277 - redux: the voice audition 🎤
while I'm away, here's an old post about that time I went to audition for The Voice
Hey there, ! A look back into the archives as I go on break for a little bit. It's fun to go back and see how I used to write, see what I was writing about, and cringing again at this memory. Life is funny that way, hey?
I feel like I could write this...better, nowadays? Maybe I should go back to some of my older posts and do a rewrite - see if they actually get better :D
Anyway - have fun!
Welcome to the one and only story I have about auditioning for a reality TV show.
I haven't told this story much - it's a bit embarrassing but such is life! Take the good with the bad :D
I auditioned for The Voice.
If I remember correctly, it was held at the Caulfield Racecourse in first or second year uni - I wanted to try it out and see how I'd go. Get out of my comfort zone, so to speak.
Pretty sure I told mum I was studying (sorry mum!) so that I could sneak out to go try out for the audition HAHA. I got there what I thought was relatively early (like 9 or 10am?) and it was already pumping. Got there, got in a line to fill out a form about my details, my songs etc...and already I can see the questions they're asking about my story - I can see they're trying to find the angle. I'm not proud of it, but I did try to play up my thyroid condition to see if it would get through their #sadmeter.
After signing up, you get a number, and you wait. I was sat next to two people, only one of whom I remember. We sat next to each other for an hour or so waiting for our numbers to be called and so got to chatting - she was a Lady Gaga impersonator based somewhere in Lilydale, and she had the most incredible voice. While we were waiting she did a rendition of Titanium that was diva-like in strength. I knew she would get in, and I remember trying to watch some episodes of The Voice afterwards to see if she got through - alas, I don't remember. Great memory Vince.
The waiting room itself was packed, full of kids like myself, groups, all nervous, some with instruments, some without. There were groups, duos, bands - it was an entire room of people hoping that something might happen with the audition to help them to stardom!
There was a microphone in the middle of the room, ostensibly for people to warm up and perform for everyone else. I have a feeling it could have been used to like...intimidate other people?
But really, it was more encouraging than anything. Because, I mean, my dear god...I couldn't believe how many...less than stellar...versions of "Valerie" I heard during that 1.5hr wait. Was this really who I was up against? Off-pitch, off-rhythm, over-singers? YIKES.
While I waited, I tried to stay upbeat - maybe they'll pick me! - and then got called up. You go into a line that snakes around into a room branched off a corridor - if you pass, you get to go through to the room at the end of the hallway...otherwise, you get to walk past the line again, but in the opposite direction, dejected. I was behind a young teen who had brought a guitar to play with...and got to see him come back out with his head hanging low, disappointed at his failure.
I chose Bruno Mars' "When I was your man" - difficult to pitch but thought I could bring out the power in the ballad! Also - on the form it said to choose songs that were from like...recent pop songs, but all the songs I loved singing were from the 70's and 80's.
OH WELL.
Anyway, how do you think I went? ;)
Yes, I failed! It was a crappy feeling - being amped up for most of the day, hoping I'd get through, and then failing out. The room wasn't very receptive, but I did my best and sang my heart out. Not much feedback given, but looking back on it now, it was fine. I think I was happy with the fact I actually went out and did something!
And I've always got YouTube if I really want it hehe.
Ever auditioned for anything? Let me know your story! Misery loves company
Chat soon :)