As America’s Got Talent (AGT) celebrates its monumental 20th season, the show is gearing up to welcome a fresh wave of extraordinary performers to its iconic stage. Premiering on NBC on May 27, 2025, Season 20 promises to deliver jaw-dropping acts, emotional moments, and the chance for one lucky winner to claim the $1 million grand prize. With auditions already underway, aspiring talents from across the United States and beyond are invited to showcase their skills in front of judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and returning judge Mel B, hosted by the charismatic Terry Crews. Whether you’re a singer, dancer, magician, comedian, or possess a unique talent, AGT is the platform to shine. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Season 20 auditions, including how to apply, key dates, eligibility, and tips for success, based on the latest information available.

Audition Opportunities for Season 20

Virtual and In-Person Auditions

AGT Season 20 offers multiple ways to audition, making it accessible to a wide range of participants. The show has embraced both virtual and in-person formats to accommodate talents from all corners of the globe. Here’s a breakdown of the audition options:

Virtual Auditions: For those unable to travel, virtual auditions provide a convenient way to perform for the AGT casting team. A notable virtual audition event is scheduled for February 25, 2025, hosted by AGT fan favorite and finalist Sofie Dossi. Participants can sign up for this online open call through the official AGT auditions website, www.AGTAuditions.com. Virtual auditions allow you to record and submit a video performance or perform live via a video conferencing platform.

In-Person Auditions: For those who thrive in front of a live audience, in-person open-call auditions are a fantastic opportunity. A major in-person audition event is set for March 10, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, California. Additionally, Howie Mandel will host a special Comedy Showcase audition on February 6, 2025, at The Ice House in Pasadena, tailored for comedians looking to make the judges laugh. Filming of televised auditions began on March 14, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where selected acts perform in front of the judges and a live audience.

Video Submissions: If neither virtual nor in-person open calls fit your schedule, you can submit a video audition at any time through www.AGTAuditions.com. This option is ideal for those with scheduling conflicts or who prefer to perfect their performance before submitting. Note that if you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must submit the audition on your behalf.

To stay updated on audition dates and additional open calls, sign up for Audition Alerts on the AGT auditions website. These alerts provide the latest announcements from the producers, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.

Key Dates and Locations

Virtual Audition with Sofie Dossi: February 25, 2025 (online).

Comedy Showcase with Howie Mandel: February 6, 2025, at The Ice House, Pasadena, California.

In-Person Open Call: March 10, 2025, at Pasadena Civic Center, Pasadena, California.

Televised Audition Filming: Commenced March 14, 2025, at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California.

Season 20 Premiere: May 27, 2025, airing on NBC at 8/7c.

Live Shows: Begin August 19, 2025, with results airing Wednesdays at 8/7c.

Due to wildfires in Southern California, open-call auditions were briefly postponed in January 2025, but the schedule has since resumed. Always check www.AGTAuditions.com for the latest updates.

Eligibility and Requirements

AGT is renowned for its inclusivity, welcoming participants of all ages and talents. Whether you’re a solo act or part of a group, a seasoned performer or a first-timer, the show encourages everyone with a unique skill to audition. Here are the key eligibility details:

Age: There are no age restrictions. Acts of any age can audition, from young prodigies to seasoned professionals. Last season’s winner, Richard Goodall, was 55 when he won, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Talent: AGT accepts a wide variety of acts, including singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, acrobats, ventriloquists, and more. The show values diversity and uniqueness, so even unconventional talents have a chance to shine.

Residency: While the show primarily attracts participants from the United States, international acts are welcome, provided they can travel to the U.S. for filming.

Submission Rules: For video auditions, ensure your performance is clear, well-lit, and showcases your talent within the allotted time (typically 2 minutes). If under 18, a parent or guardian must handle the submission process.

Each act performing in front of the judges during televised auditions is given 2 minutes to impress. To advance to the next round, an act must receive at least three “Yes” votes from the four judges.

The Golden Buzzer: A Game-Changer

One of the most exciting elements of AGT auditions is the Golden Buzzer, which sends an act directly to the live shows, bypassing further preliminary rounds. For Season 20, the rules have been expanded: each judge—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B—can award two Golden Buzzers, and host Terry Crews also has two. This is only the second time in the show’s history that such a format has been used, increasing the chances for standout acts to fast-track to the live rounds.

The Golden Buzzer is awarded based on the judges’ or host’s emotional response to a performance. As casting producer Jessica Graham noted, there’s no exact science to earning a Golden Buzzer—it’s about moving the judges and audience in the moment. Past recipients, like Kodi Lee and Grace VanderWaal, became instant sensations, so prepare an act that leaves a lasting impression.

Tips for a Successful Audition

Auditioning for AGT is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and preparation is key. Here are some tips from past winners and producers to help you stand out:

Be Authentic: The judges look for genuine talent and passion. As Graham emphasized, AGT seeks “the best of the best, no matter what the talent is.” Showcase what makes you unique, whether it’s a heartfelt story or an unusual skill.

Prepare Thoroughly: Season 13 winner Shin Lim advised acts to be well-prepared, especially for the high-pressure environment of national television. Rehearse your 2-minute performance to ensure it’s polished and impactful.

Engage the Audience: The energy in the room matters. Season 20’s premiere featured acts like Light Wire, who captivated with a visually stunning performance, and Jourdan Blue, who earned a Golden Buzzer for his soulful singing. Make your act memorable and audience-friendly.

Tell Your Story: Many successful AGT acts connect with the judges through personal stories. Whether it’s overcoming hardship or pursuing a lifelong dream, share what drives you to perform.

Be Resilient: Not every act advances, but rejection isn’t the end. Many performers, like Wes-P, have auditioned multiple times before succeeding. Use feedback to improve and try again.

What to Expect After Auditioning

Once you submit your audition, the process unfolds as follows:

Producer Review: The AGT casting team reviews virtual and video submissions to select acts for the next stage. In-person open calls allow you to meet producers directly, increasing your chances of making an impression.

Televised Auditions: If selected, you’ll perform in front of the judges at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. These auditions are filmed and aired starting May 27, 2025. Acts need three “Yes” votes to advance to the Deliberations round.

Deliberations and Live Shows: After auditions, judges review footage to select approximately 44 acts (including 10 Golden Buzzer recipients) for the live shows, which begin August 19, 2025. During live shows, America’s votes determine who advances toward the $1 million prize.

Why Audition for AGT Season 20?

AGT has launched the careers of countless stars, from Grace VanderWaal to Shin Lim, and Season 20 is poised to continue this legacy. With a judging panel boasting over three decades of combined experience and a format that celebrates diverse talents, the show offers unparalleled exposure. As Simon Cowell said, “Two or three minutes can change your life.” Whether you’re aiming for the $1 million prize or simply want to share your talent with the world, AGT is the ultimate stage.

How to Get Started

Ready to audition? Visit www.AGTAuditions.com to submit a video, register for virtual or in-person open calls, or sign up for Audition Alerts. Fans can also attend tapings at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium by registering for free tickets at on-camera-audiences.com.

Conclusion

America’s Got Talent Season 20 is a landmark celebration of talent, diversity, and dreams. With auditions open to all, now is the time to seize your moment. Whether you’re chugging pickle juice like Eric Booker or creating a visual masterpiece like Light Wire, AGT welcomes your unique gift. Prepare your act, submit your audition, and get ready to shine on one of the world’s biggest stages. Who knows? You could be the next AGT superstar.