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Britains Got Talent Auditions – Some tips and advice from an experienced performer.

By Tim Marston, 13 September 2011 – 42 comments

Thinking about entering Britain’s Got Talent Auditions?

Planning to enter one of the other TV talent show auditions?

Would you like some great tips and advice on how to get the most from TV talent show auditions and appearing on Britains got Talent?

Merlin Cadogan entered the Britains Got Talent auditions in 2009 and got to the semi final. I asked him to share some of his advice for the auditions and appearing on Britains Got Talent and he kindly agreed to help.

I sent him a list of questions and he responded in depth with some awesome tips and advice built on real world experience from TV performances, twenty years of entertainment experiences and his time on the world famous TV talent show.

Firstly can you tell my readers a little about yourself, your performance career so far, how you came into performing, what acts your perform, etc....?

I got to the semi finals of Britains Got Talent in 2009. I have been a professional juggler and escapologist for 20 years. I have worked all over the world and performed for massive audiences in stadiums, on TV, on stage, walkabout and street theatre.  

So, Britain's Got Talent. How did you come to enter auditions for the show? Did you contact them or did they get in touch with you? 

My ex wife sent my application off for the auditions.

What were you hopes, goals or ambitions for applying for the auditions and appearing on the Britains Got Talent?

Before I appeared on the show I didn't have any real hopes, goals or expectations, I just went along with an open mind and a positive attitude.

When you went for your auditions how was the experience? Was it like it appears on the TV or not?

I have worked on TV before, and I think that definitely helped me. I think it is important to understand that what you see on TV is not how things just happen to be. Every clip shown has been chosen, the producers of TV shows have researchers working flat out trying to find things of interest. The aim of the programme is entertainment, it’s not about talent. Look how many joke people make it on to the TV; they are there because they're entertaining. Loads of people have more talent and skill than me, it's not about that. It's a TV show on Saturday night. It's ALL about entertainment.

Looking back on your experience with Britains Got Talent do you feel it was beneficial to your career or not?

It was very beneficial for me appearing on Britains Got Talent, but if you are already an established act it can actually do you harm. I know a number of acts that have worked the same circuits I've worked for years, gone on Britains Got Talent been given terrible reviews from the judges, and now they struggle to get work as a result.

Britains Got Talent is not the be all and end all of everything, there's lots of ways to get your act out there...

Finally if one of my readers was thinking about appearing on Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent, or any other TV talent show auditions what tips and advice would you give them?

You need to look at the big picture all the time, and not get caught up in the now. I saw lots of people get fed up and start moaning about waiting around, about having to do things over and over. Remember the people who work on the show do that job EVERY day. They don't want to hear it; they want someone who is happy and positive.

Those people who complain all the time get left behind. You might think you're the next big thing, you might be, but if you have a bad attitude, you will fail. Put yourself in their shoes, and see things from their point of view. You will do a lot better. Do what you know, do your best and be flexible. Understand that the producers will know their job better than you. If they ask you to do something there will be a reason.

Cooperate! You are a small part of a big thing, it’s so hard to step back and see whole picture, but try to all the time. Pay attention when you're not actually being filmed, look who's doing what, and why they're doing it. Be proactive, learn from other people mistakes.

There are millions of jugglers, singers etc if you want to get somewhere you will have to either be one of the best, or different from the rest. If your aim is to get famous and rich from your performing you will probably fail. If you class a successful career as performing for a number of years, being kept busy, doing a job you enjoy then you might succeed.

I have met lots of people who nearly made it, and now they are bitter and twisted that they didn't get the breaks they felt they deserved. Be happy with your chosen career, enjoy it, and you might go far.

That's it from Merlin, if you want to learn more about succeeding as a professional performer or entertainer you can follow this link for more information...

For more information on TV talent show auditions click here

To find out more about Merlin follow this link...

Or his Facebook page here...

Finally, feel free to comment on the form below or “like” this post if you think it’s worth a read.

42 comments

  • emma mcmillan

    05 October 2011, 5.22pm

    this is some good advice this will help thank you ! x

  • Richard Russell

    06 October 2011, 2.47am

    I think i' m good enought to apear on britains got talent?

  • Lucy Clark

    07 October 2011, 9.06pm

    this is a great way to know about Brians Got Talent and it's helped me too.

  • marisha king

    10 October 2011, 6.27pm

    I think im good anoth for britains got talent how can i enter

  • Jayde

    11 October 2011, 7.59pm

    Misha: Go on google and type in 'Britains Got Talent' and click on the top result, then scroll down and you should find the box that says 'Do you have a talent?'

    &Thankyou for this post, I've already applied. It's helped me in many ways. I've taken in some of the information and it seems to have sunk in really well. Thankyou :)

  • BJean

    11 October 2011, 9.10pm

    once ive applied via email, what is the next step just wait for them to reply? how likely is it that they will reply and is there any way i can definitely go and audition ??

  • sam watson

    12 October 2011, 7.04pm

    im going to rap

  • maddison durstom

    28 November 2011, 5.56pm

    yeah? this helps.. iveapplied and got a audition but whats their email???Xxxx

  • amber short

    11 January 2012, 8.40pm

    I am 12 in june i wat to go on and sing for britan got talant in bringham because i live in wolverhamton

  • Tim Marston

    11 January 2012, 10.23pm

    Hey Guys

    Thanks for your comments.

    For any of you that do enter the auditions....GOOD LUCK.

