December 27, 2009
Suggestions on What to Take to America’s Got Talent Auditions
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One of my readers asked some interesting questions about what she should end up taking to the America’s Got Talent auditions. While I’ve heard of someone getting in and out in under an hour, the usual experience is that you’re likely to be there the better part of the day. Feel free to offer up suggestions in the comments:
Related ArticlesCan anyone who has auditioned help me out? We are auditioning Jan 30. in downtown Dallas, TX. I imagine we’ll be in line for hours and hours. I’m planning on taking a folding chair, one lunchbox with some snacks, one lunchbox type cooler with diabetic supplies, and a small purse with keys, phone, ID and money, and CD w/ music. Is there anything here they won’t let us take? I know we can’t wear logos or teams, but how about an Autism Awareness Ribbon or Breast Cancer ribbon??? Thank you! ….anna
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193 responses to "Suggestions on What to Take to America’s Got Talent Auditions"
I am responding to all of the people that are wondering what to or not to take to the America’s Got Talent Auditions.
I auditioned in Chicago, IL for season 5 of AGT. My appointment time was for 2pm so I thought if I arrived there about 2 hours early I would get in and out; WRONG! This was an all day event. I was not even able to be seen until almost 9:30pm that night. The lines are out of this world long! There were limited facilities at the Chicago autitions to use the bathroom or get a drink or anything to eat, and there were no porta potties outside where we spent almost 5 hours before we even made it into the building. Once in the building, that does not mean its going to go fast. You have several, what you would almost call, check points where you are required to have your paperwork (which you can download and print out from the AGT site), and all of your proper identifications ready. I would definetly make sure that you take at least one person with you because if for some reason you have to go to use the bathroom, or get something to eat, they can save your place in line, otherwise you will lose it and have to go to the back of the line and start all over again.
WHAT TO TAKE: Some of you were wondering what to take. I would definetly suggest that you take your own food and drink with you, for security reasons, you are not allowed to take coolers into the buildings or anything that security could see as a threat. I would suggest you use a grocery bag or some type of carrying bag to keep with you. Make sure that you wear weather appropriate clothing because you will be outside for a lengthy period of time and a blanket that you can set on the ground or cover up with or both. I personally did not see anyone with a lawn chair and really, would you want to lug that around with you for several hours? If your going to bring lawn chairs, again I would suggest you have someone with you, (seriously I would take at least 2 people with you, but that is up to you, so that someone can take the chairs and anything else you may need to take back to your vehicle avaliable so again, you do not lose your place in line.) I know, at least at the Chicago auditions, they would not have allowed you to get into the building with all of that.
MEDICATIONS: Make sure that if you need medications you take them with you and water or a drink to take them with and if your a diabetic make sure that you take your insulin or medication with you and a safe way to dispose of it. I would suggest that you have a baggie in your purse or bag so you can safely place your syringe in your purse or bag until you can find a proper place to dispose of it.
CHILDREN: I would highly suggest unless your child(ren) are going to audition, leave them at home. If you have to bring them or if they are auditioning, I would suggest you make sure they are dressed for the weather and that you have a way to entertain them, feed them, and have beverages available for them because again, this process takes several hours and in most cases, it will be an all day event.
CLOTHING: You can not wear clothing with logos, advertisements, alcohol, drug or foul language depiction on the clothing. If you do wear it, you will have to put something else on or leave and audition at a later date.
CELL PHONES: You can carry, have and use a cell phone except when you are auditioning. You CANNOT take pictures with a camera phone, camera or any type of recording device on it. (See rules at the AGT site.)
If you want to find out anything else about America’s Got Talent audutions you can visit:http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/
HAVE A GREAT TIME AUDITIONING AND GOOD LUCK!
Joan, what wonderful insight you gave all of us. Even though I have no intentions of auditioning (I have no talent and know it!! LOL), I am extremely interested in the process and you were very thorough!! Thanks!! VERY interesting.
Hey, John! Long time, no see. I know this has nothing to do with this particular blog, so if you want, email me and we can “talk” offline of this, but I see that American Idol is starting up again next Tuesday. Will you be resurrecting a Pure American Idol blog this year? I know you said you used to do it, but stopped. Any chance you’ll start up again?
StevieCat,
Email sent. I’d love to have you blog about American Idol on http://www.puretvnet.com
In fact, I welcome other bloggers on Pure America’s Got Talent as well if people are interested.
Thanks all for commenting back to me. I really appreciated it!
I also wanted to add a few things I left out on my first post. Anyone who auditioned in October, 09, in Chicago, should be hearing something back, yes, or no, if you made it to the SECOND AUDITON of AGT. From what I understand, your first audition was just a preliminary thing and if your picked for a second audition you will be notified with the contact information you provided to AGT.
I also forgot to add that if your taking people with you, when you audition, they will NOT be able to go into the audition with you but they can stand in line with you and go with you up until you audition, they will have a place for them to wait for you where they can sit down though while your auditioning. In Chicago we were seperated into groups according to the type of act your auditioning for, example: comedy, dance, singing…If you need music, you do need to bring your own CD of the music your going to be auditioning with.
When you get into your “group” room, you will wait there for a while until your number is called. Usually they take like 50 acts from your group into another area after waiting, so you may not get in to wait, as you were in line, it is according to the number you were issued at the start of the process and sometimes they have comedy and dance in the same room or other kinds of acts together to wait in the same room.
Alot of people see AGT on television and all of the fun it appears to be with all of the different acts…basically, all that is all staged and they select certain acts to film for the auditioning process that they will use on the show, you may even appear on the show as one of the goofy auditions even if you do not make it onto the show, that is why you sign a waiver allowing AGT to put your audition on television regardless if you make it or not.
Another thing you should take is a pen and paper because you do meet alot of people in line some of which you may want to contact later, I did, and have communication with them frequently on facebook.
I also want to stress that you MUST have all of your paperwork done and filled out and all the ID’s you need at the beginning of this process although you will not need them until you get to that checkpoint. It really stunk for people that did not have their paperwork and they ended up getting sent home to come back at a later time. (They did have extra copies available but if they run out, your out of luck), that is why I think you should come prepared it will make things much easier!
Again, for anyone that auditioned, is auditioning or just to hear what its really like to audition for AGT, I want to send my luck and blessings, take care until I post again.
Joan,
Good advice except for the part where you said that those that audition will be notified regardless of if they make it to the next round of auditions or not. In past years they didn’t send any notification to those that didn’t make it. I’m quite certain that will be the protocol again. They will post on the official AGT website when auditions are over so that people that didn’t get a message will know that they didn’t make it.
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Big thanks to everyone for sharing their advice, experience, and thoughts. I think we are prepared. – By the way, the chair I’m taking isn’t a lawn chair, it’s a nylon chair that folds almost as small as an umbrella, has a strap, easy to carry, I got at walmart for 10 bucks.- they actually had some for 6 bucks but it didn’t have armrests and a drink holder. I didn’t see them on the site-just in the camping section of the store. Sort of looks like this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10710720 Now, I’m only hoping that my daughter and me, both singers but auditioning seperately, will not be separated into different groups. Although, I don’t think that will happen-if it does we will be with another kid auditioning and her mom can take both kids if needed. Lastly, I’m super excited because less than 12 hours before we get in line for the AGT audition, I may be performing in the “Frisco’s Got Talent” contest. See the 15 contestants and Vote for your favorite by Jan 15 at http://www.FriscoChamber.com!
Thanks so much and good luck to everyone!!!
…..anna
Thanks for the great insight, Joan. That really helps. I am taking my 9-year old daughter to the Orlando audition in February (she’s the one auditioning) and am trying to find out everything I can so we are very well prepared. One question – since it is just the two of us and she is only 9, I’m a little nervous about letting her head to the restroom by herself while I save our place in line. From your experience, what were other people doing in that case? Or, were the restrooms pretty close? With a little kid, you never know how long they can hold it. We’re flying in from Ohio, so it is not feasible to take extra people (we missed the Chicago auditions – plus in Orlando we can take in a couple of days at WDW). Thanks for all the great advice.
Tony,
I think the lines aren’t that long. From what I’ve heard you mostly spend time in waiting areas. The lines just get you checked in and then you go to an area where you wait your turn. So, if your daughter needs to go, you’ll be able to go without an issue. Or just tell one of the workers and I’m sure they’ll help you out too.
WDW sounds fun. You and your daughter will have a great time.
Tony, what is it that your daughter will be doing? Is she a singer? Just curious.
I wish you all the luck in the world for her.
Well, if you wanted to bring your daughter to the auditions in Dallas Tx- Jan 30, 31 let me know. annaeadie@yahoo.com Several of us are waiting in line together with kids so that if we need to step out of line to take them potty, we will have each other’s back. We would be happy to have you join our group. If not, have fun in Florida!
Well I am posting again. No disrespect to you John but from what I personally went thru in Chicago, you will be waiting in line for several hours. There were people that had audition times set for 9:30am that were just getting around to finishing up between 5 and 7pm. I myself as I stated had an audition time set for 2pm. I was not even seen until like 9:30pm that night and there were still people waiting to be seen after me.
There were many nice people there but I never saw a parent let their child go with a stranger to the bathroom or anywhere else for that matter. I know had I taken little children with me, I would have made sure I would have taken someone else with me so I did not have to worry. It may cost you extra money but its really worth it to me because as nice as people are, I would never have trusted someone in line I had just met to watch my child in a restroom or let them go to a restroom with someone I had not thoughly known for sometime and checked out on a legal standpoint. I can also guarantee that none of the workers for AGT has the time to help you with your child. They do not have that many people there to begin with. When you are seperated into those groups I mentioned, its up to AGT what room and or group you will be going in with. Also, you go into the rooms according to the numbers you were issued when you first got in line so most likely if both a daughter and mother or a father and daughter are singing seperately, you would have had a number one after or before theirs so you would most likely be going in with your child and although you do audition seperately, you would be right outside the door while your child was in a room with 2-3 people AGT hired a camera and that is it. Your audition has to be completed in like 90 seconds and you stand in line for hours to get the 90 seconds. you will be cut off after that time and they will send you out of the room with a verbal thanks and if we are interested you will hear something back and the month you should hear it. In my case I was told I would hear something in January 2010 but to date and today is the 7th I have heard nothing. Even if I did not make it, the experience was amazing, tiring and one I will never forget. Good Luck all!
Joan,
Were you waiting in a specific line for hours that if you got out of you’d lose your place? Certainly, most of the people going to an audition are going to have to wait hours (I’ve heard of a few rare exceptions to this), but once you get assigned your number then you are free to move around as you please, no?
I don’t see the FAQ’s on the site anymore. They were there before they had the audition dates. So, to confirm, you get 90 seconds? And it is accapella, right?
