Jessica Sanchez, left, and Phillip Phillips performed during the season 11 "American Idol Grand Finale" on May 23. Both offer their advice for upcoming "Idol' auditions for season 12 of the Fox series.
MICHAEL BECKER/Fox
So you're headed to the nearest "American Idol" auditions – Okies that would be Oklahoma City on July 20 - but you're new to the audition game.
Well, here's some audition advice from last season's Top 10 contestants on "American Idol."
Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips: "Be yourself and don't worry about what people think...Know who you are when you come into this competition."
Runnerup Jessica Sanchez: "Don't let the other contestants intimidate you. You're there for a reason and this is your dream, just sing your heart out."
Joshua Ledet: "Stay focused and sing from your heart. Don't be intimidated by everyone else. And choose the right songs!"
Hollie Cavanagh: "Don't uncontrollably cry and break out into hives (it didn't work for me and it won't work for you)...and don't overthink your song. Keep it simple and sing a beautiful melody...1,000 high notes doesn't get you to Hollywood."
Skylar Laine: "Go into the audition knowing exactly what kind of artist you are and be ready to rock out!"
Elise Testone: "Whatever you decide to sing, own it and believe in it as if it was straight from your heart...Don't think!"
Colton Dixon: "Be yourself...and think twice before wearing red skinny leather pants."
DeAndre Brackensick: "Be yourself and don't listen to anyone but yourself, learn from others, but do what you want, you know your voice the best."
Heejun Han: "Love it, enjoy it and just do it."
Erika Van Pelt: "Don't worry about being the AMERICAN IDOL just yet. You don't have to have perfect hair, makeup or wardrobe to make an impression on the judges. Let your true voice be heard and the rest will eventually fall into place."
The audition schedule for season 12 includes:
June 19 - Charlotte, N.C., Time Warner Cable Arena
June 23 - Newark, N.J. , Prudential Center
July 12 - Chicago, Ill., United Center
July 20 - Oklahoma City, Okla., Chesapeake Energy Arena.
