How to Audition for America’s Got Talent (AGT): Complete Guide

1. How Does America’s Got Talent’s Audition Process Work?

Every season, AGT holds open call auditions. You don’t need an agent, a resume, or previous TV experience. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Submit an online audition video or attend a live audition (when available).
2. If your audition is selected, a producer may contact you for a callback.
3. Participate in any requested callbacks, interviews, or follow-up auditions.
4. If selected, you’ll be invited to perform for the America’s Got Talent judges.

Most acts are cut before reaching the televised judge auditions. Your goal is to make it past the first two rounds.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Before you audition, make sure you meet these requirements:

• Age: Anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian’s permission
• Location: You must be legally present in the U.S. during filming
• Schedule: Be available for filming in spring/summer
• Legal: A background check is required
• Originality: Acts must be your own or cleared for use on TV

If you’re unsure, review the official eligibility requirements on the AGT casting website.

3. What’s the Difference Between Online and In-Person AGT Auditions?

AGT has prioritized virtual auditions since 2020, but they sometimes bring back in-person options. Here’s the difference:

Online Auditions

• Submit your audition through the official AGT casting website.
• Option to register for live Zoom auditions
• No travel required

In-Person Auditions

• Hosted in major cities (when available)
• Usually first-come, first-served
• Risk of long waits with no guarantee of being seen

What to Expect at a Live Audition

If you’re attending an in-person audition, here’s what you can generally expect during the day.

• Arrival: You’ll likely be assigned a check-in time. Expect lines. Dress comfortably but performance-ready.
• Paperwork: Waivers and forms are required on-site. Bring ID and anything the casting site tells you in advance.
• Warm-up space: Rarely provided. Be prepared to stretch or rehearse outside.
• Filming setup: You may audition for a producer in a basic room, not a full stage.
• Re-dos: Sometimes they’ll let you do a second take. Don’t count on it.

Bring water, snacks, backup batteries, and printed copies of any music, lyrics, or materials you may need. Most importantly, arrive prepared and allow extra time for check-in and waiting.

If both options are available, choose the audition format that allows you to present your act with the greatest confidence and preparation. A polished performance matters far more than whether you audition online or in person.

4. How to Prepare Your Act for AGT (AGT Audition Tips)

Preparing for an America’s Got Talent audition takes more than talent alone. A polished audition video, careful rehearsal, and attention to presentation can significantly improve your chances of advancing through the casting process.

How to Audition for AGT in 5 Simple Steps

1. Decide what talent to showcase – Choose your strongest skill: comedy, singing, magic, dance, or variety.
2. Cut your act to 90 seconds – Focus only on your most impactful material. Start strong and end with something memorable.
3. Rehearse constantly – Perform it for friends, record test takes, and trim until it’s tight.
4. Record your audition video – Use a clean, well-lit background. Film horizontally. Do not edit or filter the footage.
5. Submit your video – Go to agtcasting.com and upload your polished 90-second clip.

Pro How-To Prep Breakdown

Before you submit your audition, review these technical details to make sure your video presents your act as professionally as possible.

• Lighting: Use natural light or a soft ring light. Avoid shadows and harsh backlighting.
• Sound: Test audio levels. If you’re a singer or comic, clarity matters more than volume.
• Camera framing: Center yourself and use a tripod or stable surface. Head-to-waist framing works for most.
• Setting: Choose a neutral or relevant backdrop. Avoid clutter or distracting posters.
• Outfit: Wear what you’d wear onstage. No costumes unless they’re part of your act.
• Practice on camera: Perform at least 10–15 test runs and watch them back.
• File format: MP4 or MOV is best. Keep the file under 1GB.

5. What Should Be on Your AGT Audition Checklist?

Before submitting your audition video, use this checklist to ensure you’re ready. If none of these are checked off, you’re unprepared to submit.

• — I have trimmed my act to 90 seconds or less
• — I’ve tested the act in front of others and received feedback
• — My audio and lighting are clear and professional
• — My background is neutral and not distracting
• — I am wearing performance-ready attire
• — I’ve recorded at least 10 test takes and picked the best one
• — My file is in MP4 or MOV format and under 1GB
• — I’ve reviewed my video and made no edits or filters
• — I’ve submitted my audition through the official AGT casting website.

👉 Download the Printable AGT Audition Checklist (PDF)

This downloadable checklist helps you avoid mistakes and organize your prep. It’s designed for AGT-style acts and is helpful whether you’re applying now or planning for next season.

Explore More America’s Got Talent Resources

If you’re researching America’s Got Talent, these guides provide additional information about contestants, Golden Buzzers, auditions, and performers who have gone on to successful entertainment careers.

• America’s Got Talent Hub
• America’s Got Talent Season 21
• Top 10 Funniest Comedians on America’s Got Talent
• Greatest Magicians on America’s Got Talent
• Darci Lynne Tour
• Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer Moments

6. Frequently Asked Questions About AGT Auditions

7. Golden Buzzer Auditions: What Makes Them Work

Golden Buzzer auditions are rare and iconic. They have launched careers overnight, and they show what happens when talent, timing, and storytelling come together on stage.

Want more examples? Explore Simon Cowell’s Iconic Golden Buzzer Moments.

