Ok. So you've decided to audition for American Idol, or the local talent show, or the local Karaoke talent search. What's going to give you that...
Ok. So you've decided to audition for American Idol, or the local talent show, or the local Karaoke talent search. What's going to give you that big step up and put you ahead of the other singers and performers? What are the judges looking for in their first place winner?
First you need to realize that the visual impression you make is every bit as important as the quality of your singing. Having a terrific singing voice will not, by itself, win you that first place position, unless you happen to be a Josh Groban or Celine Dion) and even they spend much time working on their presentations.
Of course you need to practice and perfect your songs. Memorize them FAR in advance of the audition so there's no chance of your forgetting lyrics or melody. Record them, and listen – not just for bad notes, but also listen as if you were hearing this singer for the first time on the radio. Do you like them? Would you go out and buy their album? Do they "speak" to you with their emotion and style? Perform your audition before some friends.
Just as much time (if not more) should be spent working on your performance as on the song itself. Practice exactly where you want to move during the song. Use the entire stage area, even if it is only 6 feet, to "tell your story" Practice your expressions and body movements so that they become an equal part of your song, along with your voice quality. Leave nothing to chance. Rehearse it all. If you are singing in a karaoke contest, memorize the song. Get away from the lyric screen.
What you wear needs to coordinate with what you are singing without being overly obvious. (If you are wearing shorts and sandals while singing "You Raise Me Up" your outfit will prove detrimental to the overall power and effect.
Free Singing Tips, Singing Instruction: Learn The Simple Secrets of Singing Higher and Higher
As a singing teacher, I receive many questions concerning how to increase the high range. This seems to be on every singer's mind, and for good reason; a great number of songs are written to carry the listener through lower sections (usually the verses) into the climatic choruses, which usually contain one or two notes which tax many singers and cause them to sound strained and uncomfortable. This obviously takes a lot away from the overall power of the performance. What to do about this?
Singing Tips and Techniques - Star Quality: What is It? How Do I Achieve It?
"Star Quality" is illusive but necessary for success as a singer. All the great performers have "IT", and you should have it also. So how do you acquire or develop or discover your "IT"?
Do Not Try Too Hard to Sound Like Other Singers . You Could Damage Your Voice
So, why can't you cover (sing the songs made famous by) any singer you like? You can, if you don't force your voice to sound exactly like them. Most top singers do cover songs. But they do them their way. We already have one Elton, or Jerry Cantrell, or Maria Cary. We don't need another. We need a YOU! With that fact in mind, let's explore why you can damage your physical voice by trying to exactly cover other singers.
