How to Become a Singing Sensation at Disney World

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Jun 2009 10:00 PM

Two pop culture phenomenons are teaming up to help you become the next mega-singing star.

Forget about waiting in long lines at local malls or convention centers to earn a spot on Fox's "American Idol," Mickey and friends are making it easier for you to hit it big in the music industry.

Walt Disney World is the new home to a blockbuster attraction based on the most popular show on TV, dubbed "The American Idol Experience." The new attraction gives guests two chances to participate: You can choose to showcase your talents on stage or remain in the audience and vote for the winner. There are seven regular shows a day, each featuring three performers. The eighth show is the final, which pits the day's victors against one another. The winner of that round earns the grand prize: A front-of-the-line golden ticket to any one of the next season's "American Idol" tryouts in the country.

According to Disney execs, roughly 400 theme park guests can audition each day. However, of the 400 only 40 will make it past the first cut. From there 21 contestants are selected to compete in the seven regular shows.

Each show takes place on a set that is identical to the one used on Fox's "American Idol" (thanks to the fact that it was built by the Hollywood "American Idol" stage designer), save for a few small changes. Disney's version has the judges sitting on the stage and the audience is set back a few more feet than on the TV show. In addition, audience members are strongly encouraged to cheer for each contestant and save their heckling for the judges - all three of whom are actors. Unlike the real "Idol," the judges are merely for show. The voting is done by the 1,000 audience members, which pack into the theater for each show.

Singers who make it to the final round are treated like mini-celebrities. Each gets 10 minutes of hair and make-up, 10 minutes with a voice coach and 10 more alone, with an iPod programmed with their song and its lyrics. They also tape short interviews, which air before their introductions. Wannabe "Idol" winners who don't make the cut can try again every 30 days.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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