Anyone going to Chicago

Is anyone auditioning in Chicago. I haven't seen the dates yet but I hope it is soon. My 10 year old daughter is auditioning. We are looking for the experience more than the actual acceptance. I know she will do good but never get my hopes up too high. It would be nice to know if anyone else is going to Chicago and if anyone has heard anything.

We, too, have been looking for Chicago auditions. Mine is 9, so we've been watching, also more for the experience than anything

After reading the new updates on AGT I do believe we are in for a wait. It looks like they are going to Atlanta in late Feb, Dallas in early March, and Las Angelos in late March. I guess they are going to double back and hit Chicago and then finally to New York. What do you think? Maybe we can meet up at the auditions in Chi-Town. Where are you coming from?

Chicago Audition confrimation

I'm new at this, it's my first year auditioning. Has anyone going to chicago received any time slots or confirmation yet? I applied a while ago and then i applied again today. Should i do a video submission too or is it too late for that. The website doesn't give hardly any information.

You don't need to send in a tape or apply online again. They will send you a confirmation email about 2 weeks before the audition and let you know what time it will be and where. They also call you the night before you are to audition to remind you about it. The email says that you have a 3 hour audition time to come, but it really doesn't mean anything. We had a 9-12 time and when we got there, it was an open casting call and they never asked to see my letter. It didn't help that we had an appointed time. We had to stand in line about 4 hours, but so did the people that arrived at 5 in the morning. The only difference was that is was warmer (still cold) while we stood in line. I found out that the time everybody had to stand in line on the first day of auditions was about 4 hours. So I wouldn't go and really early like 5:00. Just get your rest and be ready to wait. It was fun to get to know the people around you in the line. If any of them make it, it will be fun to vote for them since I actually met them.

Ok in reply to the person who was wondering if anyone recieved a chicago audition time mine came by email as of this morning for March 16th or 17th I believe, but let me check I also got one for dallas on the 3rd of march, I auditioned in Nashville, this will be my third attempt I hope they get sick of me like the Leonid guy and let me on but also cause I am talented, here is me on singsnap, hope you all like
http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b5ca4693

Hey everyone I got my email confirmation for chicago, just not sure how I am going to get there. Probabley going to have to rent a car again, like I did for the Nashville audition, anyways, I hope everyone makes it, I know everyone can't but I hope for those who are destined for tv, anyways here is my singsnap recording of something I might sing for audition in chicago and dallas, I got invites by email for both of them already, http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b5ca4693

Just to clarify, you auditioned in Nashville and you will also audition in Chicago? We live 30 minutes from Chicago, but choose the Nashville venue because it was held during the week rather than a weekend. We are usually booked for weekend performances, so the week day audition was better suited for us. Just an FYI - it is snowing here and temps are sub zero. I hope you have better weather for the Chicago audition than what is going on here right now. Good luck!

Just received email for Chgo audition. Now to get ready,set and go.

Yes I am going to audition until I get a callback before the judges, I guess I want this really bad.

Chicago, What can I expect?

Hey Everyone!

My name is Kathryn Jean and I am going to the Chicago auditions...wondering what I can expect...such as things like ..Does getting there early improve your chances of getting heard or with your email confirmation can you be there anytime if your time is from 3-6? Can I bring tracks or do they expect you to sing acapella? Any information you can give me would be great!
Hope to meet some of you there!!

Take Care,
KJ

Hey There!

I am going to the Chicago Auditions...I would like to try out in another area also...well LOL..havent even been to the Chicago ones yet!! I hope to meet some of ya there!

Take Care,
K

I'm going to audition in Chicago too. On the 16th...maybe I'll see you there!! I think its gonna be fun

I'm wondering...

The Chicago auditions are on a Sunday and Monday - if my audition is schedualed on Sun. do I need to be there on Mon. for any reason? I'm trying to make travel arrangements and I'd like to leave after my audition because I have a long drive but I want to make sure I don't miss anything. Is Monday just another day of auditions or is for callbacks?

Sorry if that's a stupid question- I'm totally new to this audition process!

