The X-Factor is a popular competition program started in the UK by "American Idol" judge and talent scout Simon Cowell. The show has spread all over the world, from the United States to Southeast Asia. For The X-Factor, judges take a direct role in bringing out talent, helping to prepare them for star status. If you manage to be one of the lucky ones competing on the show, you'll need to know how to make it through the rigorous introduction to show business, learn to pass auditions, stay focused, and stand out from the rest of the competition. See Step 1 for more information.
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Part 1 of 4: Finding Sounds
Step 1. Find your vocal range
Unless you're lucky enough to be blessed with a pure, natural singing voice, developing your singing ability takes a lot of work. To learn how to develop and promote your voice, you'll first need to determine where your vocal range lies, so you can find songs that fit within that vocal range.
To start developing vocal skills, sit down at the piano and sing notes that you feel comfortable singing clearly without difficulty, then try to adjust your voice to the piano notes. If it's a G note, try to find a song in the key of G, or whatever key naturally suits your voice
Step 2. Consider taking singing lessons
One of the interesting aspects of The X-Factor, compared to other reality shows, is that you will receive training if you manage to stay on the show for a long time. But that doesn't mean that you can start from scratch. By building a good reputation with a vocal coach, you'll be a good vocal student, so your skills will improve and you'll be able to learn the techniques necessary to become a great singer.
- A good teacher can help you learn the basics of singing, as well as broaden the range of material. We can't listen to everything, so a good teacher will be able to suggest great songs that will showcase your voice, that you may not even have heard before.
- Learning to accept constructive criticism is very important and can be the difference between being a good singer and a great singer winning shows. Find a good teacher you can work with, who will show you how to improve and learn to accept negative feedback that will make you better.
Step 3. Work on improving your vocal pitch and range
Try hitting very high notes and very low notes between your vocal ranges, then push yourself to develop a wider vocal range. If you progress to the Boot Camp stage of The X-Factor, what if they ask you to sing "Tiny Dancer" in the key of D, while you're singing in the key of B-flat? You'll only be able to succeed if you've practiced pushing your vocal range and working your voice out.
Step 4. Work on improving your performance on stage
You can be a great singer, but without charisma on stage, it's hard to win The X-Factor. Therefore, developing gestures on stage is as important as developing a voice. The show isn't just a singing competition–you have to have that "it" factor that makes you stand out, and part of the way to grow is to improve your performance on stage.
- It may be difficult to define "presence", but it is easy to see. Check YouTube for old clips of Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and Robert Plant to see how the "that" factor works.
- Singing with a microphone is more complicated than it looks. It's worth trying out the experience of using a vocal mic and learning to use it to bring out your voice. Of course you don't want to stand before a judge and blow on the microphone, or hold it too far and lose the essence of the vocals.
Step 5. Watch past seasons of The X-Factor
Even if you know who's going to win, one of the kinds of homework for you is watching how the winners succeed in the entire show. Who appears to be the clear winner in the early stages? Who appears to be the party considered to be the loser? You can learn a lot about how to market yourself against other competitors when you watch other people come before you.
- Each finalist of The X-Factor has a distinctive feature that stands out in them. Find your unique qualities and decide how you will highlight them during the show. Plan a long trip.
- Think of an ideal interim itinerary to reach your goals throughout the season. If you want to be the side that is considered to be the loser in the middle of the season, how are you going to get there?
Part 2 of 4: Passed the Audition
Step 1. Find out where the audition closest to your location will be held
Audition locations are usually announced months before auditions take place, so check out The X-Factor website for open auditions and boxcar auditions. Follow the show's information on social media to get the latest developments, so you don't have to worry about missing out.
- Usually, you can fill out an online application form and submit it before you show up on audition day. Otherwise, you can still register the form on the D day, but you'll be waiting a lot longer.
- In the United States, open auditions are usually held at various locations on the west coast, east coast, and throughout the southern region. Recently, there were open auditions in LA, New Orleans, and New York City.
- In the UK, many auditions are conducted in boxcars, with judges traveling to various locations to conduct small-scale auditions.
Step 2. Prepare your song for audition
Before you show up, you need to prepare a song, memorize it by heart, and practice hard. That becomes the main focus of your audition preparation. A good song doesn't have to be famous, but it can bring out your voice perfectly. Bonus points for songs that the judges aren't very familiar with (because they won't be able to compare it to the original) or original songs that you might have composed yourself.
Step 3. Arrive early, well rested, and fully prepared
Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the audition, avoid alcohol for the previous 24 hours, and make sure you stay hydrated. Eat before you come to the set, because the audition may last a full day.
- At most audition locations, camping overnight is prohibited the day before the audition, but try to find out how early you can get there. Either way, you'll probably end up being there all day, and there's no evidence that earlier auditions work better than later ones, and vice versa. Come when you feel comfortable and worry about appearance.
