Voicemail American Idol: Singers Audition for Fake Band Over the Phone A comedy article
by Harmon Leon 2,232 7 05/26/2010 05:54 PM 2132 views
Who doesn't like American Idol? You know the premise: young hopeful singers try to live out their dream of being the next singing sensation. Can't get enough of the show? Why not try Voicemail American Idol?
How does it work?
First, get a voicemail number. Next, go to Craigslist. Under the Musician section, post an enticing ad that reads something like:
Lead Vocalist/Song Writer Needed ASAP!! Tour in the Works!! $$$$
We need a lead singer/song writer ASAP!!
Huge things are happening for us. We have a big North American tour planned! We are about to go into the studio to record and film a big music video project.
What we don't have is an awesome lead vocalist/song writer. Former vocalist is now doing a stint in rehab. WE NEED SERIOUS MUSICIANS ONLY!
All styles will be considered. There is pay!!! This is a major project and we need the right person. Tell us why you would fit into the band.
Call Barry Ajax at XXX-XXX-XXXX
Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it is. Here's what hopefuls got when they called the number listed in the ad:
It's easy to get people to sing their original lyrics at the beep when you've got a big fictional North American tour as an enticement. Plus the vague criteria of considering all music styles really leaves it open to more potential bandmates.
It wasn't long before the voicemail box was completely full with audition messages. We narrowed them down to our six finalists, so you can vote on your favorite. Now sit back and enjoy complete strangers singing into their phones. Yes, it's Voicemail American Idol!
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #1: "The Improviser." This guy has potential. He's quick on his feet with his musical incoming message, and he won us over when he started to rock out at the end.
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #2: "The Rocker." Can't understand a word he's saying, which either means he needs to enunciate, or a new cellphone plan. But verily, he doth rock!
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #3: "The Girl." We had a few women audition for the gig, but only one apologized that she was a woman. Na na na na na na na na na hey hey.
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #4: "The Latin Surprise." Sure, it's a different direction than we originally intended, but this is a man who once shared the stage with Ricky Martin. Plus, it never occurred to us to have a bilingual crossover. Muy bien!
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #5: "The Slayer." This contestant called us several times from work, apologizing that he couldn't sing us a demo in the office. Then when he got back home, he unleashed this fury upon our voicemail. (Auditioning at work would have been doubly awesome.)
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #6: "Creepy McCreeperson." This guy was either too embarrassed to sing, or he's William Shatner's less successful, creepier brother. Points for enthusiasm!
VOICEMAIL AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT #7: "The Lyrical Don Juan." Hard to decide what's more entertaining: the singing or the talking about the singing.
So who should be the next Voicemail American Idol? Post your votes below!
Got an idea for our next Craigslist prank? Post it below! And if you're one of the singers featured in this prank, we'll link to your site -- let us know, and thanks for playing!
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