When it doesn't go the way you hoped.

How to Rebound from a Not-So-Successful Performance (or Audition) 

We’ve all been there.

The performance you were excited about—or maybe nervous for—has come and gone. 

Or maybe it was an audition. You felt good about it. You prepared. You showed up with heart and skill.

And then… nothing.

Crickets.

No callback. No part.

Or, the performance felt flat. Shaky. Off. The opposite of what you were hoping for.

Instead of that post-performance glow, you're left with disappointment. And often, confusion. 

What happened?

Did I do something wrong? Am I not cut out for this?

Let’s pause right there: This moment matters.

The Hard Truth: Rejection and Off-Days Happen to Everyone

No matter how seasoned or skilled you are, not every performance will feel like a triumph. 

Not every audition will turn into a role—even when you nailed it.

Sometimes, you’ll sing your heart out… and still not get the gig.

That doesn’t mean you failed.
That doesn’t mean you’re not talented.
And it definitely doesn’t mean you should stop.

But what you do next? That’s where the real growth happens.

Step One: Feel the Feelings

The impulse to push it down, brush it off, or quickly “fix” it is real. But the first step is actually allowing yourself to feel the disappointment.

Give yourself space to name what you’re feeling:

• “I feel embarrassed.”
• “I’m frustrated because I prepared so hard.”
• “I’m confused—why didn’t I get chosen?”
• “I’m scared this means I’m not good enough.”

None of these feelings are wrong or weak. They’re real, and they deserve compassion.

Tip: Try journaling about what happened and how it felt—without judgment or trying to make it neat. Let it be messy and honest.

Step Two: Zoom Out

When you're ready, take a step back. One performance—or one audition result—doesn’t define your voice, your artistry, or your worth. It's a moment, not your entire story.

And especially with auditions, so much is out of your control. 

The casting decision may have had nothing to do with your talent or preparation.

Ask yourself:

• What was in my control, and how did I show up for that?
• What might have gone differently that I can learn from?
• What went well, even if the outcome didn’t reflect it?

This isn’t about sugarcoating—it’s about reclaiming your agency without blaming yourself for things that never were yours to control in the first place.

Step Three: Glean the Gifts

Now comes the magic: turning disappointment into information, and information into growth.

Ask:

• What did this experience reveal?
• Is there something I’d like to focus on in my practice?
• Did it uncover a mindset or belief that’s not serving me?
• Did I show up with courage, even if the outcome wasn’t what I wanted?

You might realize you want to strengthen your presence, practice releasing attachment to outcomes, or simply rest and tend to your spirit.

Even if nothing “needs fixing,” there’s always insight available. Sometimes the gift is simply proof that you can show up, give your all, and hold yourself through whatever follows.

Step Four: Reconnect to Your Why

After a rough experience, it’s easy to disconnect from your purpose. This is when you need your “why” more than ever.

Ask:

• Why do I sing?
• What do I love about performing?
• What kind of artist do I want to be?

Let yourself dream again. Let the heart of your voice rise up. You are not defined by one casting decision or one shaky performance—you are shaped by your passion, your practice, and your courage to keep showing up.

Step Five: Get Back in the Game (Gently)

You don’t have to leap into another high-stakes experience right away. But do give yourself chances to reconnect to joy in lower-pressure settings:

• Sing in your practice space with no goal but to feel good
• Share a song with a trusted friend or teacher
• Join a class or group where you can explore safely

You may even want to tell your community (if you have one) what you’re working through. 

There’s something deeply healing about being witnessed in your vulnerability and growth.

You Are Not Alone

In A Course in Joyful Singing, we talk about this a lot: how to move through the hard moments, how to stay connected to your voice even when it feels shaky, and how to reclaim your joy as a singer.

Because success isn’t about never hearing “no.” It’s about learning how to care for yourself through it, gather the gold, and keep going.

If you’ve had a rough audition or performance lately, I want you to know:

You are still worthy.
You are still an artist.
You are still invited to the stage.

Every experience, even the disappointing ones, is part of your unfolding.

So take a deep breath. Take the lesson. And take another step forward.

Your voice still has so much to say.

Have a wonderful week,

Erin

P.S. You didn’t come this far to only sing when it’s easy. Every “no,” every off-night, every moment of doubt is part of the path toward deeper artistry and unshakable confidence. Keep showing up. Keep singing. The next “yes” might be just around the corner—and you’re becoming more resilient, expressive, and powerful with every step. You've got this.