So you think you have what it takes to be a contestant on American Idol? Are you hoping to be the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood? The first thing you need to learn how to become a contestant on American Idol.

1. Be certain you are eligible to compete

2. Be sure to complete all the required paperwork and bring two forms of identification to the audition

3. Be memorable and show the producers why you deserve to be on the show more than the thousands of others like you

4. Be serious and professional at all times

• America's Got Talent
• Britain's Got Talent
• The Sing Off
• The Singing Bee
• So You Think You Can Dance
• America's Best Dance Crew

The casting process for American Idol is pretty thorough due to the immense popularity of the show and the fame and fortune associated with contestants. Auditions are held once or twice annually in a variety of cities across the United States, generally six months before the season will air. In addition to bringing your best singing voice, you will need to register to audition and sign release forms and other paperwork to be eligible.

While having musical talent is essential for a successful Idol run, prospective contestants also need to meet a series of requirements to be eligible to appear on the show.

1. You must be a U.S. resident and eligible to work full time in the United Stateshttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_Rules_09-06-04.pdf
2. You must be between 16 and 28 years old at the time of auditionhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_Rules_09-06-04.pdf
3. You must not have reached the top 24 to 44 contestants on previous seasons of American Idolhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_Rules_09-06-04.pdf
4. You cannot be under contract with a record company, acting contract or any other contract that would prohibit your participation on the showhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_Rules_09-06-04.pdf
5. You or your immediate family members may not be employees of 19 Companies, FOX Broadcasting, Sony Pictures or Telescope Inc.http://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_Rules_09-06-04.pdf

Each person looking to audition must complete and return a variety of releases allowing the production to film you and possibly your friends and family. Those under the age of 18 need additional releases signed by a parent or guardian allowing them to participate.

1. Download, complete and sign the release form from the American Idol website
2. Those under the age of 18 must also download, complete and sign the guardianship and medical authorization for minors form
3. Both forms must be notarized for those under the age of 18

American Idol producers hold several auditions across the country for prospective contestants. The dates and locations of each audition are listed on the American Idol official website. In 2009, auditions were held in Boston, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Orlando.

1. Check the Idol website for an audition in your area making special note of the date and location of the required registration period, generally the two days before the audition itselfhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_FAQS_09-06-04.pdf
2. Register in person for the audition you wish to attend, bringing two forms of identification and receiving a wristband which must be worn to the auditionhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_FAQS_09-06-04.pdf
3. Find out when and where you need to be on audition day, generally 5:00 a.m. at the same venue where you registeredhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_FAQS_09-06-04.pdf
4. Prepare at least three songs that you will sing at the audition a cappella (without musical accompaniment)http://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_FAQS_09-06-04.pdf

You've waited in lines and signed your life away, now it's time to shine. Prepare for a long day, so get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast prior to your audition.

1. Show the producers your best; warm up your voice before you audition and singing songs that compliment your vocal talents
2. Be memorable; producers see thousands of auditions, so show them how you stand out positively from the rest of the bunch
3. Be natural; producers are looking for real people with real talent and have an eye for spotting who is not being their real self
4. Dress comfortably but professionally; clothing with designer names, sports logos or other copyrighted images are not permittedhttp://www.americanidol.com/media/docs/auditions/season_9/AI9_FAQS_09-06-04.pdf