Ashlee Montague Leaps from America’s Got Talent Acrobatics to Starring Role in Horror Movie ‘Abandoned’

In a stunning pivot that has fans and industry insiders buzzing, Ashlee Montague, the acrobatic sensation who captivated audiences on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent, is trading her high-flying flips for spine-chilling screams in the upcoming horror movie Abandoned. This bold transition into filmmaking marks not just a career shift but a testament to Montague’s versatility, as she steps into the lead role of a psychological thriller set for release next year.

Montague’s journey from the bright lights of the AGT stage to the shadowy sets of Hollywood began with her unforgettable audition in 2024, where her gravity-defying routines earned her a golden buzzer and propelled her to national fame. Now, at just 28 years old, she’s channeling that same athletic prowess and emotional depth into a genre that’s as unforgiving as it is exhilarating. “I’ve always been drawn to stories that push boundaries,” Montague shared in an exclusive interview. “America’s Got Talent gave me a platform, but filmmaking allows me to tell deeper, darker tales.”

Ashlee Montague‘s AGT Breakthrough: Acrobatics That Stole the Spotlight

Ashlee Montague first exploded onto the entertainment scene during Season 19 of America’s Got Talent, a season that boasted record viewership numbers exceeding 10 million per episode, according to Nielsen ratings. Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Montague’s backstory is the stuff of underdog dreams: a former gymnast who turned to street performing after a college scholarship fell through. Her AGT audition featured a breathtaking blend of aerial silks and contemporary dance, synchronized to an original score that left judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel in awe.

“Ashlee didn’t just perform; she transformed the stage into a canvas of emotion,” Cowell remarked during the live shows. Montague advanced to the finals, securing third place and a $1 million prize opportunity that, while not won, opened doors she never imagined. Her performances amassed over 50 million views on social media platforms, with clips of her signature “Skyward Spiral” routine going viral on TikTok and Instagram. This digital footprint not only solidified her as a household name but also caught the eye of filmmakers scouting for fresh talent with physicality and charisma.

Behind the glamour, Montague’s AGT tenure was rigorous. She trained up to 12 hours a day, balancing rehearsals with media appearances. Statistics from the show’s production reveal that acrobatic acts like hers have a 25% higher advancement rate due to their visual impact, a trend Montague exemplified. Yet, even as she dazzled under the AGT lights, whispers of her interest in acting surfaced. In post-elimination interviews, she hinted at aspirations beyond the talent show circuit, citing influences like Zendaya’s transition from Disney to dramatic roles.

The AGT experience wasn’t without challenges. Montague spoke candidly about the pressure of live television, where a single misstep could end a dream. “Every flip felt like a leap of faith,” she said. But it was this resilience that prepared her for the unpredictable world of filmmaking. As Season 19 wrapped with a viewership spike of 15% over the previous year, Montague emerged not just as a performer, but as a star ready for reinvention.

Diving into Darkness: The Plot and Production of ‘Abandoned’

The horror movie Abandoned represents Ashlee Montague’s daring foray into filmmaking, a genre that generated over $500 million at the global box office in 2023 alone, per Box Office Mojo data. Directed by rising indie filmmaker Elena Vasquez, known for her critically acclaimed short Whispers in the Walls, the film follows a young woman—played by Montague—who inherits a remote, decrepit farmhouse only to uncover a web of supernatural secrets tied to her family’s forgotten past.

Montague’s character, Eliza Thorne, is no damsel in distress; she’s a fierce survivor whose acrobatic background informs the role’s demanding physical sequences. Production began in the fall of 2024 in the eerie backwoods of upstate New York, with principal photography wrapping after 45 grueling days. The budget, estimated at $8 million, leverages practical effects and atmospheric tension over CGI, a choice Vasquez championed to heighten realism. “Ashlee brings an authenticity that’s rare,” Vasquez told Variety. “Her body moves like poetry, even in terror.”

The script, penned by horror veteran Marcus Hale, draws from real-life abandonment cases, blending psychological dread with ghostly apparitions. Early footage teasers, released on YouTube, have garnered 2 million views, showcasing Montague in a harrowing chase scene that utilizes her tumbling skills to evade spectral pursuers. Sound design plays a pivotal role, with a score by composer Lila Voss incorporating dissonant strings and amplified heartbeats to amplify unease.

Filmmaking for Montague was a steep learning curve. Unlike the structured world of America’s Got Talent, where routines were pre-planned, Abandoned required improvisation amid rain-soaked night shoots. She underwent three months of acting coaching, focusing on method techniques to embody Eliza’s trauma. Co-stars include genre staples like veteran actor Harlan Reed as the enigmatic uncle and newcomer Mia Chen as Eliza’s skeptical best friend. The ensemble’s chemistry, forged during table reads, promises a layered narrative that explores themes of isolation and inheritance.

Industry analysts predict Abandoned could follow the trajectory of low-budget hits like The Conjuring, which earned $319 million on a $20 million budget. With distribution deals in place through indie powerhouse A24, the film’s festival circuit debut at Sundance 2025 could catapult Montague into awards contention. Her commitment shines through in production notes: she performed 80% of her stunts, reducing costs and adding grit to the horror movie’s visceral appeal.

