Sexy Beast
More Sexy BeastSecret Rituals of American Idol Auditions Exposed
Richard Rushfield is a four-year veteran of the American Idol beat and the author of a recent memoir, Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost.
Michael Becker / FOX
The seemingly open auditions in front of the judges are a carefully edited myth. Embedded correspondent Richard Rushfield on the clandestine process.
Whether you love the three weeks of audition episodes that kick off American Idol each season or consider them to be a slog through the ranks of America’s deluded and talentless, one thing is certain: They are popular. Last week’s two-night premiere, during which the judges searched for singers in Boston and Atlanta, drew an average of 28 million viewers.
So what we now know is that whatever challenges the Fox show faces in the year ahead, American Idol is far from dead. We also know that Idol is capable of catapulting an unknown into literal overnight fame—62-year-old “General” Larry Platt’s “Pants on the Ground” has become a sensation.
Outside the stadium, the scene that for hours bustled with hope became a canvas of tears as the dismissed poured out, their dreams in ruins.
But what viewers do not see during the audition episodes are the sleights-of-hand, and how stagecraft, time-shifting, and selective editing shape the narrative.
So what really does happen at the auditions, which appear to be so simple? From firsthand observation and dozens of interviews, we can offer you a walkthrough down the road to Hollywood.
• View our coverage of American Idol Season 9
Myth:The largest audition to date appears to have been in Philadelphia in 2007, where more than 20,000 people showed up. The smallest was last year in Puerto Rico, where bad weather and a local lack of familiarity with the show led to what was a fairly significant debacle, with only a few hundred people appearing. An average crowd runs somewhere in the 6,000 to 8,000 range, which needs to be whittled to a hundred or so that are filmed in front of the judges.
Myth:
On television, viewers see the massive lines of tens of thousands of auditioners wrapped around the Rose Bowl or the Dallas Cowboys stadium, who appear to be heading in to see Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, and Randy Jackson.
Reality:
• The 10 Best “Pants on the Ground” Covers These were shot last summer, in some cases a full two months before Idol’s star judges flew to those cities. There are, in fact, two huge lines in which the contestants must wait at these initial cullings. First, they line up to register for their first actual audition that will happen one or two days hence: These lines generally start well before dawn, with aspirants camped out across parking lots.
• Watch: The Best and Worst Idol Auditions On the audition day itself, the singers return to stand in line again and await admission to the stadium. This is the line—abuzz with excitement—that we see on TV. It, too, starts well before dawn, with singers showing up the night before to camp out. (To demonstrate how illogical many Idol wannabes are, there is no reason whatsoever to show up early: The order in which they will audition is determined by the number on the ticket they received when they registered.)
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jaydeekay
There are PLENTY of people who think what you see on TV is what really happens. If this were not so, Idol would not have an audience.
We are nothing but silly monkeys throwing our sh!t at each other.
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falconflyer36
I agree with you. You must be an idiot to think that the judges sit through 8,000 auditions at every city. And I also agree with jaydeekay below, that plenty think that. We have a nation of idiots.
BUTTAH
First of all i was on the show and the editor is right! that is very close to how it goes down the judges do not make the decisions they are just ther for entertainment for viewers. so for allof you who think the so calledf judges make actually audition all those folks im sorry to break you heart! im off the contract so i can tell the truth now!!!!!!!! lol
ajazz266
oh thank god for people like you and richard rushfield! finally, after all these years! I was one of the people who flew to audition in Chicago for season 5 and experienced just that! the so-called "great singers" have their own connections and managers who don't have to wait in that long line. The auditions were made for the bad singers. While waiting to sing for the 4 producers or whatever they were that were sitting under the tent, a group of 4 women were "auditioning" at the tent next to me and let me tell you, they all were amazing! Singing their songs with passion and power. And what did the producers or w/e they are do? They just cut off their wrist admission bracelet and were sent home. I thought quickly maybe they were looking for something different and sang a song from Josh Groban and their exact words/reaction was: A man and the woman sitting next to him looked at each other, while I was singing and he responds by saying as he was looking at the clipboard that was in front of him, "I'm sorry but there are reasons as to why I cant let you go through." and taps on the clipboard. That was the last piece to the puzzle and now I know all you need are connections to "get your foot in the door".
cm9883
I dont really think that this author is ignorant at all. If you know anyone who has been to auditions or have been there yourself then you know that what he is saying is the truth. I had a friend go all the way to denver colorado and wait outside and went through the whole process only to try out for people who werent the judges. She did several days of auditons to be turned away. She is an awesome singer and should of made it none of the people in her group made it and they were all good. So the crap you see on tv is just crap People who suck sholdnt of even made it but they do it for the ratings. Its wrong!
