Sure, it is easy to easy to sit in front of the TV and vote (or boo) for the performers on stage during American Idol. But actually performing in front of a live audience is no picnic, and that’s a challenge Walt Disney World guests can experience for themselves at the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Though it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a lot of fun, performing on stage can be nerve-wracking, especially when there’s a Dream Ticket on the line. So, Disney rounded up some American Idol experts at the premiere of the American Idol Experience and asked them to give their best tips for a great Idol performance.

Ace Young summed up his winning formula. “You pick a song that you love, that you enjoy, that you can’t forget the lyrics to, and you’re good to go,” said the season 5 finalist.

“Perform in front of a mirror – it can help you out a lot to see what you look like before you let everyone else see what you look like,” offered Bucky Covington, season 5 finalist.

When it comes to nerves, the finalists agree it’s important not to let them wreak havoc on your performance. A few of them offered some suggestions for keeping stage fright under control.

“Make sure you take deep breaths, because when you get nervous you never know what’s gonna happen,” said Kimberly Locke, season 2 finalist.

“I think the trick is you have to use the nerves,” said Mandisa, season 5 finalist. “You just kind of channel it into adrenaline. You get out there, and especially if you’re doing an upbeat song, nerves can actually work in your favor.”

And one genuine Idol expert, judge Paula Abdul, emphasized the importance of being unique.

“Find your own unique sound – don’t be a sound-alike – no karaoke, we’ve got every Mariah, we’ve got Whitney, we’ve got Christina. We need original people,” said Abdul.

Fantasia Barrino agreed, but said having fun and relaxing was also key.

“My tip is to be yourself and to have fun. You’re only human, and nobody’s perfect. Be yourself. And the gift that you have is something that God has given you, and everybody wants to hear it, so share it!” said the winner of Idol season 3.

“If you love to sing, and there’s certain songs – whatever, just get out there and do what you love, and show everyone how much you love it. That’ll make everything about 30 times better, it’ll be great,” Carrie Underwood, season 4 winner, added.

Season 7 winner David Cook echoed the sentiments of the winners before him. “It’s real easy to get caught up in the competition aspect of it but if you can kind of step back and realize you’re there to enjoy yourself, you’ll usually perform better that way.”

But in the end, getting the audiences’ votes and the golden ticket often comes down to one thing, eloquently phrased by a season 7 finalist.

“Sing real good,” said Jason Castro with a grin.

Those who sing the best will earn the coveted Dream Ticket, which provides a front-of-the-line pass at a regional American Idol audition. Anyone ages 14 and up can participate in the American Idol Experience, which starts with an open audition in front of a Hollywood Studios casting director early in the day. Those with the most star potential will get to perform in one of seven preliminary shows, with the chance of performing in a talent-packed finale at night.

To try out your talent and test the Idols’ advice, get your Walt Disney World tickets today at OrlandoFunTickets.com.