Everything You Need To Know to Audition for 'American Idol'

The eighth season of Fox's ratings topper American Idol (NWS) is underway. Already thousands have waited up nine hours outside of The Cow Palace, in San Francisco, waiting for their turn.

Thinking of joining them? There are a few things you should know.

These are open auditions. As we know being musically inclined is not a requirement. (See Season 4’s William Hung.) But first, you should assess your eligibility: Age, citizenship and previous participation are the key variables.

DO Check Your Birth Certificate
While auditions are open to anyone aged 16-28, your actual date of birth must fall on or between July 16, 1979 and July 15, 1992.

DO NOT Bother if You Are Already in the 'Industry'
Even if you can sing “Breakaway” in tune with Kelly Clarkson, or consider yourself the next David Cook, any personal connection, meaning you or a member of your immediate family works with the companies involved in production such as American Idol Productions, Inc., Coca-Cola (KO), or Fox Broadcasting Company will preclude your participating.

Also, in order to progress in the competition, which is currently scheduled to begin taping in Los Angeles November, 2008, you must not have a current music recording contract, a talent agent or manager, or exclusive acting contract.

DO Register to Audition
Registration starts two days before all scheduled auditions. Registration starts no later than 8:00 a.m. in each venue or arena, and it is anticipated that those interested in registering can line up no earlier than 5:00 a.m. For details on upcoming venues in locations including Salt Lake City (July 29), Kansas City (August 8), and Jacksonville, Fla. (August 13), check http://www.americanidol.com/auditions/.

DO NOT Bother if You Are an Also Ran
You may have what it takes to make it to the finals, or at least the semi-finals. But if you have made it to the semi-finals in any previous season, you are not allowed to audition again. Different restrictions exist based on different seasons. For example, if you were one of the top 24 contestants in Season 7, or top 44 in Season 4, you’d be disqualified.

DO Bring Proper Identification
Bring two forms of photo identification. These can include a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or school identification. At least one of these must prove American citizenship. (If you choose to bring someone with you to the audition, such as your parent, they must also present two forms of identification.)

Once your identification is approved, you will be given wristband and seat ticket that will grant you access to the venue or arena. Try not to lose it for it will determine your place in line. (While they can be replaced, this replacement will send you the end of the line, reducing your chance to audition.)

After completing registration, you should take the rest of the day off, but come back for your scheduled audition.

DO Bring a Guardian if You Are Under 18
If you are under 18 there are a few more rules you must abide by. You must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years of age. If the adult accompanying you is not your parent or legal guardian, they must be appointed by your parent or legal guardian. In doing this, your parent or legal guardian must sign, complete, and notarize the Guardian and Medical Authorization for Minors form as well as the Release form, both available on americanidol.com

DO NOT Bring the Kiddies
No children under five years of age allowed at the audition venues

DO Get to the Audition Early (and Often)
Most venues will allow people to start lining up at 5:00 a.m., according to americanidol.com. Be there! (While many contestants speak about camping out, it is simply not allowed, according to the show’s official website.)

If you think it will be necessary to book a hotel room, book it immediately. Most venues are within a mile’s radius from a few hotels so you’ll want to secure a room before your competitors do. You’ll have to find a place to stay near the venue and if you are driving, make sure you have enough money to cover parking fares.

You can audition in more than one city. If you don’t make the cut the first time you audition, and can afford to audition in another city, by all means, go ahead.

But probably the most important bit of advice is to BE ON TIME: Even after you register, you are not guaranteed an audition. Remember, thousands of people wait in line, so you should try and be the first to secure a spot.

DO: Stay in the Loop
As most of the auditions are still weeks away, many of the details posted on the website are still tentative, which means you should check the website as often as possible to seek out the latest logistical details.