February 16, 2009
Another America’s Got Talent Audition Experience
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Another person has contacted me with a bunch of new insights into the audition process. Remember, that this is just the perspective of a fan and fellow contestant of America’s Got Talent. None of the information below or on this site should be considered official and we do not represent NBC, America’s Got Talent or the makers of the show. This is just a fan site with fans sharing their personal experiences. For official America’s Got Talent audition information go to the Official America’s Got Talent Audition website.
This person sent me feedback on the process in 3 parts. They’ve decided to remain anonymous, but we wish them best of luck and hope we get to see them on the show. Hopefully you find it helpful.
America’s Got Talent Audition Experience and Suggestions Part 1
Hi. I auditioned in DC for America’s Got Talent. I got there early in the morning on Friday the 13th. There was a lot of people and i waited from 7am to 2pm before I was able to audition.
As far as the guy who auditioned in 30 minutes. He got there after the rush had slowed down. That’s why it only took him a very short time getting in and out. There was not very many people there friday….anywho, out of the group I was a part of, i was the only person called back a second time to perform my act for the producer. The producer slipped up and said I was going to get a call back in march- callbacks for D.C. Auditions will be in march! – then he “corrected” what he said and said that if I made it i would get a call in march…so who know’s?
Maybe I made it or maybe I didn’t. Other than that, the producer that was in the room looked quite young. Probably as young as early twenties. Here’s a hint- if you are a female vocalist you want to sing power ballads for your audition. That’s what they are looking for…
America’s Got Talent Audition Experience and Suggestions Part 2
I do have some other information for you.
All persons who auditioned in LA, Atlanta, D.C., Chicago and Boston, the callbacks will be the first week of March. They will either go to NYC or Miami for the second round in front of the celebrity judges. That will be on the 17th-19th of March in NYC, March 31st-April 1st in Miami, and the third round begins on April 8th-9th in LA.
I found all this information on the website. I do know that if they call you back in a second time after your first audition that you went on the list for “possible callbacks”. I talked to one of the producer’s and he told me it was a “very good sign” to be called back in a second time. Also, singers go in group of five in a room with a producer/agent sound guy and camera guy. They are not filming at first, but they will start filming if they call you in a second time. That recording is what they are using to determine if you get a call back. Ultimately, Simon Cowell has the last word on the callbacks.
Another note- Dress to Impress. Don’t wear white or a lot of black, wear bright colors, and no street clothes. Those guys want to see the best you.
Don’t wear jeans unless they are a different color or dressy.
For girls/women- where stage makeup but don’t cake it on. Presentation is everything.
I know I was talking about Power Ballads for women but here is a little more information on that- Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis..enough said on that one.d
Singing Bonnie Raitt or Carey Underwood is something I saw that the producers didn’t want to listen to.
Alrighty, I hope this helps. Oh yeah, Im pretty sure the guy wasn’t being a jerk. I say he was just tired. But I know when I was performing I had their complete attention….either because I was that bad or I was that good! LOL! Like I said, who knows!
America’s Got Talent Audition Experience and Suggestions Part 3
Oh yea, no Jennifer Hudson. That came from the producer/agent. Don’t ask me, but I suppose they think anyone call sing those poppy songs. If the women/girls can’t sing like Whitney Houston or Celine Dion it’s going to be really hard.
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24 responses to "Another America’s Got Talent Audition Experience"
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Does that mean if you weren’t called back a second time, then you should forget it. Assume no call back?
Hi Lisa,
Just remember my disclaimer at the top of the post. I’m just a fan of the show and have no relationship with the show and claim none. What you read above was just one fan’s take on the process. Could be right or wrong, but is interesting fodder regardless.
The thing that’s not said above is that I think some people get taken straight to the main person rather than going through an initial audition and then to a second audition. It’s possible that you were one that got taken straight to the main person and so you didn’t have a second audition. I think this is even more of a possibility if you were one that submitted a video before going to the auditions.
Anyway, none of this is completely certain. Only the producers really know what’s happening. Plus, I think the producers are purposefully vague so that they can change their mind about any of it as they wish. Remember that they’re trying to produce an entertaining show as much as find talent. So they’ll do what they need to do in order to make something as entertaining as possible.
So, basically assume nothing. Just enjoy the experience!!
@John, what do you mean by
” I think this is even more of a possibility if you were one that submitted a video before going to the auditions.”
kate,
It’s just a thought, but my thought. My thinking goes like this. If you submitted a video audition to the AGT audition website, then the producers have already seen your act and so they might be able to send you straight to the main producer. If they haven’t seen you on video before, then your first audition is probably for an associate producer of some sort that filters out people that aren’t worth wasting the time of the main producer.
Of course, I could be all wrong, but it makes sense to me.
Last year when I auditioned for AGT I was asked to audition a 2nd time (during the pre-audtion)..they stated they would “pass this time” but definitely encourgaed me to audition again for 2009. From my experience, I didnt/still dont think having to audition a 2nd time was really a good sign, because it seemed as if they were skeptical of ur talent and needed to hear additional songs to figure u out.