    Cheers

    Tim

    :-)

  • james mead

    13 January 2012, 9.53pm

    hi im 11 and i auditiond for BGT 2012 and i have had an email saying that they are looking forward to seeing me my audition is in 8 days r anyone else applied and was succsessful.... ps if you apply it dosent mean that you get to do it they might say sorry brut your act sounds crap

  • Sebastian

    14 January 2012, 3.39pm

    Hi,

    I am also 11 and I will be auditioning on the 22nd of Jan, I am a card magician and pretty nervous but hopefully I will do my best and see what happens. Any other hints or tips??

    Thanks

  • Jazz Corker

    16 January 2012, 9.55pm

    I have also auditioned for the 22nd of January. And am singing. Very nervous so any tips and advice would be so great and helpful. I am grateful for any piece of advice I am given :) x

  • Nicole Roberts

    07 February 2012, 8.53pm

    im 12 now and i entered BGT and so did my BFF Erin Powell but we have both not got anything back off them and getting worried if they havent remebered us so well done others and i wish me and erin get through

  • sophie rule

    23 March 2012, 7.23pm

    Im 8 and I really want to go on britans got talent Iam really good at singing

  • hayden

    28 March 2012, 5.16pm

    hi

    i think i can sing but im not sure if im good enough to go on BGT. i really need some advice, i need your help. i also dont know how to enter.

  • maigan bird

    24 April 2012, 7.02pm

    This has has really inspired me to enter britans got talent I am really looking forward to it and it might change my life

  • sarah harwood

    09 May 2012, 5.58pm

    there is some good advice in this set

  • Olivia

    22 May 2012, 5.28pm

    I have just sent in my application form for Britain's got talent and im really nervous but this advice has helped

  • Antonio Tsiakkoura

    15 June 2012, 6.35pm

    hi sebastian im also auditioning for card magic with my cousin, we are the best we do mind blowing effects and we will win, trust me. :0

  • Sam Oo

    16 August 2012, 1.09am

    Ooh...that's a lot of advsiable stuff...thnx a lot...really like it when u said u either have to be really good,or different than others..coz that's absolutely true...thnx again for advise....:)

  • Faye

    19 August 2012, 9.00am

    Hi. I think I'm the youngest (10) and I've sent off a for an audition BUT I might not be picked. I beleive I'm good. If you beileve in yourself, thats the worst bit done. :) I can sing. I like up to beat songs and I also like the long (but not to long) songs. I like adele and I sing well to her if anyone could have some advice on what songs I could sing...I would be VERY greatful. My names Faye-Marie Benton and I've put what I want to be known as too. (Miss. Marie) :) So please help me because I'm a little scared and I have the funny belly feeling. HELP! What songs guys!?!? :/

  • Zara

    05 September 2012, 4.14pm

    Hey I'm Zara I'm 9 years old me and my friends Kacey and Charley have all auditioned as soloist so this was helpful. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

  • Zoe

    24 September 2012, 6.27pm

    Hey Im Zoe:P I My audition for BGT is less than a month away and I was wondering if the audition in front of the producers and the audition in front of the judges are on the same day or if you get called back if you get through???:) Thanks!

  • gabby downie

    24 November 2012, 11.19am

    how do you apply for it i think i might do some singing on it

  • Laurzz

    27 November 2012, 6.13pm

    Hi-I'm auditioning in 5 DAYS!! Any tips would be amazing! And ZOE-As far as i know, they just do a producer audition THEN a judge audition if your good enough another day :)

  • Laurzz

    27 November 2012, 6.13pm

    Hi-I'm auditioning in 5 DAYS!! Any tips would be amazing! And ZOE-As far as i know, they just do a producer audition THEN a judge audition if your good enough another day :)

  • stephanie newman

    30 November 2012, 10.09am

    i want to be a singer so i can sing

  • Anna Maria Morrall

    01 December 2012, 5.14pm

    Omg I'm auditioning for BGT tomoz and this would help me so thx!!!!!

  • Tim Marston

    01 December 2012, 6.51pm

    Good luck to everyone entering the auditions this year :-)

  • olivia brooks

    17 December 2012, 10.39pm

    omg? lol! congrats to evey on e who get in the semmi final or on o aleast the live shows

  • Alicia Jasmine

    08 April 2013, 12.31am

    Im thinking about auditioning for britains got talent for 2014 but i dont know what song to sing... anyone got ideas for a 13 year old girl???

  • Ben Robert

    16 April 2013, 5.48pm

    my and mum love britains got talent

  • shailaja somsietty

    17 April 2013, 11.04am

    Hi

    My son is a very good dancer. When is the next date for the auditions?

    Please let me know.

  • Georgia Griffin

    28 April 2013, 11.42am

    Thank you this has helped me so much I think I might ordishion for 2014 britans got talent.

  • Lee Young

    29 April 2013, 5.02pm

    I can play the drums

  • ELEANOR WEIR

    11 May 2013, 8.03pm

    I REALLY WANT TO JOIN BRITANS GOT TALLENT

  • Emily

    11 May 2013, 8.56pm

    I really want to audition for Britain's Got Talent as I love singing, and I feel happier when I'm singing. The problem is that my confidence is very low and my singing sounds terrible when I'm nervous. Any tips?

  • Aimee engleby

    13 May 2013, 7.37pm

    i really want to go on it because my friends have said i am really good at singing so should i go on it?

  • Alyssa-May

    30 May 2013, 2.01am

    I just sent my application form through what happens next anyone?

  • TJ KATE Karle

    02 June 2013, 7.50pm

    Just believe in yourself !!!!!

  • emily

    04 June 2013, 6.45pm

    hey i am 12 years old and want to go on britans got talent but not sure if i am good enought. i think the advice at the top was usefull and i will keep it in mind i havent entered yet but i might i really want to but i might get nervous. i love singing and wish i have a careear in it someday. xx

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