How to Get on The Voice

Co-authored by Tanisha Hall and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: May 13, 2022 References

The Voice is a singing competition TV show that is broadcast each year on NBC, starting in 2011. If you can sing and also meet the show’s other eligibility requirements, you could become a contestant on The Voice! To get on The Voice, check first to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the show. Then, apply for an open call audition and prepare a few songs that represent your style and abilities well. If traveling to an open call isn’t practical for you, you can film yourself performing and submit a video audition at any time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Meeting the Eligibility Requirements

1
Provide proof that you are legally present in the U.S. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to compete on The Voice, but you do need to be able to prove that you can legally stay and work in the U.S. Some acceptable forms of proof include:^{[1]
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- A valid U.S. passport
- A valid U.S. driver’s license and social security card
- A green card
2
Make sure you will be at least 13 years old by this year’s deadline. You don’t have to be 13 yet at the time of your audition. However, you must turn 13 by the deadline stated on The Voice’s casting website in order to participate in the current year’s competition.^{[2]
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Research source} Check the Eligibility page to see if you meet the age criteria to compete: https://www.nbcthevoice.com/auditions/eligibility.
- For example, to participate in the 2019 competition, you must turn 13 on or before March 20, 2019.
- If you’re younger than 18, you’ll need to have a parent or guardian submit a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent form along with your application.
Keep in mind: There is no upper age limit for contestants on “The Voice”—artists of all ages over 13 are encouraged to apply.

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3
Don’t audition if you’re running for public office. Candidates for public office aren’t eligible to audition for The Voice. If you are selected to participate in the competition, you’ll have to put off running for any office for at least 1 year after the final episode of that year’s show is broadcast.^{[3]
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- If you do want to run for office after competing, talk to the producers about the projected schedule for the show so that you can plan accordingly.
4
Submit to a background check. Before you can participate on The Voice, you may be asked to complete a background check to ensure that you are legally eligible to compete. You’ll need to voluntarily agree to the check. Make sure to submit any required paperwork or supporting documents associated with the background check.^{[4]
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- You will likely need to supply written permission for the background check to be conducted.^{[5]
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- You may also need to participate in a physical and psychological evaluation if you’re selected as a contestant.
5
Save enough money to cover your own travel expenses. The Voice won’t pay for you to travel to auditions, so be prepared to pay for your own transportation and (if necessary) room and board. If you don’t live in or near one of the audition cities, plan ahead so that you can reserve any necessary tickets or hotel rooms in advance.^{[6]
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- In 2019, The Voice auditions are being held in New York, NY, Miami, FL, Nashville, TN, and San Francisco, CA.^{[7]
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6
Complete and return any required paperwork on time. If you’re invited to be a participant, you will need to fill out a variety of agreements, release forms, and waivers.^{[8]
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Research source} Make sure you fill out all of these forms and submit them by the required deadlines so that you will be eligible to participate in the show.
- Documents you may be required to submit include a Participant Agreement and a Release and Arbitration Provision.
- If you’re a minor, you may need a parent or guardian to complete some of the paperwork for you.
7
Be prepared to meet the show’s travel demands if you’re selected. If you make it to the last rounds of the audition process, you may be asked to stay in Los Angeles, CA for up to 7 days during the final selection. If you’re selected as a contestant, be ready to travel to one or more locations and stay there for several weeks or months during the filming of the show.^{[9]
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- If you’re selected as a finalist or a competitor, the producer of the show will pay for your travel and lodging expenses.
8
Work with the producer to ensure you meet all propriety requirements. Before you can compete on The Voice, the producer and the network(s) involved in broadcasting the show will need to determine if it would be inappropriate for you to compete for any reason. Make sure to answer any questions honestly and provide any details that they request. They may ask you if:^{[10]
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- You or any of your family members have worked for NBC or any other networks or studios involved in the show over the past 2 years.
- You or a family member has been involved in the development or production of The Voice, or worked for someone who has.
- You or a family member has been involved with advertising or sponsorship of the show.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Attending an In-Person Audition