Good question Monty. Seems like the official site is down right now too. Weird that they’d take down the FAQ, but they were probably out of date or something.
My understanding was 90 seconds and acapella for singers. I think they also requested that it be a cover song. At least in past years that’s what they did.
Ok, the site came back and the FAQ is: http://americasgottalentauditions.com/new/faq Here’s their answer to your question:
“Generally, singers are asked to sing their one song a capella (without a backing track). We have found that backing tracks overpower vocals and hinder your audition instead of helping it.
However, you may use a backing track if you sing and dance at the same time. In addition, rappers can use their own beats. Otherwise, it is up to the Producer’s discretion if and when a track is permitted. Playing an instrument (for example a piano, guitar, etc.) while singing is always allowed.
You have UP TO 90 seconds for your audition, so you do not need to start your song at the beginning. Please pick a section of the song that best shows off your voice.”
Hi Joan, I hope you made it. We’ll be looking for you. What was your act? Did you sing?
Also, Thanks a million for the post you made to tell that dad not to let his child go in a bathroom with strangers. You NEVER know who people are underneath the skin and that was very sound advice.
No offense meant to well meaning parents out there, but personally, while I enjoy watching the youngsters on the show, I always feel bad for them in the back of my mind because they rarely, if ever, win and this kind of rejection is hard enough for adults to take, I can’t understand subjecting a child to it. The only exception is Bianca what’s-her-name, the girl with the outstanding voice from season one, but other than her, the kids never win. I do suppose, though, that they get the TV exposure and therefore may help them in their “careers”, but that’s a long shot.
Anyway, Joan, as usual, very interesting stuff about the auditions!!
Joan – thanks for such a good description of the process. While I have no intention whatsoever to be on this show, it is very interesting to know what the contestants have to go through.
About kids on the show – I have no problem with kids if they are really gifted. I.e. if they are just great not “great for a kid this age” i.e. if they are really as good or better than adults on the show. Like Bianca. I liked Ciana, but seeing her rejected like this out of hand made me sick – not the rejection itself but how it was done. I.e. the kids adults did pay money to listen to and see – maybe not at the level of Sarah Chang at the age of 10 (she’d probably never have considered this show) or Beverly Sills at 8, but their equivalent in pop genres.
One other problem with kids is the whole Vegas business. Kids may be fine in the movies or radio or CDs or classical music, but Vegas is not exactly the best venue for kids.
kitty,
I’m with you on the little kids. I think one other aspect for kids is what the parents tell them about the competition. As long as the parents do a nice job downplaying it all and talking about it being an experience and not about winning, then I’m fine with it. It’s when the parents build up expectations with the kids that it’s so heartbreaking.
I don’t think Vegas is horrible for kids. The afternoon shows are a nice place for a kids show. Especially if they’re truly talented. As good as any place in show biz I guess.
Joan,
The time that you are giving in your phone call/email for your original auditions IS NOT actually an audition time. This is just a time given to those who have pre-registered so they get there early enough to be able to perform.
Also, after performing, our group was told that phone calls were not going to be made until after the first of the year and as LATE AS Spring. If you received a phone call, you were in. No phone call means you didn’t. They even asked for us NOT to call them. I feel it is a pretty simple process and many are making it into something it isn’t. There is a lot of waiting, but the experience in itself was one I will never forget.
Good luck to all!
The time that you are GIVEN! sorry for typo!
Let me also add that after speaking to other groups that had performed prior to me said they were told the exact same thing. I am a singer. I sang my heart out that day. I know that I gave it everything I have got and hope I get the callback. If not, of course I will be disappointed, but one thing I do know is that singing is what I am all about. I will not stop singing for any reason. I love to enter competitions and actually one the last one I was in. That feeling of a crowd getting into your music is enough for me. I have a different sound… I bring back the great Janis Joplin raspy with a dash of Bonnie Raitt and can rock out a Reba song! LoL Not bragging, not in the least, but music is just… well, life without it just wouldn’t be worth living.
Kelli,
Ok, I’m totally intrigued. Do you have a video of you singing online? I think we all want to see it.
I will have something downloaded for you by this time tomorrow. Let me know what you think! BE honest! I take criticism very well.
Sweet. I love honesty and criticism;-)
You can look back at some of my past posts to see my style. I think they should bring me on as a guest judge.
Me, too, John. Well, I mean they should bring ME on as a guest judge!! LOL
Kelli, let us know when it’s downloaded. I’d love to see it. I hope you make it onto the show.
Ok, so I can’t find the link anymore to your blog re: Hasselhoff leaving the show but I just read in our local paper that they are replacing him with HOWIE MANDEL OF ALL PEOPLE!!! Oh, YUK!!!!!!! What a total idiotic move THAT was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
StevieCat,
Is the story online by chance? You can find the link to my post about the Hoff leaving: http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2010/01/07/david-hasselhoff-done-as-judge-on-americas-got-talent/
Howie Mandel would be odd as a judge I think. He’d be ok as a host, but I’m not sure about him as a judge. Maybe Nick’s leaving?
No, he’s definitely a judge. I’ll find it online and add it to the “Hoff leaving” post.
My last post didn’t show up here. Google Howie Mandel America’s Got Talent and you’ll find a host of links stating he is indeed a judge not the announcer. Yuk. I also posted a couple of the links at the other post about Hoff leaving.
My husband and I auditioned via a DVD mailed to AGT last year. We tried uploading through their site and it was always “unavailable”. We received notification via email we were “being considered” and would hear something else “soon”. As it got closer with no word, I sent an email to the individual who had sent the original email and she replied back – yes – we were still “in the running” but we never heard anything. We were also told it was acappella – I play a keyboard but was told I would be expected to play theirs if we went to an audition. We are a 2 person band – I play the bass sounds with bass pedals, use a keyboard and my husband plays a guitar and sings. There’s no way by auditioning in person to get the full effect. We were told we could bring a DVD in but they probably wouldn’t use it and we would have better luck just sending in the DVD. I also read you must commit to being there the entire time – that’s great, however, in the real world, you still need an income and this isn’t provided. They provide living arrangments but many times you are sharing a room with someone else, you aren’t fed much – it’s a huge sacrifice. My husband and I thought about trying again but – we are in our 50′s and 60′s and I just don’t think that is what America as a whole is looking for. Best of luck to all of you that do try and just go in with your eyes wide open and be the best you can possibly be!!
Question to MysticRiver2:
Is that correct? They don’t pay the acts when they are chosen? I thought they made a salary based on union scale. Or are you referring to moving on in the audition process?
The paperwork I received didn’t say anything about a salary or requiring us to join a union so I don’t know at what point they pay. We were just told not to expect a lot during the process in the way of “perks”.
I’m sure there’s no salary. Just enough money (hopefully) to get you there, a place to stay and feed you. Remember last season when one guy had to quit his job to be on the show?
I know the American Idol contestants get paid once they make the final 12 (they get union scale wages which isn’t too shabby), so I thought the finalists on this show got paid also.
Hey guys, I usually don’t post, but I just wanted to tell you:
They pay for you. If you watched the show last year, Mia Boostrom was on there. I messaged her wondering if they pay for your trip. Here’s her response:
“hey!
They pay for EVERYTHING. When a contestant makes it to the judges all the way up to the finale, everything is payed for including a voucher for the day. In vegas, sometimes I left with more money than I started with. It’s a great experience and 1000000% paid for :}
I hope you do AMAZING. The show, was the best experience of my life. Kept really close connections! :}
HAVE FUN! and GOOOOOOD LUCK!
<3 MIA"
So hopefully you read this
Thanks for sharing Garadon. I think the point is that they give you some money to cover your time on the show, but not enough to cover all the bills you might still have at home. As you said, it’s a lot about the experience and not as much about the money. Even the winner is just a $1 million annuity.
Thanks, Garadon. I’ve always wondered about that!!! That was very interesting.
Anybody remember who Mia Boostrom was? I know the name, can’t place her face and talent act though.
And, ah yes, the million dollar annuity of $25,000 a year. Don’t get me started on that!!!! LOL
Thanks for the advice everybody. My daughter is 9 years old and is a singer. We’re doing this to give her more auditioning expeience on a higher level, the exposure, and hopefully make a few contacts along the way. This is what we are emphasizing to her. We have not discussed anything beyond the second round. She wants to be an entertainer, and well, being an entertainer myself, I know we have to start somewhere. It takes commitment and sacrifice, and as long as she is willing to commit and not give up, I am willing to invest and make sacrifices. She will be singing “I’ll Be There”
by J5.
StevieCat,
You can see Mia’s audition: http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2009/07/18/americas-got-talent-episode-8-thoughts/ She has been on multiple seasons, but her version of Georgia is fantastic.
Tony,
Well done, you’re a good parent. Encourage the dream, but keep some perspective.
Hy guys, I’m glad my comment helped you all.
Just so you guys know, I’m 13, I’m a guy, and I’m trying out for AGT on Jan. 31 in Dallas. NO, I am not doing this for competition. I am doing it for fun and as a good experience since I want to go into music when I grow up. I don’t brag, I’m not concieted like those other snotty kids on talent searches and stuff, I just want to do this because I would enjoy it and I think singing is a great outlet for me. My main goal is to be a concert pianist when I grow up, but I love singing also. My choir teacher always tells me it’s my “calling” to sing/play piano. If you guys want, I can uplaod a video of me singing. I would really appreciate any feedback and critiques. I would want to know if you guys think I should go on it. Not to win, but for fun, and tell the truth so I don’t go and embarass myself
Here’s about a two month old vid of me singing, I’ll post a better one with me in front of my choir:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dYzWrsPcm0
Nice garadon. I enjoyed listening to you sing. A few parts where you were off, but you can tell that you have a good instrument that with some more practice could be great.
I don’t think it would be embarrassing for you to go on the show at all. Would probably be a great learning experience for you. Of course, I’m only basing this off your singing. Your look matters quite a bit as well. However, as a 13 year old a whole mass of people will love you for that regardless of what you look like.
Have you considered playing the piano and singing? Would create an even better WOW factor if you can do both really well. Although, if you can’t do both really well, then it’s better to go with what you do best.
Well, I can post my choir one, you’d be able to see me. And if you go to that link, and click on “More from: Mrpianowizard” there’s some piano songs I did during the summer.
Yes I messed up on some parts of that song, but that was just for my family and I already did like 20 takes before that so I just stuck with that.
.
Hold on, let me go post my choir one..
Ok, so that is a HUGE song to sing and a very hard one and you did a REALLY fine job with it!!! Really fine. Don’t sing that at the audition, though, because if your nerves get the better of you, you won’t sound strong enough. Get a song that is one that can show you have a bit of strength in your voice. I think the music helped you stay on key with it and it may be tough to sing without music as they say you have to at the first run through. You want to be able to get past the first round to get to the judges and then you can have music.
