Your step‑by‑step AGT audition guide for singers
From your first 90‑second audition to what happens if you make it to the Judges’ round, here’s exactly how to prepare, what to expect, and how to put your best voice forward.
At‑a‑glance: the three ways you can audition for AGT
If AGT is on your vision board, this guide walks you from “thinking about it” to “ready to submit”—with the singer‑specific prep most other guides miss.
- Video Audition (asynchronous): Record and upload your performance to the AGT portal. Great when you want maximum control over audio and takes.
- Virtual Open Call (live over webcam): Meet a producer via AGT’s platform on a specific date; expect a short wait and a tight performance window.
- In‑Person Open Call (select cities): First‑come, first‑seen on the day. If there aren’t in‑person dates near you, Virtual Open Call and Video Audition cover you.
Season‑to‑season changes happen (dates, formats, and even Golden Buzzer rules), so confirm details on AGT’s official audition pages before you register or submit.
Who can apply to audition for AGT
Any age can audition
If you’re under 18, a parent/legal guardian must be involved and, in many cases, physically present. Extra notarized forms are required if a parent cannot attend.
Citizenship and/or visa requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise in the U.S. legally at the time of your initial audition; appropriate visa status is required by live shows.
Costs to apply and audition for AGT
There is no fee to submit a video or create a Performer Profile; follow official Terms as they’re updated each season.
Paperwork you’ll need for the audition
Solo or groups
Every participant (performers and supporters) completes a Personal Release and needs to show a photo ID. Groups register under one main contact and can e‑sign releases via the Performer Profile.
Minors
Minors are required to bring a photo ID (or birth certificate + parent ID). If a parent can’t attend, you must bring a notarized Guardianship & Medical Authorization form and designate the attending adult on the release. Strict rules apply to ratios for groups with minors.
How long do you get to perform?
Open calls and virtual open calls cap performances at up to 90 seconds—so plan a purpose‑built cut of your best song that lands fast.
Video uploads: The FAQ often notes “under 2 minutes,” while the official Terms allow 2–3 minutes with up to a 30‑second intro; always follow the current instructions shown in your audition portal.
Our advice: deliver a tight 90–120 seconds.
Pick your path: exact steps, tips, and checklists for your audition to AGT
Path A) Video Audition
What to do
- Create your Performer Profile on the official AGT auditions site and choose Video Audition.
- Record a clean, well‑lit performance against a simple background. Keep your voice forward in the mix and avoid heavy reverb or effects. The FAQ suggests under 2 minutes; Terms permit 2–3 minutes with a brief intro—obey the guidance shown in the portal for your season.
- Upload your file (follow file‑size/orientation notes in the video FAQ) or share a YouTube link; submit only one official audition per act.
Checklist for AGT Video Auditions
- 90–120s cut with your strongest 10–15s up front
- Landscape orientation, bright face‑light, quiet room
- Simple backdrop, wardrobe with no logos
- A cappella or instrument‑backed vocal (avoid karaoke tracks that bury the voice)
- Short, natural intro if allowed (name, city, 1‑line story)
- File size and format per AGT FAQ; confirm portal rules before uploading
What happens next
Producers review submissions; only selected acts are contacted to schedule next steps. Expect season‑specific timelines posted on the site each year.
Path B) Virtual Open Call – live with a producer
What to expect
- You’ll register for a date; about a week prior you’ll pick an arrival window. On audition day, you can log in anytime during posted hours; plan for about 1–2 hours total. Perform up to 90 seconds.
- Singers usually perform a cappella (you may play an instrument). Prepare a verse/chorus and have an alternate song ready.
- Check the Virtual Open Call FAQs on the AGT site.
Checklist for AGT Virtual Auditions
- Fully charged laptop or phone, stable Wi‑Fi or wired connection
- Camera at eye level; test framing and sound
- Quiet space; turn off notifications; headphones/earbuds ready
- Photo ID, releases accessible
- Wardrobe with no logos; natural light or a soft key light
- 2–3 song options; 1–2 short answers for “tell us about you” questions
Results from your audition
Only acts moving forward from their virtual AGT audition are contacted; typical notifications land by late winter/early spring, but always defer to the current season’s FAQ.
Path C) In‑Person Open Call
What to expect
- First‑come, first‑seen lines. Doors typically run all day; plan for a full day at the venue. You’ll perform up to 90 seconds.
- Singers generally audition a cappella; no vocal mics are typically provided at producer rounds. You may bring an acoustic instrument; a digital piano is often available; backing tracks are limited (allowed for some dance/rap scenarios).