From Talent Show to Tinseltown: Montague’s Strategic Career Pivot

Ashlee Montague’s shift from America’s Got Talent to starring in Abandoned is more than a whim—it’s a calculated evolution in a competitive industry where reality TV alumni often struggle to sustain momentum. Only 12% of AGT finalists transition to long-term entertainment careers, according to a 2023 study by the Television Academy, but Montague bucks the trend with her multifaceted skill set. Post-AGT, she signed with a top agency, CAA, which facilitated auditions for pilots and films, but it was her raw athleticism that sealed the Abandoned deal.

The pivot began subtly. During AGT’s Hollywood Week, Montague networked with guest stars, including actors from horror franchises. “I realized performing was my language, but stories were my passion,” she reflected. She enrolled in online acting classes via MasterClass, studying icons like Meryl Streep and practical effects guru Tom Savini. This preparation paid off when Vasquez, scouting for a lead who could handle both emotional monologues and wire work, discovered Montague’s demo reel on Vimeo.

Filmmaking’s allure for Montague lies in its permanence. “On AGT, it’s ephemeral—one show, gone. But a film lives forever,” she explained. Challenges abounded: the audition process involved three callbacks, including a screen test where she improvised a fear-laden scene. Rejection from two other projects honed her resilience, echoing her AGT journey. Now, with Abandoned under her belt, Montague eyes producing her own content, perhaps a documentary on acrobats in media.

Her transition mirrors broader trends. Reality stars like Karlie Kloss have ventured into film, but Montague’s horror niche taps into a booming market—horror viewership on streaming rose 40% in 2024, per Parrot Analytics. Mentors like AGT’s Mandel, who invested in her early, praise her foresight. “Ashlee’s not waiting for opportunities; she’s creating them,” he said. This strategic pivot positions her as a bridge between talent competitions and cinematic storytelling, inspiring a new wave of performers.

Fans and Critics React: The Buzz Around Montague’s Horror Debut

The announcement of Ashlee Montague’s role in the horror movie Abandoned has ignited a firestorm of excitement online, with #AshleeToHorror trending on Twitter for 48 hours straight, amassing 150,000 posts. Fans of her America’s Got Talent days flooded comment sections with support: “From flips to frights—Ashlee’s killing it!” tweeted influencer @AcroFanatic, whose post garnered 20,000 likes. Social media metrics show a 300% spike in Montague’s follower count since the news broke, pushing her Instagram to 1.2 million.

Critics are equally intrigued. Deadline Hollywood’s review of the teaser called it “a fresh voice in horror, blending physical theater with genre tropes.” Some express skepticism about reality TV crossovers, citing flops like past AGT contestants’ sitcom attempts, but Montague’s preparation quells doubts. At a virtual panel for the film’s backers, she addressed naysayers: “I’m not a gimmick; I’m an artist evolving.”

Industry buzz extends to podcasts and forums. On “Horror Hype,” host Jordan Reyes dissected how Montague’s agility could redefine final-girl archetypes, predicting Oscar buzz for stunts. Fan theories abound on Reddit’s r/Horror, speculating Abandoned‘s twists based on AGT-inspired clues. Merchandise teases, like signed posters from set, sold out in hours on the production’s site, signaling strong pre-release interest.

This reaction underscores Montague’s appeal: relatable yet aspirational. AGT viewers, 60% aged 18-34 per demographics, overlap with horror’s core audience, creating a built-in fanbase. As trailers drop, expect amplified discourse, potentially boosting Abandoned‘s marketing without multimillion-dollar spends.

Future Frights and Flights: Montague’s Roadmap in Filmmaking

Looking ahead, Ashlee Montague’s foray into Abandoned is just the launchpad for a burgeoning filmmaking career. With the horror movie slated for a wide release in summer 2025, Montague has already lined up a supporting role in a romantic comedy pilot for Netflix, showcasing her range. “I want to flip between genres like I flip in the air,” she joked in a recent Zoom chat.

Long-term, Montague envisions directing, having shadowed Vasquez on set and penned a spec script about a circus performer’s descent into madness—a nod to her acrobatic roots. She’s also advocating for more physically demanding roles for women in horror, citing stats that only 28% of action sequences feature female leads, per USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Partnerships with AGT producers could yield crossover specials, blending talent show energy with cinematic narratives.

The implications ripple outward. Montague’s success could encourage AGT hopefuls to diversify, potentially increasing the talent pool for film. As streaming platforms hunger for original content, her story highlights the value of versatile performers. With whispers of a Abandoned sequel and endorsement deals from athleisure brands tying into her fitness persona, Montague’s trajectory points upward—proving that from talent show stages to horror screens, the leap is worth the risk.

In the ever-evolving entertainment landscape, Ashlee Montague stands as a beacon for reinvention, her journey from America’s Got Talent to Abandoned inspiring countless dreamers to pursue their next act.