Shows like The X Factor and The Voice scout for singers year round, day in day out. The X Factor scouted auditions took place today and it got me thinking about what my experience of auditioning for these shows has taught me.
Here's a few tips on what I learnt from going through the selection processes of both shows last year:
1) Be on time and then be prepared to wait…for a long time. Leave plenty of time to get to the audition venue (I'd recommend checking TFL and planning the day before) Make sure you have water with you (a big bottle), a phone charger and (non dairy) snacks. The Voice team take care of their auditionees better than The X Factor do, but even so both shows usually have two stages to the audition process which means two lots of hanging around.
2) Be prepared to sing in front of a group of other singers. The Voice & The X Factor open auditions are always first in a group. Each person steps forward and sings ninety seconds or so whilst the rest of the group think about either a) how their performance went or b) what the starting note of their song is. It's a short amount of time so make sure you put everything into your performance.
3) Song choice is so important! Choose a song that shows what your voice can do but that you are comfortable singing. There is no point singing a song that is too 'safe.' I'd also recommend learning four songs accapella. One slow, one upbeat, one old and one current. Go to your vocal teacher and try different songs a good month before the audition. From those four song choose one that you'll sing in the first round and a second one that you'll sing when, fingers crossed, you get through to round two.
4) Make friends but don't let them rattle you. The great thing about audition processes is that you can meet really amazing peoples just like you. However, I'd keep in mind that they are competing against you for a limited space in the show's lineup. The worst thing you can do is talk about song choice, your singing ability, your singing experience etc and begin a one upmanship between you and everyone else auditioning. It's like when you prepared for an exam as a teenager and everyone beforehand talked about what they've studied. Nerves build in a group! Don't join the hysteria! This is your journey and those ninety seconds in line are yours to impress.
5) Don't change your song choice. Sounds obvious but SO MANY singers change their song choice after finding out what songs other people are singing and due to last minute panic. Go for one that you can connect with so that the words of the song are helped along by your nervous energy.
6) Don't compare yourselves to others. You can't go to the bathroom without hearing other voices at these auditions. Just remember: if you are well prepared, sing from the heart and be yourself it's mission accomplished no matter whether or not you make the selection.
7) Stay positive. Don't let auditions make you feel lesser. You are more as you have gained more experience as a singer. Keep in mind what Matt Henry (Finalist of The Voice Series 2) told me: 'At the end of the day The Voice (and The X Factor) are TV shows. They are looking for a story not just a voice. You have to fit their mould and tick their box.' They might have someone very similar to you this year. You might not be quite ready yet. There's never just one shot. There are many auditions, many TV talent competitions and so many opportunities. Remember you are auditioning them too! Do they fit your mould and tick your box? It's a two way audition.
Laura
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