- To register for an audition, you will need to present two kinds of identification. If you are under 18, your parents must accompany you and show your ID. Once you have signed the registration form, you will receive a wristband and a seat ticket, and then wait quite a while for your name to be called.
Step 4. Stay ready to audition
The worst part of the overall audition experience is getting over the waiting period. You may be feeling anxious and bored at the same time, so use the time effectively to cool off, but still be ready to perform. Do the vocal warm-up you've practiced with your trainer, and try to stay calm.
You'll see a lot of intimidating-looking singers doing complicated and weird activities, but try to ignore what's going on around you and stay focused. Do what you know. This is not the time to change plans
Step 5. Be confident and calm
When your name is called, the moment you have been waiting for has arrived. Stay calm! If you've practiced effectively, you'll be confident in your song and your ability to pass the audition. Tell yourself, "I've got this".
- Focus on the few details of the performance, get the song right, tune to the tune of the music, and perform at your best. Don't worry about the camera, the celebrities, and what the audition will mean. Just think about the song you sing. That form of dedication is what the judges are looking for.
- Don't be afraid of the jury because they are celebrities. If you're feeling nervous, don't try to cover it up with overwhelming enthusiasm. They're also human, so answer their questions sincerely and come out right away.
- While you need to be calm, it's true that creating a sense of drama can seem to sway the judges a bit. If you have a fun story about how you almost missed the bus to get to the audition, or you were worried about losing your job because you were there that day because you were so dedicated to singing, maybe they can make you stand out a little.
Step 6. Sing your best
The main thing the judges will hear is a star's vocal performance. The "it" factor is important, and appearance matters too, but these are things that can be molded and improved (it's part of The X-Factor as a show - finding people who have a story of going from ordinary to extraordinary). Don't worry about anything but singing from the bottom of your heart.
- Don't worry about winning the show during the audition, because you won't win it this round. Just worry about qualifying for the next round.
- Make sure that you really mean to be a star. People who say "this is my dream", is the big thing the judges are looking for. They want a star who wants to be a star, to support them.
Step 7. Forget about using extra tricks
Wearing a lively stage costume, playing a tambourine, or attempting a trick to stand out will usually be discontinued. It will look weird and the judges will probably laugh, but they won't be impressed. Don't overthink auditions. They seek voice, not a sense of humor.
However, the acoustic guitar, tends to help participants to stand out. If you play and have a song that can use acoustic accompaniment, take it if you are a good acoustic guitar player
Step 8. Bring an entourage to help you celebrate
You want people to support you, and people tend to like characters who have the full support of family, friends, and the community behind them. That's a good story we can support. If you can, bring as many friends as you can, to scream with you when you walk out of the audition with an invite to the next round.
Part 3 of 4: Mastering the Show
Step 1. Just focus on the next round
The X-Factor is running a marathon, not a sprint. No single performance, episode, or moment will win the show, so try to stay focused on even the smallest of tasks. Listen to the judges, take their feedback constructively, work hard to improve your performance, and advance to the next round.
- Not every one of your performances is going to be a stellar performance, but all of your performances have to be pretty good. Don't worry too much about being the best singer and performer every night, but try to focus on staying consistent and trustworthy as a performer. #Skip boot camp by learning as much as you can. You'll be working with one of the judges and there's a good chance that you won't like every single thing he tells you. However, the ability to take criticism and work hard to improve your performance will be a bonus, so it's important to maintain an attitude and respond appropriately to feedback. The X-Factor won't cater to divas and belle, so put ego aside when you head to bootcamp.
- One part of the training process involves grooming, and it's a good idea to grow some facial hair before treatment. If you go from your old self to your superstar self dramatically, it will be well received by the judges and fans alike. Part of the show is finding the most suitable characters, people to support, who can work for you during your beauty treatment.
- According to Demi Lovato, judge at The X-Factor, appearance is actually just as important, if not more important, than sound. Take this part of the competition seriously.
Step 2. Show many sides of yourself
You want to present yourself as a multi-talented person that fans can emulate. Singers who are monotonous, even though talented, will give up quickly compared to singers who are more talented and fun. Good dancing, unusual hobbies, and strange life stories are all acceptable to the judges of The X-Factor, and to record company leaders who may be watching the show.
Can you play the piano? Singing in German? Break-dance like a fool? Just save some of these incredible talents for later, so you can blow everyone away with a dramatic moment at the right time. If you think that the judges might be bored with your actions, you can come up with a surprise
Step 3. Gather supporters from your hometown
The winners of The X-Factor, however different they may be in terms of style, excellence, and ability, all have one thing in common: strong home support. If you want to win the show, you have to connect with supporters and keep a genuine following back in your hometown that will contribute to your success and support you to the fullest.
