1You have to meet the age requirements.
Ray Mickshaw//Getty ImagesUnlike other talent shows, American Idol has a strict age window. All contestants must be at least 15 years old and no more than 29 at the time of their audition.
2If you’re under 18, bring a parent.
Kevin Winter/American Idol 2011//Getty ImagesBecause you could potentially have to sign a legal document to be on live television, any contestant under the age of 18 has to bring a parent or legal guardian with them to the audition.
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3You must live in the U.S.
Ray Mickshaw//Getty ImagesAmerican is literally in the name of the show, so it makes sense that all contestants must be legal U.S. residents, and also legally allowed to work in the country.
4Your have to audition online first.
Michael Buckner//Getty ImagesFor more recent seasons, contestants had to submit an online audition tape, which consisted of answering a few personal questions and singing a song of your choice.
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5You may have to wait for months for a callback.
Kevork Djansezian//Getty ImagesAfter submitting an online audition, there's almost a six-month lag between when you'll be contacted for a callback.
6Next, you have to audition for producers.
Ray Mickshaw//Getty ImagesIf you do get a callback, your second round audition is for producers and they're the ones who ultimately decide if you get a judges panel audition or not.
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7Walk-ins are welcome.
Michael Buckner//Getty Images 8Don't lose your ticket.
Scott Gries//Getty ImagesAfter checking in, you'll be issued a ticket. If you make it to the next stage of the competition, you'll be given a yellow ticket to (wait for it) Hollywood! Just please don't lose your ticket.
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9And hold on especially tight to platinum tickets.
ABCStarting in 2022, judges get to reward nine singers with platinum tickets. "They get to basically observe from the box seats at the theater – one day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with," Katy Perry explained at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour panel.
10You can't audition twice in one season.
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11Past contestants can't reaudition either.
Eric Liebowitz//Getty Images 12You have to cover your own travel.
Eric McCandless//Getty ImagesIt's free to audition for American Idol, but you have to cover your travel and accommodations. The show will not compensate or arrange travel for people auditioning, even callbacks.
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13You can sing any song you want.
M Becker/American Idol 2008//Getty ImagesWhether it's an original song or a greatest hit, it's your choice what you sing for the judges. If your time is limited, you can even pick out a part of the song to highlight.
14You must audition alone.
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15But you can bring in a guitar.
Portland Press Herald//Getty ImagesThe show recommends contestants sing a cappella, but contestants are allowed to bring a musical instrument into the audition room if they can play it themselves.
16No ties are allowed.
Josh Vertucci//Getty ImagesMost American Idol seasons have had three judges, but some have had four. To avoid a split 50/50 vote, the show has implemented a majority rule. That means if a contestant faces a four-judge panel, they must receive at least three yeses to move forward.
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17You have to dress for television.
M Becker/American Idol 2008//Getty Images 18All of your in-person auditions will be recorded.
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19The best don't always move on.
David Banks//Getty ImagesAs harsh as it sounds, producers on American Idol sometimes purposefully move bad singers through the audition process, since viewers enjoy watching a mix of good and bad singers. Unfortunately, this takes away spots for qualified singers.
20You can't have any pending contracts or record deals.
Eric McCandless//Getty ImagesIf you accept the invitation to join American Idol, you must sign a contract that says you don't have any contractual obligations or agreements with your music.
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