What does it take to get past the first round of auditions for American Idol?

Preferably someone with some experience could help out, unless someone
just knows well enough.

Another question on here was asked earlier tonight about backstories,
and it got me thinking waaaay too intensely, and I don't like it.

I've been following the show since Kelly won on the stage in 2002, so
I've been able to study everything down to a science. However, the
preliminary auditions (the ones that I'll be attending in a couple
weeks) are the ones that I'm completely clueless about because they're
not televised or talked about in depth like the actual auditions we
see on TV.

What does it take to get past the first round? Pia Toscano, an amazing
vocalist from this past season of the show, tried out 5 times before
she made it. Colbie Caillat and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum tried
out and didn't even make it, and look at them now! They're both huge!
Obviously, they don't put ALL talent through. Other people are saying
that a good backstory, and/or acting like a total idiot will be
beneficial. I don't want to make it by acting like an idiot; I want to
make it because of talent. I don't have a backstory, motivation to act
stupid and degrade myself on national television, or an other type of
compelling story that could move the producers. I just have talent
that I'd like to try and get through by.

Am I in trouble because I don't have anything else to support myself
through the preliminary auditions, or will I be okay? Thanks in
advance to anyone who answers with a good response!