I auditioned in ATL this year and it was very interesting. I only had to audition once..the judge seemed very nonchalant (hopefully it was just required of him..because he definitely had a “poker-face”) he then stated the usual “we’re not making any decisions today..blah blah”…then, i left
Something that I noticed as I was leaving tho…there were a few contestants that were sent directly across from the audition rooms after their audition, speaking with agt personnell and the reps even took their pictures…it makes me a little anxious as to why they did that with some, but not others…
Anyone have any idea?
Thanks Bruno for your year after year perspective of the audition process. That is odd that some were speaking with staff and taking pictures. Sure makes you wonder if they were trying to capture story lines that the show could use later.
thanks! it makes alot of sense!!!
I auditioned Friday January 30 at 8:00 am, the hardest part is the waiting to find out did you or didn’t you? Will they email mail you thanks but no thanks try again next year or only contact you if you made it?
Christine A,
If my memory serves me correctly, they only notify you if they want you back. Probably too many people to notify that you didn’t make it. Kind of like when applying for jobs. Plus, I think they like to keep certain people as possible backups in case other people can’t make it.
Does anyone know how long it takes to get a second call back…..if in fact you do get one???. I haven’t auditioned but I know someone who did in Miami this March.
Melanie,
The producers of the show haven’t given a fixed time. They just tell people as they know themselves. This varies a ton by location so there’s no straight answer. Plus, I’m just guessing, but who knows if they don’t bring in talent from other areas if one of the other areas doesn’t have enough quality talent that went to the auditions.
Ok, when I tried out this weekend at Chicago, I was sent to a second audition, which was for the executive producers. They took my picutre beforehand. I then did my audtion and they wanted to do an on-camera interview with me. They brought me to the holding room, put a microphone on me, and asked me a series of questions. I asked them how many of these interviews did they do that day, and they said about 5. So out of the thousands there, I was one of 5 to be interviewed on camera. Is this a good sign? Do you think I will be called back?
That sounds like a very good sign to me. Although you just never know. If the producers see your interview, etc and don’t like it then you might not be called. However, if they did all that I think you can feel good that at least they’re going to take a look at you.
Ok thank you. The producers clapped for me and told me good job and everything. I guess we will see! I won’t find out till mid-January, so its a long wait!
That’s interesting. Do you have some videos of you? I’d love to see your act.
Yeah, you can check out youtube.com. I have a little stuff on there. I am putting more up soon though.
Nice. This might be your chance.
Ah, well thank you so much for that!
I’ve been working hard recently, because I want to take advantage of the oppurtunity while its here.
went to the Orlando auditions and they was no cameras in the room where we auditioned. does anyone know how they select who gets callbacks if there is no film to watch each audition. (they say that they dont know that day)..do they take notes?? Also if you werent asked to do another song..is that a good indicator that youshould not expect a callback?? Im hoping someone can help answer these questions or atleast give an opinion.
Hello all! Due to conflict, I could not audition in Atlanta for 2010. I auditioned in Atlanta for season 3, made it to the tv round in front of the judges as a soloist, but did not make it past them. I took the “producers” advice and sang a rock song acapella because he said that they may not could get the music to me until day of audition. The judges didn’t like it, and after waiting over 6 hours for my stage appearance, that was that. But, I reminded myself that the judges had been there that long too, and they buzzed everyone off the last hour then they left. If you audition, do what works best for yourself or that has worked in the past for you. All the “producers” from the main audition day to the live tapings are just young college age kids, and I am sure not many of them have any real talent scouting experience. They do not know you well enough to tell you how to sing, or what to sing. The promo tapings of the crowds are pretty silly and time consuming of most of your day. For sure take a bag of snacks, bottled water, and maybe some sandwiches. Take it in a bag so you can trash it when it’s empty. Take your ipod or something to do because it’s a long weary process and most of the day is pretty unorganized. But I made lots of new friends, and would I do it again? Probably. But if you are impatient, don’t like crowds, you might better stay home! Now most of the employees are pretty friendly, but you will have a couple that are not, as if they think they are some hotshot talent agent. I have performed in a Blues Brothers tribute act for several years, and will continue to do so. If your curious, look for us on Facebook under Georgia Blues Brothers. Good luck to any who audition, and remember, be yourself, and sing or do whatever you decide, not a producer who doesn’t know you.
I just auditioned yesterday in Portland Oregon. I noticed a flyer saying that the taping of the show in front of the celebrity judges in Portland would be held on March 16th & 17th. When my group was done auditioning the lady said that if we were to make it to the next round they would call us late march or early april. But, how is this possible if the taping of the next round is in mid march. Is that them basically saying none of us made it through? also no one in our group was asked to stay and audition a 2nd time in front of anyone else…
Luke….I was at the Portland, OR audition as well. I am a very strong singer and from our group, 2 kids were asked to go back in to “fix paperwork”. I don’t think any of us are naive. They liked the kids, you could tell. I just wish they would be up front and let you know right there. They didn’t record the audition/s in our room. How can they evalute properly with that. I think the decisions were made before we left the room. Just saying.
I am 12 years old and I auditioned in Portland, OR. I want to make it past the 1st auditions. I sing and I want an answer on why they haent called me back the day of the auditions. Or before the 2nd day. Please Help Me…
@Devon Mackenzie
Hi Devon,
This is just an AGT fan site so we don’t have any information for you. The official site is at NBC.com
However, the show has made it pretty clear that they’ll only be calling if you make it. They won’t be telling you if you don’t make it. Sorry.