Do not be arrogant. Be sure to get in touch with the local press, sometimes at the expense of national press exposure. If you do long interviews with local newspapers, emphasizing how much you love your hometown, how important your supporters are to your development, you will find sudden and rabid fans who will fight for you
Step 4. Keep in touch with fans
Take time to socialize and connect with fans.
You'll probably be very busy, so consider asking a close friend to help keep an eye on the many emails, Facebook friend requests, and the sheer volume of media coverage you'll encounter. Teach them about being polite, because they will be your representative in cyberspace
Step 5. Be prepared for all eventualities
Try to stay flexible and face all the difficulties. It's almost impossible to prepare for everything you're going to face, as the show changes from season to season, so you might be surprised and very busy due to the frequent television appearances. Be sporty and professional, because that's what the judges are looking for. Act as if you are part of the place.
Step 6. Be a person you like
Keep in mind that when you're performing, you're noticed by the crowd, and sudden popularity can make contestants selfish. So make sure you don't "reproach" looks or other stars. Show your good side to society. Get the community to support you. But don't make up sad stories that aren't true. When your lies are exposed, no one will buy your music.
Make sure people know that you want them. Be confident and make sure that you don't come out there just to play around, take the opportunity seriously because, otherwise, you will be eliminated
Part 4 of 4: Stand out
Step 1. Choose the right song
While your performance of singing the chosen song is the most important aspect of the performance, the choice of song is still a very important part of the performance. If you're going to be a star contestant who will win The X-Factor, you'll need to prove that you like to hear criticism and have a great voice, by showing that you have the right sense of song that will showcase your skills and connect with the audience.
Don't be afraid to be cheap. Key words in songs that have proven to be effective linked to The X-Factor include "time", "love", "truth", "opportunity", "eternal", and "always"
Step 2. Try to develop alternative streams other than the usual ones, but also still understandable
Winners of The X-Factor tend to be perceived as "refreshing." It means that there needs to be something about you that no one has seen before, or at least hasn't seen recently. If you sound exactly like Adele, or move on stage like Harry Styles, people won't have enough reason to support you.
- Standing out cannot come about by getting rid of marketworthiness. Mimicking Marilyn Manson's style might set you apart from all the other participants, but it's unlikely to connect to the kind of people who watch The X-Factor and are supportive. It's worth staying comfortably in the mainstream, which means you can't be too risky, subversive, or weird.
- Ideally, the winner of The X-Factor appeals to a wide variety of people: rockers, pop fans, young teens, grandparents. What can you do to make music that people will like?
Step 3. Be polite
To some extent, we witness the "star behavior" of the stars. It means an outburst of anger. That means a strange habit. That means a bowl of "Lucky Charms" with discarded marshmallows, a la Britney Spears. To stand out, you don't want to appear on the news with a "diva" headline. Newspapers have a huge impact on people's opinions, so be careful and market yourself as a polite and humble contestant with a natural talent. You will stand out that way.
Don't say anything to the jury, the newspaper reporter, or the camera that you're going to regret. Known as the girl who thinks Tina Turner writing the song "Respect" isn't going to win you over
Step 4. Imitate the judges
The judges have done well in the music industry and you better take what they say seriously. They've lived it, know what it takes, and will offer you constructive criticism. However, it's best to keep in mind that supporters don't want to see someone who spoils the mood for the celebrity judges. They want someone who stands up for himself at the right time. Be your own advisor.
Step 5. Make a good sad story
One thing that sells well in The X-Factor: sympathy. If you can make people feel that you not only deserve to win, but also that you've worked so hard to get to where you are today, you're very close to winning. Try to make yourself a sympathetic figure who deserves support.
- You need to have a good reason so you can sing and perform. Maybe you remember your grandmother, who passed away recently, who used to sing hymns when you were little. Perhaps the only way you can connect with your separated sibling is through music. Maybe you were harassed at school and took it out on music. Find something that connects with people.
- Packing yourself up as a sympathetic participant doesn't have to be overwhelming, and you shouldn't be making up stories, but you should try to frame things in a way that will make you appear more sympathetic. No one will support someone who is already lucky in life and living comfortably.
Tips
- Be spontaneous! Create the side/personality you want to see in a singer. Don't change yourself too much.
- Have confidence but don't be arrogant. That's not what the jury wanted.
- You need to stand out in a good way, not with something weird like seducing the jury.
- Don't be too arrogant. You don't want to be the one who thinks he's better than the rest.
- Ask family and friends to listen to you sing and give their honest opinion. You don't want to be the one who thinks he's really talented and then finds himself humiliating.
Warning
- If the jury doesn't pass you, don't worry. If you really want it, improve yourself and come back next year!
- A lot of people get rejected the first time, (many stars get rejected) but if you really want it, go for it! A dream is just a reality that hasn't happened yet!
