One of the quickest ways for a singer to reach superstar status is to appear on a reality television competition show. Nashville Star, America's Got Talent, and, of course, American Idol have launched substantial careers. But the process of getting there can be grueling and confusing. Here are insights into what to expect and how to get ready to move past the competition.
Are You Experienced?
Before heading off to the local stadium to camp out for your audition, you should have as polished an act as possible, with rock-solid vocal, performing, and artistic skills. I spoke about how to gain a command of the musical stage with noted voice teacher Satyam Patel, who helped his student David Hernandez reach the American Idol final 12 this season. The Phoenix-based Patel tells his students to get as much stage experience as possible.
"I recommend students get out there and perform," says Patel. "I worked with David to get his voice in shape and then recommended different places he could perform in order to get ready. I had him sit in with whoever I could think of to help get his stage presence together."
Often these skills can be developed only in public performance situations. As Patel points out, "Some students sing very well in lessons but not in live situations, which is why I have them get out there and gain that experience."
Train Your Instrument
If you do make it on the show, the schedule will be relentless. The contestants rarely get to sing when they are feeling 100 percent. Because the voice loves rest, which will be in short supply, strong technique is vital.
During the competition, singers often have to choose new songs and then begin rehearsals with the band that same day. If you haven't put in the time beforehand to strengthen your voice, you will quickly begin to encounter problems. This is why some singers start off very strong only to fade as the competition grinds on. "The singers are often exhausted," says Patel. "If you don't have proper technique in place, then you will tend to not have as much endurance."
Much of the day will be taken up with interviews, learning group numbers, and photo or commercial shoots. Patel warns, "The last thing they tell you is to go warm up your voice -- that's completely on you. If the singer is having a bad day or is a bit under the weather, training gives them a way to respond to that vocal issue and correct it much faster."
Becoming an Artist
Singers who can interpret a lyric and bring a unique emotional component to their performance have a great advantage. Patel gives excellent advice in this area: "I tell my singers to take a number of standards that they enjoy and change them up; get together with a pianist or guitarist and change the rhythm, phrasing, tempo, keys, whatever you can do to make it your own. Be playful, try different genres, and pull from them to add to who you are."
The process can be rewarding and fun. And once you know who you are as an artist, you will be able to reinterpret a song quickly and reveal yourself to the judges and the public. The ability to make a song your own is a key skill needed to advance in the competition.
Get Healthy
You should make sure you're in good physical condition before entering the audition process. Rest will be at a premium after you've waited hours for your audition, and you'll need reserves of energy if you're chosen for the show. Healthy diet and exercise are a must, not just to keep looking good for the cameras but to protect your health as well.
Song Choice
This is a make-or-break choice, both for auditioning and for competing on the show. You should pick something that shows off your vocal skills and individuality. This is not the time to try something out of your grasp or to overchallenge yourself vocally. For the audition, make sure the material is something that is second nature to you, particularly as you are certain to be tired from the wait when they finally call you.
Patel suggests you allow yourself a process of self-discovery to see what works for you. "Show what makes you special," he advises. "If you have range, show it. If you can sustain long notes, show that as well." He also counsels his students to avoid singer's clichĂŠs: "Don't just do riffs, but really connect to your song -- know what it's about and relate it to your personal life."
The Audition Process
The audition process for these shows is long, arduous, and yet, in the end, extremely brief. You must often line up for an audition the night before, sleeping outside, only to be given 15 or so seconds to make your case in front of the producers. You want to make sure you are at your best for those brief moments, as you will have little time to warm up or prepare yourself at the end of the exhausting wait. If you have put in the time with your voice, health, song choice, and stage presence, you should be ahead of the competition.
If you pass this barrier, you will then sing for a progression of producers before you make it on camera, often weeks later. Many talented singers don't get past the first quick audition. Remember that they are casting an entertainment show and sometimes pass over extremely talented singers in order to choose the, shall we say, comedic elements of the show. If you are still eligible, you can always try again the next year. Many contestants have been chosen for these shows after failing the audition process more than once in previous years. Perseverance and a realistic attitude toward how these shows work can keep the singer from becoming too discouraged. Keep in mind this is only one way to make it into the industry. You are, in the end, your own best chance.
Signing on the Dotted Line
These shows may have a vested interest in making you famous, but they're not interested in making you rich. You will be asked to sign a series of legally binding contracts as you progress through the process. These contracts can often impede a performer from signing other deals, even after he or she has been sent home from the show. If you currently have management or any kind of industry interest, these shows may not be a good option for you. Singers in major media markets such as New York, Los Angeles, or Nashville should take a good hard look at their prospects in their own markets. If you are in an area with limited options and are not in a position to move to a major market, then the decision to audition for a reality competition show may be easier. Always consult with an entertainment attorney before signing anything. And I mean anything -- ever.