How to Become a BET Singer

Stage Performance

Black Entertainment Television (BET) is a popular channel carried by cable and satellite television providers. It is a mix of music programming--specifically hip-hop and rap--but also airs movies, talk and reality shows. It features syndicated shows and also produces original BET programming. In some of these original programs the network uses cast members that were vetted via casting calls.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Original music and songs
• Demo CD
• Professional videographer
• Website
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Define your singing talent. Do you perform gospel, hip-hop, freestyle rap or popular music?

2. Write a few pieces of original music. The music as well as the lyrics must be completely your own. BET does not accept tribute singers or cover tunes, even for talent videos.

3. Assemble a band and practice the music. When you are ready to record your demo CD, rent a recording studio for a few hours to put down your tracks. It is crucial that you present a professional impression of your music. BET is not interested in bands that sound like they were recorded in a garage, and foregoing the expense of the studio rental might cost you your chance of becoming a BET singer.

4. Do at least one stage performance. If you can persuade even one club or bar owner to give you a shot, you need to have a professional videographer tape it. BET wants audio and video footage of your performance, and while you might be able to overlay the video with the audio—usually a good idea if you perform at a noisy bar—you must endeavor to have professional quality footage.

5. Design a website for you and your band, and post your stage performance online. Ideally, the performance should be accessible with a quick click.

6. Send an email to [e-mail] and request an audition for the “106 & Park’s Wild-Out Wednesday” BET program. In your email you need to include the kind of talent you offer, your telephone number, a link to the online stage video, and your address. Email [e-mail] instead if you are a rapper who sings anything other than R&B or hip hop. This email address alerts the talent scouts of “Freestyle Friday” to your request for an audition. No matter which email address you use, make sure to put the name of the show you are contacting in the subject line.

7. Keep a close eye on the Casting Calls section of the message boards at the BET website. Even as some of these opportunities do not pertain to BET at all, others do. Even if 106 & Park or Freestyle Friday do not work out, you may find a way to showcase your talent via such a casting call.

Tips & Warnings

• You must be at least 15 years of age.

Resources

• Learn more about BET itself by visiting the network’s website at the BET.com website.
• Familiarize yourself with the 106 & Park community message board at BET to make sure your style of singing is in keeping with the tastes and expectations of the audience by visiting the BETBoards.BET.com website.
• Visit the BET Casting Call message board at another page on the BETBoards.BET.com website.