America’s Got Talent Ballet Sensation Ashlee Montague Leaps into Horror with Debut in ‘Abandoned’ Film

In a stunning pivot that has fans buzzing, Ashlee Montanne, the acrobatic ballet prodigy who captivated audiences on America’s Got Talent, is trading her pointe shoes for screams in the chilling horror film Abandoned. This career change from graceful performances to spine-tingling terror marks a bold new chapter for the 25-year-old performer, whose viral AGT audition in 2019 amassed millions of views and earned her a golden buzzer from judge Julianne Hough.

Montanne’s journey from the bright lights of the AGT stage to the shadowy sets of independent cinema highlights her versatility and fearlessness. Sources close to the production reveal that her casting in Abandoned—a psychological thriller directed by rising indie filmmaker Elena Vasquez—was a direct result of a viral clip from her AGT routine resurfacing during casting calls. “Ashlee brings an ethereal quality that’s perfect for the film’s haunted ballerina archetype,” Vasquez told entertainment outlets last week. As Hollywood grapples with post-pandemic shifts in talent scouting, Montanne’s story exemplifies how reality TV stardom can propel performers into unexpected genres like horror.

The announcement, made via Montanne’s Instagram on Tuesday, has already sparked over 500,000 likes and shares, with fans expressing shock and excitement over this dramatic career change. “From twirls to chills—Ashlee Montanne is redefining entertainment,” one commenter wrote, encapsulating the sentiment rippling through social media.

Ashlee Montanne’s Electrifying AGT Audition That Launched a Star

Ashlee Montanne first exploded onto the national scene during Season 14 of America’s Got Talent in 2019, when her high-flying ballet routine left judges and viewers speechless. At just 20 years old, the New York City native, trained rigorously at the prestigious School of American Ballet, performed a contemporary piece blending classical ballet with acrobatic flips and aerial silks. Her audition video, featuring a haunting original score by composer Ludwig Göransson, garnered 15 million YouTube views within weeks, propelling her to instant fame.

Judges were unanimous in their praise. Host Terry Crews described it as “poetry in motion,” while Simon Cowell, known for his tough critiques, called it “one of the most innovative acts we’ve seen.” Montanne advanced to the live shows, where she incorporated audience interaction—spinning en pointe while catching tossed roses from fans—further cementing her as a crowd favorite. Statistics from NBC show her performances peaking at 22 million live viewers during quarterfinals, a testament to her draw in an era dominated by viral dance challenges on TikTok.

Behind the glamour, Montanne’s path to AGT was paved with perseverance. Growing up in a modest Brooklyn apartment, she began ballet at age six through free community programs. By 16, she was performing with the American Ballet Theatre’s junior company, but injuries and the competitive nature of the field pushed her toward television exposure. “AGT was my leap of faith,” Montanne shared in a 2020 interview with Dance Magazine. “I wanted to show that ballet isn’t just tutus—it’s raw emotion and athleticism.” Her elimination in the semifinals didn’t dim her star; instead, it opened doors to endorsements with brands like Nike and Lululemon, where she promoted adaptive dancewear for performers with disabilities.

Post-AGT, Montanne toured nationally with her one-woman show, Twist of Fate, which combined ballet, storytelling, and interactive elements. The production, seen by over 100,000 attendees across 50 cities, earned rave reviews for its intimacy—Montanne often paused mid-performance to share personal anecdotes about overcoming stage fright. This period solidified her as more than a dancer; she became a multifaceted entertainer, setting the stage for her foray into film.

Why Horror? Unpacking Montanne’s Daring Career Change to ‘Abandoned’

The horror genre, long a proving ground for versatile talents, seems an unlikely but fitting next step for Ashlee Montanne. In Abandoned, she plays Lila Voss, a former ballerina haunted by visions in an isolated asylum-turned-dance studio. The film’s script, penned by first-time screenwriter Marcus Hale, draws from real-life ghost stories of abandoned theaters, blending supernatural elements with psychological depth. Montanne’s casting announcement coincides with a surge in horror’s popularity; according to Box Office Mojo, the genre accounted for 25% of 2023’s top-grossing films, with indie horrors like Talk to Me outperforming expectations.

Montanne’s decision stems from a desire to challenge stereotypes. “Ballet is beautiful, but it’s also terrifying—the fear of falling, the pressure of perfection,” she explained in an exclusive with Variety. “Horror lets me explore that darkness on screen, away from the live stage’s immediacy.” This career change mirrors trends among reality TV alumni: think Kelly Clarkson transitioning to music or Todrick Hall to Broadway. Yet Montanne’s shift is unique; her physicality, honed through years of grueling rehearsals, positions her to excel in horror’s demanding stunt work.

Industry insiders note that post-AGT performers often face typecasting. A 2022 study by the Screen Actors Guild revealed that 40% of reality stars struggle to book non-TV roles, but Montanne bucked the trend by auditioning for Abandoned via self-taped videos showcasing her dramatic range. Director Vasquez, whose previous short film Shadows in Silk won at Sundance, scouted Montanne after seeing her AGT clips repurposed in a horror fan edit on Reddit. “Her grace under pressure is ideal for a character unraveling in fear,” Vasquez said. The film’s budget, estimated at $5 million, is crowdfunded partly through Montanne’s fanbase, highlighting her influence in bridging TV and cinema.

