Try participating in a Singing Competition -- This would give an aspiring singer some practice, experience, and exposure. Read the bottom for pointers.
Just two weeks ago, I cheered on my
cousin at an "Asian Idol" competition in San Francisco. I wasn't really
sure what to expect but the focus of the competition was on the singing
talent. There were 28 contestants and 4 prizes (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and
Audience Favorite). This was a semi-final competition but the winner of the final competition gets a singing
contract in Taiwan. Nice.
The contestants were graded on the following criterion:
- Vocal Quality - 15 points
- Technique - 15
- Emotion/Mood - 15
- Rhythm - 15
- Style - 10
- Presentation - 10
- Appearance - 10
- Potential - 10
Steps to Winning a Superstar Singing Contest
So I was thinking -- If I were the
judge, how would I pick the superstar?? In this case, it was important
to note that I would be picking a superstar singer in this competition.
There are superstar actresses, superstar models, superstar pianists,
superstar painters, etc… or… one could be a superstar generalist, where
a mix of skills could be used well. For instance, there are some actors
that are great dancers as well. However, one skill is usually notably
better than another. 
1. Have a personality! Become an adjective that has meaning...
2. Know what you are being graded on!
If you are being judged on vocal quality but you cannot sing in the
correct tones, then the competition does not suit you, right? For this
competition, I would shortlist the contestants that are very good in
one of the above criterion. Of course, the first four criterion get
more weight.. Then, I would continue to narrow down the list with the
contestants who scored well in a combination of two of the above
criterion. Then, the contestants who scored well in a combination of
three of the above criterion and so on.. In my opinion, it is nice to
be well-rounded so one who scores strongly all-around could be better
than one who scores really well on three criterions. Wow - so
technical! Hehe
3. Be teachable!
Those who show that they are willing to learn usually have more
potential. For example, my cousin's simple gesture of thanking the
audience and her family and friends for their support of her passion
for singing at the end of the competition differentiated her from the
rest of the contestants who did not do that...
SOO, what do you think??
More insights to come later -- I think I'd like to add a section on "How to Promote a Superstar..."
| 
