In January 2014, I auditioned for the first time in my life for “The Voice” on NBC at one of their open auditions in Chicago. While I didn’t get passed to the the second round, I did gain some good experience that may be helpful to those looking for some insight.
***UPDATE – February 2015: I’m headed to Chicago for the open call on Saturday, February 21, 2015. Are you auditioning? Follow me on twitter: @jaygoodman72 and I’ll return the follow. ***
If you’re interested, here is a detailed recap of my experience here.
Tip 1: If you want to audition, plan to go no matter what. Don’t base it on whether someone will go with you (unless you’re a minor, obviously). Remember, you’re going to end up meeting like-minded people regardless.
Tip 2: If you’re 100% that you’re going to audition – go ahead and tell the world! Facebook it, Instagram it, tweet it…. Tell all your friends…. You’re chasing a dream! Having tons of people encouraging you feels great and you vibe off that! Everyone knows it’s a long shot! Carpe that diem, fool! Feed off of it and let others join in on the fun.
Tip 3: When choosing a song, it doesn’t matter what song it is. Don’t screw around with what you think they want to hear. Settle on a song early and focus on that song. Have a secondary tune – but focus on that main song. Whatever you pick, just make sure you know it inside and out and when it’s your time – f*cking kill it!
Tip 4: Leave yourself 1-2 hours of extra travel time. Especially if you’re coming from long distances. You never know what kind of traffic you’re gonna hit. They will start with or without you.
Tip 5: Get to the audition 1 hour before. I’m not a “sleep over night in the line” kind of guy. An hour to 45 mins before your time is reasonable and adequate.
Tip 6: Don’t overpack! You will not be bored. They move you along very methodically. I arrived around 1:15pm and finished up around 3:45pm. Its a good idea to bring a little snack and something to drink, but lugging my whole backpack was a bit of a drag. Best bet would have been to check my jacket (I didn’t) and have a light backpack… not my work backpack. It wasn’t a big deal (FYI – they do check all bags for bad stuff – i.e. guns, sharps, gasoline, etc.) So leave your AR-15’s and razor blades at home.
Tip 7: Make sure you bring all your paperwork!! Or they will not let you audition.
Tip 8: Don’t let nerves get the best you! Easier said then done, you say? I say mind over matter! If you walk into a audition totally prepared, breathe and focus on giving a great performance, nothing will stand in your way. Keep reinforcing the piece all the way up to the last second. Then rip it!!
Tip 9: Don’t cheapen the experience! First, don’t make it all about getting to the show. Second, focus on getting out of the first round. People will ask you which celebrity judge you’re going to pick and what you’ll do when you get famous. Just reply with, “got to get through step 1 first!” Don’t ever forget: You’re doing something that a very small population could or would do. Instead of being a bystander, you’re making it happen. No matter the outcome, enjoy every minute of the process. It makes it so much better.
Tip 10: Do not doubt yourself. If you’re a good – you know it. You don’t have to tell anyone. They’ll tell you. If the preceding sentence describes you, you’re exactly where you’re suppose to be. Do what you’ve always done and you’ll be golden.
I really appreciate this. I’m thinking about auditioning on the upcoming seasons. I just don’t low what to sing. And even when I do, I have a few years to go (I’m only 12). Thanks once again and I hope you post something about song choice someone soon.
Thanks for the tips!!!
Very useful tips that I will glue in my heart and mind.
I am 18 still in high school and I will be auditioning February 2015 for The Voice; wish me lots and lots of luck!!!!!!
Thank you SO much for posting this! These tips were really helpful. I have been fretting over many of these things especially song choice!
Thanks for the information, I’ll be auditioning this Feb 1st! Doing all this research has really helped me feel less nervous so thanks again!
Thank you for all your words of wisdom I am turning 50 jan 25 and this is on my bucket list
I am trying out for the voice Jan 31 I am taking in everything you said… Thank you again
I am going to be auditioning in Los Angeles Feb. I have accomplished a lot of things with my music on my own but I feel this can take my career to the next level…darioblack.com
Been practicing for weeks, well technically since I first started singing at five, and performing by ten…but who’s counting haha. I’ve auditioned for several shows before without making it past the first round, I can only cross my fingers. Heading to the NYC audition today wish me luck!
I’m excited now instead of nervous! Thank you I’m looking forward to Feb, 21 2015 my audition day.*****
As you should be Angel! I’ll be there on 2/21 too! 2pm time slot.
