American Idol gives undiscovered talent a chance to be overnight singing sensations. Before you can become the next Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson, you have to successfully get through the American Idol registration process. All applicants have to register in person; there is no online registration. So the first step is to locate the closest audition city from the listed posted on the American Idol web site. The audition cities are spread throughout the country but if you live in a small town, plan a road trip. Carrie Underwood, for example, had to drive eight hours from her home town in Checotah, Oklahoma to audition in St. Louis, Missouri. Registration begins two days prior to the actual auditions and is on a strictly a first-come, first-served basis. Registration times will be updated on the American Idol website so arrive as early as allowed. It is not recommended to wait until the audition day to register. If the producers run out of time or space, latecomers may not be allowed to register. There is no overnight camping allowed at the audition venues so expect a crush of people when you arrive. Make sure to dress for the weather—like any Hollywood show, it goes on rain or shine, hot or cold. To register, you need two forms of ID to prove your age, such as a drivers’ license and birth certificate. There is no exception to the two ID rule. If you’re a minor, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Once registered, you’ll get a wristband and a seat ticket. You can bring one guest, who needs to sign in the same time you do. They will also get a wristband and ticket. Once they put the wrist band on you do not take it off.  If you remove the wristband for any reason, it becomes null and void. They might give you another on the audition day if space allows, but you’ll be at the bottom of the audition list, meaning your chances to perform will be slim to none. The call time for audition day is 5:00AM.  In addition to the wristband and ticket, you need to bring a signed release form, which can be downloaded from the AI web site. You’ll also have to show your two forms of ID one more time to finally get into the venue where the auditions are held. It’s a time-consuming process but with patience, perseverance, and a little luck, you’ll get your shot at being America’s next singing idol. You do not have to sell your soul to learn how to write songs or to get a record deal.