If it's like the others cities that weren't doing tapings, then no, you won't need to come back on monday.

I too will be auditioning in Chicago on March 16th. This is my first time ever doing anything like this and I'm so excited! I want to thank everyone in St. Louis who have inspired and encouraged me to take my talent to the next level!

I do have a question though... In the email reply I received from the show they said to bring a copy of the email as well as a Consent/ Release form. I've searched everywhere on the site and cannot find the form anywhere!!! Please help me find it so I can be prepared with it in hand when I go to do my thang!

Thanks,

Good luck and God bless to you all!

Here it is. It was a link under "Details on Video Submissions." It was confusing wasn't it?
http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/cas...orms_011808.pdf

So, this is your first time to audition?! How exciting! I've been in 'show biz' for most of my life. Is there anything else I can help you with?

I auditioned in Dallas. They singled me out for a private interview. Also, I teach voice. So let me know if I can help. Break a leg!

TraLaLa...

Thank you so much for responding and directing me to the proper link to print the forms!!!

I need all the friendly advice I can get! Do you have any suggestions as to how to dress for the audition or what kind of song to sing? I sing rock music and I carry that rock image if you can see from my profile pic.

stlslamgrl76..

You are welcome!

I also teach voice, so I'll give you some pearls of wisdom.

They always say to be careful wearing a hat or anything else (hair, headband, etc.) that could block your face. You have no idea how they are lighting the space and your face could be in total darkness. (I've seen this happen to someone.) When in doubt, do without.

Dress as nicely as you can and still give the personality of the song. So, if you're wearing torn jeans to go with rock image, make sure those jeans fit well, but are not tight. Look at the stars in your field. What do they wear? Copy that. Like the old saying, "tight enough to show you're a woman, but loosely fit enough to show you're a lady."

I wore a wrap dress, because it was a flattering shape. Also, I picked a color that emphasized my eyes. (Blue) If you want to emphasize cheeks, you might wear something in the pink/coral family. The point being to wear a color that lights up some part of your face.

And wear something comfortable. You'll be standing a looong time. I wore flats, then switched to heals right before the audition. The very attractive lady in line right after me was hurting from her heals. Ouch.

Pick a song that you can sing from your heart -- something that has a deep meaning for you. I picked a song I sang to my precious father as he was dying. I didn't tell them that, but it certainly had meaning for me.

That special meaning must have come across, because they singled me out for a secondary interview. I know Daddy was smiling from heaven.

Break a leg!

Hi!

My 13-year old daughter and I are both auditioning on the 17th. We'll be flying into Chicago on the 16th, though. I've auditioned for Seattle's Stars before, my daughter's only auditioned for her school talent shows. Our audition block is Noon-3p.m., how early should we show up?

And IF we are given a callback, when are the callbacks? Are the callbacks when we actually perform in front of Piers, Sharon & David, or is that yet another round away? And the callbacks are also done a cappella (as far as singing goes), or are we allowed accompaniment then (via tape, CD or live performer)?

Thanks for the help! ~~Bren

is there any body dancing for the auditions

Hey everyone, look forward to meeting everyone in Chicago. If you get a chance, check out my music on my myspace profile at www.myspace.com/briansmoot and let me know what you think:)

Session Time

I received email confirming my audition in Chicago on 3/17. The session time states 3pm-6pm. Does that mean you can arrive anytime between 3 & 6, or should you arrive at 3pm?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

They say you could arrive at 3pm-6pm, but I would arrive earlier than 3pm because there are a lot of people who will be auditioning, and who wants to wait in a long line anyway??? Maybe 1:30-2 pm? idk...

Ok. I was at the Chicago auditions this past weekend... so, did they tell anyone if they made it to the next round that day or what???

