Every year, thousands of hopefuls audition, desperate to become the next Leona Lewis or Alexandra Burke. But the vast majority are rejected after only a quick audition, with a mere handful of acts being accepted into the show. So what can you do to make the judges love you, and invite you back?
Here are 7 tips to become a success on X Factor:
1. Stand out from the crowd
With hundreds of acts to audition in such a short time frame, the judges only get a minimal amount of time to decide on each auditionee. On the TV shows, the impression is given that many of acts are either brilliant or terrible, making the decision easy for the judges. However, the reality is that the vast majority of acts who audition are simply average. Average singers, average looks, average talent. The judges will make their decision on these average acts, and then most likely forget all about them.
So, an important tip is to be memorable. Think of Jedward from the 2009 show; not terrible singers, but not great either. And yet, they made their way through the auditions, through boot camp, and ended up going far in the live shows. But why, when many acts were much, much better singers than the Irish twins? Simply, they were entertaining, memorable, and stood out from the crowd. They had charisma.
To get through the auditions, you must make a strong first impression, and make your face memorable for the judges. Engage them in conversation, wear something a bit memorable (but don’t go over the top with fancy dress!!) and generally ensure that the judges, and X Factor fans, want to welcome you back.
Also important is to convey confidence – confident people are more likely to perform well in front of crowds.
2. Pick your song wisely
The X Factor Judges who you'll need to impress!
Let’s face it; you’re not going to get through by singing “Bob The Builder”. Pick a song which hits high and low notes, and showcases your vocal talents. If you plan on moving around the stage, make your song choice accordingly – you don’t want to be puffing and panting while trying to sing.
Alexandra Burke - X Factor 2008 winner
Most importantly, pick a song which suits your voice. If you’re strong while singing ballads, stick to ballads for your audition. You will need to vary things later on in the competition, but firstly you need to make a good impression, so pick a song which will show off your talent.
It is also important to actually like the song, and enjoy singing it. If you don’t like the song, it will come across in your audition, and is likely to harm your chances of progressing.
3. Body language tells all
Your body language tells the judges a lot about your confidence, among other things.
Try to stand confidently, make plenty of eye contact with the judges, and smile. It’s important to look like you’re enjoying performing; someone who doesn’t enjoy performing will struggle on the live shows.
It’s also important to show emotion when singing; try to get into the feeling of the lyrics. If you’re singing a sad song, you would expect to be sad when singing. It’s not always enough to sing the song well; it’s also the manner in which you sing.
Depending on the song, you may wish to move around the stage a bit. Standing in one place on the stage is often an indication of nerves and, although appropriate in some cases, may put off the judges.
4. Learn from others
Other, more experienced performers may be able to help you out with some tips which they’ve picked up over the years. If there’s an experienced singer who performs around the local bars, ask them for advice. Even if there’s nothing helpful, you haven’t lost out, and they may be able to really help you.
Watching professional performers playing live concerts may also help you to gather some helpful tips. Watch several different artists to see how their performances differ (Youtube is a good place to see live performances). In particular, watch for their body language and how they engage the audience.
5. Attitude is key
If you go into your audition over-confident and cocky, people will want you to fail. You want the support of the audience, as well as the judges, so your attitude is hugely important. Try to be positive and upbeat, and don’t make excuses if things are not going your way. The judges have most likely heard all the excuses before – you had flu, your dog died that morning; simply put, if you’ve messed up, you’re not going to be going through, so take the comments on board, and work on your performance for next time.
Leona Lewis - X Factor 2006 winner
If you make a mistake during your performance, the worst thing you can do is let it affect you, or try to correct it. Just keep going, and make sure the rest of your performance is as good as it can be. Dwelling on a mistake will affect the rest of the performance, and will most likely lead to other mistakes.
6. Practice makes perfect
The more you practice, the better your routine will become. If you’re part of a band, it can be a challenge to get everyone together, but it will be worth it when you’re signing that recording deal!
Experience is essential, so attend as many auditions as you can, trying out different styles of songs. Take on board any feedback which you receive at these auditions, and use the feedback to improve your performances. It’s also worth recording yourself singing, and play it back so that you can get an idea of where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
If necessary, you could also hire a vocal coach to help you develop your voice; they may also be able to provide you with some good advice, as well as helping you select a song which suits your voice.
You may also be expected to perform another song, so make sure you have at least two performances which you’ve practiced.
7. Preparation, preparation, preparation
It’s important to be prepared for your audition – make sure you’ve warmed up your vocal chords before going on stage, and make sure to drink water before going on; your throat will get dry with nerves, so it’s important to lubricate. On that note – “dutch courage” is always a bad idea. Think about the karaoke singers you see in your local pub; you don’t want to be a boozed up wannabe, screaming into the microphone.
Make sure you’re dressed appropriately; this will depend on your image, but you don’t want to come across as being too scruffy.
The most important tip is to enjoy your audition. It may well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it. Good luck!
