How to Get Through the American Idol Audition Process

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By Lori Soard
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Simon Cowell at the National Television Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, London, October 2006.

Have you ever thought you might have what it takes to be on American Idol but aren't quite sure of the audition process? Those who've tried out for this show are always willing to share a few tips. So, all that information has been gathered and compiled into one easy to read and understand article that should help you get prepared for your American Idol audition or decide if audition is even right for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Great singing voice
Lots of patience
Determination

Step 1

Get some feedback on your singing voice. It's probably best not to ask family or friends, who might not give you their honest opinion for fear of hurting your feelings. Instead, hire a private voice tutor and work with him or her a few times, so he has a good idea of your abilities. Ask if you stand a chance or will be making a fool of yourself, and what you should do to prepare your voice. The last thing you want is to stand up in front of the judges and make a complete fool of yourself on national television.
Step 2

Choose the perfect song. Ideally, the perfect song is different for each singer, and depends upon your range and voice abilities. You want a song that will showcase your strengths and play down your weaknesses. Have trouble hitting the high notes? Don't choose a song with a wide range of low to high notes. Your voice instructor should be able to help you with song choice. You also don't want to choose a song that has been highly popular by an amazing vocal artist. Your version may pale in comparison and this could hurt your chances. Selene Dion and Whitney Houston, for example, are hard acts to follow, because of their strong vocals.
Step 3

Visit the American Idol website (see resources section below) to find out when the next auditions will begin and what cities American Idol will be visiting for the audition process. Also, know the eligibility requirements for American Idol. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident between the ages of 16 and 28.
Step 4

Practice like crazy. You've already chosen your "perfect" song for your audition. Practice like crazy, but don't strain your singing voice. Practice in the car, the shower and with your vocal coach. Practice until singing the song is second nature. This will make you much more comfortable on audition day. It's a good idea to have a second song prepared as well, in case the judges ask to hear something else. Try to pick two different styles of song, but both should be good for your vocal range.
Step 5

Take the appropriate paperwork. Once you've decided on the time and place to audition, you'll want to be sure you take everything with you that you'll need to get into the auditions. You'll need to take two pieces of identification. If you are under 18 years of age, you'll need a parent or legal guardian with you to sign consent for you to audition. Download an American Idol release form from their website, fill it out and sign it. Register as early as possible, even if it means waiting in line hours before the doors open. Slots fill up quickly, so this is vital to getting to try out.
Step 6

Come prepared the day of the audition. Make sure you have vocal chord friendly snacks and drinks (water is best). You may have to wait hours upon hours.
Step 7

Be yourself. Sure, you can take a note from American Idol bikini girl's page and dress up with scanty clothes and possibly even get through the first round or two. But, do you really want to make it on the show because you wore a bikini? Or do you want to make it because you are an amazing singer. If you normally wear a bikini out in public, then this advice doesn't apply to you. Let your personality shine through. The judges are looking for a total package of voice, appearance and personality.
Step 8

Smile! Force it, if you're too nervous to give a genuine smile. It's a proven fact that smiling releases chemicals that make us feel better. Smile and you'll be more at ease while singing.
Step 9

Lose yourself to the music. Forget about your audience once you start singing and focus on how much you love the song and how much you love to sing. Close your eyes for a moment, if you have to, in order to connect with this emotion, but do not keep them closed the entire audition. You should make solid eye contact with each and every judge.
Step 10

Expect to be told no. Very few contestants make it through. If you expect a no, you can have a polite, "Thank you for your time" prepared. This will help you avoid and overreaction to rejection and keep you from looking poorly behaved on television.

Comments

kanthaidecor said

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on 4/19/2009 I have been playing guitar since I 8 years old and in bands since the age of 12.I want to say you gave some pretty good advice here.The only thing I would stress more is that voice is different than playing an instrument.Vocal instruction is pretty much a must at the pro level even if you have a great voice to start with...Singing correctly will help you keep it and not destroy your voice....I mean as in work with a vocal coach for your whole singing carer....Ever wonder why some contestants on American Idol get better as the season goes on? It is because many are getting vocal coaching for the first time in their life.