Ashlee Montague Leaps from America’s Got Talent Acrobatics to Horror Filmmaking Spotlight

In a stunning career pivot that’s turning heads in entertainment circles, Ashlee Montague, the acrobatic sensation who captivated audiences on America’s Got Talent, is trading her high-flying routines for the director’s chair and leading roles in film. Announced today, Montague will star in the upcoming indie horror thriller Abandoned, marking her bold entry into filmmaking. This transition isn’t just a side gig; it’s a full-throttle reinvention for the 28-year-old performer, who has also teased new music projects that blend her athletic prowess with cinematic storytelling.

Montague’s journey from reality TV stardom to the silver screen exemplifies the evolving paths of modern entertainers. During her 2019 appearance on America’s Got Talent Season 14, she wowed judges with gravity-defying aerial silk performances that earned her a standing ovation from Simon Cowell and a golden buzzer from Howie Mandel. Now, as she steps behind and in front of the camera, fans are buzzing about how her unique skills will translate to the big screen. “I’ve always been a storyteller at heart,” Montague shared in an exclusive interview. “Acrobatics was my language, but film is my new canvas.”

Montague’s Meteoric Rise on America’s Got Talent

Ashlee Montague‘s path to fame began in the bright lights of America’s Got Talent, where her blend of strength, grace, and raw emotion set her apart from the competition. Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Montague discovered her passion for acrobatics at age 12 through local gymnastics classes. By her teens, she was competing nationally, but it was the national stage of AGT that catapulted her into the spotlight.

In the summer of 2019, Montague auditioned with a routine that combined aerial silks with contemporary dance, drawing inspiration from her personal struggles with overcoming stage fright. “I remember the nerves hitting me like a wave, but once I was up there, it was pure freedom,” she recalled. Her performance scored four yeses from the judges, propelling her through the quarterfinals. Though she didn’t claim the top prize—losing out to light balance artist Light Balance Kids—Montague’s viral audition video amassed over 5 million views on YouTube, establishing her as a household name.

Post-AGT, Montague capitalized on her exposure with sold-out live shows across the U.S. and a sponsorship deal with a major fitness brand. Statistics from Nielsen ratings show that her episode drew 8.2 million viewers, a 15% increase from the previous season’s average, highlighting her draw. But beneath the glamour, Montague faced burnout. “The constant travel and pressure to perform perfection every night wore me down,” she admitted. This exhaustion sparked her interest in filmmaking, where she could create narratives that resonated on a deeper level.

Industry insiders note that AGT alumni often diversify careers—think Kodi Lee in music or Darci Lynne in ventriloquism specials—but Montague’s shift to film is particularly audacious. A 2022 Variety report indicated that only 12% of reality TV stars successfully transition to scripted roles, making her move a high-stakes gamble with high rewards.

Unveiling the Horror Thrill of ‘Abandoned’

At the center of Ashlee Montague’s filmmaking debut is Abandoned, a chilling horror film set for release in late 2024. Directed by emerging filmmaker Jordan Reyes, the movie follows a group of urban explorers who uncover dark secrets in a derelict asylum. Montague plays the lead role of Elena, a fearless acrobat-turned-investigator whose physical agility drives the plot’s intense chase sequences.

What makes Abandoned a perfect fit for Montague? Her real-life acrobatic background informs Elena’s character, allowing for authentic stunt work without heavy reliance on doubles. “We wrote the role with Ashlee in mind after seeing her AGT clips,” Reyes explained in a press statement. “Her ability to convey vulnerability while executing flips and climbs adds a layer of realism that’s rare in horror.” Filming took place over six weeks in an actual abandoned hospital in rural Pennsylvania, where temperatures dipped to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, testing the cast’s endurance.

The film’s production budget, estimated at $2.5 million, is modest for the genre, but early buzz suggests it could punch above its weight. Horror has seen a resurgence, with 2023 box office data from Box Office Mojo showing the category grossing $800 million domestically—a 25% uptick from 2022. Montague’s involvement could draw AGT’s loyal fanbase, potentially boosting streaming numbers on platforms like Shudder or Netflix.

