With the boom in singing shows on television including American Idol, The X Factor and America's Got Talent the number of aspiring singers has increased rapidly. Perhaps one of the most inspiring moments was when then 47-year old Susan Boyle took the stage for Britain's Got Talent and against all odds totally blew away the judges and audience with an amazing rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream". Coming out of nowhere and becoming an overnight sensation is what many aspiring singers dream about and to watch it really happen made thousands, if not millions, believe the same could happen to them.

Before you give up your day job to pursue the fame and fortune of a successful singing career know that the Susan Boyle story is truly one in a million. Though singing contest TV shows make it easier to be discovered there is still a lot of other people with the same dream and if you are serious about making it as a singer know how to prepare for singing auditions so you don't miss out on your chance to shine.

While reality singing shows are designed to capture the drama of the moment the shows aren't too far off from the real thing. When you attend a singing audition or casting call you are pretty much all alone on a stage in front of judges and agents and all you have is your voice. So before you think of embarking on a career in singing make sure you have a voice worthy of the calling. Many people enjoy singing but that doesn't mean people enjoy listening to them sing.

Your first step towards becoming a career singer is to get professional feedback on your vocal talents. Many aspiring singers start out in a school or church choir and get advice from teachers about their singing skills. You can also rehearse for a professional vocal coach who can lay it on the line for you and let you know if being a singer is in the cards. Don't be discouraged if a vocal coach says you may need work, this is a good sign. If you can't carry a tune to save your life they will let you know but if there is something in your voice that resonates they will tell you and improving on a skill is what separates great singers from average ones.

When attending singing auditions, especially first time casting calls, be on time, prepared and know the words to the song you picked. Being late is never a good first impression. You may emulate a diva such as Aretha Franklin or Whitney Houston but until you sell 50 million records consider keeping your ego in check. Next, dress appropriately for your song selection. If you picked a romantic ballad don't dress in racy black leather. Shock value is very overrated and if you cause confusion in the judges with your outfit chances are they won't be listening much. Lastly and most importantly, pick a song you know the words to. Nerves will definitely be jumpy when you get on stage and if you try a song you don't know by heart you could very easily mess up the words, lose your timing and flop. Go with a song you know and that fits your voice so your singing audition will go smoothly.

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