40 Rules You Didn't Know 'America's Got Talent' Contestants Have to Follow

Every season the show posts about open casting calls. If you want to compete, you have to register online and audition, then you'll find out if you get to move on to the "judge cut" round or not.

AGT hopefuls have to supply proof that they are either a United States citizen, a permanent resident of the U.S., or have a valid employment card to work within the country before they audition.

Hey, there's no age restriction on talent! One of the most senior contestants to ever compete on the show was 82-year-old John Hetlinger, who was a singer.

All minors must bring a parent or guardian with them to the audition to fill out an additional form. The extra hassle paid off for Bianca Ryan, who at the age of 11 won the first season of America's Got Talent.

The auditions are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but people normally start lining up around 6 a.m — since time slots fill up on a "first come - first seen basis," according to the show's website.

Contestants can't have any brand names, logos, or sports teams on their clothes. The show also recommends wearing bright clothing to stand out and to arrive at the audition venue in your clothes — no costume changes allowed.

You're not allowed to bring props, such as fire, swords, or any other dangerous objects with you to the auditions, unless you've already notified security that it's essential to your act. Even then, you have to prove that the illicit prop is part of your act by showing video footage of previous performances.

To prevent people from showing up with wild animals, the AGT team requires that contestants bring vaccine records for any pets. Contestants should also fill out a form online to find out if there are any additional steps they need to take before the big day.

The show prefers a cappella performances rather than having a back track in the open call. However, if your make it to the judges round, you can bring music.

After checking in, contestants are placed in a holding room, sometimes for hours (so bring snacks!). The show has no problem with friends or family joining you on your journey — as long as they sign a special release form — but they aren't allowed in the waiting room with you before your audition.

Contestant are only given 90 seconds to show off their skills in the open call auditions. AGT recommends tailoring your performance to include the most showstopping elements of your act.

When attending an open call audition, which is the preliminary round to get on the show, contestants perform for producers. Only if you make the cut do you travel to the judge's audition round.

Contestants are sometimes left waiting to find out if they made it to the judge's audition for a *long* time.

If a contestant is selected for the judge's audition, the likelihood of them being on television doubles. To prepare, contestants are asked to arrive at the audition camera ready, meaning in full hair, makeup, and costume.

Congratulations, you're going to Hollywood! After signing the show's contract, all contestant must consent to a thorough background check.

In a bid to prevent spoilers, the show requires a confidentiality agreement. Per the cast's contract, each contestant is barred from speaking about the the show and "shall keep the strictest confidence" on all matters regarding their participation.

Since most contestants have to leave home to film the show, there are serious costs associated with them being there. Everything from food to living accommodations is covered by production.

While your living expenses are covered by production, contestants aren't actually paid for appearing on AGT. But you are competing for $1 million and a show in Las Vegas, so there's that.

Sure, a talent competition reality TV show is different than say, Big Brother, where you'd expect to be filmed all day long. Still, AGT reserves the right to film its competitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Not only are contestants filmed 24/7, but when they sign their contract they consent to hidden cameras in areas that would otherwise be considered private. Basically, AGT competitors have zero privacy.