There were TONS of people with talent who auditioned there and some incredible singers, but... at the same time it seemed like nothing fresh and unique. There weren't many that really stood out from the crowd. I thought I did because of my unique look and different style of music. The judge who my group performed in front of seemed rather impressed at my song selection and the way I performed it but I wasn't told I'd be going to the next round. He told us that just because we weren't going on to the next round that day, doesn't mean we wouldn't receive a callback. I think I stood out from the rest and many others there thought so as well. I mean... a woman of color singing rock music like its never been done before! I was even told by someone that when they heard me sing they thought for sure I was going to the next round and that my voice gave them chills!!! So what the heck are they looking for???

I auditioned in chicago also it was alot of singers and dancers not going through to the second round and i was one of them and i did really good i was dancing off michael jackson i had the hat and gloves

The Chicago Auditions

Hello, everyone -

I am curious to hear other thoughts about the Chicago auditions. Here is what happened when I attended this past weekend.

The good thing is that it was well organized, the staff were pleasant, the lines moved fairly quickly and, overall, it was enjoyable to meet some cool people.

The major downside is that (to me) it was pretty obvious that some people were "chosen" before they even auditioned. 98% of the singers and musicians were given a rude awakening, and many of them said they didn't believe the cameras were even rolling during their audition. They felt like they pretty much wasted their time (several people I spoke with had spent money on airfare, hotels, or drove for hours to audition). I personally heard some great singers and musicians, but they never made it past round one. They seemed much more interested in "novelty" acts. I'm not saying they weren't talented, I'm just saying it was clear what they were looking for as far as this particular audition.

For me, a few standouts were this two-man percussion team that sounded like Blue Man Group. They were awesome and I know they had to make it through the auditions. I also loved the guy who did this sort of acrobatic/gymnastic routine (I'm sure he made it through as well) and this young boy that (IMO) was a young superstar. He had such a good voice and a great stage presence. He reminded me of Michael Jackson when he was just a kid (and when he had his "original face!!")

Anyway, I felt sorry for the singers and musicians. I personally knew a couple people who went, and it was heartbreaking to see their disappointed faces after they were rejected.

Any other thoughts from Chicago folks?

My buddy went, and he said that he was really bummed for all the people that went and came out of the audition room- like they just had their world crushed.
I feel they know what they are looking for. They know the avg. of slots to fill. Its not America's Got Singers... its AGT. Not that Im bashing singers. but AI is only for people under 30, and atleast 16.
I think this may show that they need to open AI to not just cater to the people that download music demographic- and will vote- 16-18 yrolds.
I think there is still hope- After the NYC auditions- they may reconsider some others.

My buddy went thru the audition room with 8 or so singers- was asked to stay, and actually another song for them. He was really excited- but no matter what happened after that- he knows that it takes courage to walk out of there, and courage to walk out of there with your head held high after the audition- no matter what.

I give you all props for going thru the process, and daring to dream.

From what I hear- CHICAGO HAS TALENT!

WOW - I am always impressed when people can see beyond a small door that may have closed. You are so right on the money with your observations. We auditioned in Nashville at the beginning of the audition process. We chose to go to fly to Nashville, even though we live in Northwest Indiana, 30 minutes from Navy Pier, where the AGT auditions were held. We did this because our weekends are usually booked with concerts, but we also did this because we figured that the later audition venues would be less of an opportunity. We are a Big Band vocal trio - String of Pearls.

www.myspace.com/stringofpearlstrio or www.stringofpearlstrio.com

It appears we were wise to audition early because, according to these boards, the producers didn't seem to be looking for singers at the later auditions. I can attest to the fact that Chicago does have talent. I also know, having been in this business for many years, that rejection is a part of any progressive movement forward as you pursue your dream. I just hate to see young, talented people discouraged.

So for those of you who auditioned in Chicago and didn't get the big YES to move forward, don't let it stop you. Consider it just a step in the right direction of exposure. Where one door closes, another usually opens.

