I have been asked many times about what really goes on during the audition process. Do you really sleep outside? Do Randy, Simon and Paula see everyone? Do you go straight to Hollywood?
Experiencing this process firsthand, I am going to give you a little insight on what really goes on.
For my audition in Las Vegas, 9,000 people showed up. I got in line at 2 in the morning and waited until noon. Fortunately, I got very lucky and did not have to sleep outside for a few days. When they finally opened the doors, we waited in line yet again for a wristband and filled out some paperwork.
We went back the next day at around 4 in the morning and watched as people filled up at the arena. We were then informed that there were two auditions before being able to see the judges. Around 11 that same day, each row walked down to about nine tables in the middle of the arena.
We sang a few notes in front of American Idol producers. They weeded the 9,000 to about 500. That group of 500 again waited and auditioned for the executive producers, who weeded the 500 contestants to about 200.
That 200 got to go home for the night, only to return to the arena the next day and audition for the judges. So, in reality, the judges only have to see about 200 contestants, rather than the 11,000 who show up.
After much stress and anxiety, once they say "You're going to Hollywood," you don't actually leave until a month later. It is amazing what the magic of television can create.
Now, don't misunderstand that everyone goes through the same audition process; this was only my experience.
What I can say is that auditions are all pretty much the same. The whole process of auditions is definitely not an overnight gig. You have about a month to prepare again after each audition until you make it to the Top 24.
After next week's Hollywood rounds, I'll fill you in on how those auditions work. I can't wait to see what "Hollyweird" will have in store for us!
WE'RE GOIN' TO HOLLYWOOD!!! Much love! Mikalah
[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-08-2007 @ 6:14PM
Devon said...
Thanks for the insight Mikalah, I've always thought that this was how it worked, just nice to know more about your experience! I can't wait until next week :)
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2-08-2007 @ 6:15PM
Michelle said...
Miss Divine! This was your best blog yet! Its interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes and can't wait to hear more about Hollywood rounds!
Love you lots mamma!
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2-09-2007 @ 2:19AM
Preston said...
Mikaleah, I remembered you from American Idol. So excited about being in it, had a no-nonsense approach and did your best. I liked your blog about your time in the auditions. I look forward to hearing your Pussycat Dolls-type group in the future.
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3-23-2007 @ 1:39AM
Amazed said...
Mikaleah,
Do you think that most of America is stupid enough to think that all 11,000 people go in front of the judges? If so, then America is stupid. You don't think that EVERY show going back to the days of The Price is Right has producers who screen the potential contestants? You're not a contestant until you are ALLOWED to see the judge.. or did YOU not know that?
A month to prepare? longer? Sure.. the tour goes over the country.. Hell, they even take one city a week.. that means some will wait a month or maybe 2.. again, another area that America isn't stupid - it's common sense.
Finally, you were a horrible singer. You couldn't hold a note, and your pitch was way off. You never should have made it past Hollywood week, much less into the top 24 or top 12. There were FAR better people that should have made it.
You had this attitude that you were better than you were and that the judges didn't have a clue. You have to ask yourself.. do you REALLY think that you should have been the winner in your season? If so, you're nuts! You may not like Simon and people may think it's "cool" or "in" to hate Simon, but the bottom line is he's rich, you're not. He's got money for a reason, you don't. He's got history, a reputation, and a standing.. you were voted off and obviously angry because you're here bashing the show that even gave you the chance you never had elsewhere. (If you were so good, you'd not need this show, right?)
You ALL forget that who ever wins the chance to go before the judges, .. you're up for a job interview. It's not about "feeling good" or being "popular".. it's about ultimately selling records and having a job. Tell us, did your last employer hire you because they thought you were "nice" or "cute" or was it because they thought you had what it took to do the job? - I thought so!
Listen back to yourself and your performances.. do you REALLY think America would buy your album? Do you REALLY think that you would go far? Obviously no one else did either.
Like Sanjaya and Savo and others before you, every week, around these parts, we kept hoping you'd be gone. The only think that I think you had going for you were sites like votefortheworst.com - you long overstayed your time on AI.
And by the way... it's 2 seasons later.. where is this fame that you so think you deserve? You're famous for being a looser contestant with an ax to grind. Where are your number one hits and platinum albums? Again, I thought so. Rather, you are trying to make a name for yourself by bashing the very show that even gave you a name to begin with.
Shame on you, lady. Even William Hung has a million dollar job.. you?
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4-07-2007 @ 11:19PM
more amazed said...
to amazed....what the hell are you talking about...you are ridiculous....she was telling her story.....she never dissed idol as she is still working for them... nor simon...and you are right....simon speaks the truth..he is very wealthy and very hot....now you on the other hand what do you have to offer except some anonymous feedback late at nite about a girl you know nothing about....yes, she is hot and can sing ......to bad for you..she has been hired because yes she is hot and guess what has what it takes to get the job done...so i say to you GO SANJAYA.....YOU PROBABLY REALLY LIKE HIM (IN SECRET) YOU LITTLE QUEEN!!!!!AND JUST A HATER..HA HA HA HAH AH YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO BE JUST LIKE THEM..BUT YOU ARE NOT .....LOL I FEEL BAD FOR YOU....SO I WILL PRAY..HA HA HA HA.....OH AND AS FAR AS FAME MIKALAH IS FAMOUS...AND YOU?????
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