That being said though, I loved it enough to listen to it twice! It made me feel all Christmassy inside so I would think you go the feeling of the song through. It was very sweetly sung.
I think you should definitely have some fun and go for it. I think David and Sharon would have definitely put you through, but now that David is gone, we don’t know what kind of maniac Howie Mandel is going to be, so pick a song that your voice can come through strong on and go for it. You gotta know your audience as the saying goes.
Send us the other link that you mentioned. I’d love to listen to it.
haha no I’m not going to sing that song.
. But yeah, we have been looking for a great, show off song for me to do. My family was kind of thinking about me doing a ballad for my first audition, but I don’t know. I need some advice. Any have any?
Garadon, I’ll have to think about that one. I’m going to
Garadon, Ok, so I hit send before I finished my thought. I meant to delete it and write something once I hear your choir video so I can get a better idea of what song I might suggest (if I can even think of one that is!) Sorry for the half message.
Good job on Believe. Sometimes it’s not strong yet but it’s obvious that the talent is there!!! Good Luck!! I’ll be in Dallas also!! Sorry that I’m posting about the vote again but this is the last time because the voting ends Friday at 5pm. See the videos of the 15 contestants then Vote for your favorite in “Frisco’s Got Talent” by going to http://www.AnnaEadie.com or http://www.FriscoChamber.com Thanks everyone!!! !!! !!!
….anna
John:
No I was not in a specific line I was in line with everyone else and I never lost my place in line because I personally never got out of line but I did notice several other people that left their place in line and had no one holding it were told to go to the back of the line.
As for other’s writing what to sing, I think you stand out more doing an origional song or one that has not been heard in a long time. They have heard alot of Celine Dion songs and other singers that each year for some reason people try to sing…some do it well but others don’t its just luck of the game. I think origionality speaks volumes and if you had your own song it would stand out more as opposed to hearing the same song over and over year after year and when the judges know how great people like Celine Dion can sing then hear your rendition, are you going to be better than that or at least comparable, you have to ask yourself that, she is a hard act to follow as well as other famous singers…anyway, just wanted to throw out of few examples. Thanks and good luck!
Hey guys, I’m 13, I’m the same guy as Garadon earlier in the post. Well, my parents are very concerned about some questions they have that aren’t being answered from me because I don’t know. HEre they are, if you could answer any, that would be great!
1. What if you make it past the producer audition, where do you (you in general) go and date would be the next audition? (the judge audition)
2. If you make it past the judges, when do you go to Vegas?
3. If you make it past Vegas, when and where do you go? What dates?
4. Are tutors provided for kids under 18 and at who’s cost?
5. Because I am a student, for planning purposes, I would need to know what dates are all the auditions and shows at each stage.
Getting nervous here in Fort Bliss/El Paso,Texas about travelling for the audition, for two reasons:
1. I haven’t sang infront of people for years-being in the Army does that.
2. I am not able to see well and worried I may fall if there is a raised floor, so I am hoping that the floor is level.
Is anyone, besides me coming from Fort Bliss/El Paso,Texas region to AGT 2010 ? And is there a rememdy to ‘lessen’ stage fright? I am singing and hoping to do well and make everyone in my ‘old units’ proud of me.
Bless you Pam! I live in Dallas and will be auditioning there. (probably the only one with an Autism Awareness ribbon on.) and I salute you because my husband was in the military for 8 years. It’s not an easy job. I can’t see well either, so I am getting a new pair of contact lenses before the audition. At my last audition (FGT) in December, they told me that I didn’t seem nervous at all. For me- I practice singing the words on the right note, at the right volume, with the right facial expression, and the right movement (if any) in front of a mirror. When I step on the stage I think, “If I haven’t gotten it all down yet, there’s nothing I can do about it now.” and I try to have as much fun as possible on stage. I really enjoy it! Although I think I got that from my high school acting class. I just practice it over & over again until I can do it in my sleep.
Good luck to everyone, and thank you all for the information being shared. Whether or not all, some, or none of the tips being shared happens during this particular season- it’s still giving us plenty to think about and prepare for. Truly thankful!
….anna
Pam,
Wear your military garb and people won’t be allowed to dislike you. Seriously, how could the judges be too harsh to a military person even if they’re not talented? If you are talented, then the military tie will just take you to that next level of adoration.
Anyone have any answers to Cameron’s questions? I’m kind of interested in his questions too.
These Are My Guesses Only. I Could Be Wrong.
1. What if you make it past the producer audition, where do you (you in general) go and date would be the next audition? (the judge audition)
……From my understanding, if they want to see you again they may ask you to audition in a different city (dates will be listed on http://americasgottalentauditions.com/new/ )
and/or you could be called out to LA and audition in front of celeb judges which will be taped and may or may not make it to the final cut shown on TV. This seems to be 8-12 weeks after your local audition. I believe this trip may be paid for, maybe. You should be told the date when you get a “call back” (phone call)
2. If you make it past the judges, when do you go to Vegas?
….This one is trickier, I believe it was around 8 weeks after the LA celeb judge auditions. Because the dance group last season said one time they had 8 weeks to rehearse, then the next time they had 2 weeks. Then it becomes a live show so it goes week by week when the public starts to vote. Before then they take time to make recordings of some of the people in their hometown film to cover the story of their lives…….etc
3. If you make it past Vegas, when and where do you go? What dates?
…..I’m guessing you go back to LA in 2 weeks, all things paid for and you may be there for 30 days. Show ended the last of September right? My kid would have only missed the first 2 weeks of school.
4. Are tutors provided for kids under 18 and at who’s cost?
….Most of this show is in summer, so I’m guessing the Eriam sisters didn’t miss much of school. Although there are lots of options on the internet, and sometimes your own school will just send you what you need until you get home to catch up. I have never heard of the show helping with this, but I’m a substitute teacher, I don’t worry about it.
5. Because I am a student, for planning purposes, I would need to know what dates are all the auditions and shows at each stage.
….This site may be able to help you, but dates will probably vary. Just always have the teachers give you an outline of what you will be doing for weeks in advance so if you are called to leave, you can give them the work ahead of time, and make sure they have your email address. If they know you are serious about wanting to keep up, they will be willing to help you. GOOD LUCK!
http://americasgottalentauditions.com/new/
Cameron,
I posted your questions to start a thread I’m going to send to the America’s Got Talent producers: http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2010/01/19/questions-for-agt-producers/ Others, please feel free to add your questions.
Anna,
Nice work on the answers. Dates are so hard since I’m not sure the show even knows those dates yet. I’ve asked them if I can cover the Las Vegas auditions and they said they’re still working on finalizing the details for Las Vegas. So, we’ll see if they even know the answers to the questions.
Wow-getting ready here in El Paso/Fort Bliss for the ‘big day’-in a way I feel like I did the day I reported to my unit for the first time-nervous and excited.
Anna, I am hoping that I can get my cell phone number to you, because I’d like to meet you and your family-be an honor. John, I wish I could wear my Class A’s, but I am now Honorably Discharged from the Army; but to remember those I served with, I am going to wear a Class A Chevron on my dress(the only Gold item that I am wearing). My friends are proud of me and those that are ‘downrange’, I hope to make it to TV rounds and they can have the chance to see it or hear it on Armed Forces radio.
Getting ready for the trip and excited…just trying to picture how big the room is we audition in and if the loor is raised on any way-still scared of falling. So, if anyone knows, please tell me.
Dear Pam,
Good luck to you with your audition. Also, please don’t be afraid to ask them about the floor being raised or if it’s flush with the carpeting. There was a young man on American Idol in the previous season who was completely blind. They always had someone help him on the stage and in the dance numbers. It won’t work against you.
Pam,
If you send me your cell on my contact us page: http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/contact-us/ then I can forward it to Annie’s email if you’d both like. I can send her your email also if you’d prefer. Either way I’m willing to make the connection for you if you’re both willing. Plus, then you won’t have to publish your email/cell on a public website.
Know one will know if the floor is raised or not until you get there. Just let the AGT staff know about the possible problem and I’m sure they’ll make sure that you’re taken care of and don’t trip.
hey guys! well see ive only been serious about singing for 3 years now. because before that it was gymnastics and cheerleading but all my life i wanted to be a singer, its just now that i got the guts to tell my parents and surprisingly they accepted it so long as i have a plan b
and well when i first started practicing i was super nasily and now i mean im not hugely amazing but i think ive improved and i want your opinion
for me singing 1 year ago( cant fin any farther away lol) go here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1U-RNZuLf0
for me lately go here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3bAUIma0Ic
and it seems like slow songs tend to be easier for me
and also i heard that the judges like sob stories! is that true? and that emotional songs give you a bigger chance of getting through if you perform it well????
first time i ever auditioned really for singing so im super nervous but excited and hoping i dont regret it or get shaky and mess up.
im thinking of singing” i wonder” by kellie pickler cause the song has such an amazing story to tell and i dont htink that songs been done to much…. has it???
replys and honest criticism is totally welcome, tell me how it is please……
jessica,
It’s nice to see you’ve found a passion and you’re going for it. Nothing wrong with that. I say live your dreams. Since you asked me to be completely honest, you have a lot of work still to do. You were really pitchy in a lot of places. You can tell you’re still learning to control your voice. The good thing for you is that you’re really young. If you got the right training you could improve your voice a lot. It will just take a lot of work and help from someone.
If you want to see they type of competition you’re up against, check out the performances from my 2 favorite singers on America’s Got Talent.
Jessica Price’s Audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSO5JAztbDU
Julienne Irwin’s Audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz61aKfxJiA
Julienne Irwin with Taylor Swift: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VweN5MDLl8 Seriously, Julienne Irwin sang alongside Taylor Swift and I think Julienne has a better voice (but Taylor better at writing songs for sure).
That’s some pretty stiff competition. So, keep working and enjoy your love of singing.
Jessica, were you listening to the song through headphones while singing? That’s what it sounded like to me. I only say that because my daughter does that and I think she can sing much better without the headphones. If I’m wrong, I’m sorry. You have a voice, it just takes practice, and background music might make it easier to sing. I buy mine from http://mp3.walmart.com/store/home and http://www.karaoke-version.com/ (i’m not affiliated with either, I just spend too much money buying karaoke versions of songs on these sites. I’m up to 50.)
Good luck and have fun!
….anna
Just saw your audition on F’risco’s Got Talent site and OMG- I think I am in for it. You are good. I missed the voting deadline and I am glad you told me where to find a clip of you singing. Are you doing the same song, or something different? Got Straighten Up and Fly Right the way I want it, and the tricks that you told me about WORKED like a charm-and talking woth ya today was great-glad I got a friend in Dallas. Maybe we can help the others get ready for their ‘big day’ telling about our audition day so they go in ready and not worried?
