"American Idol" has America falling in love with it each season. The show finds amazing talent using a system of recruiting, screening and evaluating potential superstars. Why not tap into the same methods to find your Mr. or Ms. Right?

Here are seven steps to finding great dates or a mate using the "American Idol" approach.

Idol hopefuls bring talent, desire and fortitude to the table for a chance to receive fame, fortune and a touring contract. Make a list of the qualities you possess and those that you must have in your relationship with your "love idol." Here is a sample list.

In my next relationship, my partner and I will:

Keep in mind, it's your list, so list the qualities that are your requirements for a lasting relationship. You are your own talent scout, in search of the best for you.

Idols are thoroughly pre-screened in front of the judges without music. They have only a few minutes to impress the judges; otherwise they do not make it to the next round.

In dating, you can also have a pre-screening interview. If you meet online or at an event, you can exchange numbers and talk on the phone first. Set up a short meeting over coffee to pre-screen hopefuls. Talk casually about your interests, and ask a couple of questions about theirs. Keep the conversation light so you don't come off as an interrogator. See if you "click" and enjoy each other's company before you set up a longer date.

If you don't match, move on. If you do click, then arrange to meet again in a public place. Search online at sites like Yahoo!'s Upcoming or Meetup for fun activities such as art or music festivals.

"American Idol" candidates work on their singing to prepare for auditions. Prepare for your own dating "auditions." Date different people at least a couple of times per week. Join an activity club of your favorite interest to meet people. At this stage, you can plan a longer date. If you have a busy schedule, meet the person for lunch during work hours, or go to an art festival on the weekend. Make time to date, even if it means missing your favorite TV show once in awhile.

On American Idol, the judges keep looking hard at candidates during each phase of the process to evaluate their skills. Keep your eyes open for physical, intellectual and lifestyle commonalities between you and your date.

Decide if you are a match before you jump into a relationship. Give yourself at least 3 to 6 months of dating before you rule out all others. If a person is nice but doesn't match your requirements, keep looking! By not settling, you keep yourself open to the best opportunities. You may find someone that initially doesn't catch your eye but turns out to be exactly what you are looking for. That's why it's good to take your time to date different types of people.

The judges and the public become more and more critical with each round, to see if the candidates have staying power. Do the same for your dating candidates. Become discerning, without being hurtful. There's no need to explain to someone why you don't want to see them again. Just say no thanks.

Look closely for red flags or warning signs. Here are some examples:

People say opposites attract, but that doesn't mean they should get married. You can end a relationship if the person doesn't match your desires. If you have no good candidates in mind, meet some new people. Have friends introduce you to singles they know by having a happy hour or dinner party.

If you are a match on all levels so far, then proceed to the next round!

Simon, Paula and Randy look at candidates and debate intensively over a period of weeks and months before handing out a record deal. The rush of infatuation can trick you into thinking it's a good idea to get serious right away. It's important, once you have found someone you enjoy being with, to wait at least 6 to 9 months before discussing the possibility of being exclusive.

Ideally, if you can hold out, take at least a year to get to know someone before deciding to become exclusive. In time, both of you will experience enough of your personality and habits to see if they gel.

If you really like a person, notice how they interact with you, friends and family. It is important to get along with each other's inner circle. Ask for honest feedback from those who love you. Be open to what they have to say. Decide as you go along who you do and don't wish to date anymore.

Don't commit to a relationship unless you are absolutely sure that you are for each other!

If you are sure you have found Mr. or Ms. Right, double and triple check that they are everything you have wanted in life. You can compromise on the small issues, but make sure your major requirements are met; otherwise, you are asking for relationship woes down the road. For example, if one of you wants kids and the other one doesn't, that is a deal-breaker.

Although no one is perfect, you deserve to share a total mind, body and heart connection with your life partner. When you do have that final talk and tell them they are the one for you, you can more safely give them your heart and spend your life together. Enjoy all the rewards that your search brings to both of you. May you find your happily ever after!