About 20,000 aspiring singers are expected to converge on Bridgestone Arena over the next three days for a shot at stardom — or at least a spot on the famed blooper reel.
For the first time since 2002 — just the second time in the show’s nine-year history — “American Idol” tryouts are coming to Music City. [..]
In support of those hoping to hit it big on the tails of a successful “American Idol” audition, The Tennessean asked some of the most popular “Idol” alumni with Nashville ties for tips on wowing the judges.
Danny Gokey, who came in third place behind Kris Allen and Adam Lambert in 2009, said realism and optimism are key to a rewarding “American Idol” experience.
“I think the biggest thing these contestants need to know is not everyone is going to make it,” Gokey said.
“You’re doing this because there is that possibility you can make it. You have to realize a lot of people are going to get turned away, so your strategy has to be to go in there and be different. It all starts with the way you look. Before you leave your house (ask yourself) ‘How do (I) look that separates (me) from everybody else but yet doesn’t make (me) look crazy or weird. It’s uniqueness to you that you can bring out.”
Gokey said it’s almost important to sound like you — not anyone else.
“A lot of people imitate their favorite singers, but that’s not a good thing at times,” he said. “If you sound like you’re favorite singer, chances are they don’t want to sign the same person that’s already been signed to a record label. So bring out your unique characteristics and go for it. If you are too nervous at that moment you will loose it. So go for it and walk away knowing you put everything you could (the tryout).”
For full article including photo gallery and comments from other AI finalists, see http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2010/07/14/american-idol-contestants-give-tips-in-advance-of-nashville-audition/