- Safety and setup rules: no fire or special rigging at open calls; large setups must be cleared in advance; animal acts require the Animal Information Form and vaccination records. Wear clothing with no logos.
- Check the AGT Open Call FAQs on the AGT site.
Checklist for AGT in‑person open call auditions
- Photo ID; audition ticket/QR; completed releases
- 90‑second cut; instrument, small amp if permitted
- Water/snacks; layers; portable phone charger
- Wardrobe on arrival; no logos; extra shoes if you’ll move
- YouTube link of full setup if your act needs more gear than the room allows
Singer‑first prep: build a 60–90 second cut that wins producer attention
Make the money note unavoidable
Open with an 8–15 second hook that proves pitch, tone, and style immediately; build to a clear peak by ~0:45; leave a confident button.
Prepare for a cappella
Choose keys and intros that work cold; design your first line to lock pitch without accompaniment. Virtual and open‑call guidance explicitly prepares singers to perform a cappella.
Backing options
If you also dance or rap, limited track use may be allowed; instruments are always welcome. Confirm allowances posted for your audition type.
Camera presence
For video/virtual, keep framing mid‑torso to headroom, neutral background, soft key light slightly above eye line, and crisp, dry audio. Follow the site’s technical recommendations.
Your 15‑Second Story Nail the Producer Intro
Producers want to meet a human—quickly. As a contestant auditioning for America’s Got talent, singers need to deliver one authentic story and get to the music without oversharing.
Advice from a pro vocal coach
The line: your name, city, one concrete “why,” then sing.
Templates to try:
“I’m [Name] from [City], and I’m here because [one‑line why].”
“I teach swim lessons by day, sing soul at night, and tonight I’m sharing the song that got me through [brief moment].”
“I’m [Name], [City]; this is the most ‘me’ 90 seconds I’ve ever sung.”
Some tips from experienced AGT coaches:
- Build three versions of your story: heartfelt, humorous, and straight‑to‑song.
- Voice, not persona: keep it true to you
- Authenticity matters, a lot
Wardrobe and Camera Styling That Reads on Stage
Choose outfits that support performance and camera, every aspect of your performance matters, from your socks to your hair, and of course to your attitude. No logos, minimal moiré, shoes that let you breathe and move.
- Color: solids that complement skin tone; avoid high‑contrast micro‑patterns.
- Fit: supportive but breathable; test sitting/standing.
- Hair/makeup: lift eyes and cheekbones; keep shine in check; practice quick changes.
- Try everything in performance: sing the money note in the full outfit; if you tense or fidget, simplify.
Quick picks: solid color that complements your skin, breathable fit you’ve rehearsed in, shoes you can plant or pivot in, shine control for face/hands, and zero visible logos or handles.
Helpful practice links from our studio
- Microphone Techniques Every Singer Should Know
- Find Your Vocal Range
- How to Choose the Right Song for Your Voice
- How to Stop Your Voice from Cracking when Singing
What happens if you advance: the Judges’ Audition (Pasadena)
Location, travel, and per diem
If you live within ~300 miles of the theater, you’re considered “local” (no airfare; mileage/ground reimbursed). If you’re not local, the show arranges flights/hotel. A modest per diem is provided for contestants (and one parent/guardian for minors) staying in the production hotel.
Music clearance
Submit multiple song options early; AGT’s Music Team must clear your song before use. You’ll receive an approved 90‑second edit if using a track.
Wardrobe and hair/makeup
Send wardrobe photos for approval; avoid logos and busy patterns that strobe on camera. Arrive “camera‑ready”; hair/makeup are not provided for the Judges’ audition.
Props and shipping
Coordinate any large or specialized props in advance; certain items cannot travel by air (e.g., pyrotechnic materials).
How AGT judging works (and Golden Buzzers)
In audition episodes, acts typically need a majority of “Yes” votes from the judges to move forward (e.g., Season 19 specified at least three Yes votes). A Golden Buzzer sends an act directly to the Live Shows. The exact number of Golden Buzzers and when they appear can change by season.
Example season updates: Season 20 (2025) expanded Golden Buzzer use in auditions and added special Golden Buzzers in later rounds; always check NBC’s current “How AGT Works” page for that season’s rules.
Rules to know so you don’t get delayed or disqualified during your AGT audition
Clothing/branding
No logos or social handles on wardrobe or props. Submit wardrobe photos for approval if you’re invited to Judges’ auditions.
Dangerous items/rigging
No pyrotechnics or special rigging at open calls; submit video instead if essential to your act.
