I hope he gets on. My daughter did that about two years ago and it will always be remembered as a high point in her life.
The next round isn't really random. They know personalities and who does well on camera. But, then it is a lot of luck.
If he does get on, have him practice playing video games. (Seriously!) The boy my daughter was against was so fast that nobody could ring in against him. (Same effect as when Ken Jennings played the computer.)
God luck to him,
nacl