An estimated 450 acts had 90 seconds to persuade producers at the San Diego Convention Center to propel them to the next round. They’ll have to wait a couple of months to find out.
Waiting is nothing new, said a contestant who auditioned around 3:30. She had been there since 7:30 a.m.
Rebekah Ort, 10, of Carlsbad warms up before her dance-gymnastic performance for the “America’s Got Talent.” auditions. Photo by Chris Stone
Celebrity judges — Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell — weren’t part of the initial selections. Neither was natty host Nick Cannon, a 1998 graduate of Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley.
Hundreds of people were lined up before the 7 a.m. opening of the San Diego auditions, one of 12 city stops before the 11th season of the popular talent show. If any locals missed Tuesday’s auditions, they can attend Los Angeles auditions Feb. 6.
After registering, contestants sat in a holding/practice room quietly rehearsing their acts and nervously chatting with would-be rivals.
Family and friends were nearby to give them support. Young contestants were allowed to be accompanied into the audition room by a parent.
Earlier auditions were held in Detroit, New York City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Jose and Salt Lake City.
Parents and friends of contestants grow tired in the holding room for AGT auditions. Photo by Chris Stone
A contestant checks her makeup in a lighted mirror in the holding area. Photo by Chris Stone
Contestants are ushered into the registration room. Hundreds were in line at the 7 a.m. opening. Photo by Chris Stone
Alex Borja of San Diego rehearses outside an AGT audition room at the San Diego Convention Center. Photo by Chris Stone
After going through a security check, contestants registered for the auditions. Photo by Chris Stone
A guitarist rests while waiting to be called for his audition. Photo by Chris Stone
Young girls cheer in front of lighted mirrors in the holding room. Photo by Chris Stone
A contestant is handed an application to complete prior to auditions. Photo by Chris Stone
Twelve members of the UCSD Dance Sport Team wait nervously outside the audition room. In November the group took second in the USA Dance National Collegiate Championships. Photo by Chris Stone
Michael Wolfe of the band “Ocean Avenue” practices in the holding room. Photo by Chris Stone
Contestants wait in the holding/practice room until being called in groups to the audition rooms. Photo by Chris Stone
Guitarist David Ladd of Pacific Beach warms up outside an audition room. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego contestants are directed by “AGT” staff where to proceed next. Photo by Chris Stone
“AGT” staff move groups of people to get photographed and to audition. Photo by Chris Stone
Rebekah Ort, 10, of Carlsbad warms up before her dance-gymnastic performance for the “America’s Got Talent.” auditions. Photo by Chris Stone