Animals
Complete the Animal Information Form and bring vaccination records; rules vary by venue/state.
Compensation/fees
Contestants aren’t paid to audition, and there’s no charge to create a Performer Profile or submit a video.
Minors and groups: extra steps
Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian; if not, you’ll need a notarized Guardianship & Medical Authorization form and a designated show guardian (21+) approved by production. Ratios apply when groups travel (typically one adult per four minors).
Group registration
One member registers the act; all members must complete releases and show photo ID on audition day.
International performers
You can audition if you meet eligibility; you must be in the U.S. legally at your initial audition and have the right visa status before live shows. Production coordinates visa guidance for acts that advance.
When will you hear back after the audition?
For virtual and in‑person open calls, only acts moving forward are contacted, typically by late winter/early spring (timelines vary by season). Video submissions follow similar “producers will contact you if selected” timelines.
If you don’t hear back: The Next‑Shot Playbook
Silence isn’t a verdict on your talent. Treat it as timing, then act. Keep a rolling pipeline of material: one song polishing, one maintaining, one learning.
- Immediate next steps: book a mock audition, schedule local reps, and submit to other opportunities.
- Cross‑apply your cut: reshape it for other shows with How to Audition for American Idol: Step‑by‑Step Guide.
- Build momentum: Connect with a vocal coach near you to get the support you need for your next big opportunity.
- Get weekly support: No matter where you and your voice are, explore options for online virtual voice lessons with experience coaches who know how to prepare your voice.
- Find local support: Find voice lessons near you that can help with in-person nerves and channel your strengths personally.
Singer‑specific pro tips from our vocal coaches
Design your cut for “no mic” rooms: Practice projecting in a carpeted space and craft a cold‑open first line that pins pitch without a cue note.
Lock story + skill inside 90 seconds: Lead with the voice, not the backstory; if asked to chat, keep your intro to one crisp sentence and sing.
Build a cappella confidence: Rehearse a 10‑second vamp or riff that centers breath and pitch; if producers stop you early, you’ve already shown your best 20 seconds.
Song choice math: Favor keys with an early money note (0:15–0:25), one power belt, one color‑tone phrase, and a clear finish. Use our guides “How to Choose the Right Song for Your Voice” and “How to Find Your Vocal Range (At Home).”
Tech a virtual setup: 18–24 inches from the camera; light just above eye level; record a dry run and coach against it.
Discover the Top America’s Got Talent Audition Songs and find the right track for your audition.
Vocal Health Protocol (Week‑Of and Day‑Of)
Audition week is about predictable habits, not heroic hacks. Protect sleep, hydration, and light, daily voice work; avoid anything new.
- Week‑of: consistent bedtime, steady water intake, 10–15 minutes of gentle warmups daily, brush up on vocal technique
- Day‑of: dynamic body warmup and easy on‑ramp; keep meals familiar and light; cool down after. See: How stretching exercises can help singers.
- Red flags: voice catching cracks or tightness? Reset with How to Stop Cracking – Vocal Coach Explains.
FAQs About AGT Auditions
No fee to create a Performer Profile or submit a video; see the official Terms for current season details.
Up to 90 seconds at producer/virtual rounds; video submissions vary by season (FAQ often under 2 minutes; Terms allow 2–3 minutes + short intro). Default to ≤2 minutes unless your portal says otherwise.
Expect to perform a cappella; instruments are allowed; limited backing tracks for certain scenarios (e.g., singing while dancing, or rapping to your own beats).
For Judges’ auditions: AGT arranges travel/hotel for non‑locals and offers mileage/ground for locals; a modest per diem is provided for contestants and a parent/guardian for minors.
No logos or social handles; submit wardrobe photos if invited to Judges’ auditions; avoid patterns that strobe on camera.
You advance directly to the Live Shows.
Yes—AGT loves originals when the song is strong (see Nightbirde; Grace VanderWaal). Consider one cover + one original in your back pocket.
Yes—adapt the cut so the narrative still makes sense, and adjust key accordingly.
If a run masks pitch or lyric, it’s too many. Use 1–2 signature moves.
Work with us: AGT audition prep for singers (in‑person or virtual)
The “AGT 90‑Second Cut” Session: We help you pick the right key and arrangement, place your money note early, and shape your exit button so producers remember you.
On‑camera mock audition + feedback: We replicate virtual open‑call conditions and tighten your banter and framing.
Parent/minor paperwork walk‑through: We provide a simple checklist so nothing gets missed on audition day.
Where we coach: Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, Charlotte, Atlanta, Savannah, Myrtle Beach, Wilmington—or anywhere virtually.