1
Set up an artist account on the NBC website. To start the application process, go to The Voice’s audition registration website, here: https://www.nbcthevoice.com/artistaccount/register. If you don’t already have an account, click the “Create an account” button under the “New account” tab.
- Once you click the link, follow the prompts and provide all the requested information to set up your account.
2
Select your audition city and date. Once your account is set up, log in and look at the audition dates and places for the upcoming competition. Choose the audition city that’s closest to you, then select your audition date and time slot.^{[11]
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- For the 2019 competition, New York auditions take place on January 19, Miami auditions are on January 26, Nashville auditions are on February 16, and San Francisco auditions are on February 24.
3
Print out your audition pass. A week before your selected audition date, you’ll receive an Artist Audition Pass at the email address you submitted when you created your account. If you don’t get the email, you can log into your artist account and download the pass from there. Print out your audition pass and bring it with you to the audition.^{[12]
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- Make sure you bring a photo ID, as well. You won’t be able to audition if you can’t present both your ID and your audition pass when you arrive at the audition location!
4
Arrive at the audition location during your selected time slot. On the day of the audition, give yourself plenty of time to get to the designated location during your assigned time slot. You can only audition at the selected time and place, so don’t try to show up at a different location or at a different time.^{[13]
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- Most contestants aren’t allowed to have friends, family, or vocal coaches with them during the audition. If you’re under 18, however, you can bring 1 parent or guardian with you.
- Contact the casting team before your audition if you need any special accommodations.
Tip: You may be asked to audition at any point during your 5-hour time slot, so be prepared for a long wait. Bring snacks and something to entertain yourself, like a book or a handheld game, while you’re waiting.^{[14]
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5
Prepare 2 acapella songs for the initial audition. For open call auditions, you won’t be allowed to perform with any kind of musical accompaniment. Choose 2 songs that you are comfortable singing and that you feel represent you well as an artist.^{[15]
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- You can choose songs from any genre and by any artist for the open call audition.
- You’ll probably be asked to perform just 1 song at the audition, but be prepared to sing another one if the producer asks you to!
- Don’t be surprised if you don’t get to sing your entire song. You may have only 30 seconds to show the producer what you’ve got.^{[16]
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6
Dress in a style that fits your artistic image. During the open call audition, the producer will be able to see you as well as hear you. Dress to impress, but also pick an outfit that fits your personality and the kind of image you want to convey as a performer.^{[17]
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- For example, if you’re going to be belting out jazz standards, a slinky evening gown might be appropriate. If you do indie rock, a more casual look is probably better.
- Don’t dress up in a silly costume—the producers won’t be impressed! Your outfit should reflect the fact that you are serious about your art.
7
Sing clearly and confidently. Hopefully, you’ve had plenty of time to practice your songs ahead of time. If you get the jitters when it’s time to perform, take a few deep breaths before you start. Take care to articulate every word when you sing, and perform the song in your own style, without trying to imitate someone else.^{[18]
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- The producers of The Voice want to hear your distinctive style, but they also want you to sing songs that are familiar and relevant.^{[19]
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- You might find it helpful to imagine that you are singing to someone you feel comfortable with, and visualize them standing at the back of the room as you sing.
- Practice singing all your songs both acapella and with accompaniment, so that you feel at ease doing it either way.
8
Schedule a date and time to return if you get a callback. Once the open audition is over, stick around to see if you get a callback. If you do, you’ll be given a Red Card at the open call. Speak with the audition crew to find out when and where your callback audition will take place.^{[20]
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- Callback auditions typically take place 1-3 days after the open call audition.^{[21]
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9
Have 3 accompanied songs prepared for the callback. If you do get a callback, you’ll need to be ready with 3 current, popular songs. You’ll need to play an instrument, have someone accompany you, or provide a track to sing along with during the callback audition. Prepare your callback songs in advance of the open audition, since callbacks typically take place very soon after the open call.^{[22]
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- You might also be asked to perform a song chosen by the producer.
- Don’t perform any original songs at the callback. Choose songs that are familiar and current (i.e., written or at least popularized in the past 5 years or so).

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Submitting a Video Audition

1
Film yourself performing 2 accompanied songs. If you can’t attend an open call audition, sending a video audition is a good alternative. Make a video of yourself performing 2 songs in any genre. You’ll need to accompany yourself on an instrument, have someone else accompany you, or use a pre-recorded track.^{[23]
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- Pick songs that you can perform well and that you feel represent your skills as an artist.
- Ask a friend to help film you, or set up your camera on a tripod and film yourself.
- You’ll probably need to edit the video a little when you’re done to cut out any awkward pauses or moments when you’re fiddling with the camera. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that yourself, enlist the help of a friend who does.
2
Record an “about me” monologue that’s no longer than 5 minutes. In addition to your songs, you’ll need to take a few minutes to talk about yourself in the video. There’s no set format for the “about me” portion of the audition—get creative and try to say something that will give the viewer an idea of who you are as a person and an artist!^{[24]
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- For example, you might tell a brief story about how you were inspired to start singing.
- Although your “about me” monologue must be 5 minutes or less, it’s okay if the total length of your video is longer than 5 minutes.
3
Set up an artist account and select “Video Submission Application.” If you don’t already have an account set up, create one here: https://www.nbcthevoice.com/artistaccount/register. Once you’ve registered, go to the “My auditions” tab and select “Video Submission Application.”^{[25]
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- Follow the prompts to upload your video and submit your application online.
Did you know? There’s no deadline for submitting video auditions—you can submit your video at any time during the year!
4
Send your video audition by mail if you prefer. If you’d rather not submit your video audition online, you can send a DVD in the mail instead. Write your name, phone number, and artist account number on the DVD.^{[26]
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- Send your DVD and other required materials to The Voice Casting, 12400 Ventura Blvd #1240, Studio City, CA 91604.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I improve my acapella singing voice?

Tanisha Hall
Vocal Coach
Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award.

Tanisha Hall

Vocal Coach

Expert Answer

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Sing it with the music for most of your practice session, then try it acapella once or twice at the end of practice. When you sing acapella, you're more likely to undercut the intervals between notes, which will throw your pitch off throughout the song.
Question

How do I get on The Voice if I'm a good singer, but I can't afford anything?

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If you can't afford to travel to an open call audition, try submitting a video audition. You can do this at any time during the year. If you're selected as a participant in the show, the producers will cover your travel and lodging expenses.
Question

How do I start singing for The Voice?

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Get familiar with current popular music as well as songs that fit your style and genre, and build a repertoire of songs in different styles that you're comfortable singing. You may find it helpful to work with a vocal coach to build your skills and confidence. When you're ready to try out, attend an open call audition or submit a video audition online or through the mail!