly booed. If it was clear that the audience disapproved, a siren was sounded and the stage lights dimmed. This prompted a hobo known as "Sandman" to remove the contestant from the stage with a cane.