Thank you so much Jay, very humble !!, thank you for taking care of those that come behind your steps.
I will take all of your advices, though I auditioned for AGT before, but this is different.
This is only about Voices, and that’s what I do, singing.
I had the “choosing” the song problem, but not anymore though…I know my song already.
Well, thanks again man, we appreciate your tips very much.
Good luck in the future, keep going as long and you believe your dream will come to life.
See you around.
just came from the voice audition in LA. met a guy, his 4th audition. 1st time he didnt pass, 2nd time, he got called back but didnt get it, 3rd time, he mad a wrong song choice, and didnt pass. He told our group he thinks he has the right song. And out of all of us in the group, he passed today. hope he passes the call back.
if you really want it, just keep auditioning, and find that song that brings your voice out. its hard with the 1st audition because its acapella.
Great story Chad. Sounds like it was a good experience for you.
Thanks btw I’m auditioning on the voice this year so thanks again for the tips
You’re very welcome. Good luck Tyler!
Theres no where to print my audition pass what do i do?
Hi Kinsey, my audition pass downloads as a “PDF”. If you don’t have a PDF reader, you can google for pdf reader. Just make sure you download it from Adobe. You should be able to print it out from there. Good luck!
My Audition day 2/21/15 11 am slot! Thanx & im ready!
Mine too! Good luck!
Hey do you think you could recommend or make an article with tips for video auditions? I was thinking about auditioning but I can’t make it to the open call and I wanted an insiders view on the video auditions.
Hi Natasha. I’ve never done a video audition, only live auditions.
Hello Jay I am getting ready for the Jan. 14th audition in Indy. Can someone go with me to the venue and wait with me until the audition
No. But don’t worry. You’ll make fast friends 😉
This was fun to read! I am not going to lie. I just started watching this season, fun to see from the other side.
this is super helpful, thanks! I’m going to ne auditioning on June 13th and it’s definitely nice to hear others’ experience with the process.
Thanks for the info! This will be my second time and maybe my last, I never made it pass the first wave and just felt awful , I was too tense and bad vibes came out. With this i feel much and I’m gonna try to enjoy the journey this time around and live in the moment!! Thanks and good luck!!!! #NewYorkAuditions2015
Hi Joy – YES! You absolutely should. Everyone who auditions has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck to you my friend.
Hello. I sing on instagram, how do I get more people to notice me like big stars and stuff? I wanna get somewhere with my voice and in 2016 I’m probably going to audition (these was helpful btw) but my mom won’t let me make a YouTube-.- what should I do?
I really appreciate this advice because ever since my mom told me about it I’ve been stressed over what to sing and how everything going to turn out. Also i had a quick question about the length of the song, how much time do they give you to sing?
Hi Ta’Kiyah – typically a verse and a chorus. 45 seconds to a minute has been my experience.
Thanks for the positive tips I am auditioning July 25th 2015. I will be turning 48 in September so I better do this before I get too old. LOL… I would encourage people of all ages from 15 to 100 yrs. old to go for it and not to have any regrets.
Thank you so much for all of the info my audition is July 26th in Los Angeles, first time trying…was just curious if you make it to call backs what do they mean by bring 3 songs with “accompaniment” do I bring someone to sing with me, or CD’s of my songs without the words??? I have no clue…please help
I will be auditioning February of 2016. I’m so very nervous. I love a capella but I’m use to hiding behind a piano also, which is why I’m nervous. Any tips on how to stay calm and collected? I don’t want to come off as nervous. But I also do enjoy singing a capella so I don’t want to blow it.
Hey Michelle! It really comes down to preparation and confidence. If you study hard for a test and know the material inside and out, you’re less likely to have test anxiety, right? Same rules apply. Everyone gets a little nervous… that’s normal. Embrace it and move on to focusing on giving a good audition. Like I talk about in the article, “mind over matter!”. Walk up to that spot and give that producer everything you have! Good luck!
Im auditioning in February 2016. I have a question for whoever can answer. When its your turn to sing, is it just you and the producers or a room full of people or what?
I’m 13 and I usually hide from people and sing so people don’t know what I’m capable of. My parents don’t think I can and I think I’m really good at Listen by Beyoncé and I want to audition so what should I do?
