How to Get Tickets for an American Idol Taping

American Idol, it’s the hottest show on television that millions of viewers flock to each week. Sure it’s fun to watch with your family at home, but eventually fan’s of the show are itching to see their favorite contestants perform live, and seeing the judges in the flesh. There’s really nothing like live music, and fans who have attended tapings of the show say that it’s even more amazing in person. I myself can attest to this, having been able to attend the dress rehearsal of the top 5 show. So how does one go about getting these highly coveted tickets? Well, unfortunately, it’s not all that simple.

I’ll be honest right of the bat here, unless you’re a celebrity, or have it in good with one of the contestants or producers of the show, you’re chances of scoring tickets are limited. But that’s not to say that it’s completely impossible! The first step to getting tickets is to register on the American Idol waiting list on Ocatv.com. This is the site you use for all connections to AI tickets. But here’s the downside; on average it takes about a year before you’ll be offered tickets. So if you register now, be ready next season. And I mean really be ready to snatch those tickets; if your name is called off the waiting list, you will be sent an emailcontaining three links. Each link goes to either the live performance show, the live results show or the dress rehearsal. Unsurprisingly, the tickets for the two live shows go quickly. If this happens, I highly recommend attending the dress rehearsal, and there are usually tickets available for this show. The contestants tend to have more energy since it’s earlier in the day and they haven’t spent hours busting their vocal chords on the same notes all day. Sure, you’ll miss out on seeing Paula, Simon and Randy, but Ryan and all the other Idols are there.

If all else fails, the best way to see your favorite contestants is to attend the American Idols Live! Concert summer tour. The tour dates have been announced, and July 6th through September 2nd the contestants will be visiting 40 across the US. Tickets go on sale either May 19th or 20th, depending on the venue. To get good seats, here’s a hint: visit the Poptarts.com website to find the presale code. This will allow you to order tickets two days before everyone else.

However, if you happen to be able to make it to a dress rehearsal or an actual taping of American Idol, here are a few hints from someone who has been to several show tapings, including this one. For the best seats, arrive 30 minutes to an hour earlier than the time they tell you to arrive. Be prepared to wait; you’ll have to wait in line just to get on the studio’s premises, and then you’ll have to wait atleast another hour before you’re seated. Make sure to adhere to the dress code stated, if any. Most importantly, don’t forget your printed tickets and a photo ID, or you will have made the trip for nothing!