American Idol Auditions

From LoveToKnow Reality-TV

American Idol auditions for season eight began on July 17, 2008. The auditions travel to multiple cities where hopefuls line up for hours to get a chance to strut their stuff on stage. In some cases, the contestants have less than 3 minutes to stand out from the crowd.

American Idol judges: Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Requirements for American Idol Auditions

If you're planning to audition for American Idol you need to review the audition requirements. Before you audition, you must register and prove:

You are between the ages of 16 and 28 years old.
You have the permission of a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18.
You are a U.S. Citizen or legal resident of the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

You are considered ineligible if you were in the top 30 to 40 contestants of a previous American Idol season. You must also prove to the satisfaction of the producers that you do not have professional contracts for music recording or acting, talent representation or promotional use of your likeness. The producers will want you free to enter into contracts with American Idol and other contracts may prohibit the freedom of that relationship.

Make the Best of Your Audition

Auditioning for American Idol is a big step for many would-be singers. If you're seriously considering traveling to an audition city you can prepare yourself by talking to your friends and family. Ask their advice and their opinion of your singing. Request a fair and accurate assessment of your skill.

Head to a karaoke bar and practice your stage technique, singing to the crowd and performance ability. Remember, American Idol isn't just about how well you sing, but how crowd-pleasing you are. Great performers will capture the crowd's hearts with their work. Karaoke bars are a low-key way to test your methods out and trust those audiences; if they aren't cheering you on, you're not wowing them. When you can blow that crowd away you're ready to audition.

Voice Lessons

Consider investing in voice lessons. Singing on the show requires performing multiple styles. You may be a great blues singer, but if you can't adjust to singing show tunes, country or pop rock, you're not going to go far. A voice coach will not only work with you but they can additionally give you an honest opinion of your potential.

When you're preparing to audition, choose a song that demonstrates your best qualities and that you can perform well. Go to the auditions with a realistic mindset. You have a greater chance of not making it to the next round than you do of making it. Be prepared to be sent home and be prepared to be dissed by the judges. Simon Cowell is not known for his positive, sunny attitude when it comes to critiquing singers.

Be Prepared

Walk in to that audition prepared, wearing a good outfit and a good attitude. Remember, your attitude during your introduction, your performance during your song and how you receive the judges critiques are going to all be a part of your overall impression. If you don't make the cut in this year's auditions, that impression may remind them of who you are the following year.

If singing is your dream, don't give up.

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