X Factor NZ: Pre-audition Rundown

The audition process for NZ's 2013 version of The X Factor sounds more complex than merely turning up and belting out a tune - although at the end of the day, as with all auditions, that was the crux of it.  Before the big day I filled out an astonishingly lengthy registration form. The form was all up around nine pages and asked questions from the simple "Name:" to the more leading "What is something no one knows about you?".  I was asked to prepare up to four songs to sing, and it was recommended I "dress to impress".  While I had no expectations about how it would all run, I was prepared for a big day.


The doors opened at 10.00am on Saturday the 12th January and I arrived late as usual around 10.20, clutching a water bottle and sandwiches, a handful of forms and a scanned copy of my driver's license. The queue for Addington Raceway extended the full-length of the car park - nothing like the mass crowds you see on the US or UK versions of the show, but it was up there with the entrance of St Peter's Basilica and customs at Barcelona Airport on my Longest Lines I've Ever Had to Wait In list.  Even making friends with a few people in the line and the free ice-cold drinks handed out did nothing to speed up the two hour wait in blistering heat we had to endure before getting to the registration desk.  The further up the line we moved, the more rumours seemed to filter their way back to us: that the auditions weren't even in the building we were queuing for; that there was a three-hour wait; that people had already been turned away for not having the right forms or form of ID.

Finally, at 12.30pm, we took our turn at the desk in the foyer.  Our forms were checked over, our ID and proof of age was verified and we were given bracelet tags with our audition number.  Mine was numbered 1661.  I was told it would be about three hours until we would be seen and if we were to go away and come back to be there by 2.30pm at the latest.  We also found out that the auditions were indeed in a separate building - where he had queued led through to an outdoor waiting area.  I assessed the situation - I had three hours to kill, it was well above 25°C and sunny, and I was at Addington Raceway with a few new friends.  I had the makings of quite a pleasant afternoon.
I had plenty of time to nip out to Westfield Riccarton, update the girls at work on progress-so-far and grab a picnic from Pak n Save.  Once I got back to Addington, it was simply a waiting game.  A few of us commented that it might've been nice if there were more sponsors present or a bit more entertainment provided but we were able to make do.  People were sat out on the grass, mostly casually dressed, some with guitars and others with cigarettes.  Some practiced their audition songs over and over, showed off dance moves or jammed with other contestants.  There were some very average singers there but also voices impressive enough and with enough vocal acrobatics that it sunk in how small a chance I realistically had.

Audition numbers were called out in sets of five, and then in sets of ten.  Numbers 1660-1669 were called out just before 3pm and I lined up with everyone else.  Once inside the audition area we had our photos taken on an I-Thing and made idle chat with other contestants while our forms were handed back to us.  I confirmed that no-one else really knew what was going on, and awaited further instruction.  There were three audition rooms and I tried not to look as I saw a few people walk out red-faced or with streaming tears.  Finally someone popped out of an audition room and waved me in.
[REMOVED AS PER REQUEST FROM X FACTOR NZ]..I said thanks and that I understood and was on my way, secretly relieved that a "no" meant it was over and I didn't have to torture myself through another round of auditions.
As I walked towards my car, shaking my head at the friends I'd made on the way to let them know the outcome, I wondered if it had been worth it: I'd spent almost the entirety of one of the nicest days of the year waiting for an audition when I could have been at the beach or anywhere else really.  I have to say yes.  Even though I think my song choices let me down, and it would have been nice to have been accepted, I'd rather have attended and been rejected than have spent months watching the series on tele and wandering "What If?".  And of course, I wish the best to those who have got through to the next round - there must be some pretty exciting adventures ahead for you.


Audition Advice to Take Away:

• Song choice is vital, in any audition choose a song that really shows off your voice to the best of your ability.  Most of my song choices were cheeky, fun and recent because I thought that's what they were looking for but I should have chosen to show off instead.
• When auditioning for big open auditions, like for a TV show, don't just bring snacks and a drink bottle.  You'll need a light waterproof coat and sunblock, a big water bottle, and enough food to last a whole day.  I got sunburnt and spent twelve unnecessary dollars at the supermarket on lunch and drink.
• It's NZ: focus on voice, not on appearance.  I put a lot of effort into my outfit and make-up but I don't really think it made a difference at the end of the day.  In the US & UK auditions, outfit choice was crucial to setting contestants apart, but with a smaller pool and a different performing arts culture, it's not so important in NZ.
• Have no expectations.  Usually you can go into an audition having a good idea whether or not you'll get in but with something like this having no clue will soften the blow if you get rejected and up the joy if you get through.
• Have fun, stay positive and make friends - it would have been a long day if I hadn't had someone to chat to.

North Island auditions are still happening - good luck to you if your audition is coming up!