2008 Woodie Awards
American Idol report
Derrick Sheffield
Issue date: 9/24/04 Section: No Limits
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In the bright lights of Las Vegas, NV, American Idol auditions took place at the Orleans Auditorium. Nearly 6,000 people showed up for the chance to become a musical superstar. Registration for tryouts started Saturday, Sept. 11 at six in the morning and lasted until noon that day. The next morning at 8 a.m. the producers kicked off the day with a sing-a-long song of "Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis Presley. Though the words to "Viva Las Vegas" were on a giant screen, most of the interviewees didn't sing, they were so happy to be there they just danced with the person next to them.
The auditorium was surrounded by hopeful singers. Located in the middle of the arena were 11 booths with three judges in each, waiting to pass of fail the next hopeful guy or girl. Most people were unaware that they would not be singing for Paula, Randy and Simon on that day. There are three rounds of elimination and only after the third round, and about two days later, would you even get to see Paula, Randy and Simon. A majority of people left the arena to practice in the halls while others went to sing until their section was called.
The halls of the auditorium were filled with songs of happiness and splendor. It was a non-stop sing fest, practicing harder and harder the contestants took advantage of the minute they had. There wasn't a quiet moment for nearly seven hours. People who arrived late on registration day would have to stay upwards of 10 hours just to sing.
With the good there always come the bad and the disappointment of rejection by the American Idol staff left 95 percent of the contestants in the dirt. The other five percent would make it to the other rounds of elimination and perhaps get to sing for Paula, Randy and Simon.
The auditorium was surrounded by hopeful singers. Located in the middle of the arena were 11 booths with three judges in each, waiting to pass of fail the next hopeful guy or girl. Most people were unaware that they would not be singing for Paula, Randy and Simon on that day. There are three rounds of elimination and only after the third round, and about two days later, would you even get to see Paula, Randy and Simon. A majority of people left the arena to practice in the halls while others went to sing until their section was called.
The halls of the auditorium were filled with songs of happiness and splendor. It was a non-stop sing fest, practicing harder and harder the contestants took advantage of the minute they had. There wasn't a quiet moment for nearly seven hours. People who arrived late on registration day would have to stay upwards of 10 hours just to sing.
With the good there always come the bad and the disappointment of rejection by the American Idol staff left 95 percent of the contestants in the dirt. The other five percent would make it to the other rounds of elimination and perhaps get to sing for Paula, Randy and Simon.