How to Audition For THE VOICE

If you’ve ever pretended your hairbrush was a microphone or that you were standing in front of thousands of people, rotating while singing at the top of your voice, then you’ve probably wondered how to audition for The Voice. You’re not alone.

The Voice is one of the most televised singing competitions, spanning almost two decades. Since its premiere on NBC in 2011, the singing competition has become one of the most remarkable launchpads for raising a new generation of singers. Cassadee Pope, Jordan Smith, and Danielle Bradbery are top-selling artists today, thanks to platforms like The Voice. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to become the new Cassadee Pope, BroadwayWorld has all the information you need, including how to audition for The Voice, where to audition, and much more! You don’t want to miss this one. Let’s get right into the complete, no-stress guide to getting started on your journey to the center stage.

What is The Voice? A Look At the Show’s History

Before we dive into this talent show, let's tell you a brief story about how it all started. Inspired by “The Voice of Holland,” The Voice was built around a simple concept - talent first. Your facial appearance, looks, or how you appear doesn't matter because the judges or coaches don’t actually see how you look at first. Before the singer makes it to the finals, they go through multiple rounds of initial auditions and then the blind audition. Here, the coaches sit with their backs turned, listening only to the voice. If they like what they hear, they hit the button, and the chair spins. That moment could change everything for you. 

The series’ first panel of judges included Christian Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton. Any coach wowed by the contestant’s voice can hit the bell button and spin the chair around, allowing them to see the singer and evaluate their performance. Based on this, the singer can potentially join the team. Afterwards, the coaches and their team compete in rounds of battles, knockouts, playoffs, and live performances. The Winner receives $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.

The iconic “No-stage look” has been a fundamental part of The Voice’s auditioning because it removes all biases. Only your voice matters. As mentioned, the show has launched the careers of many stars, introducing audiences to vocalists and singers across every genre known. Unlike American Idol, The Voice focuses on mentorship and vocal growth, with vocal coaches helping to refine the artist’s sound throughout their period on the show. So if you hesitated joining American Idol, maybe it's a sign that you should make a video submission to The Voice. But before you start thinking of competing, you have to know where The Voice’s auditions are held, when they are held, and how to actually get into the competition. 

Where are the Auditions for The Voice?

Before now, contestants had to travel to a packed venue and wait hours to sing songs for a few seconds in front of the audition judges. Things look different today (no thanks to the pandemic). Now you can even audition from your bedroom, living room, or even in the car if your vehicle has good acoustics (and yes, people really do that). The Voice auditions are being held virtually once again this year. So those who wish to audition are advised to submit a video on the official site. 

You don’t need to fly to Los Angeles for your voice to be heard. Instead, go to the official website nbcthevoice.com, adjust your camera, and make your submission. The Voice hosts virtual open call auditions almost all the time, so don’t beat yourself too much if you missed the deadline for the upcoming season. You can audition whenever you want and submit your completed video audition application on the official The Voice website. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to participate live in San Francisco auditions, New York auditions, Miami auditions, or Nashville auditions, you can still audition online rather than travel cross-country to a crowded convention center. 

So if you’ve been wondering where to audition for The Voice, it’s actually easier than you think. All you need is a quiet room, a solid internet connection, a camera, and of course, your voice. Virtual open calls are currently held for the upcoming competition, with the next season (Season 29: Battle of Champions) premiering on February 23, 2026. As mentioned, virtual open calls are held year-round. 

When Are Auditions for The Voice?

The exciting part is that open call auditions for The Voice happen throughout the year, with periodic announcements, depending on the season the show is casting. In essence, the show organizers announce multiple audition dates over time. Currently, The Voice is holding virtual open call auditions, and registrations are available on the official NBC The Voice casting site. Once you register for an account, you’ll be able to choose an audition date that works for you. An email will be sent to you 24 hours before the audition.

