Think You Could Win 'The Voice'? It's Not So Easy

The wait is over. Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Pharrell Williams and Christina Aguilera are back on NBC to coach some of the country's greatest undiscovered talents as they compete for the title of The Voice. On Monday we'll get to see what went down at Season 8's blind auditions, where the artists we'll get to know over the next few weeks get sorted onto teams. But the funniest part about the blinds for me is knowing the artists went through two other rounds of auditions before they even get to sing before the coaches and wondering just how it is that Voice auditions get to this point.

Have you ever pictured yourself up on that stage, hoping a coach might take a chance on you and turn around? Scheduling your official audition for The Voice is actually surprisingly easy (I guess it makes NBC's job much easier when y'all flock to them). What they don't tell you is how many times you have to sing before you make it to the spinning chair round. The process might be a little different than you'd expect and this season is already under way, but that doesn't mean you can't be one of the lucky ones next time. There's never a good reason to give up on your dreams, so here's a step by step guideline to auditioning for The Voice:

Step 1: Create an Artist Account

Once you customize your Artist Profile on NBC's website, you're officially on your way to stardom. Personalize it and let them know what you're about. Simple enough.

Step 2: Pick Your Audition City

With your brand new Artist Account, you'll receive an Artist Account number that you need to pick an audition city and register. Generally, The Voice holds auditions in four major cities (L.A., New York, Chicago and Atlanta) that you can choose from to go and show your stuff. Don't get too excited, you won't find Adam and Blake at any of these venues, but you do get to pick your day and time.

Step 3: Sing Your Booty Off

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE. Be ready on your audition day with two or three songs that you know you can rock. Remember, it's only an open call audition, so that means no music, no audience — just you and a few seconds of an a cappella masterpiece to wow the non-celeb judges. Do not forget your printed Artist Audition Pass and photo ID.

Step 3.5: Submit a Video if You Can't Make it

If you can't make it to any of the open calls, have no fear: you can send them a video. Here's the difference: your two audition songs must be accompanied by music and you'll need to include a picture and "about me" section. There's no deadline on this one so find the time, give it your all, and send in that DVD.

Step 4: Callbacks... If You're Lucky

You're not at the show stage yet, but you're surely getting closer if they ask you to come back. This time when you go back you may use music as long as it's current. Once you get the go-ahead at that stage, it's off to the blinds.

If you build up the courage to audition, remember that it's not the blind audition that you're used to seeing on TV. Even though the open call judges will be critiquing you on strictly your voice, they do ask you to dress to impress. Don't assume you'll get in on vocals alone — be ready to show some real artistry if you want to get through to the blinds.

Images: Trae Patton/NBC; Giphy (5)