Are The Voice Or American Idol Auditions For You?

Last year my studio got to attend privately held auditions for American Idol and currently for the new season of The Voice. I have more singers past and present in the throes of auditions or considering auditioning so I thought I’d post an article about it.

It’s definitely for some, but not for everyone.

Here’s the thing. Singers love (or hate) to audition. It’s the thrill of “what could happen”. Similar to gamblers hoping to win the lottery except talent is a requirement. Look, it works for the lucky few – but how lucky are they? Having to sign away a large number of years and a significant portion of your career/publishing etc. in exchange for fame. . . Like I said, it’s not for everyone. It’s television at its best. I do like The Voice, I like how it works – how they can’t see the singer and vote solely on the voice – that’s cool. It’s a long drawn out thing to compete on different teams – a bit of a crap shoot that you can’t control with your talent – but it looks like fun.

If I were an artist today, it wouldn’t be for me. I don’t care much for competition or contests that say there is a “best singer”. Funny, I’m holding a contest at the ASCAP Expo for “Best New Music Artist” – it’s a video contest. We’re looking for talent. I guess my contest being based on my criteria feels fair. It really is the best artist wins – that is the best of whoever submits! That somehow seems fairer to me than just the best singer. You’ve got more of a chance with your songs and your persona besides your vocal talent. Being a Celebrity Vocal Coach you would think I’m solely interested in the voice, but I’m not, never was. Great art is what I’m after. The voice is a part but not the whole piece.

An artist who I helped prepare for her audition, who is currently on this season of The Voice, Charlotte Sometimes, admitted that she has been in the industry for so long that auditioning was just an after-thought to the long career she’s had. At this point she is pursuing her career as a songwriter more than being an artist and then this opportunity came along. I think she’s having fun, but her ass is not on the line for this. This only helps her songwriting career and she’ll probably do an album as an artist now. Let’s see where it takes her – she’s uber talented – that was never the issue.

Two more of my artists were at Hollywood for this season of American Idol and got pretty far, Dilia Jelen and Marissa Pontecorvo (and of course I’ve coached finalists in the show as well). I would say that a TV competition like this is for you if you don’t care whether you make it or not. If you care too much, I advise against it. The odds are your hopes will be dashed and pummeled. But if you don’t mind the ride, then hop on!

Have you auditioned for The Voice or American Idol? Tell us your story here! Share!

©2012 Cari Cole, Vocal Mag, Inc. All Rights Reserved.