There are various rounds. Usually some talent agents, then they decide you move onto the next round of talent agents, this repeats, then if you make it to the end you audition for the judges.
I have not auditioned for any of these shows, but my understanding for the American versions is that you go to a large casting call and audition in front of producers. Then you may be advanced to another audition in front of producers until it's narrowed down to those that will be taped. For those that have gone through the process they say you really need to stand out - either super talented or really awful that would make for good TV.