Simon Says...

I finished reading the book by Simon Cowell "I Don't Mean To Be Rude, but...".
I don't mean to be rude, but...no, actually it was a fun book to read. My wife and I have watched the four seasons of American Idol and to read the stories behind the stories of the first two seasons was intriguing. Even if you hadn't seen the show I think the book would be a great way to see what happens in the music industry and what happens within a TV show about the industry.

In the last chapter, Mr Cowell gives some advice to would-be Pop Stars on auditioning. I read through the advice and I actually believe it translates across many worlds, many industries. It's about how to move upward, go forward. So here are Simon's Top Ten Tips for Success, accompanied by my comments. Sorry Simon, this is MY Blog!

1. Don't copy another performer. Be yourself. Learn form those who have succeeded before you, but don't try to be them.
2. Don't Overstyle yourself. If you don't wear a tux in real life, don't pretend that you do. It's important to make good first impressions, but they back fire if you don't really live up to them.
3. Don't Sing and Dance. Pick what your good at and do it. Make sure you pick the more important thing.
4. Make eye contact when performing. It shows you're not trying to hide anything. The eyes are the window to the soul, leave them open.
5. Choose the right song for your performance. Choose your actions and/or your words wisely.
6. Don't grovel when you come in. You may be thankful, but you're still the one they are interested in.
7. Believe in yourself the second you leave the house. Confidence comes from within. Unlike beauty, it cannot be skin deep.
8. Be sure to eat and drink prior to an audition. My Vette always handled better with a full tank of gas. If it's good enough for a Corvette, it' good enough for me.
9. Rehearse. Practice is said to make perfect. False. Practice makes permanent. If your practices are lousy, you'll be lousy. Believe me it hurts to say that! Practice allows you to rehearse out the flaws and make the material, the wit, the charm, the whatever second nature and real.
10. Listen. Listen to what people say, especially those who would know. Weigh all criticism and accolades and judge if it is helpful or irrelevant. Always consider the source. You will always learn more by listening than by speaking. Stop. Listen. Rinse and repeat.