Strategy Guide
for
American Idol Hopefuls
Brian S. Pratt
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2010
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#1-Jaikus and Reneeke Join the Guild
Just some thoughts that might prove useful. Take them as you will.
Introduction
Why should anyone listen to me where music or performing is concerned? Good question. About my only credentials is a stint playing trumpet in high school.
For the last couple of seasons, my kids and I have watched American Idol, and of course we never miss the auditions where contestants get ripped apart by Simon. I always thought it strange that those auditioning were actually surprised and hurt upon receiving harsh criticism. Haven’t they watched the show before?
Driving home the other day, I got to thinking about those people who arrive ill prepared and make a poor showing. They forget the words, are unable to sing due to nervousness and at times outright fear, and even have trouble maintaining a good melody throughout. What is it that separates the ones whose dreams are crushed, and those that move on? Talent? To some degree, yes. But the majority made it simply because this was not the first time they had sung in public, or had some background on stage.
Is that fair? Absolutely. Those with experience make the best showing, and are usually the best singers as well.
So I like I said, I got to thinking on what people could do to ready themselves for the audition, and for the stages in the competition leading up to being chosen for the Final 24.
I hope that some of the ideas discussed in the following pages may prove of some benefit to you. Not all will work for everyone, but some at least are worth the time it took to read them. Here’s wishing you good luck in your journey and best wishes on a successful outcome.
Before The Audition
So you love to sing with the radio, in the shower, or just whenever you have nothing to do. You think you have talent and your friends and family agree. At some point, the idea surfaces that perhaps you could be the next American Idol. Dare you try?
Your family is right behind you, encouraging you throughout. Though keep in mind, families are not the best judge of talent. They:
1-Do not wish to hurt you.
2-Always want you to reach for your dreams and won’t stand in your way. So if they really think you sound like a cat whose tail had been caught under the rocking chair, they probably won’t tell you.
3-Are far too biased to render anything resembling an honest critique of your talent. My mother always thought my trumpet playing was perfect. But I’ve heard playbacks of several concerts and I cringe at all the mistakes she could never hear.
Still, you might have what it takes. Only one way to find out. So, let’s get ready for the audition.
The farther out from the audition you begin preparations, the better you will do. First of all, go into it with the intention that the first year you stand before the judges, you aren’t going to make it. It is merely the trial run for next year.
I say this because once you go through the process and the initial time where you sing before the judges and the camera, you will know what to expect, be more relaxed and thus likely to do a better job. Of course, you may make it the first time, there is always that possibility.
The first thing you need to work on is getting comfortable before an audience, any audience. To that end, I would suggest the following.
First of all, and this may seem rather obvious, sing in front of your family and friends as often as they can stand.
Next, find other venues to put yourself in front of an audience. The more you do it, the more relaxed you will be come audition time and less likely to get the jitters that could cause you to forget the words. Here are a couple of ideas.
On the sidewalk:
Pick a spot and just start singing. Put a hat on the ground for tips, maybe post a sign saying something like “On my way to American Idol.” If it’s December, throw on an elf’s costume and sing carols.
At the mall:
Approach the mall management about having an “American Idol Pre-Audition Jam Session.” You and others interested in honing their skills could perform for their shoppers. (Stress how this will bring interested people to the mall who will in turn shop at their merchants.) Three or four people could act as judges, and the winner receives a mall gift certificate. Maybe as a participant, you could approach individual merchants within the mall to be your sponsor. In essence, you would wear their name on your back giving them additional advertisement.
Local Radio Stations:
You would sing and allow their listeners to call in with their comments. Could do the same thing as at the mall. You and several others sing, their listeners call in to vote. Winner gets some sort of prize such as a gift certificate from a local merchant.
Karaoke Bars:
Every weekend you should be out singing, unless you are under the legal drinking age for your state.
Still in High School:
Are you in choir? Glee club? Drama? Each would provide invaluable experience. You could also organize a Talent Night. During lunch, sing for friends. If you can survive their criticism, you can take anything.
Audience of One
Record yourself and listen to how you sound. If you never have, you might just be surprised at what you discover. What you hear while you sing, and what others do, are often quite different.
The point of the above ideas is to get comfortable with singing in front of others. That way, when you stand before Simon, Randy, Cara, and (Guest Judge), you will be relaxed and can have a good time.
When you are relaxed and having fun, it comes through in the music. Those listening are able to enjoy what you are doing even more. You definitely want Simon to enjoy what you are doing or you’re going to hear about it. Also keep in mind, once through and they are going through the “cut” rounds before America gets to vote, you want the judges to remember you favorable. When they are hunched around the table with scores of pictures arrayed before them, you want one of them to point at yours and say, “I liked this one, remember…”
Another point to consider when you are performing before others… an instrument is not allowed when you go for the audition. So if you always sing while picking the guitar, you should consider singing without it so you’ll get used to not having it.
Okay, here’s something that occurred to me that could actually be fun. While you are singing for your friends, have them lob sponges or some other soft item at you. If you can keep concentrated and focused on the song and melody while at the same time dodging incoming objects, you will not have any problem in front of the judges.