The guys are telling me to give it all for myself, my friends, the ranch and for the guys I served with. It’s finally happening isn’t it? Going to take their advice-follow your heart and do the best you can.
And Jessica-that is the advice I give anyone auditioning, give it all you have and be proud that you are living ‘one moment in time’ and memories made can NEVER be taken.
Jessica, I listened to the songs and if you want the honest honest truth, they are both very pitchy. WHile you have a sweet sounding voice, it’s not on pitch and it’s not a singing voice. I don’t think you’d make it past the initial tryouts. I’m sorry, I hope this doesn’t hurt your feelings, but this doesn’t seem like the career for you. Even though you want it very badly (who wouldn’t?), you don’t have the talent for it. Please don’t be mad or insulted, it’s just that you asked, so I don’t want to lie to you about it. You’re just not ready. Play the original song and then play your tape and you will see. You were not in tune throughout the song. It’s not worth your time and all the hassle of the auditions if you haven’t really got a chance. I wish you’d rethink this before you go.
OK, Annie, so you have GOT to make it on AGT. You were OUTSTANDING at Frisco’s Got Talent!!!!
thanks for being completely honest XD
im not mad, i know im pitchy and all of those things but im still trying to be better, even if i dont make it past the initial auditions i still want to go for the experience because although i love singing i mean i love it love it, i want to be an actress when i get older. singing would be if i ever got a lot better.
but thanks so much XD
oh and just wondering in the two videos did you see any improvement???jw
I’m sorry, darlin’, but they were equally not good. I even listened to your Kelly Clarkson recording and you should seriously consider not doing this even if you’re telling yourself it’s for “the experience”. The judges can get really rude and even worse, there’s “the 4th judge”…the OBNOXIOUS and cruel audience. Remember how they form their arms in the shape of an “X” and boo people. Plus, you don’t know how Howie Mandell is going to be, cruel or nice. Don’t put yourself through it. They’ll make a joke out of you and then just TRY to get an acting job after that happens. I often wonder how some of these acts actually make it to the auditions and why their families and friends don’t stop them. This is how it happens. You asked for honesty, you get honesty, and you’re still going. You sound like such a sweetheart, please don’t allow those morons to make fun or you. Please don’t do this.
I think John and Anna Eadie were being kind with their responses to you, but not completely honest. It’s hard to be truthful about something like this and I was tempted, too, to say vague encouraging things. And then I remembered the audience and I really couldn’t in all good conscience tell you that you should do this.
Sorry, I hope this wasn’t rude. I don’t mean to be.
stevie cat, thanks for not being rude, and im starting to rethink it, im thinking ill do the first audition and if i get called back for the one in front of the celebrity judges then ill really really think about it, because if i make a fool of myself it’ll look really bad on me if i wanna act. but between the vids i showed as like before and after was there any improvement
not really, no. I say this because they are both not good only in certain degrees. But the second one is still flat, pitchy and monotone. In fact, had you not put the names of the songs up that you were singing, I wouldn’t have known what songs they were. I don’t mean to keep saying these awful things, it’s very uncomfortable for me. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but you asked so I gave you my opinion. I won’t even say it’s just MY opinion, I’ve shown them to 8 people I work with here in the office to try and get some more feedback for you and they all had the same thing to say independent of each other. I mean it’s ultimately up to you, but if you were my sister or my daughter or my best friend, I’d do everything I could to dissuade you from doing this.
Ask the other bloggers here at this post if the honestly don’t agree with me.
Jessica, I hear the doubt in your voice now more than ever-now let me ask a few questions of you:
1. What other talents do you have? I heard gymnastics, cheerleading, how about dancing skills,acting(monologue)? It doesn’t have to be singing since you are just beginning (get a good vocal coach, or start in a choir where you can be mentored and you are starting on the right track). AGT is more than singers-look at past seasons and other acts.
2. Is it you doubting you, or the comments making you doubt your abilities? I am 40 and a veteran. I was 37 in Basic and doubting myself everyday til graduation and even in my units,self doubt came about at times. You listen to your heart and your mind. If you doubt your vocal skills, find a play or short story you like and create a monologue-you said you want to be an actress, well this is the chance! Just the uniqueness of this talent will be a ‘standard raise’ and show your gift.
I know you will find yourself-my friends that I served with have been having me recite, sing, get used to wearing a dress, and everything to get ready for this. Think hard and talk to one person you trust more than anyone about your decision and take their opinion under advisement and make your decision.
It’s going to be OK and if you want a friend, I am here and will be in Dallas as well.
Take care Jessica.
Pam
Pam, I’m not trying to be hard or rude, but have you actually clicked on the links and listened to the songs? How can you give her such false hope and send her to a humiliating experience.
StevieCat,
There’s nothing wrong with giving her hopes in her other talents like Pam says. Plus, if you enjoy singing, go ahead and find a group and enjoy singing. Nothing wrong with that.
I think the point StevieCat is making is that if you audition for AGT, then there’s only going to be 2 results with the talent we heard on your video. They’ll tell you thanks and you won’t hear anything. Or they’ll bring you back and the judges will be mean. Unlike StevieCat, I don’t have any problem with you auditioning. As long as you are aware that these are the 2 results you are going to experience. No reason you can’t go and have fun meeting other people, seeing the process the show uses, etc. Just don’t expect to make the show based on your singing talent.
As StevieCat said, we’re not trying to be rude. In fact, I’ve told myself the exact same thing. I enjoy singing, but know that I don’t have the singing talent to go on AGT. In fact, 99% of America is in that same boat:-)
John, I stand corrected. I think everything you said is right. I apologize for coming off so strongly and I hope I didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings in the process. John has the right idea here and so does Pam when she says to use your other talents.
One thing is certain, if you thought we were harsh you definitely shouldn’t go on the show. Their job is to eat you alive.
No one knows what will happen at Dallas AGT-and it’s going to be good for some, heartbreaking for others, but you practice, practice, practice for the next years auditions, or go to other cities or send videos in. For me, it is practice, practice, practice for next year if this is not my time. Listen to Frank Sinatra’s THATS LIFE- this line especially: I’ll just pick myself up and get back in the race-
Steviecat-You saw what you said and corrected it-hope we can meet in Dallas and maybe you, Anna,John and I can have dinner together before I have to come back to Fort Bliss/ El Paso Sunday morning.
Pam,
I wish I could be at the Dallas auditions. I love Dallas. Grew up in Arlington and adore the area. However, I live in Las Vegas and won’t be making the trip to Dallas. Plus, I don’t have any talents for AGT. So, no auditions for me.
Now, if any of you make it to Las Vegas, we can go out and get a bite to eat. I’m still trying to get the producers to let me cover the Las Vegas auditions. I even told them I’d sign my life away when it comes to revealing anything. We shall see.
John, that is a great idea and I’d be happy to have lunch or dinner with you.
You have the email that has my cell, (the one you forwarded to Anna)correct-well call me soon and we can talk and like Anna, hope to be friends. Because you can NEVER have enough friends in this lifetime. Learnt that in the Army.
Got my travel plans final, just need to get there and have fun,make new friends and enjoy the experience.
thanks for the advice, and i do have other talents i did gymnastics from the age of 2-11 and cheered unitl last year when i moved and i know im really good at that thats 100%
its just singing that im starting and havent done for every long and have lots of work and training to do.
Jessica,
Now that sounds like a fighter and someone ready to go for the prize. So it sounds like you are getting geared up-and thought about it…as
First Sergeants George and Mason said when I got out, “Don’t let anyone take it from you,”and you are sounding determined, and that will take you anywhere.
In fact, we are all getting ready to meet in Dallas and enjoy it all.
Pam,
I do have your contact info. I’ll keep it and as we get closer to Las Vegas we can chat.
Thanks to those who voted in FGT, http://www.friscochamber.com/images/FGTContestantAuditions.html I didn’t make it into the finals. #7, 10, 13, 14 did.
Moving on to AGT, are singers always required to perform without music, or can they choose to sing with music? I haven’t decided which I’d prefer. I may put some videos on youtube and ask for opinions.
thanks, ….anna
My understanding is the first round of auditions is a capella. Then, once you get to the celebrity judges you can have a background track if you want.
Sorry you didn’t win. That’s show business for you.
I loved hearing you sing Anna (looking forward to more) and I can’t wait til next week-meeting you, seeing one of the guys I served with,auditioning…
I decided, dress decent (not flashy) and I was also given something VERY special to wear- the ADA crest from one the guys I served with so I can have something that we wore proudly. He was in my ‘sister unit’ and that makes me feel honored. I feel like I have already won, and I haven’t sang yet…that’s because I have met so many here on this site that share a love of making people happy. That’s what talent is-it’s not who sings the highest note, it’s not who can make the funniest joke-talent is making those around you happy.
That is what makes a winner-not what others say, but what you do that makes you and others close to you happy. And I am looking forward to being in Dallas and hope to make round 2 and beyond, with my friends-you! Call it naiviety, call it whatever you wish, but think of a world without laughter, music, drama,and anything that makes it a far more beautiful place. I am bringing this attitude with me-if I get told not this year, then I will be there again NEXT year;if my time is this year, then I will do my best to make the world a better place. Forgive me for ‘venting’ or being ‘wishful’, but I think we all are at times.
You are so nice! Thanks for the compliment. Also you made an excellent point that I wanted to re-emphasize. You are right about it not always being about who is the best but who can capture the audience. There are several times that the judges sent a contestant thru not because they are a great singer, but because they brought the audience to their feet…or touched their hearts…! I just saw a video of Kevin today and they said he wasn’t the best singer, but he won because he caused the audience to really like him.
Lastly, I agree that this site has given us lots of information and new friends! Thanks all! ….anna
Hello everyone,
My 4 year old son auditioned in Chicago. He is a professional Johnny Cash impersonator. What is great about his age is that he does not understand if he gets cut so it probably would not bother him. He has a band that currently tours with. Here is a youtube video of him
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As9qfLY7gRs
Best of luck to everyone!
Did he make it to the judges round?
