So your kid sings like Taylor Swift and is just desperate to be the next “American Idol” – how are you supposed to get them through the daunting audition process in one piece? Just a glimpse of those lines of future pop stars winding around famous landmarks across America is enough to make any parent run for the hills.
Well, the auditions aren’t much like what we see on TV. They’re worse. But if your favorite future Taylor Swift is determined, here are a few things you need to know:
1. Auditions don’t start with the judges. In fact, of the thousands of people who come seeking fame and fortune in each city, only 100-200 make it to the panel. Before contestants make it to the infamously harsh judging room they have to make it through two rigorous cuts. First a short audition with three other contestants in front of one or two of the show’s producers. If they make it through that first cut, contestants are then sent to yet another set of producers. These preliminary auditions are often done weeks if not months before the judges arrive, so be prepared, if you don’t live in driving distance of an audition city, a serious play for the Idol title will involve multiple flights to auditions.
So where do those screaming crowds we see on the boob tube come from? They’re not waiting for Simon Cowell, that’s for sure. Those are the lines of contestants waiting for the first two rounds, often months before the auditions tape. HINT: If you really want to get your kid to the front of the line, show up at least a day before and camp out.
2. Unless you’re just in it for the TV face time, don’t dress like a crazy person. Though the audition episodes are peppered with people in crazy costumes doing wacky things, the people who succeed (and most of the rest of the crowd) are dressed to highlight their talent, not their weirdest hobby. If you ARE just in it for your 30 seconds of fame, have no worries, you’ll know it if you’re being moved to the next round of auditions to serve as comic relief. When contestants are gathered, waiting to meet the judges on camera, the producers warn them “Some of you are here because you’re really good. Some of you are here because you’re really bad.”
3. You don’t have to pick all of your own songs. Spontaneous, this process is not. Though personal song choice is important for the initial cuts, the producers determine which song the contestants they do put through to the Judges should sing in the next round. If your child (or you) is lucky enough to make it to the Hollywood round, a list of songs will be provided. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, as of the 7th season, contestants are now allowed to play accompany themselves on an instrument.