You see, when you are nervous and in an alien environment, i.e. the audition stage, your mind could become fixated on either a judge’s expression or something else for a split-second. During that moment of fixation, you could stumble on the melody or lose your place in the song. A few hours of sponge-dodging could very well help you avoid any such missteps.
Song Selection
How many songs should you be able to sing well before heading out for the audition? I would guess that most of the contestants are so fixated on the audition itself, that they are woefully unprepared for the stages beyond getting that yellow ticket. (I keep hoping someone will start a rendition of “I have a yellow ticket” from the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.)
Think about it. How many performances will you have to go through before America starts voting? Even then, you could use a couple songs after that while the contestants are winnowed down to the Final 12.
Up until the point when the Final 12 are selected, the contestants get to choose their own songs. Are you planning on waiting until each stage before you begin rehearsing? If you do, then your performance isn’t going to be the best it can be. Here’s what I suggest:
Audition Song
Very few contestants make it past this point without good vocals. Pick a song that will highlight the type of music you love best. It doesn’t have to be a popular song, but I would suggest one that has some range in it, has a good beat or melody, and one that you know backwards and forwards. Also, the judges like ingenuity, so if you can, alter the song slightly to make it your own. That last is not necessary, but it will make you stand out.
Like in Season 9 when that one guy altered Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” song. Same words, just a different melody. If this is not something with which you feel comfortable doing, then by all means sing the song as the original artist intended. Again, the whole point of the audition is to show the judges that you can sing.
The Audition Song is the song you need to perform the most while you prepare to meet the judges. But don’t forget to plan ahead.
Group Week
My understanding is that you get to pick your own partners. Is there anything that says you have to wait until you arriving in Hollywood to put your group together? How about hanging around outside of wherever you audition, and as other Hollywood-bound contestants emerge, approach them about being your partner for group week.
I’m not certain how long you have from receiving your yellow ticket to arriving in Hollywood, but I’m sure it’s not immediate. If you can get two or three others who would be willing to meet and practice a song that each of you mutually approve, then when you get to Hollywood, your performance will be a cut above everyone else’s.
Group Week has often been referred to as Hell Week. If you already had your partners and song in place, then how bad is it going it be?
Now, there is always the chance that the song you pick will not be on the approved list and you will be forced to choose another. Keep in mind, though, that if you and the others have already worked together and grown used to each other, then perfecting a second song shouldn’t be too much of a hardship.
Suppose that Group Week arrives and it is at that point you begin your search for partners. What kind should you seek? Or rather, what kind should be avoided at all cost?
Stay away from Divas, flashy people, partiers, arguers, downers (these are the complainers and whiners) and those who swear a lot. They tend to be people who want things their way, will take up precious rehearsal time with arguing why their way is best, and sow dissention among their fellows. You’ve seen them. They rarely make it through and more often than not, drag the rest of their group into the “Discard Pile” with all the others being sent home.
You group doesn’t need to be all guys, or all girls. Look for people who are amenable and willing to work for the common good. Key in to what they say. If you hear phrases like, “We can do this…” and how every person’s input is important, that’s great. If on the other hand all they can talk about is themselves, what you can do for them, and are bitchy; run, don’t walk, away as fast as possible.
Choreography should be down to minimum, unless those behind the scenes of American Idol tell you otherwise. It is, after all, a singing competition not a dance-off. Concentrate on vocals, then once perfected, work on adding touches of flair.
Stand Alone Performances
How many times will you be alone on that big old stage? If you suck, (er, uh, I mean have been ill-prepared), maybe not even once. But let’s say you make it this far. With any luck you already have a couple songs worked out and practiced. I figure a good number would be three. Along with your Audition Song, this will give you four songs to practice leading up to, and after, your audition. Of course, each time you make it past a round, you can drop the song already used and focus on the others, as well as adding any others that may be required of you.
The songs need to stir not only the judges, but the audience as well. In the beginning, the audience will be limited to the other hopefuls waiting their turn. Engage them. Make them feel something. If it’s a sad song, make them believe you feel what the song is about. If it’s a fast-paced, rollicking melody, have them on their feet and clapping. Whichever you choose, you must appear confident, relaxed, and most of all, enjoying yourself.
Everyone who has reached this point in the competition can sing. Now, the judges are concentrating more on whether or not you stand out. What is it that Simon always says?
That was a forgettable performance…
Heard it that way a thousand times…
Karaoke…
You are not believable…
Need to make it your own…
Step up and own the stage…
What makes you stand out?
Originality (Do you sound like the original artist, or did you make the song your own?)
Audience reaction (Make ‘em clap, hoot and holler and you’ll be remembered.)
Produce an emotional response
Variety (Don’t always do the same type of song. For the stand-alones, have a fast one, a slow one, maybe another fast one. Mix it up.)
Taking Risks (Get out of your comfort zone. Add some showmanship)
During Season 9, the first round where American voted was for me, a snooze fest. Not many really stood out, most did what the judges called “Safe Songs.” Slow, sappy, and lacking in any real energy. I longed for the days of Adam Lambert whom I personally think was the best contestant ever. (Everyone has their favorite. For me, it was Adam.)