“The Kid in Black” brings to mind an interesting thought. (however I could be WAY off)Yes, he’s adorable and can sing. And the judges will be fans or at least familiar with Johnny Cash. I wonder if the majority of the voting public is 15-30? Because I’m guessing that anyone younger than 30 may ask who Johnny Cash is. Unless they saw the movie “Walk the Line” or have parents who play him all the time. (am I off? I just know my kids and most of my adult friends would go….Johnny who?) Elvis is a bit different. He is shown and celebrated year after year, in Vegas, in sitcoms, ….etc. My guess is that the number of Michael impersonators may reach to the extent of Elvis impersonators. maybe. I tried to research the age range of the majority of AGT voters but cannot find it. If I do, I’ll let you kow. If I find out the majority of them are under 30, I’m going to have to pick different songs.
good luck ….anna
Anna,
You are right there are so many different aspects to think of. I do have to say though that Valor was thrust in the spotlight accidently from a youtube video. I was absolutely shocked at the media attention that he received and the kids who went crazy over him. I never listened to Johnny Cash myself but I am shocked at the amount of kids who do know him & love him. Of course when it comes to a national scale one never knows, but interesting point…
Also remember that Piers does not care for child acts. But he’s going to have to take a second look at your son because I don’t know of any 4 year olds who can play the guitar, especially at the level he is at right now.
To The Kid In Black…question….what would you do if your son won? He can’t play Vegas, can he? I’ve always wondered about that with the child acts.
According to the internet the Vegas show is not the prize the million dollars is. They discontinued the Vegas contract because of acts under 18. Most of the winners do sign a Vegas contract but it is not the winning prize.
Child acts can play in Las Vegas. Bianca Ryan has been (maybe still is) in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood in the V theater.
Thank you Stevie Cat for the nice comment, my son is self taught, my husband nor I have any musical ability.
StevieCat thank you for the nice comment. My son just started guitar lessons but is mainly self taught. My husband nor I have any musical ability whatsoever. The enclosed video was taken when he just turned 4, he was pulled up on stage at a concert & gave this performance to 1,000′s without blinking an eye. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt9AIo08at8
It’s just that Piers is always saying he can’t see the child playing in Vegas, or he says he can’t see an act (adults included) sustaining a 90 minute show in Vegas and I’ve ALWAYS thought to myself “Since when is this show about appearing in Vegas, I thought it was about the prize money”. Which by the way is not a million dollars but it’s in the form of an annuity of $25,000 a year for life. That’s what’s so bogus about these dance acts with 20 people in them. They’d get lunch money once they one, not retirement.
It’s a nice story to say, you get a headline act in Las Vegas. Last season they changed it from headline act in Las Vegas to just a show in Las Vegas. Interestingly, in Britain’s Got Talent the winner gets to perform in some show for the Queen (Royal Variety Act I believe). So, on Britain’s Got Talent, they say, “Do you really think that the Queen would like to watch that?” or “I don’t think that would be a fitting talent for the Queen.
I just viewed the video. HE IS PRECIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These were done a couple of years ago and if you have MySpace (i forgot i had it since i don’t use it anymore) you can hear me sing. Bobby McGee I used a weird sound, but you will get this gist of it. Please, any feedback is appreciated.
http://ksolo.myspace.com/actions/showSongProfile.do?rid=252391&sid=25006&uid=970585
OH! And please take the time to listen to me do Patsy Cline’s Walkin’ After Midnight. Thanks!
It must really suck! LoL (kidding!)
If you only knew Kelli. Actually, the video was private when I checked earlier. The voice is a weird sound and the background music overwhelming and not my thing. Seems like you have potential, but too hard to judge from that recording.
Hi all.
I wanted to let you all know that I had not mentioned it before and some asked what I did for an audition. I was doing comedy. I have still not heard back anything from AGT and its almost February and I was told I would probably hear something back by January. According to these posts all is not lost yet since some of you feel that we could hear something back in the spring. Who knows.
I was interested in finding out that Howie Mandel would be taking over the Hosses role on AGT. I wonder where that leaves Deal or No Deal. Was that show cancelled other than daytime half hour time slots? I really do not feel that the choice of Howie was a good one. For starters, he has, to my knowledge, no musical background in his life. He does know the stage aspect of it but he just does not seem the right fit. I felt kind of the same when Ellen DeGeneres took over as a judge on American Idol after Paula Abdul, that did not seem like a great fit either.
I think it would have been really nice if they had used some of the old 70′s and 80′s rockers or musicians as judges that have been out of work or quit touring. Wouldn’t that have been amazing to see Madonna or Cher on the panel of either AGT or American Idol. (They would probably have charged too much though.) What about the Captain and Tenille, they are some long lost musicians that would have been great on the show or Olivia Newton John. I think they just want people now that are more popular with the public but look how well Paula Abdul did on the show, they revived her career and could definetly find a better match for these shows than freakin Howie Mandel, come on really? LOL!
Well, to all of you, I give my blessings and to anyone that tried out for the show, I sure will say prayers we all make it! That would be amazing! Hey if Grandma Lee can get her grove on so can we!!! LOL!
Toodles!
To Kelly:
I love Patsy Cline and Walkin after Midnight was one of my favorites! She was one heck of a country singer! I hope you do well, its nice to see someone singing some of her works! Good Luck!
Joan,
One of the AGT producers commented today that they’ll update the specific city page once they’re finished calling acts back: http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2010/01/19/questions-for-agt-producers/#comment-2524
You can see some comments about Howie as the new judge on this post we did: http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/2010/01/11/howie-mandel-replaces-the-hoff-as-judge-on-americas-got-talent/
John,
I know it sounds weird. I was messing around with the Karaoke thing on there when it first started and had no clue as to what I was doing. I am not all that “techno savvy” and really have no idea of how to work all that crap. But I had fun. The Patsy song is a little too laid back for me, but have always done well with the tune.
Thanks for listening though.
Note to Joan Vargas.
I hope you get called back. I think a good comedy act would deserve to win this for a change especially with one of the prizes being a Vegas show. Very appropriate.
Regarding the judges you spoke about….I don’t feel the judge has to be a singer, there are many non singers in the competition and so with Howie being a comedian (and a really funny one in his prime), he’d be the perfect one to judge your act, wouldn’t you think? I think he could offer good criticism and support because he’d understand more than anyone what it takes to do your particular talent. I read somewhere that deal or no deal was cancelled by the way.
And I also don’t see any reason why the judges have to be older and semi or fully retired. The original judge’s panel had a young singer named Brandy and she brought a fresh perspective to the table. Although, I must admit, Sharon in my opinion was better than Brandy and more likable to me.
At first I thought you couldn’t PAY me to watch Cher as a judge, but you know what? The more I think about it, I think she’d be excellent. I may not care for her singing, but she’s got a great personality and she’s very likable. I think you hit paydirt with that suggestion. But, as you say, she’d probably be way out of their price range.
o.k. way too much singing lately. Does anyone have any ideas on vocal care? cough drops? soup? avoiding certain foods/drinks? honey/lemon tea? …gargle? anything? I wish I could take it easy but I have rehearsals everyday and a show on Fri and AGT auditions Sat morning. I hope I still have a voice then.
Not sure-avoiding ANYthing that will make me feel miserable and blotted. Sucking on hard candy mints and drinking plenty of water and heavy caffiene usage for me.
When I was younger (LOL), I would drink 1 liter of Mt.Dew and suck on the most sour cough drop I could find to clear my sinuses. In PT when I ran, my SGT would give me a cough drop to suck on and that worked. So I may resort to that tactic. All I can do is rest my throat as much as I can Friday night and get ready for Saturday.
How long between performances? Keep your throat moistened, sinuses clear(as possible) and treat yourself good. Rest much as possible between shows-you will do great-WE all will
Anna,
GOOD LUCK ON SATURDAY!!!! Be sure to let us know how it went!!!
Thank you so much!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6EN2JRmhzA&feature=player_embedded to see my video from Dec 4th.
http://annaeadie.com/AGT.aspx here will show you a picture mom took of me yesterday in the outfit I’ll wear on Saturday. (unless I’m wearing a sleeping bag over it because it will be in the 30′s.
I’ll report back as soon as I can.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
Oh, GORGEOUS outfit. You look terrific!!!!
Break a leg, as they say!!!
Anna,
Thanks for sharing the video. I must admit that I honestly can’t listen to anyone else’s version of “At Last” after seeing Terry Fator do it live as a ventriloquist. Seriously, Terry’s so fantastic at it, that I prefer it to the original.
That bias aside, you definitely have an instrument. At times I felt like you were trying to hard. Sometimes less is better and I thought you tried a little too hard to add your own little twists to the music and it kind of distracted from your talent. I say simplify it down and just nail the song. Don’t try so hard to make it more than it is.
As far as the dress, you might want to dress down for the performance. If you watch what makes it on the show, they are either models or they are just average people who blow you away with their voice. It’s a better storyline if you come in and look like you can’t sing and then shock people with the good voice. Susan Boyle is the epitome of this. She came in frumpy as can be and then shocked people when she could actually sing. I’m sure the show is looking for another Susan Boyle. You’re more attractive and younger than Susan Boyle, but you might be able to pull off a similar type story if you play it right.
Otherwise, what’s the story you want the producers of AGT to tell when you sing? Anyway, that’s just my 2 cents. Take it for what it’s worth.
Joh, I don’t agree about the outfit. I think it’s a plus when someone dresses with respect and shows their ambitions to want to win. Susan Boyle THOUGHT she was dressed up. She had her prettiest dress on with the satin sash. It was her appearance that was frumpy, the hair, the eyebrows. For Anna to go on dressed down would be for her to try and be something she’s not. I can’t tell you how many times I watch the show and think “Geeze, they’re trying out for the opportunity of a lifetime, and this is how they dress?’ How many times has Piers told people that next time, get out of those jeans and wear something appropriate.
I say Anna, go with the outfit. It was darling.
Thanks everyone! I was going to try on more outfits but since my mother-in-law is a big fan and has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, she loved the outfit-so that’s what I’m going with. And as far as my story, and the only reason I’m attempting to enter the industry again, is simply that we have too many medical bills. Our 13 year old severely autistic son in diapers and has never spoken also has high lead poisoning (as well as other heavy metals) viral issues, bacterial issues (don’t even get me started on the yeast issues!!), slight scoliosis,…husband is in remission from cancer – it was misdiagnosed 4 times and at one time they told us he had peripheral T-cell (not many with this survive) so for 3 weeks we were planning for the end, giving his stuff away, yea imagine having to have those conversations with someone you’ve been married to for 19 years. Thankfully they found it was “Lance Armstrong” testicular cancer not in that area, but around his kidney. He had a CT last week and is still in remission. He’ll be seen every 3 months until a year has passed then every 6 months. I do wear a wig because I had a brain tumor removed this past August and so several parts of my head were shaved. A large part where the operation was, other parts where they had to attach wires.So my hair just hasn’t grown out as much as I like yet. (I also have Type 2 diabetes, Obstructive Sleep Apnea-I stop breathing 9 times per hour when I sleep) Then- end of November 09, our 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This is a nightmare. Very difficult! It has pretty much been the straw on the camel’s back here. She has to have 4 – 5 shots a day, and we’re finding out type 1 diabetes is expensive even with insurance.