Behind-the-scenes anecdotes reveal Montague’s quick adaptation to set life. She not only performed her stunts but also contributed ideas for aerial horror elements, like a silhouette descent through fog-shrouded corridors. “It was terrifying and exhilarating,” Montague said. “Horror lets you explore fear in a way acrobatics never could—it’s internal as much as external.” Co-star Mia Vargas, who plays Elena’s skeptical best friend, praised Montague’s work ethic: “She’s a natural. By week two, she was suggesting camera angles that elevated the whole scene.”

To prepare, Montague enrolled in a three-month acting intensive at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles, honing her skills alongside veterans. This commitment underscores her seriousness about filmmaking, positioning Abandoned as more than a debut—it’s a statement of intent.

Harmonizing Acrobatics with New Music Ventures

While filmmaking takes center stage, Ashlee Montague isn’t abandoning her musical roots entirely. Drawing from her AGT performances, which often incorporated original soundtracks, she’s developing a debut EP titled Suspended Notes, slated for release in early 2025. The project fuses electronic beats with acrobatic-inspired visuals, aiming to create immersive experiences that bridge performance art and pop.

Montague’s music journey started as a hobby during AGT downtime, where she collaborated with producer Alex Thorne on demo tracks. “Music was my escape when rehearsals got intense,” she shared. The EP features five tracks, including the lead single “Gravity’s Pull,” which samples audio from her famous AGT routine. Themes of resilience and reinvention echo her career shift, with lyrics like “From the heights I fall, but I rise in the dark” hinting at her horror film role.

Industry experts see synergy here. A Billboard analysis of multi-hyphenate artists shows that those blending physical performance with music—like Cirque du Soleil alumni—achieve 30% higher streaming engagement. Montague plans to promote Suspended Notes through live shows that integrate film clips from Abandoned, creating a multimedia spectacle. She’s already secured a spot at the 2024 SXSW Film & Music Festival, where she’ll perform and host a panel on transitioning from TV to creative industries.

Challenges abound, however. Balancing filmmaking, music, and her ongoing acrobatic workshops requires meticulous time management. Montague credits a supportive team, including a manager from AGT’s production company, for keeping her grounded. “It’s about evolving without losing who I am,” she noted. Early previews of “Gravity’s Pull” have garnered 500,000 streams on Spotify’s editorial playlists, signaling strong potential.

This musical foray also ties back to America’s Got Talent, where sound design was crucial to her acts. By incorporating elements like heartbeat rhythms mimicking suspenseful film scores, Montague is crafting a signature style that could define her post-AGT era.

Industry Buzz and the Broader Impact of Montague’s Pivot

Ashlee Montague’s leap into filmmaking is generating ripples across Hollywood and beyond. Agents at CAA, who represent her, predict Abandoned could open doors to bigger projects, with whispers of a potential action-thriller follow-up. “Ashlee represents the new wave of talent—versatile, authentic, and audience-connected,” said entertainment analyst Sarah Kline in a recent podcast. Her AGT fame provides a built-in marketing edge, as evidenced by a 40% follower spike on Instagram following the announcement.

The transition highlights broader trends in the entertainment industry. With streaming platforms hungry for diverse content, performers like Montague are invaluable. A 2023 Deloitte report notes that cross-media stars drive 22% more viewer retention, fueling investments in hybrid projects. For women in action roles, Montague’s acrobatic authenticity challenges stereotypes, joining ranks with athletes-turned-actors like Gina Carano.

Challenges persist, including the cutthroat nature of film. Montague has spoken candidly about imposter syndrome: “Coming from reality TV, I had to prove I wasn’t a one-trick pony.” Yet, her proactive approach—auditioning for 15 roles last year alone—demonstrates resilience. Mentors like AGT judge Heidi Klum have offered guidance, with Klum tweeting, “Ashlee’s got the talent to conquer any stage—or screen!”

Looking ahead, Montague envisions directing her own projects by 2026, perhaps a documentary on acrobats in cinema. She’s also mentoring young performers through a new foundation, emphasizing creative diversification. As Abandoned gears up for festivals and her music drops, Montague’s story inspires: from AGT spotlights to filmmaking frontiers, her trajectory promises to redefine what’s possible for reality TV trailblazers.

With premieres on the horizon and collaborations brewing, Ashlee Montague is poised to soar higher than ever, blending her America’s Got Talent legacy with innovative filmmaking and music. Fans can expect announcements soon, including trailer drops and tour dates that will keep her multifaceted career in the headlines.