He had flair, showmanship, and a voice that pulled you in and wouldn’t let go. Every performance was a risk; each week I couldn’t wait until it was his turn. Are you going to be that sort of performer? It takes a whole lot more than just an okay voice to make it to the top.
Some songs that contestants perform are ones that neither I, nor the judges really cared for, were songs that meant something to the singer. Or, were songs that they did in tribute to a loved one or someone they had lost. Unless it’s a kick-ass type of song, I would instead choose a song that has substantial potential for impressing rather than for being sentimental. Be sentimental once you’ve made it. Let the song be track five on your CD or something. How much will the song mean if it kills your chance to be the next American Idol?
When it’s time to perform for the cameras and America is poised to vote, what is going to make them vote for you?
First of all, by this time America has already seen the Auditions, Group Week and a couple Stand-Alones. We’ve laughed at the jokes (and I’m not talking of the verbal variety), seen stories of a few of the contestants, and for the most part, have developed a liking for one or two; if not a liking, at least an affinity and desire for them to do well. What kind of an impression have you made? Does anyone even know your name?
American Idol likes to run background stories of various contestants in the hopes of drawing viewers to return week after week to see how they do. Do you have a story? What is it about your life that would be newsworthy? Most people have something of interest, and I’m not talking about a guy who can boast of a third testicle either. It has to be something that touches a person’s emotions and move an audience such as overcoming adversity or a new baby (sound familiar??? Yeah, I like Michael Lynche too).
If you can get the producers to take an interest in you, then America will be just that much more interested in you for having seen your story, and will grow closer to you throughout your journey. Add to that a killer set of vocals and dynamic stage performance… well, you get the picture.
During the “voting” performances, you want to do songs that make an impression; songs that are worthy of talking about for days to come. I’m sure if you think hard enough, there are several from Seasons past that you recall from time to time. I know there are several for me.
Sing to the live audience in the theater. Make eye contact. When you do, your performance will mean more to them and it will connect with them on a more personal level.
This is where having performed while sponges are thrown at you comes into play. When you are ill-prepared, or rather inexperienced at performing while making eye contact, your concentration can go all kablooey. Hours of singing while dodging hurled missiles can prepare you for this.
It’s not so much making eye contact that throws off your concentration, but the fact that your mind is trying to do two things simultaneously: singing and eye-contacting. Your mind often has difficulty in determining which task holds the highest priority and can make the wrong determination. Oops, my train of thought just derailed…now, where was I?
A stumble turns to embarrassment; embarrassment to fear; fear into the disintegration of your ability. Before you know it, the performance is over and you are standing before the harsh criticism of the judges. As you board the plane to go home you wonder, “What went wrong?”
Having been a performer, I can attest that there is no substitute for practice. No matter what you hope to accomplish, if you don’t work hard at it, you aren’t going to do well. During band performances, I would at times have solos. And yes, there were times that I made eye contact and lost it. That is why I know the value of being ready for ALL contingencies. What you don’t consider important beforehand can return to haunt you later.
The Judges’ Critique
This is the part contestants hate and viewers love.
There is little that is more devastating to a person’s ego than to have something so personal as singing to be received negatively. Negative? How about blown asunder by the shotgun blast of Simon’s opinion? Unfortunately, not everyone is cut out for a career as a singer. You know the risks going into this, and if you do happen to receive harsh criticism, take it with grace.
Don’t beg, cry, or swear at the camera. If you do, you will make the show but not in a good way. Keep in mind that you may very well wish to return one day. If previously you had a hissy fit, called Simon every name in the book and threw the mother of all tantrums, you can bet you will be remembered and unlikely to ever progress beyond the audition.
For one thing, you show the world that you are not Idol material. Take it from me. I am a writer and have 16 books not counting this one in circulation. I’ve had my share of less than flattering reviews. If you can’t take someone calling you a hack, loser, and other far worse appellations, then you better think twice before stepping into the arena of public opinion. What Simon says is not that bad. Most of it is actually helpful if you but listen to it and get beyond the fact that he said no.
If you fail to move beyond the Audition, listen carefully to what they say. If they give you any reason to be hopeful, such as “You are not ready yet,” “Need to show confidence,” or anything else other than phrases that essentially say you have no talent, then take what they said to heart, work on your performance and return next year.
One final thought….
Take care of your instrument; your instrument of course being your mind, vocal chords, lungs and heart. Eat healthy; don’t party before the Audition or during the rest of the competition; and for goodness sake get lots of sleep. Jitters, nervousness and train-of-thought derailments are less likely to happen if you’ve had eight hours of sleep the night before. If you are unable to get a solid eight hours due to Idol commitments and rehearsals, at least get as many as you can. More than one Idol hopeful lost their chance due to sleepiness once they reached Hollywood.
I hope some of the ideas discussed here may prove useful. Drive, ambition, and talent will see you to the top. Of course it doesn’t hurt to do a little ground work before the Audition.
Good Luck!