Before Auditioning for American Idol, Learn How to Maximize Your Experience
As this season of American Idol unfolds, it’s evident that the talent showcased is nothing short of remarkable. From powerhouse vocalists to captivating storytellers, the stage is ablaze with potential. Yet, as the competition heats up, it’s crucial for aspiring contestants to recognize an opportunity often missed: building a sustainable music career beyond the show’s spotlight. Let’s take a closer look at this season’s top 14 contestants and their music catalog to date:
American Idol: Top-14 Contestants
| American Idol Contestant | Year of First Release | Total Releases | Last 12 Months |
| McKenna Breinholt | 2017 | 10 | 1 |
| Jack Blocker | 2023 | 10 | 10 |
| Mia Matthews | 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| Sam "Kayko" Kelly-Cohen | 2021 | 24 | 6 |
| Will Moseley | 2023 | 5 | 5 |
| Abi Carter | 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| Kaibrienne "KB" Richins | 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| Emmy Russell | 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| Julia Gagnon | 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| Triston Harper | NA | 0 | 0 |
| Jayna Elise | 2021 | 7 | 5 |
| Nya | NA | 0 | 0 |
| Jordan Anthony | 2018 | 31 | 5 |
| Roman Collins | 2020 | 23 | 17 |
What you see in releases for this season’s top-14 contestants isn’t unique. It is common to see and hear great talent with big dreams make the show; without an existing platform or plan to enable growth.
For those considering auditioning for American Idol (and The Voice), it’s essential to prepare and maximize the potential benefits the show offers. Here are some practical strategies to ensure you’re ready to seize the opportunity:
1. Know Your Artistry
Before stepping onto the Idol stage, understand who you are as an artist. Whether you lean towards pop, country, folk, R&B, or singer-songwriter styles, clarity about your identity will attract an audience ready to connect with your music.
2. Release Current Music
Ensure you have a recent catalog of songs available for listeners. Aim for an LP of ten to 12 tracks released within a year of auditioning. This allows viewers to find music that matches with what they connect with when they experience you on TV.
3. Prepare for Releases
Don’t wait until after the show to plan your music releases. Have a four-song EP ready to distribute immediately after your exit. Keeping your audience engaged with fresh content is crucial for maintaining momentum. (Have questions about releasing music – read my article on single, EP, or LP release strategies)
4. Build a Song Pipeline
Have a reservoir of a dozen songs ready for production. This prevents a post-show lull and ensures you have songs that you can quickly move into production for another release.
Too often, we see great talent on the American Idol stage without a foundation or plan. When they exit, time is lost as they try to figure things out, and in the meantime, they lose the momentum that could have further catapulted their growth. These strategies, coupled with a robust social media plan, lay the foundation for leveraging the American Idol platform effectively. The show alone won’t guarantee success; it creates exposure and connection.
By implementing these tactics, you position yourself as an artist ready to seize opportunities beyond the confines of reality TV. If you are auditioning for American Idol, prepare now, and you’ll be positioned to grow an audience on and off the show.