Robin12
Oh my gosh - does this author honestly think he has exposed something that people didn't know??? I've been watching AI since season 2 and it's OBVIOUS the way it works..."People have to come back from far away at their own expense"? Nobody makes people travel to audition. That's their choice....The way they do it is the only way it will work. No surprises here, but nice try Rushfield! You got paid to write this story?
jrxjohn
I think Erock needs to pay more attention to his radio show, and maybe BizRock, instead of insulting the poor American Midol contestants who can't read anyway, much less remember lyrics. Besides think of all those 11, and 12 year olds who would have to come up with some real current events other than Midol! Long live buzz clips for the generations with attention spans as short as their..................................noses, yeah, that's it.
TheCatWalks
I agree completely with Erock1, It's T.V. People! wake up and smell the ratings. Twenty million just last week.
sexy31
All you people that audition for american idol need to understand the judges they have are not trying to hurt your feelings or criticize you either but they are trying to help you by telling you that you dont have the talent for that career. its not a bad thing because most people dont. American veiwers like me watch on television and i have to agree with the judges when they say no.
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googster
I agree totally, Erock. What--did this guy hide behind a potted palm for six weeks to get this precious information? Any chowderhead who has spent 5 minutes thinking critically about reality TV could have figured most of this stuff out on his own.
dirving
If after 9 Seasons, you think people haven't figured this out, and this is some huge expose, you're nuts! I've heard about this process at least 5 times on my local radio stations when one of our locals has gone to a nearby state and tried out, and they have come back and told all about it. It's called ENTERTAINMENT, hello???!! And I'm also sure that the contestants have to sign some sort of waiver that AI can use footage of them in any manner they see fit, even if it to make people look like total morons. it's part of the show!
bettmo
Hahaha for reals.
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Sgirl2233
This is why I don't like watching shows like this. I'd rather watch Dancing with the stars, a live show that shows everything that happens, and true, I know how the celeberties get picked, but at least it's not in a manner such as this one in this show, a show like this who just wants ratings! I mean, what show DOESN'T want ratings, but at least not all shows would completely sell out what the show is really "Supossed" to be about. Idol is supposed to be about finding undiscovered talent, but is that what they're doing if they only let either really bad, or certain really good people? Do you honestly believe that they're are only 20 talented people in ALL of atlanta? Do you honetsly believe that all of those 20,000 people even get to actually audition? Ha. And I actually beleived this once, but does that mean I'm and idoit? No. I can learn new information just like anyone else. Do I refuse to beleive my beloved t.v show lies to me in front of my face? Not anymore! America's got talent, That british show the x-factor, are just all examples of this. And inless tomorrow there's going to be a smarter America out there, this is just never gonna stop. And if you turn on your t.v to fox for some cheap method of entertainment telivision, then your just helping.
Erock1
Wow. Seems more removed comments than not. Way to handle criticism like adults.
DakLak
Ever heard of the $64,000 Question? Or payola?
Of course the thing is orchestrated - this is TV; they have screen plays; the have scripts - American Idol included.
Such a stupid show that is seen all over the world and helps contribute to world opinion of about the U.S.A. Negatively, that is.
lizmckenzie55
Do you really think it's stupid? While there are things about the show I dislike, it has introduced us to artists like Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry - who are all hugely successful because they are extremely talented people! If it weren't for Idol, many of these success stories would have not happened. Google what some of the so-called "losers" are doing now - many have gone on to successful careers even though we do not see or hear of them in the media.
Jaygim
Are they talented because they're "successful," or successful because they're talented? Or, do we love them and buy their records because we're 'supposed' to love them and buy their records? marketing, marketing, marketing.
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doug-c
@Jaygim
Nobody is forcing you to buy anything.
