American Idol auditions

Yesterday was a day of superlatives:

-the earliest I had gotten up in over a year
-the longest I've ever been stuck in traffic
-the most I've ever walked in one contained area
-the most worn out my lower body has ever been

and yet it was also...
-the most exciting thing I've ever covered

Plus, I wasn't the one singing my heart out to have my pipe dreams crushed. And truly, there are few greater joys in life than watching a raisin interview crazy auditioners. Brilliant! But if you'll excuse me, I've got apply some lotion to my sunburned face.

While we were out doing actual work, what happened to you?
Did you faint? Did you make it to the next round?
Did you (gasp!) freak out and bomb your audition? Did you talk to Josh?
Did you take any pictures? If so, click here to send 'em to us!

While you're at it, tell us some more stuff about you here.

It's safe to say the 'Idol' auditions definitely met a long day for all involved. A public relations person from the show said she'd been up since 2:30 a.m. I woke up at 4 a.m. to get to Texas Stadium at 5 a.m.

It was hot and miserable. My feet hurt. I'm sunburned. I'm dehydrated.

And I actually got to come back downtown for a couple hours to work on the video diary of Josh's adventure. I was at the newspaper, with nice air conditioning and a comfortable chair, and I am still exhausted.

I didn't sing or anything. But I did a fair share of yelling at people who were getting in my shot. It was crazy, to say the least.

I also should note that, after standing at Gate 6 for about 45 minutes, I realized that there were a lot of dreams broken today.

Just because Josh didn't go on to the next round doesn't mean there weren't some winners in the crowd. When I finally hit the road at 3:57 p.m. there was still a steady flow of contestants coming out.

It doesn't mean the end of the dream, according to one woman.

"There's always Nebraska," she told a friend.

That is all. We can't talk about it right now. There was anger, disappointment, throwing of shoes ... but that didn't last too long because it's hot in case you hadn't noticed.

Kip and Tara are stationed et Gate 6, the gate where those who weren't chosen exit Texas Stadium. Josh didn't seem to appreciate this and accused his fellow interns of not having faith in his singing abilities.

But it turns out there's shade at Gate 6. (Supply your own psychological theories about letting the "winners" exit in the spotlight of a blazing Texas summer sun.)

Although, the gate of shame wasn't full of cryers as you might expect. Kip says there were a bawlers, but "most people have accepted they're horrible and have moved on."

Josh is now on cloud 9. Some guy just stopped Josh as he was sitting in the stadium.

"You're that guy from the Idol Diaries, right?"

"Yes, I am," Josh replied.

So now Josh is enjoying a low level of fame in North Texas.

Josh says, "Watch out nation!"

I'm standing at the top of the rejection tunnel. Most people have their heads downs. There seems to be two remedies for the post rejection blues. Cigarettes and a phone call to mom and dad.

Kip claims to be utterly lost. He parked by Gate 4 thinking Gate 6 would be pretty close by. Wrong.

"Everything was clearly labeled until about Gate 5," he said. "Then the next thing I saw was Gate 8."

Kip did manage to talk to Josh ... through a fence. Josh is hot. Josh is sweaty. Josh is ready to throw in the trashbag. But he's about 30 minutes away from auditioning, so he's going to stick it out.

Another note on dressing the part: Kip saw a red-faced woman trudging around the parking lot in red high (high) heels. We'd feel sorry for her if we didn't feel like the whole "sensible shoes" thing was pretty clear from the start, what with bajillions of people waiting in a milie-long line and all.

Josh hasn't found anyone named Elisa so far (see comment below), but he would love to see her if she has some food. He says there isn't much to choose from at Texas Stadium. It all looks terrible.

"It's like processed cheese nachos," he said.

He clarified an earlier post. They started at section 19. They are now at section 15. More and more people are going to the field. He said it had been some time since someone actually was chosen to go to the back.

It's now getting to be the hottest time of day and Josh is seriously questioning auditioning at this point.

"I'm very sweaty. I smell like feet. And I can't remember why I volunteered to do this," he said.

Darla Atlas reports that Ricco Barrino, brother of former Idol winner, Fantasia, brother tried out at Texas Stadium. He made it to the next round.
Look for Darla's interview with Ricco on GuideLive.com and in The Dallas Mornning News.

Josh Davis has reported that another person has fallen down near the 30-yard line from what appears to be heat exhaustion.