Hi Ellie. The only way people are going to know what you’re capable of is to show them. Show business isn’t for shy people. If you’re serious, sit Mom and Dad down and ask them if they would consider letting you audition. Then belt out your song to them as if you were auditioning for a producer and see what they say. Good luck.
This really helped me! I have the Febuary audition also for the 7th! I have had major stage fright in the past and I’ve gotten over it! I just can’t sing in front of people I know! I’m 16 and am used to singing Adele! Like you said in the article about not picking something you think they want to hear, how do you honestly know the right song choice for you?
Hi Abigail. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic formula because everyone is unique. My recommendation is to go with songs that you know inside and out that highlight the best of your vocal abilities. Good luck on your audition!
Hi jay! I’m 12 and I love to sing and play guitar! I was wondering how old I have to be to audition! I do benefit concerts for charity and was wondering if u had tips!
Thank you so much for all this useful information!! I just scheduled my audition for Feb 20th!! I am excited to chance a dream and a passion of mine. I hope my nerves don’t get the best of me…
I am auditioning on Feb 7th and am a little nervous, but mostly excited. I found your article to be very helpful. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I always tell my kids that it is better to try and fail than to never have tried at all. Now it is time for me to live up to those words. Thank you for the article I plan to make very good use of it.
was your wife able to go into the building where you were auditioning? obviously not in the actual audition, but outside the area?
Hi Seth – I’m not entirely sure. I remember that there was an area for parents of minors but each time I’ve auditioned, it was my understanding that if you’re not auditioning you were not to be at the audition. The one time my wife did go with me to the audition she went shopping while I was auditioning (thank goodness it was only 3 hours! 😉 )
Hi.. I can’t seem to find the audition pass.. It’s not on my email and it’s not.on the Artist account… Will they give it to.me before my audition day…
The voice will typically send out your audition pass about a week or so before your audition.
I am auditioning in Minneapolis June 25th, 2016. You mentioned select whatever and don’t stress for initial audition song…what’s your advice for the three current popular songs if you do make it to second roundthe?
Thanks for a great list of tips!
Thank you soooo much for the tips!
How do I get my audition pass. They said they would email it to me a week before my audition but nothing Was sent to me and it won’t let me download it from artists account. And well if I don’t have it I can go.
Ok so I think I have a good voice but everyone keeps putting me down at school I’m just tge ugly gi that’s got nothing but her brain going for her should I even audition?
I don’t know how old you are but you sound like a young person…. so let me share this little bit of advice with you: The ONLY thing that matters in this life is how YOU see yourself. The ONLY opinion that truly matters is YOURS – whether it’s talent, beauty, intelligence or any other area of your life. Don’t let others define who you are or what you do. So… Should you audition? Only YOU can make that call my friend. Good luck!!
Do you get to use a microphone for the open audition in the first round?
Nope – it’s just you.
Hey:
My 15 year old daughter is auditioning for The Voice. Her biggest worry is the song. Her voice is great, but she is afraid of wrong song choice. Her voice is very versatile and she does theatre, pop, and Christian music. I feel she can show her voice best with either Christian or theatre, this is what she loves the most. She is just afraid to choose one of these genres. She is afraid that is not what they are wanting. Any advice on this?
Thanks,
Lisa
Sorry for the extremely late response on this. What is the “right” song choice? In my humble opinion, these producers are looking for some special. I believe it ultimately it comes down to how you perform the song you select. Whatever your selection, if you sing it like you own it I believe you’ll have good success. Go and watch some of the performances – they are from all over the musical genres. I’ve always tried to select songs that I sing so well people associate me with those songs rather than the original artist. Hope that helps!
I just auditioned in Chicago this past Saturday and I wish so bad I had read this before I went. Now that I did it and didn’t get that red card I can say that everything you said was validated! Thank you, you have actually helped me to feel a bit better about not making it to the next round. I had so much support around me that it helped me to not be too nervous, but I was just nervous enough that the strength in my vocals wasn’t there. NEXT TIME I GOT THIS!!
Can we look at the song while we are singing. Or do we need to know the song inside out by-heart and sing there. I am asking just in case, if we forget some of the words of the song. Also I am 48 years old, is there any age restriction or discrimination in selection process. I am sorry if I am asking wrong questions.
I’m auditioning for the upcoming show wish me luck
I know its been a while since this came out but if I go to school should I audition will it interrupt with my school life a lot. This is the only reason I am a bit hesitant to audition.
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