Sophomore Burkett Powell might be one of many journalism students at Mizzou, but he’s done something none of the other J-schoolers have: He’s been on the popular TV show The X Factor. The Lee’s Summit, Mo. native auditioned in Kansas City, Mo., and competed on the show last fall. In addition to singing, he enjoys playing video games, being outdoors and spending time with friends.
Her Campus Mizzou: What was it like being on The X Factor?
Burkett Powell: It was truly a life-changing experience. There’s no other way to describe it. Simon said to me, “You got me the moment, you got the audience, and the audience got you. I really like the tone of your voice, and if I could mentor you, you could be great.” I also remember that L.A. Reid said, “I don’t know what it is kid, but you’ve got it.”
HCM: How did you find out about auditions?
BP: I found out about auditions by seeing a booth about the show at my local mall in Kansas City. My friend who I was with at the mall urged me to do it, and I figured why not. I auditioned in this virtual booth. With no preparation, I auditioned and got a call a couple of months later from someone telling me to come out to Dallas. When I advanced there, they flew me out to California. I was the only one who used the virtual booth and made it onto the show. The real auditions were intense. A 30-minute episode that is aired on TV is easily a 12-hour day. It was nerve-wracking being in front of the judges, but I found the audience of 6,000 people to be encouraging. During my auditions, the audience really helped build my confidence with their cheering. When I performed one-on-one with the judges, I became more nervous.
HCM: What was your favorite part about being on the show?
BP: The best part of the entire experience was being in the presence of talented artists who had more experience than me. Because I don’t know how to play any instruments, write songs or read music like most of the other contestants, I felt like it was a miracle I made it as far as I did. Sll I had was raw talent. I learned about dynamics, vibrato and falsetto from the contestants I became friends with. I believe what I learned will and already has made me a stronger singer.
HCM: What was the hardest part about being on TV and the competition?
BP: The test of endurance. The long days really got to me. Being nervous and having a rush of adrenaline can really wear you out.
HCM: What was your most memorable experience?
BP: My most memorable experience was being in front of an audience cheering for me. It’s really the best feeling in the world when people are celebrating something that you’re doing. I feel that this is especially true for artists because when you sing, you can feel extremely vulnerable.
HCM: How have things changed with your friends and family since you were on the show? Do people treat you differently?
BP: Since I auditioned, things have definitely changed. My family and friends had no idea that I would actually beat the odds and make it. When I did, they truly thought anything was possible. My audition in front of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid went surprisingly well. That was the very first time I had ever set foot on a stage or held a microphone. It was quite an experience. I’m not treated any differently now that the show is over. People just now are aware that I can sing. Before my audition, most of my friends and family didn’t know I had any singing ability!
HCM: When did you begin singing?
BP: I started singing before I could talk, but I never sang in school productions or anything like that. No one knew I could sing. My mom was surprised when she heard me actually sing for the first time and put my whole heart into it. I had always been able to imitate songs well, but to find my own voice was difficult. I’m just now starting to figure out different ways in which I can improve my singing.
HCM: How do you get your singing inspiration?
BP: My dad passed away last year. He liked to sing, so that’s where my inspiration comes from. You’ll find that a lot of people on these shows have traumatic stories. Experiences like these kind of shape talent if you ask me. I know it has shaped mine.
HCM: What are you planning on doing in the future with your singing career?
BP: I’m going to try to start writing music. I like to think I’m a good writer in school, so I hope that I’ll be able to translate my work into song. I’m planning on trying out for American Idol eventually or The X Factor again next year. I found it’s common for people to advance farther the more experience they get. For example, Haley Reinhart, who came in third place on American Idol, didn’t even make it past the first round the year before.