American Idol, America's Got Talent, The Voice... Singing competitions aren't new but their popularity and permanence don't seem to be fading anytime soon. Originally hailed as a way to break and develop undiscovered talent, the reality is most contestants leave before making a mark and many who do make the cut end up without any support or guidance from the shows or labels involved upon their exit. Find out how to prepare for what happens before, during and after the cameras are rolling.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]