11 Rules "America's Got Talent" Contestants Must Follow (From the Dress Code to Song Choice)
Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Season 20 ofAmerica's Got Talentpremiered on May 27, 2025 All contestants must follow various rules and guidelines during their time on the show The rules focus on all different aspects of the show — including the dress code, eliminations and the performances themselves America's Got Talentis back! The NBC competition reality show returned for its 20th season on May 27, 2025.America's Got Talent, which first premiered in June 2006, has had no shortage of talented contestants grace its stage over the last 19 years. Celebrity judgesSimon Cowell,Sofía Vergara,Howie MandelandMel Ball play a vital role in determining who can move on in the competition. However, all the contestants have to follow a certain set of rules before they even step foot in front of the judges. If people make it past the initial audition phase with the judges, there are additional rules they must follow in order to compete on the hit show. For the show's 20th season, viewers will get to see even more of howAGTworks in a new "behind-the-scenes" filming style. "Thisseason is special- I reckon we're showing about 40% more of the process and everything that goes on behind the scenes, which I find fascinating," Cowell told PEOPLE ahead of the premiere. "This year, fans will get to see what it's like to be a contestant: the highs, the nerves, and the emotions. Everything." Here are 11 rules that all contestants onAmerica's Got Talentmust follow. Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Just like many other reality TV shows and competition shows, all people wanting to try out forAmerica's Got Talentmust meet the show's specific eligibility requirements, per theshow's website. While there is no maximum age, hopeful contestants must be 18 years or older or must have a parent or guardian present with them if they're younger than 18. In addition, all contestants must be a United States citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa before their audition. People are also required to list any connections they have to the show prior to their audition. Once they make it past the open call, contestants are subject to a background check. Finally, a hopeful contestant cannot be actively running for public office. Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty America's Got Talentproducers narrow down the candidates who will audition for the judges. Over the years, the open call auditions have taken different formats. For season 20, hopeful contestants could sign up for an in-person audition in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2025. However, the producers also allow people to submit an audition video or sign up for a virtual open call. Thewebsiteassures people that all of the three methods are "equally considered." Regardless of how someone chooses to audition, all acts are subject to a time maximum of 90 seconds. "We enjoy all talent, whether you are an amazing singer, or can do something really weird with your body. We want to be shocked and amazed by what you can do in 90 seconds!" thewebsitereads. The producers ultimately choose a certain number of acts to perform in front of the celebrity judges. Trae Patton/NBC Although singers are allowed to bring instruments to the auditions, they should also be prepared to sing without one. "Singers typically perform acapella to avoid overpowering vocals with backing tracks," the show'swebsiteexplains. "Prepare a verse and chorus of your song and have additional songs ready in case requested. Playing an instrument while singing is always allowed." Chris Haston/NBC As viewers know, there is no shortage of adventurous and mystifying acts onAGT. While the show allows a myriad of exciting and enticing props — like swords, animals and fire — they all must be approved by producers beforehand for safety purposes. Trae Patton/NBC During the early auditions, producers provide wardrobe guidance for contestants. After participants make it to the live shows, they work with the show's wardrobe team to select their performance outfits. Trae Patton/NBC Singing contestants work with producers to determine which songs best showcase their vocals and also follow legal licensing rules. As many fans know, the first round of auditions in front of theAGTjudges aren't always winners. However, all four judges have to press their red X button in order for someone to completely stop performing. Otherwise, the contestant is required to complete their audition. However, if a hopeful receives all four red X buttons, the rest of their audition is disqualified for judges to consider. Contestants should also be prepared for follow-up questions, since judges can ask them to show additional material during their audition. Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Contestants are not provided any "additional compensation, payments, residuals, reuse fees or other payments" from the show. While they aren't paid for their time on the show, contestants are provided with various other services for their time on the show — including living accommodations, food, equipment, travel, transportation and medical, psychological and first aid services. America's Got Talentand its producers are allowed to disqualify any contestant "at any time for any reason or for no reason, in its sole discretion." This rule is included in many reality competition show contracts. Trae Patton/NBC OnAmerica's Got Talent, the four celebrity judges initially determine how far contestants advance until they reach the live shows. From there, America's votes decide the finalists and the eventual winner. However, if any problems arise with the voting system from fans, producers are next in line to determine who advances. Casey Durkin/NBC AGThas been a fan favorite for years because of some of the candid commentary from judges and fans alike. The audience is allowed to applaud or boo both contestants and the judges. Participants must accept that their "appearance, depiction and portrayal" on the show may be "disparaging, defamatory, embarrassing or of an otherwise unfavorable nature." Many reality TV shows have similar contracts. Read the original article onPeople
11 Rules "America's Got Talent" Contestants Must Follow (From the Dress Code to Song Choice) Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Season ...