He questions why the contestants were sat on the side of the stadium where the sun is coming right down on them. He's still hot, but hasn't passed out.

It seems as if Josh isn't the only character out auditioning for 'Idol' today. While trying to get out of the heat, he came across a man dressed as a woman, complete with long red hair.

Josh said he must have been 6'6'' or taller.

They apparently had a moment of shared obsurdity.

"He and I just stop and look and looked at each other and nodded and walked away," said Josh.

Things are going incredibly slow, he says.

"If it is done by 4 o'clock, I will be stunned."

'Idol' hopefuls are being pulled row-by-row in groups of 12 to come down to the field and then try out in groups of four. Right now they are on section 16. Josh is in section 13.

It turns out those tickets they handed out with the wristbands DID have seat numbers saying where people would sit. By the way, it's still hot out there.

Check out video and slideshow from today's audition madness:

• Video: 'Idol' diary: Day 2

• Video: 'Idol' tryouts begin: Day 2

• Photos: 'Idol' Tryouts: Day 2

So far, Kip has seen four high school classmates. Though he would have never picked them to be into the Idol craze, he says he wishes the luck. ...

More happy tiding: Kip got to take a ride in the Oscar Meyer Weiner mobile. People leaving the auditions get can sing the jingle from prizes. Which may or may not be weiners.

Some producer was explaining the process to the people already inside the stadium. As he was talking, Josh Davis, who is trying out in a California raisin costume, yelled "Take it off!!" No one laughed. Except Josh. But everyone did turn around and stare at him.

By the way, if you are wondering how long Josh can make it without having a heatstroke in his garbage bag -- he says not that much longer. He downed a bottle of water earlier, but it's not going to be enough to last him through the day. He estimates that he has another 2-3 hours before he gets called.

He thinks that about 1 out of every 10 people are making it through to the next round.

Darla Atlas reports that people have started to come out of Gate 2 (those going to the next round) and Gate 6 (those who've been rejected.) She said that she's only seen two people (both girls) come out of Gate 2. But a wave of rejects are streaming from the other gate.

And apparently those going on to the next round have been told not to talk to the media.

Our very own 'Idol' contestant Josh Davis has reported that things inside of Texas Stadium are hot, really hot. They've sat all the contestants on the side facing the sun, much to his chagrin. He waited 20 minutes inside before anything even happened.

And then they broke into chants saying "Everything's bigger in Texas" and "I'm going to be the next 'American Idol." Then there was a huge singalong of "Let the music play."

"We repeated the chorus no less than 30-times," he said. "Over and over again for the camera."

Only a few people have been let in so far - maybe eight as of this posting.

"A lot of people are getting kicked out very fast," he said. "Some are crying."

As for his chances, Josh still thinks his 'California raisin' costume will be the winning ticket.

"They might give me the boot," he said. "But I really think there's not a lot of sideshow people or people who are goofy, so I think I still have a chance."

(Matthew Haag)

(Matthew Haag)

This is what happens when you try to bring umbrellas, chairs, coolers and blankets to American Idol auditions.

Ran into Krum teenager Baylie Brown, who made it to Hollywood last season only to be rejected in favor of the tone-deaf-yet-totally-smokin'-hot Antonella Barba during group performances. Brown, now much wiser at 17, said she's more confident this time around. "I know what to expect this time, so I think I should make it further." Her audition songs? "When Will I Be Loved" and Faith Hill's "Lost." Brown was in a hurry to make it into the stadium (maybe she didn't have to wait in line this year -- I didn't ask), so she gave a short answer when I asked what she'd been up to since her moment in the spotlight last season. "I've just been singing a lot," she said. Get 'em, girl.

A sampling of the trash contestants left on the ground as they filed into the stadium:

--banana peels
--flip-flops
--cans of energy drink
--cereal boxes
--bags of beef jerky
--an In Touch magazine
--contestant information forms
--makeup brushes
--little golden tambourines
--cans of Slim-Fast
--a "Simon Says" sign
--an entire sleeve of crackers
--an index card with the lyrics to the Doobie Brothers' "Listen to the Music"

Don't get me wrong: I can't really say what happened inside Texas Stadium, as Fox doesn't let any reporters in on the real auditioning action. Pshaw. But after the sweaty, tired mass of humanity began making its way inside, I heard some really bad singers performing live. The PR reps tells me those are the "practice songs" that will be filmed for the audition segments of the coming season. One of the tunes was "Hotel California," sung by what sounded like a 16-year-old girl. I'm sure she had an excellent grasp of the lyrical themes. But I guess they do sort of apply a bit to the lucky singers who end up making it to the finals: "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."

