well thats true Jay they will make fun. and if you're not strong and secure it will hurt deeply.... so consider that you will not advance and you will be the butt of the jokes and your 15 minutes of fame will be painful.

but you could let them make fun laugh with them have your 15 minutes of pain and say I DID IT MY WAY!

personal choice. Me i'm strong and mean and if i had the voice i'd go for it.

If it's your hope to *someday* enter the biz, TRY OUT.

You may not make it past the door.

You may be berrated because of your weight OR because of your singing (which is much more devastating, IMHO).

If you are truly serious about a career in this field, these auditions can be invaluable experience. They are opportunities to build your repitoire as well as audition chutzpah, which is hard to come by.

The trick is, when you hear "no"... don't take that to mean "no" forever. Take it as a learning experience and move on.

Dream big.

The way the world is right now,theyd only use you for novelty.

Its far from my utopia, but thats life right now. Sickening

Maybe it's worth trying just for the experience, but in any case, it's probably not something that is *really* worth it (I mean, the impression I got from it was that it was a popularity contest, and not exactly something that will really enhance a strong voice full of talent).

So maybe you can try, why not... And then shoot for classical singing lessons, a choir, a specific class for singing, whatever that exists in the USA in that regard! It seems that anyone with a nice butt and gloss lipstick can make it on TV shows and the likes today, but IMHO a real singer (someone who can perform in serious musicals, for instance, or, heck, opera! Opera is god!) will trample them all, and I don't mean in terms of weight.

Don't use your weight as an excuse to not do something that you really want to do.

There are so many other ways to showcase your talents, sing and possibly be 'discovered'. There are other avenues for voice talent beyond being a pop success.

I would encourage you to join a local women's chorus, go to an open mic night, record something for youtube or publish a podcast. Someone who is in the business might hear it. Will your weight prevent you from becoming a pop sensation? Probably. But the chance to be a studio musician for a major label? There are worse things.

I know a woman who went through something similar. She had an amazing voice. She ended up doing a lot of theater work in her city and is now considered 'local talent' when she is seen at an event or fundraiser. It took a long time for her to come to grips with the injustice that singers are not just singers, but she really likes her life now.

Despite my own strong views about the show and American culture (heh heh), a very good friend of mine tried out. She has an absolutely amazing voice but is, frankly, very unattractive (slender can only get you so far). She went through 3 rounds and was eliminated because she wasn't "what we're looking for" in an idol, but according to her it was a generally positive experience. She said the toughest judges were here fellow contestents, but if you can get by a few rude comments from teenagers the judges are very fair and honest with you.

I say if you have problems with others' negative comments, about your weight or appearance or voice...don't try it as it could sabotage you. If you're tough though, if you KNOW going in that you ARE going to get some comments somewhere along the way, then go for it. It may be rigged, that's not to say you won't get noticed in there. You may not be what America is looking for.

Face it, they're pandering to teeny boppers who are looking for the next hot chick/guy with a good voice. They're not looking for someone who has perfect pitch and is overweight, or someone who sings like an angel but has pimples all over their face. They want an IDOL. It may be a singing competition, but the title of IDOL says it all. They're not just there for a singer. You have to have it all around.

Go in knowing this, go in with the belief that you'll get negative comments about your weight, know that you can handle it, and you may like the experience even if you don't go anywhere on the show. But if those comments are going to set you back at all, avoid it like the plague.

My cousin, at 350+lbs, went to Seattle for American Idol last year. They flat out told her she was too fat. However... she went, knowing that criticism may be harsh. She went to pursue her dreams, and if it is a dream you got to try- you never know! You may just be that amazing.

I hope whatever they say will not hurt you.

The only way to know if you have a chance is to try.

Yes, our society does have a bias against larger people. There's no denying that. But think of it this way, it could be your chance to make a dent in this bias and to show the world the talent that you have been blessed with.

My advice is to go for it. Dress in clothes that are flattering and you are comfortable in, and then let your voice shine.

Even if you don't make it through at least you won't be kicking yourself wondering after the fact what could have happened...

I agree that they probably won't accept you... but I say go for it anyway! Just... if you do you MUST realize that if you get before the judges they are cruel and sarcastic and you may need a sense of humor and not let the wise cracks get you down. Drives me nuts when people go on that show, get themselves on TV and then whine because Simon or whoever hurt their feelings. If they watch the show at ALL they have to KNOW they are setting themselves up. If they can't take the heat, they need to stay out of the kitchen. Also remember... even if you were a "skinny minny" the chances of making it through are pretty remote; so don't necessarily blame your weight. LOL who would have ever thought a home town boy from little ole Bothell would have made it to second place. You'll always be sorry if you don't try. But DON'T go and try out if you don't think you can do it without getting really hurt over potential rudeness and sarcasm. And look "elegant" -- don't dress up in some stupid costume.

well ladies.....I have decided to not go this year. Number one because I am not sure that American Idol is even the proper way to go about things anyhow and I have prayed about it and feel in my gut that it would be a bad decision. Also, I feel that many of you are right....as unfair as it is America is just that way and I would be the butt of many jokes....not something I want! Also I am already in our communities summer musical/play and I am having much more fun doing that than if I were trying out for AI. Thanks very much for your thoughts on the subject....my mother is disappointed.....but she will get over it. Also I would like to take a moment to say how much I appreciate the clothing sites 3FC has on their site! I found the perfect dress for the musical and another upcoming engagement....exciting since I can never seem to find pretty clothes. I also would like to say that never have I encountered a more honest and supportive group such as this, it is going to make sticking with my goals so much easier! Thanks alot ladies!

gabi You do your music! That's a good thing! Good luck!

Jay