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ajazz266
yes, they are extremely talented people with great connections. and many of their "success stories" wouldnt have made it w/o their managers or whomever they have ties to. im sorry to bust this idea of yours but its true; i've been there and seen it all with my own eyes.
lizmckenzie55
If fact, I went to see the live show of The Color Purple while it was touring and one of the performers was LaToya London who was an Idol "loser" in one of the earlier seasons.
prettygrniz
They are definitely successful because they are talented. To say Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood aren't talented? The way those women sing have nothing to do with marketing!
hautepepper
I disagree. Idol has incarnations in dozens of countries around the world. It's a talent competition showcasing genuinely gifted performers. It's not a low level VH1 show where the only requirement to be on is a willingness to degrade oneself.
theschmooze
What I find distasteful about Idol is the humiliation factor dished out by the panelists to the early participants. No matter how bad the audition, I don't think it is necessary to tear down the performer. The airwaves are full of crap because too many people enjoy watching other people squirm. It is a sick fascination.
bkinder
First and foremost, as with everyone's comments, I respect your thought process behind this. I understand what you mean by the negative comments, and the "tear down" of the performer.
The one "flaw" in the logic is these people know what they are getting into. As with EVERY SINGLE AUDITION, they have to sign a waiver stating that they will allow "Idol" to use any footage they obtain, from, with, and about them. Whether or not the contestant is"well versed" and has a great audition or whether they, oh lets just say for name sake "stink" is up to the contestant. If the judges want to laugh, poke fun, or tell them they cant sing, it comes with the territory. In the words of many people around the world "If you cant stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen" For American Idol its "If you cant take any comments, good or bad, stay the hell outta the audition room".
These same contestants watched the show at some point in time and KNEW that this could happen to them. So dont feel bad for them, they KNEW the whole time, they just thought it wouldn't happen to them. Everyone loves to see a trainwreck. We love to watch and gawk at others misfortunes or in this case, their inability to vocalize. If you dont like watching how they are "judged" all you have to do is simply pick up the remote and turn the channel. Problem solved!
clove0229
bkinder .... Well Spoken!!!! Couldn't Agree More!!!
lad1d4l
Well they come to the show and really know that they haven,t spent any time to practice on vocals and listen to them when they say I,v wanted to sing all of my life,and Iam the next american Idol! How do they do that to themselves? am I saying they should,nt try out NO,Im saying parents should,nt lie to their kids saying "you do that well" and they know they could say.".you want to sing lets get in the choir! and be ready for the next season! lets train our kids for excellence
dahniuru
Ever watch a 'reality show'? The dozen or show 'live participants' are surrounded 24/7 by upwards of 100 producers, directors, writers, grips, cooks, and make-up artists. Oh, you didn't know that?
kaymad41
*shrugs* I pretty much knew the judges didn't sit through tens of thousands of auditions, did anyone think that? However I didn't realize it was done over so many weeks. Anyway, I still enjoy the show for what it is.
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tigermel78
I tried out for American Idol when i was 26. I didn't know all the secrets till i tried out. They told us when we got there to be prepared to stay up to a wekk if you make it through the diffrent rounds, but that it was on our dime. One thing that made me mad was that i had a song ready when i tried out and the guy next to me didn't. So the judges were helping him out by singing a song and telling him to sing alone. he made it passed, i didn't. But They turned down people that could sing and kept ones who could not. I said I was not going to watch it after that but i do/
ajazz266
i tried out for american idol too when i was 16 and everything what you said was ABSOLUTELY CORRECT and truth to the point. My group and I were going to make this huge protest at the end bc we all realized what just happened. AND ryan seacrest didnt even show up to the "auditions" bc it was raining and didnt want to get his hair wet, was the excuse. so, when the show was being aired in january, i wanted to see if they would cut, paste and edit him as if he was there and thats exactly what they did. thats another "secret" i wanted to share with all of you.
shealaroux
NO, seriously. All of the people who cannot sing, even though it is painfully obvious, really do think that they are great. It is a well known fact, that those who sound bad cannot hear the awful pitch they are singing. Even their families are fooled. Often because they have the same problem, which is usually atributed to heredity.
plainlyspoken
If they could hear it, they could probably sing. It's all about the resonators really (e.g. nasopharynx, oral cavity, etc.). And heredity does play a huge role. My friend can sing and so can his whole family. I can't carry a tune at all and neither can a single person in my family.
dirving
The one thing I have every wondered is if you make it through to actually see Simon, Randy, etc. you have obviously been passed through several times, so thee people that are horrible, do they have a clue they are being passed through for "entertainment purposes" ie: train wreck, or do they continue to be deluded into thinking they are great, which is why they seem so devastated when they are turned away? I am sure it is all part of the act, I know plenty of people that just watch Idol through the auditions to see the people who are terrible and don't even watch the rest of the season. Me, I am a fan and will watch it 'til the day it's off the air.
collday
I have TWO personal testimonies of my EXACT AI experiences. One in San Fran, and the other in Las Vegas. Seriously, check out my blog: www.colleendaymusic.com
oneforfun
Yah Know What Ive been a Fan of American Idol for years now. But I must tell you this season has just Lost It :( Very Boring and don't know if ill continue to watch.
billbrasky
C'mom people, of course it's edited, they only show the meat.