Walking alongside the never-ending, gated-in herd of contestants, innocent bystanders and smokers are able to get a good idea of this year's crop. We've got a guy rocking a ponyhawk (identified in earlier posts as "Danjaya"), teenage girls in matching outfits (isn't the point of this to seem unique?), tons of people with headphones on ("Gotta stay in the zone, brah."), guys in 10-gallon cowboy hats (Texas, y'all!), some dude with a shirt reading "PICK ME FOR THE NEXT IDOL," holding a sign saying the exact same thing (redundant, anyone?), and three girls singing "Lean on Me" to the older woman waiting with them (poor mother.) Strangely, I haven't seen that many weird costumes. That's not counting our raisin-esque intern.

I'm safe in East Dallas after an errrrly-morning survey of the scene at Texas Stadium. First thing I saw when arriving at the front of the line was what seemed to be an enthusiastic crowd, screaming and chanting for a Fox camera on a crane. Then I heard them being directed by one of the producers. "Make sure you guys in front are looking at that camera!" he yelled. "OK stop stop stop." The crowd went quiet. "Alright, we're gonna try this again. When I count to three, you guys yell 'Welcome to Dallas!' One... two... three!" "WELCOME TO DALLLASSSS." Once the cameras stopped filming, the enthusiasm was gone. No wonder they say TV is fake.

are heading into Texas Stadium to await their auditions. We here there will be a huge singalong once everyone's inside. Some song about Texas apparently. How sweet.

The Idol folks have made it easy to determine who's getting called back and who's not. Those lucky enough to come back for Round 2 will exit Gate 2. The rejects will be escorted through Gate 6.

Is smoking good for one's singing abilities? I didn't think so either, but it sure is a popular pastime around here. Not that there's anything wrong with that. OK, yes there is.

Apparently quite a few people are requiring medical attention. Reporter Michael Granberry has spotted at least four people getting assistance from CareFlight from symptoms of heat exhaustion. An Idol spokeswoman says none of those cases are serious. It won't help that the auditions are being delayed for at least another hour until everyone competing is inside the venue.

People can't start auditioning until everyone is inside Texas Stadium. So that means it's going to be more like 11 a.m. before you get your chance to shine.

A woman is taken out of the line after she fainted. (Matthew Haag)

Two women have fainted at the front of the line. Both have ice packs on their necks. A girl has received oxygen and was just put into an ambulance. Another is sitting in a chair with an ice pack on the back of her neck.

A third person has just arrived. She said that she hasn't been drinking a lot of water in line. She is now lying in the grass with multiple ice packs on her chest and neck.

A woman passed out in the heat. The Idol hospitality tent is taking care of her. What did we say about this being Texas in August?

"She doesn't have ID with her. I asked her 10 times about ID!"
-- Disgruntled mom, who woke up way too early to deal with this fatal mistake

Some people know how to work the TV media. Some redhead has gotten plenty of plublicity by yelling at reporters.

And that same girl has just scored a date with a man with a sign that says "Danjaya." They were just hitting it off in line.

If the heat stroke doesn't kill you, the second-hand smoke will. Once you run the Porta-Potty gauntlet, you have to survive the smoke.

Keys to success: Wearing a garbage on your head. Apparently Josh is getting all the stare. People are taking his pictures. He's apparently making a lot of friends.

Josh, our resident raisin, interviewed a woman wearing some sort fo dress-slash-spandex get-up, a feather boa and the cheapest black wig I've ever seen. And she is definitely going to be this next William Hung. You couldn't really hear her singing, which was a good thing because she's dreadful. But they will definitely use her in promos. She's just that bad.

Didn't she cancel her summer tour because of poor ticket sales? Well, Burleson isn't that far away. So what's your excuse, Kelly?

A Fox News truck from Austin got towed for being parked illegally.

Sounds like perhaps the auditions have begun. I can hear someone singing from inside of Texas Satdium on a mic. Not sure if I'm beginning to hear voices (since I've been here for 4 hours) or if the auditions are really starting.

I think there should be new American Idol rules that, if broken, lead to an automatic disqualification before you even step inside.

No. 1. You're out if you sing badly in line outside.

