In today’s media culture, talent shows like American Idol, The Voice, the X Factor and many more, make it appear to an audience as if anyone can become a star, if they can just get on the show. With many thousands of applicants in every major American city auditioning for the show, how can you become the one selected to go on to the next round?
One thing to realize is that the way these auditions are run is not really going to give you the greatest odds of really being showcased at your best. You stand in line all day waiting to get in, the auditions are “a cappella” (not accompanied) and all around you are other people doing their auditions at the same time. There is lots of noise. You will probably not get to sing the entire song. That being said, how can you present yourself in the best way for this grueling audition?
Even if you are singing a “cover song” (a song made famous by another artist) you need to be unique, individual, and have a strong sense of who you are as a performer, rather than being a copy of the person who made the song famous. There must be something about your vocal interpretation of the song, and also the way you present yourself as a person that immediately says “I am not a copy, I am an original”. So don’t go in there singing lick-for-lick and note-for-note exactly the same as Christina or Mariah or Usher. Don’t copy the clothes and the moves either. You have to come up with a package that says “I am equally as gifted, vocally as talented, and visually as appealing as these artists, and along with that I have something fresh and unique to offer”.
You really do need to have a stunning voice as well to be the one who actually makes it to the end. You need to have tremendous vocal consistency- to present a flawless performance every time you perform. You need physical and vocal stamina to endure the long hours of daily rehearsal and show tapings. There’s no time out allowed for vocal problems, hoarseness, or issues like “I can’t sing in the morning”. You need to be a “trouper” as they used to say in the days of vaudeville- physically, mentally, emotionally, and vocally strong.
The only way to reach that level of excellence is focused training, LONG before you attempt to get on the show. You need to spend a year or two training your voice with voice lessons, and vocalizing every day, and at the same time training your body with dance and fitness workouts. Work with a fashion consultant who can help you find your individual style. Do whatever works for you to make sure you are emotionally strong; it’s a really tough business.
Most importantly, you need a really good voice teacher who teaches mix- one who will be able to give you a solid vocal technique that will enable you to sing many different kinds of songs with powerful high notes and perfect intonation, and the ability to present a perfect performance every single time. The solid foundation of the right vocal technique will make the difference between being washed out in the first round, and having the staying power to make it to the final season of the show.
I wish you all the best as you reach for your dreams! Tricia Grey, MM
At Sing Like a Star Studios you can learn the vocal technique of the stars. If you don’t live near Atlanta, you can take voice lessons with Skype. Please visit our website at www.singlikeastar.com and click on the GET STARTED tab to register for a professional vocal evaluation and consultation.
