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Step 7 in increasing your chances of getting on any vocal reality show should be that you need to master each song and practice on your own as often as possible.

Here are some tips to consider when you are wondering how to audition for American Idol . One angle I would do when I was a recording artist is I would a rehearsal studio that had mirrors in it. Nearly everyone of the studios would have a loud sound system in them and I would blare the music and rehearse on my own. I would actually set up my microphone and act out different techniques and moves. I eventually figured out what looked best for me and I then implemented those things into my live show. Probably more important than anything, I figured out what looked absurbd and removed it from my presentation.

Now, you don't have to rent a rehearsal studio if money isn't in the budget; the same effect can be successfully accomplished by locking yourself in your bedroom and singing to the mirror. Rather than singing in the bathroom mirror or a vanity mirror, I would advocate going to a dollar store or Salvation Army and buying some cheap full-length mirrors and putting them in your room so that you can view your full body as you are singing. It's not that expensive and you can get the same result as you would by renting out a rehearsal room. Stand them up in your bedroom against the wall, put on your stage gear, put the music on, and start singing and watching yourself. Doing this will be depressing initially. But, once you get over that awkwardness, you'll start to see things that you are doing wrong or that look sappy that you can change.

If you have never performed in front of a mirror before, it is a bit weird initially, I must confess. But I have learned much by doing it. I have heard that Michael Jackson would spend many hours a day doing this. He would rehearse in front of mirrors figuring out what worked best and what didn't. In fact, this is how he came across the "Moon Walk" move that he made so popular. However, for you, don't get overly analytical on dance moves and such because for the initial auditions there isn't time to display your dance moves.

The the goal at hand is to see what others are going to see and give yourself some feedback from what you see in the mirror. But, if you are one of the fortunate few to make it through to the next round, then you should immediately initiate a more thorough rehearsal schedule. You'll want to take advantage of every minute of rehearsing you can get. You can never be overly prepared for what may be coming your way.

In our next article we will discuss Step 8 where we will recommend going out and playing some gigs or singing live. See you then...