Advice for 'The Voice' Auditions | Lis Lewis • The Singers Workshop (2024)

By Lis Lewis

Advice for 'The Voice' Auditions | Lis Lewis •The Singers Workshop (1)I was the vocal coach for two singers who were on a recent season of The Voice and several others from prior seasons. After watching them go through the audition process I have some thoughts about how to survive and endure.

Pick songs that reflect your personality. Just because you like a song doesn’t mean it shows who you are. Also prepare a lot of songs; they might throw something at you at the last minute.

As a contestant on the show, you aren’t just a singer. You are a character and a story. Try to shape that story yourself so you have some control of it. Rather than being the guy whose wife left him, try making it positive – the guy who turned his life around. Adversity in life makes good television but don’t be a victim. Phillip Phillips, who won last season on American Idol, had multiple surgeries while on the show, but that was never part of his story.

The audition process is high stress. Get enough sleep, eat at regular intervals (bring snacks), dress in layers (you might be waiting in line outside) and most of all prepare. Know your songs, practice being interviewed, warm up your voice and then let go and show them who you are.

It’s hard not to take it personally if they don’t pick you. Your goal should be to do your personal best whether you’re chosen or not. You don’t know what they’re looking for – they may already have picked their ‘rocker Mom’, or their ‘soulful country’ voice. All you can do is be the most authentic ‘you’ you can be.

Ready to take your singing to the next level? Take private voice lessons in Los Angeles or online with Lis Lewis!
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Advice for 'The Voice' Auditions | Lis Lewis •The Singers Workshop (2)

Lis Lewis is a voice teacher and performance coach in Los Angeles, CA. She has been training recording artists for over 30 years. Learn more about herprivate voice lessons. She has also coached celebrities including: Miguel, Rihanna, Iggy Azalea, Bryson Tiller, Demi Lovato, and more. Lis is also the author of the books, “The Singers First Aid Kit” and “The Pop Singers Warm-Up Kit” both published by Hal Leonard.

Advice for 'The Voice' Auditions | Lis Lewis • The Singers Workshop (2024)

FAQs

Advice for 'The Voice' Auditions | Lis Lewis • The Singers Workshop? ›

The audition process is high stress. Get enough sleep, eat at regular intervals (bring snacks), dress in layers (you might be waiting in line outside) and most of all prepare. Know your songs, practice being interviewed, warm up your voice and then let go and show them who you are.

How to prepare for The Voice audition? ›

BEFORE YOUR SINGING AUDITION
  1. TIP #1: MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SINGING VOICE. A vocalist's instrument is their voice. ...
  2. TIP #2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT AUDITION SONG. ...
  3. TIP #3: EAT, DRINK, AND SLEEP SMART. ...
  4. Tip #4: Overcome any nerves or stress. ...
  5. Tip #5: Perform a vocal warm-up routine.

How much does it cost to try out for The Voice? ›

There is no cost to participate in The Voice. Contestants are not required to pay any fees to audition or compete on the show. The production covers expenses related to auditions, coaching, rehearsals, and performances, as well as travel and accommodation for contestants during the competition.

What should I wear to The Voice audition? ›

Essentially, dress for the audition the way you would for classy date. Don't wear jeans and sweatshirts, and avoid clothing that's too tight–you're already going to be nervous, the last thing you want to worry about is breathing in a dress that's too small.

Does The Voice pay for travel? ›

If you're selected as a contestant, be ready to travel to one or more locations and stay there for several weeks or months during the filming of the show. If you're selected as a finalist or a competitor, the producer of the show will pay for your travel and lodging expenses.

What not to sing for a voice audition? ›

What type of songs should you avoid for auditions?
  • Overdone Songs That Directors Are Sick Of. ...
  • Anything that is on Broadway right now. ...
  • Songs You Don't Know the Meaning Behind. ...
  • Popular – Wicked. ...
  • On My Own – Les Miserables. ...
  • Think of Me – The Phantom of the Opera. ...
  • Tomorrow – Annie. ...
  • Memory – Cats Musical.

How do you stand out in a vocal audition? ›

12 Singing Tips From An Audition Coach
  1. Warm up your body before your voice. Aerobic exercise is a great way to warm up before singing. ...
  2. Release tension. ...
  3. Don't “take” a breath when singing. ...
  4. Don't hold your breath before you sing. ...
  5. Open your mouth. ...
  6. Remain relaxed. ...
  7. Speak on pitch. ...
  8. Care deeply about what you're singing.
Feb 4, 2022

How to audition for The Voice 2024? ›

Log in to your artist account and click/tap Virtual Open Call. (You will need to complete the agreements first.) Select a day and time for your audition and watch your countdown begin! You will receive an email confirming your VOC date & time.

How long do The Voice auditions take? ›

Come prepared with a verse and chorus of one song. You'll have 1 minute and 30 seconds to audition, which should include a personal introduction, an announcement of the song you're going to sing, and the performance.

Does The Voice pay for housing? ›

While singers don't make a paycheck from performing on The Voice, they are given a huge platform, free publicity and celebrity access to grow their music careers. But they are given stipends. Contestants who make it far into the season are given stipends to cover living expenses.

What are they looking for in The Voice auditions? ›

During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don't get to see them -- thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the artist's voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team.

What are the best colors to wear for an audition? ›

Neutral colours will blend in with the crowd. Instead choose bright, solid colours. If your favourite colour is a bright teal, pick that! It will stand out from the others and give you a boost of confidence before your audition.

Do The Voice contestants get free clothes? ›

Contestants have to supply their own clothes for the blind auditions, but things get a little easier once they are attached to a team. Morrissey shared, “We shop for each artist to come up with great looks. Once we get to the live shows, looks are customized for each specific performance.”

What is the age limit for The Voice audition? ›

You have to be least 13 years old to apply.

The Voice allows young teens to compete alongside adults: Anyone 13 years or older can apply, and many kids have found success after appearing on the show. The youngest winner to date is Danielle Bradbury, who won season 4 at just 16 years old.

How many people audition for The Voice every year? ›

It is estimated that tens of thousands of people audition for "The Voice" each season, with many of them submitting online video auditions.

What does Gwen Stefani make on The Voice? ›

With her years of experience in multiple roles on the show, many wonder how much Stefani makes on The Voice. According to Stylecaster, she is currently making $13 million per season. She started out making $10 million a season.

How do you rest your voice before an audition? ›

Take vocal naps

If you're sick, if your allergies are flaring up, or even if you've just been working your voice a lot (like in rehearsal or when you're preparing for an audition), take time to rest your voice. That means no talking, no singing, and definitely no whispering, which is terrible for your vocal cords.

What are the requirements for The Voice? ›

You have to be least 13 years old to apply.

The Voice allows young teens to compete alongside adults: Anyone 13 years or older can apply, and many kids have found success after appearing on the show. The youngest winner to date is Danielle Bradbury, who won season 4 at just 16 years old.

How to actually get on The Voice? ›

You must submit an official Video Submission through your Artist Account or participate in one of our Virtual Open Call auditions to be considered for The Voice.

How do you ace a voice over audition? ›

8 Tips to Perfect Your Voice Over Audition
  1. Study the Script. Voice over scripts need to be understood before they can be read. ...
  2. Vocal Warmups. ...
  3. Get into Character. ...
  4. Act it Out. ...
  5. Follow Directions. ...
  6. Briefly Slate in Character. ...
  7. Make Multiple Takes. ...
  8. Be Efficient, Don't Waste Time.
Jun 18, 2019

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