New Orleans talent of all performance styles will have the chance to compete in the eighth season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, which has announced its largest nationwide auditions yet. The goal: to reach as many major cities as possible in search of unique talent unlike anything seen before. Anyone with high ambitions and talent has a 90-second shot to convince the show’s judges they have what it takes to make it big — that, and a chance to meet returning AGT judge Howard Stern.

Unlike the singers-only American Idol or The Voice, the show encourages all ages and talents to sign up and get creative; that said, musicians are more than welcome to try out for the televised talent revue.

Last year’s grand prize winners were Richard and Nick Olate, of Olate Dogs. Their trick-filled dog act beat out thousands of hopeful contestants for $1 million and a Las Vegas headliner show.

Preregistration and details are available on the America’s Got Talent website. Local auditions will be held February 15 and 16 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, located at 900 Convention Center Boulevard. The New Orleans dates mark the last auditions for the season.

Per the website as of February 5,

“On site check-in is open from approximately 8 am to 7 pm. Anyone who shows up during these hours with proper paperwork will be seen. We will update this page with the latest information about the New Orleans Auditions, including entrance locations and other details.”

— Beck “zaelyna” Brexlyn