Frankly, we have just been beaten down. And my husband works so much, just looks so tired. I just don’t think he’s ever quite recovered from his journey through cancer and all the chemo. I feel the need to help him, but I can’t get a good job (who can these days.) So after watching Susan Boyle, I thought I’d give it one more chance.
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the comments. Have a great weekend!!!
Anna,
That is quite the story. I can just hear Piers saying something like, “After all that, how can you even have the strength to stand on stage.” It’s amazing to hear about all these challenges. I’ve worked with some autistic kids before and it’s tremendously rewarding, but also a TON of work and we only helped out for a few hours.
Best of luck Anna. Maybe Susan was a bad comparison and Barbara Padilla might be a better one;-)
Anna, There is no comparison to what you are going through because I’ve never heard of so much challenge in one small family before. I will be rooting for you ALL THE WAY and I sincerely hope that you make it darlin’. You are courageous.
Thank you all so much! I don’t feel courageous. I feel useless. That’s why I’m auditioning. I deserve all the crap in the hand life deals me, But my kids and my husband don’t deserve all of these problems. They deserve much better! That’s why I’m here.
I’m taking a small scrapbook with me with medical documentation just in case they don’t buy my elaborate story. Unfortunately, all of it’s true.
But I am thankful that every time one of us was in the hospital, we eventually got to go home. We passed by plenty of kids in Children’s hospital in Dallas that we knew weren’t going home any time soon.
Thanks again, and good luck everyone!!
Made it to Dallas from Ft. Bliss/El Paso about 5 hours ago and ready to give it all I got. God, this is finally here-Saturday is close by and all of us are here.
Anna, don’t ever say you are useless-you have alot of people that love and care about you-and count me in that group,OK?
Not sure what I am using yet, and that is bad news, but I think I am going to do something that would make my uncle Walter Caton proud of me-thinking Patsy Cline(he played fiddle for her when she started out in Berryville,VA at The Rainbow Club on Route 9 and at other venues she was at in the area…but that is going to be a stretch, because very few know her music,so I will know in the morning… or tonight at the earliest.
See you tomorrow at the Convention Center and hoping for the best for everyone.
Pam
Getting really excited for the Orlando auditions. Anyone else out there going to Orlando??
Hello everybody my name is Ma’lena Manley, I’m a Reggae Singer for AGT 2010. This is going to be my first audition here in Atlanta on Feb 20th, I just wanted to come on here to wish everybody the best of luck and hope that you will fulfill all your dreams. John darling your advice was very helpful and I really appreciate that. Good luck again everybody and I’d hope that we can make it all-together, stay positive and know that when one door is close the other is always open. Respect!
Yes, my friend and I are doing the Orlando auditions! She’s texting me that she’s nervous already, lol.
I did go to “America’s Got Talent” auditions Saturday.
We got to the building around 8 am and we auditioned around 5 pm. There is lots of waiting but we were prepared for that. Packed lots of food and the diabetic supplies, our daughter has to take insulin and had 2 shots during the time we were there.
Now I watch a lot of talent shows on tv and videos on youtube and a good amount of people in these contests are good, but a lot of them are not good, and well, that’s why they are put on TV. The not so great talent acts sometimes make for great TV. So when auditioning I was standing in the middle of the room 2 lovely ladies on my right, my daughter and a handsome gentleman on my left. And I was expecting at least 1 of them to be… not good.
Well, after each of the two ladies sang I was just blown away, I clapped, I shouted out how awesome they were, how they gave me chills….No one else in the room said anything or moved at all but I look like some sort of crazed fan over these people I’ve never met before. But I was just so shocked, I was not expecting that they would be so good.
Then it became my turn to sing and I sang “At Last” and one of the producers said something like “wow that’s a good voice” or something to that effect. That was nice. But then the male producer in the middle told me to back up, so I started walking backwards while continuing to sing, and then I started singing the words “I’m walking backwards and singing at the same time…”(why would someone do that?)
Anyway, after that he asked me why I was backing up and I said “because you told me to!”
he said,”.. well, we’ve never had anyone do that before, that’s a first….”
At this point they are writing on our paperwork, – on mine, probably something like “Complete wacko number 12″ because I’m sure they had wacko’s earlier in the day so I must have been at least number 12.
Anyway, then my daughter sang, and I’m thinking to myself, …”o.k. I’ve already played the wacko card, let’s win this game.”
So as my daughter sings, I begin crying, a few tears fall, some of it’s truly heart felt emotional tears, o.k. so some of it’s acting, but I cried – I mean the drama queen in me was already out – may as well give her something to do. When my daughter finished, I ran to her and hugged her – she pushed me away like she didn’t know me. The producer said do you two know each other? I said (while still crying) she is my daughter. Producer said, “Oh, that’s why she’s pushing you away.”
Then this guy sings, and he was great too but I thought, let’s ride this wacko card home, so I used every facial expression I could to ride his song out – like it was the most touching performance I’ve ever seen. I clapped, touched my heart and said how wonderful he was. I don’t think the other contestants were happy about me trying to upstage them. But just think how calm and sane they look compared to me. (calm and sane don’t make it on TV! Crazy is the way to go!)
So then we were done, they told us if we get a callback it will probably be around March or so, thank you for coming, I told them to have a good weekend….and then we went home.
So I’ve had about 3 hours of sleep in 2 days at that point so I started to second guess myself. Maybe no one told me to back up. Maybe it was my imagination. maybe I misheard him. …maybe I’m a nutcase….
Well, I finally got some sleep on Sunday and later on when our daughter was talking to my mother-in-law about the auditions, I heard her say..” ….and then some guy told my mom to back up…” I was so relieved to find out that she heard it too!!
Why would he tell me to back up, and then ask me why I backed up???? maybe he’s nuts!
Or just fishing for a response.
Well, if he’s fishing – he’s caught one of the biggest nuts in the sea!
…oh well, at least I got a good story out of it!
I’ll let you know if I get a callback. Though, I’m not holding my breath. Have a great year everyone!!!
Anna,
That’s a fantastic story. You’re so right that calm and collected rarely makes it on the show. Wacko’s do. Then, they love to see the wacko “mature” during the course of the show. Or the wacko gets wacked and freaks out over it;-)
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you had a great time.
Nice going, Anna.
Anybody else go to the auditions? Jessica? The Kid In Black? If so, how did it go?
We auditioned in Chicago.
How did it go?
I auditioned in dallas!!!!
Hey, Cameron, that’s great! How do you think you did?
Great!! It was so much fun! Question, why were some people called back in the audition room? John asnwered for me in an email but I also wanted to know some of your…opinions?
Yes, John, Why ARE som people called back in the audition room?
Hey, Cameron, were you called back?
StevieCat,
After the auditon?? Or are you talking about getting called back on the phone??
Question: I am disabled. I’m planning to audition in Atlanta next week. Not sure if I’m going to have anyone accompany me or not. I’m trying to keep this mostly under-wraps, because I don’t want any naysaying from family, so my wife may need to stay at the hotel with the kids. We haven’t really discussed that yet.
Anyway, the thing that intimidates me is the lines. I’m a patient person. I’m glad to bring a book, some snacks, and wait all day. But crowds are very difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
So I’m just wondering exactly how much is really “waiting in line” versus “waiting in a group”? Since some of you have already auditioned, is place-holding really a huge issue?
To: Gadfly
I am happy to see your going to audition! Honestly, the lines are no less than 4-5 hours, at least that is how long it took at the Chicago auditions. Then when inside the building, we had to go thru several other lines. I know there should be handicap accessible areas to allow you easy access into the buildings, but outside, your pretty much on your own. I know, at least with the people I waited in line with, that if there had been someone there that was disabled and needed a hand, any of us would have been willing to assist! There are many nice people you will meet in line, but if your worried about having any problems, I would call the place where your going to auditioning at before the day your scheduled to go. I am sure that they have a customer service line or something of that nature that could answer any questions you may have. In Chicago, our audition was held at the McCormick Place which is a large venue. I am sure that you could get a hold of customer relations, the security desk or something to ask for procedures how they deal with assisting the handicap.
Anyway, good luck with your audition and let us know how it went! If I am not prying, where are you going to do in your audition? I was in comedy…lol!
Take care and Happy Valentines Day!
I should have re-read that before I posted it…many grammer glitches…lol oops my bad!
Gadfly,
I can’t remember where someone’s comment was before, but if I remember right someone else with a disability said that the AGT staff were really helpful. So, I’d say just do what you need to do, talk with the staff and inform them of what you need. They’ll most likely work with you to accommodate whatever help you might need.
Gadfly,
Don’t worry! Maybe this isnt what happens to most people who audition, but I got there at 5:30 in the morning and we got inside and I was 14th in line. It was very quiet and peaceful. My mom and I sat down on the ground and just talked and stuff. Then about 30 minutes to an hour later. We were called upstairs.we went up an escalator to a HUGEMONGUS room. And we went to the registration line, my mom checked us in, and I sat down. There are tons of groups of 6 chairs facing eachother. Since it was only my mom, dad and I, we got 3 more chairs to ourselves. I auditioned and we got out at about 11 to 11:30. You are sittting most of the time (except the parts where they flm) so I think you don’t have to worry. Of course, my experience might be different from someone elses but, it was awesome for me!
I auditioned in Orlando and just wanted to say it was a very long wait and it was cold. My mother (in her 70s) came with me and it was very difficult for her to stand so long. I would say bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on and I’d really think twice about bringing small children unless they’re auditioning. I saw a lot of people w/babies and they were just miserable. It didn’t help that it was really cold. Keep the weather in mind because chances are you will be out in it for hours. Also, the venue i went to had bathrooms and food/drinks avail. to purchase. However, you need someone to hold your space in line. I made friends with people in line (after 5 hours they feel like family!) and they can always help hold your spot too. To be safe I would bring drinks and snacks. That’s my input…Good luck all!
Thanks for the input! I’m not worried about the sitting–I’ll be in my electric wheelchair–I’m mainly just concerned about what people were saying about “losing your place” if you have to go tthe bathroom and don’t have a partner. It sounds like the best thing to do is get there really early. Of course, OTOH, one can get there at 5 and get in sooner, or else just get there at 8 & wait, so maybe I’ll splt the difference!
I”m still debating about whether I should just sing or sing and play. I had narrowed it down to “Think of Me” from _Phantom of the Opera_, but my wife thought I sounded too strained (of course, I was singing at home, without having used my inhaler, kind of thirsty, etc.). She thought Barry Manilow’s “I am Your Child” sounds safer.
I posted some videos on YouTube I made last year, hoping to get through the “online audition.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP93S0EoGuw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuNBW1TCraQ
Those who do instruments: do they let you bring sheet music? There’s only one song I play perfectly without sheet music, and that’s “Memory,” which I figure is too much of a cliche.