Looking for performers who turned AGT appearances into successful careers? Explore our America’s Got Talent performers and finalists to see how contestants continue beyond the competition.

Traits of Successful Golden Buzzer Moments

• Immediate impact — Within 10–20 seconds, the act grabs attention.
• Authenticity — The performer’s story connects emotionally and feels real.
• Unexpected twist — Either in style, delivery, or talent level.
• Polish — These acts are not improvised or under-rehearsed.

Top Golden Buzzer Examples (and Why They Worked)

Kodi Lee – Singer & Pianist

Nightbirde – Singer/Songwriter

Darci Lynne – Ventriloquist & Vocalist

Use these performances as reference points. AGT rewards talent, surprise, and a strong personal story. The goal is not to copy another act, but to understand how timing, presentation, and audience connection work together.

8. What We Can Learn from Unsuccessful AGT Auditions

Not every America’s Got Talent audition is successful, but even the performances that don’t advance offer useful lessons. Many unsuccessful auditions are not caused by a lack of talent, but by preparation, presentation, or choosing material that doesn’t connect with a broad audience.

Common Mistakes That Hurt AGT Auditions

• Too much talking before performing — Get to the act quickly and let your talent speak for itself.
• No clear concept — Producers should immediately understand what makes your act unique.
• Overreliance on shock value — Originality is important, but it should support the performance rather than replace it.
• Lack of preparation — Timing, confidence, and polish often separate successful auditions from unsuccessful ones.
• Material with limited audience appeal — AGT looks for acts that can connect with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

Examples That Illustrate These Lessons

The Human Fountains (Season 13)
A novelty act built around synchronized water-spitting. While memorable, the performance demonstrated that surprise alone is rarely enough without broader entertainment value.

Special Head (Season 8)
A levitation performance that generated attention but also showed the importance of pacing and maintaining audience engagement throughout an act.

Contestants Who Argue with the Judges
Throughout the show’s history, some contestants have responded defensively to criticism. Remaining professional and coachable generally leaves a stronger impression than arguing with the judges.

Takeaway

The strongest AGT auditions combine originality, preparation, and a clear understanding of the audience. Great performers introduce themselves quickly, showcase their best material early, and leave both the judges and viewers wanting to see more.

9. Best AGT Auditions of All Time

Some auditions don’t just earn a Golden Buzzer—they become defining moments in the history of America’s Got Talent. These performances combined exceptional talent, strong preparation, and memorable stage presence to create auditions that fans still watch years later.

We’ve put together a list of top AGT performers you can book for your next event.

Why These Auditions Stood Out

• Clear identity – The performer knew exactly who they were.
• Clean delivery – Well-rehearsed with no filler or fumbles.
• Judge reaction – The panel responded immediately with praise or emotion.
• Audience energy – Roars of applause before the act even ended.

Iconic Examples

Terry Fator – Ventriloquist, Singer & Impressionist

Shin Lim – Close-Up Magician

Grace VanderWaal – Singer/Songwriter

These alumni aren’t just famous — many are available for bookings right now.

These memorable auditions demonstrate that outstanding performances combine talent, preparation, originality, and the ability to connect with both the judges and the audience.

10. Acts That Auditioned More Than Once

Some of AGT’s most determined contestants didn’t make it on their first try. Many returned stronger, more polished, more confident, and better prepared.

Notable Repeat Contestants

Calysta Bevier – After an earlier attempt, Calysta returned with a moving performance that highlighted both her vocal talent and personal story, ultimately earning a Golden Buzzer.

Alex Hooper – Alex Hooper returned after his first appearance with a revised approach that better showcased his personality and comedic style.

Sethward – Known for returning with a series of memorable comedy and variety acts, Sethward demonstrated persistence and a willingness to keep refining his performances.

These examples show that many successful contestants improve their acts over time. Persistence, preparation, and continuous refinement can make a significant difference from one audition to the next.

Why Returning Can Help You

• Maturity and stage presence improve with time
• Better gear and production value
• A clear personal story helps the second time around

11. What Happens After You Audition

Once you submit your AGT audition or attend a live casting, your part of the process is complete, but the selection process continues behind the scenes.

What the Producers Do

• Review thousands of videos — They assess originality, audience appeal, and performance potential.
• Shortlist for callbacks — If selected, a producer may contact you within weeks or even months.
• Organize callbacks — These may be Zoom sessions, phone interviews, or requests for updated material.
• Finalize the cast — Based on talent mix, demographics, and season themes.

Callback Expectations

• You may be asked to re-perform your act live via video call.
• Be ready to answer questions about your background, motivations, and personality.
• They may ask you to tweak or shorten your material.

If You Make It to the Judge Auditions

• You’ll be flown to a taping location — usually in Pasadena, California.
• You sign additional paperwork and clearances.
• Most acts are filmed in spring and early summer.
• Only a portion makes it to air.

Behind every Golden Buzzer are weeks—or even months—of preparation that viewers never see. Whether or not your audition is televised, being prepared for every stage of the process gives you the best chance to succeed.

12. AGT Success Stories Beyond the Show

Appearing on America’s Got Talent has helped many contestants build successful careers beyond the television competition. Some became major social media creators, while others developed successful touring careers, recording careers, television opportunities, and business ventures.