When going to an American Idol audition you can expect to:

• Wait for hours upon hours.
• Auditioning in front of producers before you even get to the T.V. judges.
• Receive last minute calls about your audition.
• Go through multiple rounds of auditions.

American Idol, American reality television series in which aspiring singers competed for a recording contract and a shot at wealth and fame.

19 audition is the most viewed video on the "American Idol" YouTube page, amassing over 16 million views. During his viral audition, Tongi sang an acoustic cover of "Monster" by James Blunt, which he dedicated to his father Rodney, who died in December 2021, per Kent Reporter.

Initial auditions Successful contestants then sing in front of producers, where more may be cut. Only then can they proceed to audition in front of the judges, which is the only audition stage shown on television. Those selected by the judges are sent to Hollywood.

It's free to audition for American Idol, but you have to cover your travel and accommodations. The show will not compensate or arrange travel for people auditioning, even callbacks.

The Audition Your initial audition will just be with the casting director and potentially a reader. Group auditions for film are rare but not unheard of. Be friendly and polite, but keep it professional; you're there to do a job not to impress anyone. If you have any questions ask them before the camera starts rolling.

Regardless of whether American Idol judges are liked or hated, it's a well-hidden secret that these judges have scripts. While it's unclear how long the show has been scripted, several past contestants have shared their experiences discovering this fact during their auditions.

Who Are the Most Successful 'American Idol' Contestants?

1. Carrie Underwood. Net worth: $140 million.
2. Kelly Clarkson. Net worth: $45 million.
3. Adam Lambert. Net worth: $35 million.
4. Jennifer Hudson. Net worth: $30 million.
5. Katharine McPhee. Net worth: $14 million.
6. Jordin Sparks. Net worth: $8 million.
7. Chris Daughtry.
8. Elliott Yamin.

1. Carrie Underwood. Our favorite country sensation has come a long way since she first auditioned in 2004. After Underwood was crowned the winner in season four, she went on to release nine successful studio albums, earning her eight Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards and 17 American Music Awards.

First, contestants audition in front of a small group of selectors, one of whom may be a producer on the show, after which stage the batch of hopefuls goes from thousands to hundreds. From here, the remaining singers are screened and filtered in front of producers and more are eliminated before they land on TV.

Early 'Idol' contestants were given a wardrobe budget and later ones worked with a stylist. Season-one runner-up Justin Guarini said that there was a "nature of collaboration" between contestants and crew members when it came to the outfits they wore on stage when the show aired in 2002.