Other than being able to have an album or concert, my big dream is to play “Che” in a productoin of _Evita_, but before I had my current medications or my electric wheelchair, I never had the stamina to try anything. I always failed at auditions because of my awkward posture and asthmatic breathing.
Last year, after the Susan Boyle phenomenon, my wife really encouraged me to try something like this, but it was just too late for AGT. Then I lost my job a few weeks ago, and said, “Maybe God’s got something good in store for me,” so I looked and saw this audition and said, “Hey! I wouldn’t have tried this if I hadn’t lost my job!”
I registered but only got an email asking me what day did I want to audition on, SAT or SUN. I replied that I wanted to do it on SUN. I got another email saying that I need to be there at 8am. I did not get a specific appointment time. Will they send me one? By the way, I am a singer/songwriter who does Country Music. Thanks for the help. I am auditioning in Atlanta this weekend.
Gadfly,
I think you could take sheet music, but they probably want you to memorize it for the final auditions.
Roy,
They just give you a general time to show up. They don’t do actual appointments. Expect to wait for most of the day to get an audition even if they tell you 8AM. As best we can tell, they tell people times throughout the day just so that everyone doesn’t show up at the same time.
I’d like to see some good country on AGT. I hope you do well.
Gadfly, I listened to both of your YouTube videos. I’m sorry to say I don’t think you have the chops to make it. It really wasn’t very good in my opinion. Always remember how awful the audience can and WILL be. I mean, you can hold a tune for a while, but there’s no melody in your voice, it lacks a certain sweet sound that is just not there. It’s more like you can sing around the house pretty good and not be embarrassed if you’re overheard, but as far as a million dollar talent, it’s just not that kind of voice. I hope I’m not sounding mean or anything. I’m just being truthful. I’d hate to see you make that trip just to be the butt of some awful joke by the producers. We read all the time how people who were chosen by the producers to go forward and audition were tricked into doing so because it would make for a good show. Dude, don’t do it.
Stevie,
Thanks for the advice. The videos don’t really represent what I’m capable of. They were done in a rush. I made some audio-only recordings with my microphone that were a *lot* better. I knew I didn’t do as well on the videos, but I couldn’t get the audio on the MP3s to sync with the videos. I only really posted those for the heck of it because they were there.
And I don’t really know if I have a “million dollar talent,” or if I care to. I’m just looking for that shot. I know I need some voice coaching, but I’m definitely better than just “singing around the house.” I have sung publicly many times, have cantored at church, etc., and been on a recording. I’ve had enough positive feedback from strangers, including Jiulliard trained musicians, that I know I have potential.
Gadfly,
I’m with StevieCat. What’s likely to happen for you is that the show will cut out your worst 10 seconds of singing where you’re off key and that’s what they’ll put on the show. If you’re ok with that possibility, then I say go for it. I don’t have a problem with people doing it as long as there expectations are reasonable.
Oh, I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings. It occurred to me after I sent it that I really shouldn’t have said anything. I have to learn not to do that. I hope it wasn’t considered rude. I didn’t mean to be. If you’re so much better than those YouTube videos, then you must be very good indeed because they weren’t off key or anything, just needed a zing. Go get ‘em and much luck to you.
Only insofar as I’m pretty self-critical as it is. I’ve been rehearsing and practicing different stuff all night, also hoping to get something better to upload.
Another aspect of those videos that I was going for “different,” focusing more on a musical theatre acting-singing approach, rather than outright singing.
Of course, the trick here is:
1. Do I play and sing
or
2. Do I sing a capella.
Both have their own challenges. I’m also figuring I should have a couple back up plans.
I was trying to avoid cliches, but my wife really feels I do the best with “Memory” and “Music of the Night.” In fact, I tried a recording of “Music of the Night” about an hour and a half ago that was totally flawless. My wife gasped, “Wow. That was beautiful”–and while she’s supportive, she’s also reserved about positive commentary
Sadly, the recording software fouled up at that point, so it was lost, and at this point I’m worn out.
So I was hoping to post a better sample online, but this point I’d better focus on doing the best job I can on Saturday.
Obviously, it would be great to win the whole enchilada, but I’m not under any illusions. My hope is just to get far enough to make it on TV so I can play that into recognition for other avenues (ie, using local media attention to get local singing gigs).
There was that one lady a couple seasons ago who was a runner-up and then self-published her own album and made it to #8 in the charts. *That* would be perfectly fine with me
Personally I think in most cases it’s a bad idea to play guitar or piano and sing at the same time. Unless you play like Liberachi or Orianthi, there’s simply no reason for it. Most companies have rosters of musicians, if they need one they just call one off the list. Many vocal artists can play instruments but we never see them do it. I guess it’s just not a popular thing for the lead star in the show to hide behind an instrument. Miley only plays the guitar on one song, GaGa plays the piano only for a short time and is much more entertaining when she isn’t playing the piano. There was one guy who played the guitar last season, he went pretty far in the contest. But again, that’s rare. Do what your most comfortable with but frankly, I think most people are ADD like me. I want to see a show, not just someone standing or sitting still and singing. My favorite performance is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njph0QyXcKs
“At Last” by Christina Aguilera on stage. I’m studying it like it’s my goal! Let me know what you think, if you agree about using instruments. If it’s something they hide behind or a pedestal that boosts their confidence and stage presence?
Anna Eadie, are you really ADD? If not, then please don’t use the expression as a substitute for being humorously momentarily disfunctional. My son is ADD and I really get tired of hearing people say things like this. It’s not a synonym for stupid. It’s an actual disability that’s name has become synonymous with stupid in the current slang which is FAR from the case.
If you really are ADD, then I’m not offended and I’m sure you completely agree with where I’m coming from. If you aren’t ADD, then please stop using the expression so lightly. Thank you.
No intetion to offend you, but my response has several parts. #1 Many of you know my 13 year old is in diapers and has never spoken- diagnosed with severe autism which is much worse than ADD (although he did use the sign for bathroom when we were in a store this weekend – I was shocked and happy!) so no way I would ever use these terms to offend. #2 I have never been officially diagnosed but knowing so much about it am quite confident that I am ADD not ADHD. There is a difference. (By the way, can’t wait to see the new movie about Temple Grandin)
#3 My sentence was “I think most people are ADD like me” and I truly believe it. If I thought most people were “dysfunctional or stupid” as your post stated, I would have used those words instead of ADD. Attentional deficit disorder can be biomedical in nature but it is my belief that it also can be a learned behaviour in a society in which behaviours are contagious. In a nutshell, decades ago there weren’t that many entertainers or means of entertainment. They could stand at a mic and sing, with no style, no stage presence, no facial expression, and people loved them. With this short attenion span society, and the multitude of entertainers today, they had better be great and put on a fantastic show or they lose the attention of the audience and the fans follow someone else.
Just my opinion and my experience of how I seem to function. Hope this explains it a little better.
I’m willing to say that “most people were dysfunctional and stupid” lol
Check out youtube and you’ll see I’m right. Entertaining for sure, but definitely dysfunctional and stupid.
Well, just like there’s situational depression and clinical depression, there’s situational ADD and biological ADD, and we have a very ADD culture, so point taken.
The trick in selecting a work, as I see it, is what to do to get through this producers’ audition and then through the judges’ audition. Once one gets to the audience voting, then it’s important to vary the act a bit, so I’m just trying to figure out the best way to “wow” them.
I figured, in my case, I could go
a) play *and* sing (and, believe me, I know how challenging it is; my dad just started his first full time music job at 66, and the last job he applied for before this, he was turned down because the priest thought it was totally impossible to be an organist, cantor and choir director simultaneously–but my dad can pull it off!)
b) go for the musical theatre angle, and find a selection that combined singing and “acting”
c) go with the operatic baritone angle.
I can sing at several registers and in several styles, but I find it tough to switch keys and registers. I think I’m going to use the piano just to make sure I’m in the right key, and go with verse 2 of Music of the Night. In fact, the book is marked there because back when I was in high school, we tried a singing competition, but it was open to professionals and amateurs. I came in first among the amateurs but I couldn’t compete with the professionals who came with their fancy costumes, equipment and branded trucks.
So since your son is “much worse” than my son, it gives you the right to say what you did? Good reasoning. As to your point #3, yeah yeah yeah. Right.
Tell me something, how do you like it when people call other people retarded or mental as a slam and not in the clinical sense? I thought so. So don’t expect me to accept your feeble excuse either.
Don’t bother even answering. I’m signing off for good and won’t be reading it.
Let me clarify what i said earlier. The email i got said that registration began at 8am. Like that is when they open the gates. But i keep reading posts from people that they were told they had an audition time of say 2:00pm or 11:30am. Did I just miss understand?
By the way. If anyone is interested. I am going to either do a short Johnny Cash medley of Folsom Prison Blues and I Walk the Line, OR Crazy, written by Willie Nelson and sung by Patsy Cline. Yea, I know it’s a woman’s song, but i believe I can make it work and I want to do somthing different that the judges would not be expecting. I also read on the internet that they do not want us to do an “original” song.
Glad I found this forum. Let’s try to keep it uplifting!
thanks.
Oh goodness. I’m so sorry, I have the flu which means I can’t think completely clear. But I didn’t mean to offend anyone (there’s not much money in that job), and I won’t bring up the subject again. I was just trying to explain why I don’t dig most singers who play at the same time (a few of them are good at it, I believe most could do without the instruments) I guess I should have said that this was all just my opnion only. And I surely didn’t mean to offend StevieCat because that person has given me good advice directly before. I wasn’t comparing kids, I don’t know yours, I was stating that (in my opinion) the label of Autism is usually thought of as more severe health problem as a label of ADD. I don’t know your kid, I could never say mine is worse than yours. Frankly, I never get offended by anything. When people say offensive things about disabled people, unless they have spent more than 5 minutes with my son, there is no way the comment is directed towards him. Therefore I laugh at the joke (only if it’s a good one) and move on.
This is the last of it guys, we’re here to talk about talent and support each other’s dreams!
So Dream On and Rock On!
Best Wishes to us All !!!
Roy,
They might post a time when the auditions are held. If you pre-register on the official AGT site, then they’ll also send you an email with a date and time you should show up to audition. This is the times that people talk about when they say they have an audition time of 2PM (or something like that). Of course, they show up at 2 PM and end up being there until late at night.
Thanks John.
I did registar on the official site, but I have only gotten an email asking me which day I want to audition on. I am leaving for Atlanta this Friday so they are cutting it kind of close if they are going to email me with a specific time. Anyhoo….
“God Bless Us All…Everyone!”
Yes, they often won’t send it out until the week before the auditions if I remember right.
With that said, it’s really open auditions from what I’ve been told. So, if you show up they’re going to at least see your talent.