After registration, you can schedule a virtual session to perform live or submit a video via the official website if that option is available during that particular casting period. Remember, there's no audition city with The Voice. Everywhere is your stage until you receive an audition pass. That’s because casting directors change the rules from season to season. Therefore, it’s ideal to be thoroughly informed through the artist account. You can also follow The Voice’s official Instagram and X accounts for regular updates. You don’t want to miss your window.

The Virtual Open Call for The Voice's audition registration is happening now! Click for more information and to submit.

How Old Do You Have to be to Audition For The Voice?

According to the show organizer, you must be at least 13 years old by the eligibility date listed for that season to audition for The Voice. You don’t have to be 13 yet at the time of your audition. For example, to participate in the 2026 competition, you must turn 13 on or before February 23, 2026. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be involved in the registration process and must supply written permission to get the artist account. 

In addition, you must provide proof that you’re legally present in the United States to participate. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to compete, but you must prove that you can legally stay and work in the U.S. Acceptable forms of proof include a valid U.S. passport, a valid U.S. driver’s license and social security card, or a green card. 

There’s no upper age limit to participate in The Voice. Whether a teenager trying to discover their sound or someone who’s looking for an opportunity to put their decades of singing at parties or weddings on a global stage, there’s no denying you that opportunity to audition for The Voice. Your background doesn't matter either. What matters is how ready you are to share your voice with the world. You can audition for the show multiple times. 

What Do You Need to Audition for The Voice?

You need the following to audition for the Voice, although we already went through one or two.

1. A form of proof to show you can stay and work in the United States.
2. To be at least 13 years old by the show’s deadline.
3. An artist account, which can be set up on the NBC website. This is needed during the application process. 
4. To have a verse and a chorus of 1 song prepared for your audition. You will have 1:30 (one minute thirty seconds) for your audition. We advise you to prepare two songs for the initial audition - songs that you’re comfortable singing and relatable. You can sing from any genre and by any artist, but it doesn't have to be a popular song. 
5. To introduce yourself, tell the song you're going to sing and sing it when called upon.
6. To use musical accompaniment if you want to sing one or two acapella songs or sing to a track. If you are playing an instrument or singing to a track, have everything ready to go before you enter the virtual audition room. Be careful not to overuse effects like vocal enhancers so that your authentic self shines through.
7. To send a video audition if you can’t attend the open call audition via email or on the website with your name, phone number, and artist account number. Ensure the video is clear, background noise is minimal, and avoid cutting off your head or staying too close to the lens.
8. To record an “about me” monologue that's no longer than 5 minutes. A few minutes will suffice.
9. Once you're selected to proceed to the competition, you're required to submit a physical and psychological evaluation report. The purpose of this is to ensure that you're mentally and physically sound to meet the demands of the competition.
10. You're good to go if all the requested information is submitted.

An on-screen timer will count down to your scheduled slot when you audition. Once the recording begins, get ready to showcase your voice. 

How to Audition For The Voice: Virtual Auditions and Open Call Auditions

Okay! So, how do you audition for The Voice? As you know, you don’t have to travel across the country to show the organizers how talented a vocalist you are. You can perform from anywhere through the virtual open call auditions and open call auditions. Whatever auditioning method you choose, signing up online and having an artist account is mandatory. 

Virtual Auditions

For virtual auditions, this is how it works.

1. You register through the show’s official website, nbcthevoice.com, and select a time slot from the list given to perform or submit your recording, depending on the casting rules for that period. 
2. Once you sign up and create your artist account, you’ll have access to all the updates and results. It’s important to keep your login details safe.
3. When it's time to record yourself, you can choose up to one-and-a-half minutes of one song, either a cappella or with instrumentation. You can also sing a pre-recorded track if you want.
4. Remember, your video audition online should feel authentic, not robotic. Also, it’s just 90 seconds of auditioning. So make those seconds count.
5. Make sure whatever song you choose supports your voice. The casting team needs to hear you clearly. Before you hit the record, do a quick warm-up of deep breaths to ease the nerves. 