No. 2. You're out if you're wearing a piece of clothing not made for your body. I'm seeing a lot of people wearing stuff that's way too short for their build. And I'm seeing a lot of signs that say 'I lost this much weight to be the next American Idol.' There can be hefty American Idols, too, just wear something more for your size. It's hard enough to pull off a tube top. ...

(Matthew Haag)

(Matthew Haag)

Steven Whitson, who drove 9 hours from Jackson, Tenn., is trying use his struggle with being overweight as a story to drive him into the next round with Simon, Paula and Randy. There is one caveat. He was 60 pounds overweight when he was a kid, not as an adult. So his feat, although impressive, wasn't accomplished in the past decade.

And your 8:05 a.m. Kimberly Caldwell update. She is currently holding a baby and telling him that he'll be the next American Idol. The kid is confused and no doubt wants to be given back to his father.

Your 8:09 a.m, K-Caldwell update. (Apparently she's working for TV Guide now) She's talking to Brittany, the Arlington teenager who dressed as Elpheba.

More random thoughts: First, everyone should know this. But Porta-Potty etiquette states that you only No. 1 no matter how bad you have to go. But people seem to have forgotten that.

Second, there's a guy where who should already be disqualified. He's actually no that bad, but he's practicing singing Michael Bolton in line. Of all the things to sing ... It's brutal.

You can bring water bottles now. The line police have stopped confiscating them. But, according to Tara, if you don't have your own water, you can buy some for $3 a bottle. So if you don't make it to Idol, you'll leave Dallas a bit poorer.

An American Idol publicist said they're letting people in early because of the heat. It is a bit hot out here, so that seems to make sense. The publicist said the time audition time won't change Even though the line isn't moving at all, people should be in and out in about an hour and a half.

On a side note, I've seen a lot of signs saying 'I lost 30 pounds' to be the next American Idol.' One even said 'I lost 60 pounds.'

(Matthew Haag)

About 250 people are coming in at a time.

So I finally made it (it's 7:11 a.m.). I'm actually on the property and parked in section J. It's not across the bridge, but it's a pretty good bit away.

I ran into some friends from high school who are auditioning. They asked if I was auditioning, and I was like, "Nooooooo. No, no, no. No."

And there was this guy who was running some sort of scam. He was stopping everyone and telling them about ths girl who wanted to audition, but she couldn't get here because her mom got sick. And he wanted me to follow him to the Days Inn.

Um, no. First of all, I told him I'm not here auditioning. I have to work, but he was like 'Don't worry about getting back in. I can get you back in.' Second, the Days Inn is within walking, so why would I have to follow him?

And at the end of this sob story, he said they (now there were more than one) were 'fine females.' So yeah, um. No.

(Matthew Haag)

(Matthew Haag)

The American Idol producers and cameramen are starting to shoot the opening scenes for the episode. On a count of three, the people were told to say, "Welcome to Dallas!"

The traffic to get into Texas Stadium was insane this morning (more to come from Kip later) and the line to audition was just as long.

The crowd is massive.

Most seem a bit confused about the time they’ll be able to get through the doors and into the stadium. When told the doors wouldn’t open officially until after 8 a.m. one man responded: “So what, are they just going to make us wait in line? That seems a little ridiculous.”

Yes, maybe so, especially since most people showed up early – I’m taking 3 a.m. early.

But it’s worth it to be the next ‘American Idol’ right?

I just had two thoughts. One: I can finally see the stadium, and a car just drove by with an "Obama '08" sticker. He will probably get elected before I get to Texas Stadium.

And two: I just heard "The Weight" on the radio by The Band, and I wonder how many classic songs will get butchered today. ...

We've got people swarming around Texas Stadium talking to those standing in line, but Kip Mooney will be playing the part of a Regular Person Stuck in Traffic. Here's what he had to say about his drive from Garland:

At 6:10 a.m., I've moved about three-tenths of a mile on Loop 12, a mile away from Texas Stadium. The exit lane is not moving at all.

There's an on-ramp to Loop 12, and when people saw it wasn't moving, about five cars tried to back up all at once. But one car wanted to go forward, so the cars where kind of stuck. A motorcycle cop came and straightened them all out.

I'm glad I'm not taking this seriously as my chance to be a star. But even I was, I would have would have already been like 'Nope, screw it.'

The line is at least 50 people wide at the front of the line. It puts Saturday's line to shame.

