Top 5 Common Mistakes Made by American Idol Contestants

I watched American Idol Season One and even watched Idol during Season Six. In fact I have been a somewhat loyal American Idol watcher as I've only ever missed one season. Don't hate me for it, I needed a break. Someone who has watched as much American Idol as I have can sometimes predict what types of songs contestants will sing and what Randy and Simon will say. As for Paula, I don't think I understand most of what she says to the contestants on American Idol. I also have noticed the many mistakes being repeated by American Idol contestants. It leaves me feeling baffled as to why current Idol contestants are still making the same mistakes as the Idol contestants before them. So I have decided to write this article about the top mistakes made by American Idol contestants in hopes that they will actually read it and learn something.

American Idol Contestants' Common Mistake #5: The Clothes Makes the Man (or Woman)

I cannot possibly keep count of all the instances where American Idol contestants past have been told to watch what they wear. Do not come out in your Grandfather's suit or your Mother's 70's prom dress. The point is to look hip not comical. While American Idol is supposed to be based mainly on musical talent you must come dressed to impress as well. The matter on how you dress when performing on American Idol can be the tie breaker when it comes to helping viewers decide on whom to vote for.

American Idol Contestants' Common Mistake #4: The American "Idle"

When you perform on stage for American Idol you should not only concentrate on singing to the audience. You need to dance, move, shake your tail feather, or whatever it is you need to do to capture your audience's attention. While not all songs should be sung as you prance around the stage, Katherine McPhee's version of "Over the Rainbow" is a perfect example of a "sit down" song, most performances could use a bit of spunk. By entertaining your audience with more than just vocals you can improve your American Idol performance and gain an edge over other "Idle Idols".

American Idol Contestants' Common Mistake #3: Listen and Shut Up

I find nothing more repealing, well besides the horrid singing of certain Idol contestants, as an American Idol who gets into an argument with a judge. You are never going to win. I repeat, you are (say it slowly) NEVER going to win. If anything I find that contestants who tend to argue the most don't do so well when it comes to voting results time. The reason that Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell are judges on American Idol is because they are industry experts and mostly know what they are talking about. (Well, maybe except Paula who is known for being the calm before the storm.) While I even sometimes disagree with the judges I do not have as much power as they do when it comes to influencing people to vote or not to vote for an American Idol contestant. Any arguing you do is most likely going to hurt your cause, not help it. If you disagree simply say something to your audience rather than fight with Simon, but do so without holding a grudge against the judges.

American Idol Contestants' Common Mistake #2: Singing to a Different Tune

Song selection can be an important factor when it comes down to how well you will perform on stage in front of the American Idol judges and audience. So why does it seem that many Idol contestants take this step so lightly? Before you pick a song to sing I urge you to do a little research. Taking the time to find a song that goes well with your style and voice can go a long way towards becoming the winning American Idol. Some Idol contestants have done a great job in taking a song and making it their own. Just remember that this won't always work and if you are planning on doing so you will need lots of practice. Song choice on American Idol is an important part in winning the competition. It also leads me to the #1 common mistake made by American Idol contestants.

American Idol Contestants' Common Mistake #1: The Song is Bigger than Your Mouth

Why oh why do American Idol contestants continue to do it? You know what I am talking about don't you? The song that is bigger than the singer. When it comes to choosing a song there are certain artists whose music should not be sung by American Idol contestants. Here is a list of just a few singers whose songs should never be sung by anyone else: Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Sting/Police, Stevie Wonder, Pat Benetar, and Stevie Nicks among others. People who allow their eyes to be bigger than their stomach often find themselves with belly ache. American Idol contestants who try to sing songs by these amazing artists often lead to earaches for the audience. If your talent is as large as these musicians then you should not be competing on American Idol as you could get a contract without problem on your own. American Idol contestants should stick to the easier pop music and leave the big stuff to the big boys (and girls).

So there you have it. These are my top 5 mistakes made by American Idol contestants and are strictly my opinion. If you have any mistakes of your own to add to the list you can do so by commenting below.