String of Pearls

Dear String of Pearls,

I think you just read my mind. I was just telling my son When one door closes another will open. It gave me the chills when I read what you wrote. He was asked to sing two songs, and they both were about 1 minute and 30 seconds. They told him in Orlando 1 month to two months. I think you were right about getting to the earlier audition. He has a big audition coming up on April 14th, and we hope that door opens for him. (It's not related to this show.) Jake knows that some of the biggest stars in Hollywood were turned down numerous times, and judges just have their own personnel taste in what they want. In the mean time just take those vocal lessons, dance lessons, and you just might be picked next time. Tr

I just added a comment but It is in the middle of String of pearls last comment. Sorry I messed up!!!! TR

HERE'S TO JAKE. Break a leg on April 14th jake, We'll will be thinking about ya and sending you positive vibes on that day.

I also have a door opening that I am excited about that has nothing to do with AGT. It's gonna be a productive summer in '08 for me, one way or the other. Life is good ain't it.

Dear Queenfish,

Thank you so much for the kind words, and thinking of Jake on that day. I'm happy for you that you have something going on this summer. If Jake gets this he will be busy all summer also. If not he will be lifeguarding at the pool, playing football, and taking his vocal& dance lessons. He's a pretty easy going kid so it helps alot at auditions. Life is good!!!TR

Chigaco Audition, rules are misleading

AGT needs to be more clear with their rules. The e-mail I received stated "singers must sing accapella".

So, my daughter and I went as a mother/daughter team singing christian contemporary. I play piano and had originally picked a top 40 hit from Lonestar, I keyed it up for my voice and arranged the best vocal parts. But then I read the rules in the e-mail more closely and realized what the quote says above. So, we ditched the music and chose a different song that had great harmony and lead for both of us.

So we get through the door to register and I notice the name above mine said "singer w/keyboard". So I ask the young man logging me in "why is this person allowed to use a keyboard and sing? My rules said singers must sing accapella". He had that "duh, I don't know" look on his face. Then I asked "well, who defined the term accapella? Does anyone here know what that means?" His expression did not change so I knew he probably didn't know what the term meant so I let it go.

My point here is......I spent a lot of money to book a hotel for the night before, took the day off work, drove 5 hours just to be sent in a state of panic by finding out I could've used the top 40 hit I had initially chosen to perform with the piano for our audition. Given what the "rules" said, I felt I wasn't given a choice but to sing accapella. I did not feel comfortable to walk in the audition room and sit at the keyboard and attempt to play something new from memory on a one time shot at the audition. Plus, my daughter would not have been expecting to do something unprepared. I left all my music 5 hours away back home so I couldn't even look at it for a few minutes to refresh my memory, we were not allowed to use cell phones, so I couldn't call someone to go to my house and read me the chords on the music, that's all I would've needed. Again, the point.....I feel I wasn't given a choice between accapella and w/keyboard.

I think these "rules" were very misleading and although we did in fact audition, I would've liked to have been given the opportunity after doing our accapella piece, to at least try something from memory with the keyboard, as we do have originals we could've tried on the spur of the moment. We did tell him that I play, but he didn't offer, and I was afraid to sound desperate if I asked.

Not only were instruments allowed, the 4-man vocal team that went in after us, and ironically were also christian contemporary singers sent packing, were allowed to use a soundtrack/accompaniment cd.

So again my question......what does accapella mean.......NO MUSIC.

All in all, it was a great experience and I'll try again next year, but after going through all this to get there, I would've liked to have had clear cut instructions before hand.

When we came out of the audition room, my husband told me there was another girl who had come out just before me, and she told him they had said "we have pretty much chosen all the singers we want, but we have to let everyone audition". So if this is true....the cards were stacked against us to begin with.

The young man who went in before us was allowed to play/sing 2 songs, and was passed through with an original. He also looks amazingly similar to David Cook on idol, you know, the long bangs swept across the forehead, skinny, strips/checks, the scarf around his neck. Just makes me wonder if it's not more of a looks/popularity type thing rather than true talent?

