A punk-pop/emo hybrid, The Audition formed in 2003, working with a revolving cast of early members to record a demo and begin playing shows around Chicago. In September 2005 the Audition signed with Victory Records releasing their debut album, Controversy Loves Company. By that point, the band's lineup included singer Danny Stevens, guitarists Seth Johnson & Tim Klepek, bassist Joe Lussa and drummer Ryan O'Connor. The band hit the road for the next two years playing shows alongside artists such as Thirty Seconds To Mars, New Found Glory, Head Automatica and Jack's Mannequin.

A sophomore effort, Champion, appeared in 2008 and cracked the Billboard 200 at number 157. Self-Titled Album marked the band's third full-length release in 2009, the same year member Joe Lussa left the lineup. Klepek handled bass duties in his absence and the 4-piece lineup made its debut in 2010 with the album, Great Danger. The band left Victory Records in July of 2010 and toured in Australia that fall with You Me At Six.

In 2011 original bass player, Joe Lussa, had rejoined the band and original guitarist Seth Johnson had left, to be replaced by Jimmy Lopez. In 2012, the band released the 6-song, Chapter II independently. After the release they toured with Every Avenue and We Are The In Crowd and then with Eve 6. In May 2018, the group reformed with Johnson back on guitar, Jon Sullivan of Jack's Mannequin on bass and Kevin Sanders of Cartel on drums to perform at Slam Dunk Festival and Riot Fest.