American Idol

[candleshoe]

I've never gone in but I'm curious- is it basically spruced up karaoke or do you actually have to memorize the lines to your songs? Is there a live band back up or is it , again, like karaoke with the pre-recorded music? If you are a contestant do you basically have to stay there the whole day? How many times do you have to perform if you keep making it through? I like to sing and think it would be fun but don't want to waste a whole day doing it...

[gerald72]

See if I can answer your questions.
The words appear on a screen behind the audience. So I guess that helps you out if you forget the lyrics.
There is no live band. The music is recorded.
There are a number of shows throughout the day. The winners all advance to the finale show. So you'd be performing twice.

[SBETigg]

You might want to look at this thread, where one poster describes her experience as a contestant.