The Voice auditions were held this Saturday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The day started for me at 6 am, standing in line outside the convention center. Even though the doors didn't open until 7 am, It took until 8:30am for me to get inside the building. When I left about 6 hours later, there were still people standing in lines, all the way around the building. At that point, it was quite hot, and people were handing out bottles of water to wanna be contenders. I must say, I was happy to see security was everywhere!

While I was standing in line outside, I ran into Alicia Lewis from KARE 11, who, by the way, is a St. Cloud University grad, and went to school with our very own Ashli Gerdes. I also met a beautiful teen from the St. Cloud area and her mother. This was Autumns first audition, and she and her mother were incredibly kind. I received a note on Facebook from her mother Jennifer, and she informed me that Autumn didn't get a pass either, but it was a great experience.

 

Kelly Cordes/Youtube

I met some interesting people Saturday. Pictured below are Rickey and Korina. Rickey has auditioned it St. Louis, and Chicago as well, giving us a heads up on what to expect.  Korina was a super positive lovely lady that performs in her church, and just wanted to have fun and pursue her dream.

Kelly Cordes
Kelly Cordes
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If anyone came to this event with dreams of stardom, they most likely went home with their tail between their legs. While here, I heard so many amazing vocalists, I have no idea how the judges could pick anyone out from the crowd. There were people that could sing like Whitney Houston around every corner. So no one that auditioned should feel bad because they didn't get the red pass to continue on to the next level. While here for six hours, I didn't see ANYONE get a red ticket.

 

Kelly Cordes/Youtube

Below, is the final step before your audition. At this point, they had us break down into small groups. About 15-20 people per room. Then we were randomly called up to the front of that room, to sing to the other people in the group as well as the one judge in the room.

I was happy with my audition, and realized quickly that at least 8 people that were in my group were absolutely wonderful, and any one of them could have been a contestant on the show. The judge gave us all a review together at the end, recognizing the talent was exceptional in the room, and telling us all to keep up the good work, and come back again.  We were then released from the room, and the 6 hour wait for a 45 second audition was over in a screeching halt.

Kelly Cordes
Kelly Cordes
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I have to say it was a very unique experience, and I think The Voice team did a good job making everyone feel welcome. I would recommend that if you sing, just do it. Be yourself, and find the best song for your voice when you walk in the room. Be happy with your performance and leave the rest to luck. The big question...was I bummed? Seriously..absolutely. I'm too competitive when it comes to singing. I also realize that I'm competing with some of the best singers I've ever ever ever heard. So, after a day of pouting, I'm back up. Would I do it again? I guess I can never say 'never'. I'll leave it there for now.

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