Should you dress up stupid to get on American Idol?

By Dennis Duncan

Step 5 in increasing your chances of getting on any vocal reality show should be that you shouldn't go to your audition and do something stupid or dress up in a stupid outfit in order to attract attention to yourself.

First off, don't go dressed in a duck suit. Don't paint yourself blue. Don't dress up as a clown or you will be perceived as a clown. Don't be disillusioned by thinking that you need to stand out from the crowd in the regional auditions by doing something stupid or dancing some awkward dance.

Let me be honest. Making it through the regional auditions is partially based on singing talent and also part casting by the producers of the show. You are not in control of the casting part. You may be a better singer than the person next to you but for some reason, unbeknownst to you, that person may get through just because they are looking or acting quirky. If you are looking for your 15 minutes of fame, then dress up in something stupid, and then prepare to get on camera and be back at your house later that night because you won't go much further than that.

For entertainment purposes, the producers of the regional auditions allow some of the wacky characters to get through the regional's. But most of the chosen don't have any staying power, if you will, and are merely pushed through to the next round for entertainment value on TV. I've watched these auditions from a distance for years now. If you are serious and believe you have vocal talent, then simply go to the auditions and display your vocal talent; but, I'll caution you, you'll only have 10-20 seconds to do that. So be prepared to "turn it on" as soon as they say go and don't get bogged down by telling the regional judges your life story about how your grandmother inspired you to audition.

Next week, in step 6 of 10, we discuss how you should carefully choose your song choice and the strategies you can deploy to help you better make that decision.

About the Author:

Can anyone sing? Learn more about tips for singing & strategies. Stop by Dennis Duncan's site where you can find out what his tips can do for you.. Unique version for reprint here: Should you dress up stupid to get on American Idol?.