Critics of the career change point to risks: horror debuts can pigeonhole actors, as seen with some Scream franchise stars. However, Montanne’s preparation includes workshops with horror veteran Lin Shaye, who coached her on conveying subtle terror. “It’s about vulnerability,” Montanne noted. “In ballet, you hide pain; in horror, you embrace it.” This pivot also aligns with broader cultural shifts, where female-led horrors like The Invisible Man empower stories of resilience, much like Montanne’s own narrative.

Inside the Haunting Production of ‘Abandoned’ and Montanne’s Transformation

Filming for Abandoned wrapped in late 2023 at an actual derelict warehouse in upstate New York, chosen for its eerie acoustics and crumbling ballet mirrors—remnants of a 1920s vaudeville hall. The production team, led by cinematographer Aria Lopez, employed practical effects over CGI to heighten realism, including fog machines and hidden dancers mimicking ghostly apparitions. Montanne underwent three months of intensive training, merging her ballet expertise with method acting techniques from the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.

One standout scene involves Montanne’s character performing a fractured pas de deux with an invisible specter, requiring 12-hour shoots in near-darkness. “It was physically and emotionally draining,” Montanne recounted to Collider. “I’d pirouette until my feet bled, then deliver lines laced with sobs.” Co-star Theo James, playing the asylum’s enigmatic doctor, praised her commitment: “Ashlee’s not just dancing; she’s embodying the horror.” The film’s score, composed by Anna Drubich, incorporates ballet motifs twisted into dissonant strings, echoing Montanne’s AGT roots.

Challenges abounded: a set fire during a night shoot delayed production by two days, and COVID protocols limited crew size to 50. Yet, these hurdles fostered creativity; improvised scenes, like Montanne ad-libbing a monologue about lost dreams, were keepers. Budget breakdowns show 30% allocated to practical sets, with Montanne contributing choreography that saved on extras. Post-production at Pinewood Studios involves color grading to evoke a sepia-toned nightmare, with a release slated for Halloween 2024 via A24 distribution.

Montanne’s role demanded a physical overhaul. She shed 10 pounds for authenticity, following a regimen of yoga and fasting, while studying real ballerina memoirs for emotional depth. Wardrobe, designed by Ruth Myers, features tattered leotards symbolizing fractured artistry. Fan access was key: Montanne hosted live Q&As during filming, sharing behind-the-scenes reels that boosted pre-release hype. This transparency, a holdover from her AGT days, has built a loyal following eager for her horror film debut.

Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz Surrounding Montanne’s Horror Leap

The internet is ablaze with reactions to Ashlee Montanne’s career change, from AGT superfans mourning her dance hiatus to horror enthusiasts hailing her as the next scream queen. On Twitter, #AshleeInAbandoned trended globally, amassing 2.5 million impressions in 24 hours. “She was grace on AGT; now she’ll be terror on screen—genius casting,” tweeted influencer @DanceHorrorFan, whose post garnered 10,000 retweets.

AGT alumni have chimed in supportively. Shin Lim, the season’s magic winner, posted, “Proud of you, Ashlee—break a leg, or whatever they say in horror!” Meanwhile, forums like Reddit’s r/AmericasGotTalent dissect her pivot, with threads analyzing how her aerial skills could innovate horror choreography. A poll on the subreddit showed 78% of 5,000 voters excited for Abandoned, citing Montanne’s charisma as a draw.

Industry buzz is equally fervent. At the American Film Market, Abandoned‘s teaser trailer screened to packed houses, eliciting gasps during Montanne’s reveal. Agents predict awards potential; her performance could snag a Saturn Award nod in the breakout category. Critics like those at The Hollywood Reporter draw parallels to Jennifer Lawrence’s early indie roles, suggesting this horror film could catapult Montanne to A-list status. “In a sea of reboots, fresh faces like Ashlee bring authenticity,” wrote reviewer Dana Stevens.

Challenges persist: some purists decry the genre shift as abandoning ballet roots, but Montanne addresses this head-on. “This isn’t goodbye to dance; it’s evolution,” she stated in a podcast with Horror Homeroom. Social metrics underscore the excitement—her Instagram followers surged 20% post-announcement, hitting 1.2 million. Partnerships with horror conventions like HorrorHound Weekend are in talks, positioning her as a bridge between TV, film, and fandom.

What’s Next for Ashlee Montanne: Blending Ballet, Horror, and Beyond

As Abandoned gears up for its fall premiere, Ashlee Montanne shows no signs of slowing. She’s already attached to a Netflix docuseries, Dance in the Dark, chronicling her career change through archival AGT footage and set diaries. Additionally, Montanne is developing a ballet-horror fusion stage production for Broadway, tentatively titled Phantom Pirouette, which could debut in 2025 and tour internationally.

Looking ahead, her versatility opens doors in multiple arenas. Talks of a guest spot on Dancing with the Stars—infusing horror themes into routines—are underway, while modeling gigs with Vogue emphasize her transformative look. Philanthropically, Montanne plans to launch a foundation supporting arts access for underprivileged youth, inspired by her Brooklyn beginnings. “Success isn’t linear; it’s a grand jeté into the unknown,” she quipped.

The horror community welcomes her with open arms, as evidenced by invitations to panels at WonderCon. With Abandoned‘s potential to gross $20 million domestically—based on comparable A24 releases—Montanne’s trajectory points upward. Fans speculate on sequels, but she remains grounded: “Whether spinning en pointe or fleeing phantoms, I’m telling stories that move people.” This multifaceted approach ensures her legacy endures, far beyond the AGT spotlight.