So You Want to Be an American Idol Contestant?

By: Jennifer Walford
Originally Published: http://www.ybfree.com/48AMERICANIDOL1.html

"People will be picked out of the line based on their performing ability, look, style, personality and other factors, at producer's sole discretion."
--American Idol Season 3 FAQs

Invest in a Vocal Coach!

Your first task before even considering auditioning for Hollywood is making sure you can sing. I do not care if your momma, significant other, or friends thinks you can sing, do not play yourself-invest in an impartial judge: a vocal coach.

If you really believe you have what it takes, then investing the time to assess your vocal strengths and weaknesses will not bruise your already larger than life ego. If you have the guts to stand before America and risk being exposed as one of the worst singers in God's creation, then you are brave enough to be critiqued by a vocal professional.

For those who have the raw talent, great, but the same advice applies. Especially if you have no clue about the key you sing in, vocal range, and the only vocal training you have ever received was for your high school's production of Grease-you need professional experience to help you discover your full potential!

Remember any exposure you receive on American Idol is a career booster even if you do not win. The opportunity to parade your talent is a live resume most established acts would have died for in their early days. So why not improve your chances and invest in vocal lessons?

You can start by researching online or simply the yellow pages. Be sure to research potential teachers professional background, look for someone who has had experience in the recording industry, especially a studio singer.

Studio singers with a background that includes live performances; especially on tour, is an obvious choice for a teacher. Studio Singers are the seasoned professionals who provide background vocals on songs, the people who sing us into our favorite TV series, and are the talent behind the vocals of many commercials. Many of these singers have outlasted the stars they have accompanied over the years. These individuals know what producers are listening for and are indispensable to anyone considering a career as a professional singer.

Dressing for the Audition

Having the ability to sing of course is the first priority, but how you present yourself is equally as important. So do not dress to the point where you need a pole to seem complete. DO NOT dress like your favorite celebrity, it makes you look like an obsessed fan boy or girl. If you are a larger proportioned person there are ways to present yourself to stun the world. And if resemble a celebrity (and do not have time for plastic surgery) like every scenario aforementioned, you too can employ a personal stylist.

American Idol provides the contestants with an array of clothing for each performance. Knowing which colors and styles compliment you aesthetically will show you as a confident individual who knows who they are and is a trend leader, not follower.

Another quick glance in the yellow pages or web will find you this information. This is your career, if you do not invest in it who will? Possessing such savvy will reveal to the judges how serious you are about this competition and the career you seek to embark upon.

Preparing for Hollywood

Go to Hollywood believing you are going to make it to the final twelve and have a list of songs you will sing. No, you do not know which categories will be chosen, but you know which music styles were selected before. Use this information to develop a strategy you and your vocal coach can study.

Common sense. Choose at least 20 songs, believe it or not you know more, and just practice, practice, practice. However, do not practice with a prerecorded instrumental. Do you know why? American Idol uses a live band. Which despite best efforts does not often do justice to songs nor accentuate performers. So if possible practice with a guitar or piano to become acclimated to singing with live instruments. An added bonus to singing with live instruments is the chance to work with songs and make them your own!

DIY American Idol Prep

Even though there is no replacement for human-to-human learning technology has enabled humans with little capital to achieve equal access to a variety of job markets, and singing is no exception!

First stop, the Internet. Just type into any search vehicle keywords on "Singing tips", "vocal coaches", "personal style" and a plethora of FREE tips are available.

Then there are the hundreds of software packages that critique the quality of vocals and provide fashion tips.

Finally the best-kept tips on any topic are kept in books. Many book series come with software and provide readers with the same quality as stand-alone software programs.

YBFREE.com has a sampling of some of these software and book titles in its Cool Jobs for Cool People Shoppe, be sure to visit!

American Idol Auditions

Visit IdolFox.com for audition dates, applications, rules, and waivers.

Critical Region Consulting collaborates with independent entertainment companies and artist in developing targeted action-based strategies that enhance media coverage and product visibility. To schedule an appointment in person or by phone submit an e-mail to bandwidth (at) ybfree.com.