Former The Voice finalist Karen Waldrup has shared the behind-the-scenes habits she believes can make a major difference for contestants hoping to go all the way on the singing competition.

Getting a chair turn is only the first step. Contestants also have to follow a long list of official requirements, some of which may surprise viewers.

Artists selected for The Voice must be prepared to travel and live at undisclosed locations in the U.S. for several weeks during production. They may also have to undergo medical examinations arranged by the show before appearing on the program.

But some of the show’s rules become even more specific once contestants make it through the Blind Auditions.

Some Voice Contestants Have Less Control Than They Think

While artists can choose their own songs for the Blind Auditions, that freedom can become more limited as they move deeper into the competition.

According to reports, producers have a bigger role in choosing songs for later performances. The same can happen with contestants’ outfits, as the show’s wardrobe team helps decide what artists wear onstage.

There are also eligibility rules that may catch aspiring contestants off guard.

People running for public office cannot compete on The Voice, and former contestants must wait one year after their season finale airs before running for office.

Production can also consider an applicant’s connections to people who have worked for companies associated with the show.

But according to Waldrup, some of the most important rules are not written down anywhere.

Karen Waldrup Says Contestants Need to Treat It Like a Real Competition

Waldrup, who reached the Season 25 finale as a member of Team Dan + Shay, recently opened up about her experience on The Voice.

During an appearance on the Back Stage Pass with Steve Ryan podcast, she said contestants need to stay completely focused throughout the competition.

Waldrup said she prioritized her health, drank plenty of water and made sure she was getting enough rest. She even made a habit of taking a bath and getting into bed around 8:30 p.m. during filming.

For her, the experience was never a vacation in Los Angeles.

She also stressed the importance of treating rehearsals seriously. Waldrup said she would do her hair and makeup before rehearsals because producers and cameras were already watching.

In her view, contestants who treated rehearsals casually could be missing an important opportunity to show what they could do.

Waldrup believes many of the artists who reach the finale are the ones who stay focused from the moment they arrive.

She also said she spent extra time practicing her songs, determined to be as prepared as possible whenever she stepped onto the stage.

Her advice offers a different look at what it takes to succeed on The Voice. A great voice may earn a contestant a chair turn, but Waldrup believes discipline, preparation, rest and treating every performance seriously can be just as important once the competition begins.

New episodes of The Voice air Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and stream the following day on Peacock.