Should You Try Out For American Idol?

As a vocal coach, I have lots of people ask me if I think they should try out for a vocal contest or talent show.

I answer by asking them the following questions:

* Are you really ready for rejection?

The fact is, no matter how well you can sing, losing a contest is a very real possibility. What they are looking for may be a character, or even a bad singer so the judges can trash them. Yes, some of the judges do care, but it's in the nature of TV to create "Survivor"-like anxiety and thrill, no matter what it does to the psyche of the contestant.

* If you win or get recognition by getting in the finals... are you mature enough to deal with fame and glory, and then your possible fall from grace?

Sometimes, especially when you are young, if you begin to be worshiped as an "Idol", you begin to feel invulnerable and you get yourself into trouble not listening to wisdom because, after all, you are a singing "god". There is great pressure to perform, and those who are prone to substance abuse or perfectionism sometimes fall into terrible patterns of self-sabotage. Fame is a dangerous ocean, one needs to know oneself truly well and choose to make oneself accountable to others to navigate these waters. I think that's why we do best to give God the glory, because glory is tricky business for human beings.

Roman conquerors had an interesting tradition... as the conquering hero drove his chariot between throngs of cheering crowds, a slave was directed to whisper into his ear "All fame is fleeting... all fame is fleeting".

* Do you really have something something worth saying... to occupy the position of being a role model to others?

This, after all, is the only real good that can come with being famous... it gives you a pedestal to give something of value to others. Can you occupy that position and use it for good? Really?

* Can you NOT judge your voice according to the outcome? If you lose, will that affect your desire to sing?

This is a red flag... and it speaks to your motivation for using your gift. I heard it said that George Strait went to a little bar in Texas and sang. When asked why he would do such a thing, he said that this was where he started and if he lost his position in the business, he would still go back to singing wherever he could because it was who he was and what he loved to do, regardless of the size of his audience. If you are called to sing, SING.

* And finally... are you really vocally as good as you can be?

Don't shortcut this step, because you are seen at these auditions, and first impressions are lasting. Great vocal training can turn a good voice into an incredible one. If you are a big fish in a small pond, can you truly swim in the big pond yet?

Auditioning can be a fun learning experience, IF your answers to these questions let you know you are ready. If you want to gain some performance experience, and your answers to these questions let you know you are ready, sign yourself up! If not... there's always next year. Don't think you have some deadline to decide. If you go and you see someone heart-broken, share these thoughts with them.

To keep it in perspective, just know that I don't think Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Kurt Cobain, Carly Simon, Toby Keith or Bruce Springstein would have made it to the finals. The very best competition is with YOURSELF!

If you'd like to increase your vocal ability and sing better then you ever have, check out the professional vocal training available on my website...

Judy Rodman -singer/songwriter/producer/vocal instructor, developer of... Power, Path & Performance™ vocal training - Learn from a pro who's been where you want to go!

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Judy Rodman has over 30 years of professional experience as a session singer, award-winning recording artist, stage and television performer, a multi-genre hit songwriter, a studio producer and vocal consultant, and a highly sought-after voice teacher.