Simon Cowell, who produces America's Got Talent, has the following advice for acts auditioning:
1) Be original.
2) Don't be boring.
3) Stand out from the crowd.
4) Be fearless.
Here is some more advice:

Dress to impress. Come with the outfit you want to wear on TV.  It doesn't hurt to wear something you're comfortable in but will also let you stand out in the crowd.

PAPERWORK: Not only is the paperwork important for contact information etc but it is a chance for you to share some stories and information about yourself and your talent. Producers do take the time to read your application, because we may not have time to ask you questions in the audition room it is always helpful to know a little bit about you.

PLEASE REFER TO OUR EXTENSIVE FAQ FOR MORE TIPS AND INFORMATION.

 

It is best if you perform to one or two songs for your audition rather than a mix or medley of songs which can be hard to clear for television. Make sure your choreography is tight and you bring lots of energy. Incorporating tricks and new, unique choreography is always a great way to stand out to the producers and judges. A good way to show your personality and unique style is through your wardrobe/costume. If you are a big group its always a good idea to dress in your team uniform or another fun costume.

 

You want to shine at your audition. You may only have a chance to sing UP TO 90 seconds of one song, so please start off with your strongest. Remember that you can choose any part of the song to perform, so pick the part that best shows off your vocals. Keep in mind that original music is always tough with our judges. Even the Rolling Stones start a concert with a well-known hit and not their new material. Please have a cover song prepared as well if you choose to sing an original.

These are the most commonly performed and perhaps over-done songs:

 

At Last	Crazy
Summertime	You Raise Me Up
The Climb	Halo
Listen	Firework
Someone Like You	Ain't Got You
Fallen
I'm Yours	Who's Loving You

 

If you are planning on performing any of these songs, please make sure you make your performance your own.

Otherwise try to pick something popular, but maybe a little more unique and  still fitting your style. We want you to stand out. Maybe its your unique take on a well-know song. For example, a man auditioning singing a song typically done by a female singer.

It is always a good idea to have more than one song prepared, especially a few different genres or styles. You are only guaranteed 90 seconds, but if a Producer asks to hear another song, it is good to be prepared.

Make sure you plan an act that would work on a stage in a theater filled with 1,000 people or more. If you have any acts that are not able to be performed in the audition room, please bring in a DVD of the 90-second performance you'd want to do on the show.

It’s always a good idea to have ideas of what you would perform for future rounds of the show if you are chosen to perform for the celebrity judges. Sometimes the Producers will ask you what you have in store for the future and its better to be prepared.