Open Call Auditions

Open audition is the traditional route. It is designed to give everyone a fair shot. During this event, thousands of singers compete in voice auditions with the hope of progressing to the next stage. The beauty of these auditions is that you don’t need an agent or industry contacts. Your talent and preparation are enough to conquer the stage. 

After that, the audition crew, including the voice casting team, reviews your performance. If they like what they hear and see, you may move to the next stage of the audition process. A selected audition date will also be communicated. Remember, all the updates and messages are sent to your artist account. 

Artist Account

Your artist account is your portal, where you log in to check messages, updates, and receive instructions on what to do next. Think of your artist account as your digital backstage room, where communication happens. Ensure you check messages regularly to avoid missing a chance at glory. 

To create your artist account:

1. Go to nbcthevoice.com
2. Enter your first and last name
3. Input your email address and password
4. Add your birthdate and create your account. 
5. If you already have an account, simply sign in. 

Blind Audition and Casting Records

If you do make it through multiple rounds of audition for The Voice, you could land on that grand stage of blind audition. You know what that means? This is where chairs turn (or don't).

The blind audition is where coaches listen to your voice without seeing you. They turn their back, only listening to the pure sound. Every contestant dreams of this moment, but unfortunately, not everyone gets to this point. When you hear the bell buzz from the casting judges, it means you’ll likely get an audition pass. 

Now, behind the scenes, experienced casting directors are watching and listening to everything. They go through submissions, hoping to find singers with a unique tone, emotional delivery, star potential, and great personality. The directors decide who moves from the open call auditions to the later rounds. However, they don’t work alone - they collaborate with the voice casting department and the larger casting team to corroborate their decisions and even decide further audition phases. 

What are the next steps?

Once you submit your audition, you have activated the waiting period. A member of the Voice Casting Team will review your audition and get back to you if they like your video submission application. You will receive an email with your audition results shortly after you submit for your second audition or interviews. You can also find your results by logging in to your Artist Account.

Each step brings you closer to that big blind audition stage. During your audition, you may be asked to prepare more material or demonstrate your voice range. This is where you make adequate preparation. Before the due date, practice singing at different vocal ranges. Take a few deep breaths as well, and ensure you master all your songs ahead of time.

Best Audition Mindset: Tips for The Voice Audition

The truth is, being the loudest singer doesn’t mean you gave the best audition. It goes to the singer with compelling storytelling, personal, and inspiring lyrics. The performance must feel sincere and authentic. So that people watching your video audition feel connected to the singing.  And yes! Nerves are part of it. But even winners and future finalists all began from where you are now. One great tip is to give it your all. It’s not about being good or bad - it’s about owning the moment. Believe that you deserve to be in that room and in that moment. 

One of the contestants, Jaclyn Lovey, advised that singers should lower their expectations when auditioning. “I like to go into a performance with low expectations so that no matter how good or average I do, I’m still surpassing my expectations.” That’s one great tip there. She also mentions that knowing your song like the back of your hand will help calm your nerves down. 

From the show’s official website, here are some helpful tips they provided:

1. Be authentic and yourself. Define your own style.
2. Choose a cover song that best represents you as an artist and matches your vocals. It doesn't have to be original songs, callback songs, or indie rock. Ensure you also master the entire song.
3. Dress to impress! Wear what you would wear if you were called for a “Blind Audition.”
4. Remember to have fun! Your personality and energy should reflect in your performance. 

Conclusion: Real Life Meets Reality TV

So, this is it. If you’ve been wanting to audition for The Voice but don’t know how, this guide has thoroughly explained all you need to get into this TV show. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a student, parent, laborer, or if you’ve never sung outside your bedroom. It also doesn't matter the audition location. The magic of The Voice auditions journey starts with simple courage. Record yourself, submit it on the official website through your artist account, and trust that you did enough to progress to the next stage. 

One song can take you to the pinnacle of your music career! And it all starts with grit and determination to audition for The Voice.

More information about auditioning for The Voice:

To learn more or apply for the next virtual casting call, click nbcthevoice.com.