Ratings man, ratings, advertisers money you know, got to make
their presence. Been done since the 50's.
plainlyspoken
Would you really want to sit through all the actual auditions? Talk about a ratings plummet.
JamesMohr
Hiya. I auditioned for Season 4 of Idol in S.F. and was briefly on the show. Some of this article is right, some is wrong, but some details might have changed since Season 4. At my audition we auditioned for scouts the second day (97% were sent home at this time), producers the third day, and the famous judges the fourth day. They never told us some were good and some were bad but that they were looking for "Exceptional talent or unique voices." I've heard that some of the people who get sent "to Hollywood" by the famous judges are turned back by the producers before the Hollywood round and don't appear on the show. But this article is right the auditions are not representative of what happens. I wrote about my personal experience here: http://worldofjamesmohr.webs.com/americanidol.htm
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plainlyspoken
If you're not interested in the topic, go find a Haiti blog. Same goes for the political commentary. Take the rant where it's appropriate and desired. Instead of doing the Republican, conservative Christian move of forcing it on people who signed in to read about the Idol auditions. Some people do give a f*ck. Judge not oh self righteous preachy one.
clove0229
I feel for those people in Haiti but we being the "USA" gave more in gov and personal donations than any other country... Do we really need to be doing that in the finacial status that we "USA" are in??? (not the point of this link) I think that most people understand that this show is for "entertainment" and they don't show everything that is envolved... Think about it would you watch any show if it showed everything that was envolved with making the show?? I think that it is a decent show that does not show sex or violence like so many that are on tv today.... And give our children something to dream about (like peter pan or cinderella) Why kill the dreams of our youth?
toemasie
Wait until fans realize the entire show is fixed. America's Got Talent is.
blyxplyx
Yes, Idol has provided us the mediocre talents, Underwood, Daughtry and Hudson. Case closed.
Daveyboy
Dear "blyxplyx".
Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Jennifer Huson "mediocre"???? YOU have got to be kidding, these people/group are AMAZINGLY talented. I'm afraid to ask whom you may consider talented, but shoot! Please? AI IS heavily produced, I'll agree, but, one cant deny these talents and it is very valid to question if any of these great talents would have "made it big", had they not had the platform of AI to showcase them. They know it too.
crunchyfrog
Isn't it about time America's Biggest Karaoke Contest is done? Musicians who really play and write, pay their dues, and really have talent are marginalized, while one of these belters (and the 2nd thru 5th place finishers) goes from zero to hero voted on by the 'rasslin and NASCAR crowd. The list of real talents who wouldn't get past the first round (because they don't have those Broadway voices) grows every day:
Bruce Springsteen
John Mellencamp
Neil Young
Lou Reed
Tom Waits
Leonard Cohen
Bonnie Raitt
Melissa Etheridge
John Hiatt
Tom Petty
Bob Dylan..."
plainlyspoken
True.
middenbear
Unfortunately, a lot of these people couldnt get airplay even before American Idol. They dont have the right video image. Idol actually has made music in the video era better, not worse.
Who were the greats that said music sucked so bad that they were retiring? Eric Clapton was one and there were a few others.
crunchyfrog
Why is a video image and getting airplay so important? Commercial radio is about getting the ears of women 25-40 to advertisers, not about music or looks. All of these auto-tuned, slickly produced acts who put more emphasis on dancing, clothing, and image are not making music better for anything. Support your public radio station and the artists who do it and have done it the right way.
simplicity
Very little to this article. The reality is, reality shows are not, and take this to what occurs within the, "business."
The winners are not decided by the public, but what will most be, "revenue enhancing," for the show.
The hook is very simple, keep it emotionally charged. They do, it works.
batparker
I'm not really sure what is being "revealed" here. That the thousands of hopefuls are winnowed down to a manageable number before reaching the judges? Did anyone think otherwise?
beverly57
people who participate on reality shows know what they are getting into. These poor dreamers are just lied to and misinformed.
Thank you.
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