American Idol fever is in full effect. As the chosen few, the finalists, battle it out week after week for the honor of becoming America's next Idol, wanna-be idols everywhere are paying close attention to the pattern of elimination week after week. Is it all in the performance or is there more to making it as an American Idol than mere talent? Why do some seemingly less talented people end up staying on the show while other clearly gifted singers are booted off? Yes, the viewere make the call but don't think for one second that the judges don't sway the votes. So just what do the judges look for in a performer? Sure, they want to hear a great voice but what is it they want to see? What does it take to rise to the top and stand alone as the winner of American Idol? Well, here it is...
Obviously a good singing voice is the most important factor. Each year during the auditions it becomes painfully obvious just how rare a quality this is; just because you rock when you sing along in your car or belt it out in the shower doesn't mean you'll be able to pull off an a cappella performance. But there are other things the judges consider after your raw (in some cases VERY raw) talent is established. The other factors that get you noticed are;
- A stylish outfit.
- Good grooming.
- Good looks (sorry, but it's true).
- Stage presence.
- Marketability (will people buy your merchandise?).
- Comfort while performing (are you at ease or do you look stiff?)
- Confidence.
- Manners.
- Ability (or at least the appearance of) to be a positive role model.
Simon calls it the X-Factor, the total package of talent plus that makes a person stand out from the pack. If you want to make it as an American Idol contestant you must hold the promise of this X-Factor. If you want to be a finalist you must prove that you have a healthy dose of the X-Factor in your genetic code. If you want to win the title of American Idol you must be the X-Factor, you must own the show. Who will be the next American Idol? That is up to you, the viewer. Do you want to be an American Idol one day? Then follow the lead of the many young contestants this year who say that they grew up watching American Idol and dreaming that they would one day make the cut and carefully study the finalists. When it gets down to the final four the talent is so cultivated that it is the elusive X-Factor that really makes the winner shine. Watch and you'll see!