American Idol Audition Tips (07.15.10 11:26 am)

SO many friends have asked for advice and want to know the process for their American Idol audition. When I was on American Idol it was in 2003, so I'm sure some things have changed - but here is what I think will be most helpful! Good Luck!


AUDITION PROCESS
1.YOU WILL BE WAITING IN LINE FOREVER! Not really, but for a long time. Bring some fun stuff to do to pass the time. Bring an empty water bottle to fill up once inside, that way you don't have to pay $5 for one! I brought snacks too :) and also honey and tea for my voice instead of the junk food or greasy food they have – not good for my voice or stomach!
2.You are assigned a number. You will audition in a group with a few other people. You step forward when it's your turn, introduce yourself and sing 30 SECONDS or so of a song! So make it good - pick the best part of the song for your voice! Finish your verse and chorus, and if it looks like they aren't satisfied or sure, keep going until they stop you!
3.MAKE EYE CONTACT!!!! Look at them, don't be afraid to be confident in yourself and show them what you've got!
4.There will most likely be a ton of people around while you are audition, but don't worry – no one is paying attention except for the judges and the people in your group/line.
5.Before your audition, take some time by yourself to pray and listen to music, whatever it is you do to get focused and calm AND confident! ALSO, practice your audition once or twice again in front of your friend. EVERYONE will be doing it, so it's not weird.
6.Don't forget that most of the contestants are just as nervous as you – instead of focusing on yourself, maybe it would be helpful to focus on encouraging and blessing others! If you follow my advice below and anything else you might get from others, I'm sure you will be well prepared! :)

SONG SELECTION
1.Choose a great song vocally, but that is NOT overdone. You aren't going to sound unique to the judges or fresh to their ears if it's the 400th time they've heard that song that hour!
2.Choose a song that you can sing BETTER than (or just as good as) the original artist or in a unique way so it doesn't sound like karaoke.
3.An original song you wrote (as long as it's GOOD) is a great idea, but always have another song in your pocket that they'll know.
4.It's best to have 2 songs that are different styles and tempo's, that way they can hear the versatility in your voice and that you can do both. For example: when I audition for Simon and all the celebrity judges for the first time (when they decide if you go to Hollywood), I sang “There is no Arizona” by Jamie O'Neal. Then Simon asked if I would sing something more mainstream, not country (this was of course before Carrie Underwood). So I sang “Angel” by Sarah McGlaughlin – completely different style and beat. Paula said I was an angel....awe so sweet, and they sent me to Hollywood! :)

WARDROBE
1.Look your age!
2.Be trendy-look like a celebrity!
3.Dont' drop a grand on your outfit if you don't have it! But if you can afford it, it wouldn't hurt to spend 100 bucks or so on getting a great piece, IF you don't already have one. YOUR LOOK IS IMPORTANT TO THEM!
4.BE YOU! If you're style is crazy, be a crazy celebrity, if your style is bling, wear the bling! Just make sure you do it in a unique way, that's not overdone or where you don't feel comfortable! Just know that you are up against some great competition, that doesn't mean you should feel intimidated, just bring your A game. And if that means stretching your comfort zone a little then...GOOD FOR YOU!

ATTITUDE
1.Be CONFIDENT! -not cocky!
2.If Jesus is always with you, which He is – then know that He is giving you strength. If God is for you, who can be against you! Ask Him for HIS will to be done in your life and through this, and that it would be your desire. That's what I did, and no matter what happened – I knew He had a plan and that HIS was the best!
3.Do your best! At my last audition (the one right before the cuts for the show), I prayed that I would just do my best, like I prayed every time, and that God would give me His desire's for my life. So when I was cut, I knew that He had other plans for my life (obviously! - although it doesn't always seem so obvious at times), AND I knew I did my best! I prepared as much as I could and gave it my all! SURE, you're going to look back and think, “maybe I should've done this,” or “I could've done this”...but it's easy to be the “monday morning quarterback” right?! JUST DO YOUR BEST and forget the rest (P90X). :)

PREPERATION
1.PRACTICE your audition in front of the mirror!!! Get comfortable and CONFIDENT!
2.Practice your audition in front of your friends or family. Have them be the judges, ask you questions and act like it's the real thing! I did this for my family, and yes, it's somewhat awkward, but it REALLY helped. My sister used to be in pageants and asked me a bunch of questions like “What sets you apart from any other contestant?” GOOD!


I PRAY BLESSINGS ON YOUR LIFE AND ALL THAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR YOU! The Road isn't always easy, you get knocked down sometimes, but you grow. You learn and become a better, stronger person through each experience! HOWEVER, the journey is worth it!

P.S. Some verses to take with you...Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:4-9, Isaiah 61:1 or Luke 4:18-19
(God has good plans for you! Don't be anxious-Pray instead! Experience God's Peace! Fix your thoughts on Him and all that is good! He has anointed you! Just as God did Jesus, so the same power is in you through Jesus your Savior!!!)

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