I understand how you feel Snippygirl, but we've got to be careful not to pass the "negatives" on to our kids. I hope your daughter's was a good experience despite your post. The rules also state "no elaborate set-up allowed" - so I called beforehand and actually got a response (which surprised me) - to ask if a drum kit was set up in the audition room. I knew they had one last year, though my son did not audition then. I was told "No" and that there was not time to set up a kit. We took a video of Julian playing full kit and just took a snare drum in to audition with. He is not accustomed to playing a long solo with just snare, but he nailed it (in our eyes anyway- didn't get a callback). My point is, he would have shown his talent tremendously better with a full drum kit, which I think we would have had plenty of time to set up. Also, if we had dressed him up like a vegetable, an alien, or a bunny he may have gotten through......Oh well - hopefully someone will realize there is a lot of true talent out there and perhaps one of the other networks will take the cue and run with it.

Don't you think playing the keyboard would have been part of your talent?? I mean, really, I don't know anyone else who didn't understand that.

ACAPPELLA or A CAPPELLA? Here it is....a cappella - two words, two "p's", two "l's."
"singing without instruments" I have always interpreted ACAPPELLA as "from the head" , hence no music or instruments when you sing, just from what's in your head.

Hope this helps...sorry your experience wasn't better.

Ok, so aside from the spell check, my bad, my point was not to discourage young hopefuls by any means, and no, the piano is not always part of my "act". I was going by the rules that were sent to me through the e-mail. We had a great experience and my daughter benefited greatly. Now we both have some experience to learn from. I wish for others to learn from my experience. Was just sharing, that's all.

Hi Snippygirl159,

My apologies. It's not you or your spell check, there actually are several ways to spell it and arguments go back and forth. My only purpose was to provide a definition. I really did appreciate reading about your experience. I share your faith. God Bless You. There are no accidents..."it is for this very purpose He has raised you up...
Isolabella

Yes, I agree. And thank you. Not only was I sent in a state of panic about the whole using an instrument thing, but my daughter didn't tell me until we were halfway to Chicago that she had a hoarse voice, nice huh? So I had to key the song down a whole step which did not to my vocals any justice. And it's true.....there are no accidents. I believe God had me there for a purpose..... probably to learn.....and to come more prepared for these sorts of surprises...but again...I was going by the rules. I honestly thought it might be a trick to see if we could follow instructions....so I decided to stick with what was prepared. He will open another door, and I'll walk in. I'm not wounded or defeated by this experience, I am stronger and will for sure ALWAYS take my music, LOL. I'll never forget a Pastor friend of mine said to me several years ago when teaching me of the ministry.....she said "always go prepared....always go prepared". Guess that slipped my mind this time. I just hope people read this and go do their thing....and be prepared for anything. Rejection is hard to hear....but it works when you go on and do what you do, and learn from it.

God Bless!!!

well, snippygirl, so sorry your experience was less than what you expected. but i have to say; i read the rules 4 times and there was a place in the rules stating they would provide a yamaha keyboard for people that needed one. so i think you may need to read the rules more carefully. but no matter what happens, the auditons were a learning experience and we had a great time. of course we all hope we'll be called, but they can only call so many. good luck to you and your daughter and keep on going for your dreams.

Hey snippygirl has every right to feel the way she does. Many things changed from my email to what really happened so I understand her frustration. Some people got to use music some people did not and that put some people on a whole different playing field but it is what it is. And I read VERY well! LOL so snippygirl let it all out, some of us understand completely but you know what....I bet your talent was great with or without your keyboard. Great talent is great talent no matter how you slice it.

Well spd1953, I believe I mentioned several times that we had a great experience, so maybe my post should be read more carefully before posting a reply? There is still no mistake about what accapella actually means. And furthermore, I would not be silly enough to waste a 5hour drive and a lot of money without reading the rules, and reading them again, and again. I think I also mentioned that I had actually read them more than once because my song choice changed. But I understand this is just your opinion. I guess there's always someone out there wanting to eat your lunch for feeling the way you do and sharing. I know perfectly well what they said, or what they did not say. The "rules" were simply confusing, and obviously what was or was not allowed for some as opposed to others were NOT being followed consistently. As the previous reply states, it is what it is.....learn from it. But thanks so much for your input. We can agree to disagree about what is understood and how what you read is interpreted. God Bless.