Roy,
good luck! 
Don’t worry about the time. Get there at 5!!!!!!! I got there at 5:30 in the morning and was 14th in line! We were inside the whole day and we left there at around 11 -11:30! It was a GREAT day!!!!
@Anna — I saw Temple Grandin and it is PHENOMINAL!!! Claire Danes was amazing in the role. I hope she wins something for her performance.
*PHENOMENAL (i hate typos LoL)
Dallas was incredible and I think if my ‘Uncle Walter’ was still alive, he’d be very proud of me because I did Patsy Cline for him and the guys (11th BDE request). Not sure if it was good enough to make it, but I gave my all.
Back in El Paso learning braille and hoping to get a job with the American Red Cross helping other veterans coming home and or being released from service.
Dallas was an experience I will never forget-if I make it, I will be happy. If not, then NEXT year I will be there and singing my heart out again. Got Nick Cannon’s autograph on my confirmation letter (not letting the guy’s get it either). For anyone auditioning in the remaining cities, have fun, enjoy the experience and be yourself!
Question: Am I correct in assuming that if they ask you back for “questions about your paperwork,” you’ve made it, and if they don’t ask you back, you haven’t?
If that’s the case, I didn’t make it, though I think it was more a matter of genre/style than ability, because after my audition, the other people in my group didn’t just applaud politely, they clapped loudly and “oohed,” and when I came back to the wall, their eyes were popping. Out of all the people there, I was the only performer in a wheelchair, and I had expected some kind of mini-interview where I’d have a chance to play the “human interest” angle (I’m assuming that’s what happened when they “asked about her paperwork).
On the other hand, maybe they figure someone who’s dying of a brain aneurysm is a liability.
Anyway, if nothing else, it gave me the experience and more confidence about trying out for things locally.
Gadfly,
No and no.
I think you could safely assume that if you had more interviews and paperwork then you’re more likely to be called back than someone who didn’t, but we’ve heard cases on both side where those who had multiple auditions didn’t get called back and those that only had one get called back.
You never know what they have in mind.
Ok, where do they go after Portland…will the next step be in front of the judges and filmed for TV?
Has anyone ever been called by the producers to summit a video and put on a reel to be consider?
Well I did my audition in Atlanta and it went very well. My wife and I got there at about 7:30 am and the line only had about 300 people in it. We stood in line outside for about half an hour before getting into the building. Then we went right up stairs into the main waiting room. We had to do about an hour or more of big crowd promos for the show, (screaming “We’ve Got Talent…and so forth”).
Then it took a couple of hours to get my number called and go upstairs to the secondary waiting room. They would not allow my wife to go up with me. Only let adults that are with minors go up.
They sent in three of us at a time into the actual audition room. I went first and then the others.
There were three judges and a camera man.
After we all went, they told us it would be two weeks until call backs went out. We were out of the building by 12:30pm. They told us it was packed on Saturday. I would advise anyone in Portland to go on Sunday if they want to get out faster. Good experience all around.
So…I auditioned in Dallas. I sang, then was asked to come back in, then sang again, then interviewed. At that point, I was escorted upstairs to executive producers where I sang again. I know two other girls up there at the same time were later asked for an on camera interview. I was not, but I was asked to give info including the nearest airport to me. I assume there is somethin good about that- but I wonder why I wasnt asked to interview. If they potentially weeded me out at the executive producer level? Jon- u seem to have a good handle on this…what do you think?
Kerami,
It’s possible. However, maybe they just wanted to feature your talent and not your story in the next round. So, if they don’t need more of the story from you, then they don’t need you to go to the other camera crew.
Plus, maybe they’ll look back at it later and think that you could be a nice addition at another city who doesn’t have the type of talent and story that you have. So, they might ask for your story later or have you fly to another city to audition regardless of story.
Lots of options. You can’t say for sure. I think it’s fair to say that it’s probably a little better if you made it to the extra interview, but isn’t the nail of death if you didn’t.
Just found this on the web today at http://www.ocatv.com/shows/index/2 where it said AGT will have a taping at LA on 3-12 & 3-13 at the The Orpheum Theater and also on 3-17 & 3-18 in Portland at the The Keller Auditorium…
Now is this for all the people they picked for round 2 and are they going to pay for those asked to go there?
Any ideas on this?
[...] to John AGT Fan for finding this. Share and [...]
This looks like the auditions with the celebrity judges to me. I think they’ll help with your expenses, but not much beyond that for this round of the auditions. At least that’s my understanding.
Do you think they will go back to each city that they were at with the celebrity judges now that they got the people they are interested in?. Then is it off to Vegas and then LA?
Yep. That’s usually what happens. Although, I think sometimes they might combine 2 audition cities too. For example, I think DC last year was a bit of a flop for auditions and so I don’t think they had the celebrities go to DC. I could be wrong about this, but this was the impression I got.
Thanks for the answer…I wonder if they will go to Chicago, we will find out I bet…
Any idea where do they go after all the cities? Is it Vegas?
They go to Vegas after the initial cities. Sometimes they hold more auditions in Las Vegas. Last season they just flew people there and then told them who went through to the live shows. Then, the live shows are all in LA.
Do you know when they start doing live shows in LA for this season?
I’m not sure even the show knows those dates yet. I’ve been trying to get in to cover the Las Vegas show and so far they didn’t know enough details to let me know if I can get in or not.
Hello John,
Several months ago I spoke with you about AGT auditions. I got a call from a producer, giving me a (1) day notice for the audition. I did not go. However, you asked for me to post my music. During the past 7 months, I signed with an indie label (www.elmstreetrecording.com), hired a backup singer, professional photographer, wrote and played all my own songs, had an official website set up and released my first solo CD “Been A Long Road Home”. The CD is doing great in terms of sales, and I’ve had 2,500+ hits to my site since it’s release. Been contacted by (2) major labels, local radio stations, and the Ellen Degeneres Show. Would love to have you and everyone else check out my site. Thank you John, and GREAT success to all those auditioning. Follow your dreams. Ahren Drew
http://www.ahrendrew.com
(YouTube): Search for Ahren Drew Spanish Lady
Follow-up: If you click on my album cover via my site, it will take you to all of my songs. I’m also available via the following website.
http://www.ahrendrew.bandcamp.com
Thanks again,
Hi Ahren,
Thanks for coming back and sharing. Life’s interesting how some things don’t work out, but then will often lead to something that might be better. Great to hear.
Not really my favorite style of music to listen to. Not bad for like a disco or something. Yes, I used the european term for a club since the music has a real european kind of feel to it.
Hi John,
Yeah, not everyone’s type of music, but it’s funny that you used the term “European” feel. I lived in Amsterdam for a year, and have in my Bio, that Europe is where I gained a passion for dance music. Definitely what I was going for. Smilodon Records in Sweden is one label that requested my promo kit. The ballads aren’t so much dance/european. Thanks for the response, you’ve made my day. Yes, where one door closes, another one opens. Thanks for listening and sharing. How is everyone doing at auditions? Wish them all the best.
Ahren Drew
I have enjoyed reading the comments. My son and I spent a day auditioning in Philadelphia. It was just as everyone described. We were told that notifications would come by February.
February has come and gone, and if you haven’t heard, with enough snow to close Hades!!
Is there a site to check upcoming events. Like the return to each auditioning city?
I missed my Portland audition as I had a viral infection and was in the hospital.(I live outside of San Francisco,but they gave me a Portland audition for some reason) They told me to send in a video,which I am doing tomorrow..but does anyone know if they really choose people on the strength of a video only,and at this point,even though they are taking videos still,do you think they already have everyone,and its a waste of time? Thanks
Holly,
If you’ll make the show better than someone else they’re considering, then they’ll definitely call you back. They’ll do all sorts of things if it will make the show better.
Holly:
Never think that anything you would do would be a waste of time. IF you have a video, I would submit it, you have just as much chance of being chosen as we all did when we went to the auditions. I auditioned in the first audition city which was Chicago back in October 2009 and was told even we may not hear anything back until April or May. So, I would say submit your viedo! They say things happen for a reason, maybe God felt your chance would be better submitting that video, you never know. Good luck and get that video in the mail and hope to see you on AGT!!!
Sorry about the typos haha
Not much talk here on what has happened in the re-visits to audition towns…
Looks like after the Chicago they are done with the audition cities…
Anyone know where they go next, is it Vegas and when will that start and how long…
Hope to hear from those who were called back on the next step…
Any idea when the show starts on TV?
Good luck to all!
It is not Fair to not have Auditions in Kentucky
Last years winner is from here and louisville
would cover Kentucky, Nashville ,Indiana and Ohio
it is Fact that there is more Talent from these four
states than all your audition states combined
or is that what America’s Got Talent is afraid of..
I did not go to this years auditions, as I was finishing up my first debut CD. I see some people have been referred to my website via this (the AGT) site. Since my CD’s January release, I’ve now had 6,000+ views to my website, getting requests for my demo from independent and major labels, and sales are beyond what I would ever have expected. Thank you to those that have visited and purchased my CD, The $3,000 I put into this CD project may just pay off. All my best to everyone.
Ahren Drew
http://www.ahrendrew.com
http://www.ahrendrew.bandcamp.com
http://www.myspace.com/ahren72drew
http://www.unsigned.com/ahrendrew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD3DyNXEOP4
http://www.elmstreetrecording.com (discography)
And honest, this is not “spam”. My website records where people have been referred to me from, and had a sale from here. Just wanted to clear that up in case there were any objections.
A.D.
Ahren Drew,
Thanks for coming back and letting us know. I love when people come back to the site. I hope many more visit once the show starts.
It makes me really happy to hear that you’ve been successful beyond AGT and that this site might have helped in some very small part to give you some exposure. That’s the most satisfying part of this website is helping people out. Best of luck!
Thanks John, I appreciate your website so very much. It did help with exposure. I knew I was in for the long haul when I started this, but I’m in it, to win it. I too hope many more people will come back here and post how they are doing, whether on the show or not. I want success for everyone. I’ll keep in touch for sure. If I (no) when I get a record deal, I will let you know. Thank you again,
Ahren Drew
I have really enjoyed this thread. I’ll be auditioning in NYC in November for the new season of AGT. I was wondering though, is there any information for people, such as myself, with disabilities? Advice? Tips? Do persons in wheelchairs have a shorter line or do we wait all day too? Was wondering because I can usually sit okay in my chair for a long time but I’ve never tried it from 5am-6pm before without a break!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-0ICh6QhrU
Is anyone else going to NYC auditions?
xoxo – Angel
Angel,
Just let them know of your needs when you get there and I’m sure they’ll take care of you. They have lots of different options available to them I’m sure if you let them know what your needs are.
Best of luck!