People are singing, screaming and waving signs. According to one sign, Ashley Nurley from Sulphur Springs is the next American Idol.

You might be Elvis reincarnated, but if luck isn't on your side during the first round of Idol auditions, you'll be heading back home.
That's how 18-year-old Breanne Strawn of Garland looks at it. Tomorrow will be her third time to try out for the show. She points out that Jordin Sparks – according to rumor – auditioned in one city and didn't make it, so she flew to another city. And look, she ended up being Season Six's last singer standing. (In your face, anonymous producer who rejected her!)
"And Chris Sligh, he tried out one year with really short hair and didn't make it," Breanne adds. "Last year, he did make it. So it's all about luck: what judge you get, how many times they've heard that song, if it's before lunch or after lunch. But the experience is truly fun."
Two years ago, Breanne made it past the first line of defense in Denver by singing "Respect," but was later told by the executive producers that she seemed too young.
Still, she left encouraged: "I made the top 200 out of 10,000."
Last year in San Antonio, "I ended up being one of the last ones to go," she says. "I didn't make it past the first round, but they did have me sing four songs."
This time, she's not sure what she'll sing, but it'll be an older tune. (One of her personal faves: "Stand By Your Man.") She'll have plenty of time to practice; last year she arrived at 4 a.m. and finally auditioned at 8:30 p.m.
"What's so crazy about it is you never get away from hearing someone singing," she says. "In the bathroom, there are five people singing in the stalls; when you walk down the hall, there are 20 people singing on their iPods. You'll hear every song imaginable."

Talk Saturday at Texas Stadium proved that people are willing to lose sleep for ‘Idol.’ One woman mentioned she may not sleep the night before at all. Another said she was setting her alarm clock for 1:30 a.m.

I asked what time she usually went to bed. “Midnight,” she responded. “Sometimes later. I may go clubbing.”

Not what I would recommend the night before what could be the biggest audition of her life.

Our reporting team is scheduled to show up at about 5 a.m. That’s not as early as some folks – including the woman who asked me if I thought the ‘Idol’ people would mind if she showed up at 2 a.m. – but the sun’s not up yet, so it qualifies. Josh Davis, our ‘Idol’ contestant is also planning to head out before dawn.

So do your best to get some sleep. Set those alarm clocks. Don’t hit the snooze button. And rest that voice a little. We want the next ‘American Idol’ to come out of the Dallas auditions. Really, we’re rooting for you.

Still not sure what to do tomorrow, go here for more details.

I tagged along for the Idol odyssey of Josh Davis this morning. I can definitely say, after spending most the morning with our dear Josh, he isn’t the best singer out there.

We had some pretty strong samplings, including a rendition of Jewel’s “Foolish Games” by a woman named Cassie from Arlington. It didn’t make the cut for the video of Josh’s try at becoming the next American Idol, but believe me it was amazing.

Then again, there was a guy standing next to me for twenty minutes singing the “put the lime in the Coke song.” The exchange between him and woman was special.

Man: “You put the lime in Coke, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah. Lime in the Coke.”

Woman: “Is that your audition song?”

Man: “Yeah. I’m singing it and the Fresca song. You know, the one the girls sing?

Woman: “Really, you’re singing that?”

Man: “Totally.”

Woman: “Good luck with that.”

Then, she turned to a group of friends and started snickering. See, Josh wasn’t the only one ruining dreams today.

There was a guy in front of Josh Davis in line who reminded me of two people:
1) Napoleon. (The man in line was about 5'2).
2) Chris Daughtry, the contestant in last year's show.

The guy in line, who said he was from Tulsa, wore a graphic t-shirt with about 15 holes in it. He looked very tough and probably likes Daughtry's single "Home."

Just a guess

If I had to guess, I'd say now might be a good time to go to Texas Stadium to get your American Idol wristband if you haven't already. At 8 a.m., the lines were about a quarter of the way around the stadium. Probably 3,000 to 4,000 people. It looked like Six Flags over Texas on the first day of sumer.

But about an hour and a half later, the line was cut in half. So if that pace kept up, I'm sure you could walk in easily.

I talked to about a dozen people Saturday morning at Texas Stadium and no matter if they were talented or not, they all thought they had a good chance to make it to Hollywood. When some sang, I had the urge to break it to them that they didn't quite have the voice. I'm no Phil Spector (on multiple levels) or Simon Cowell, but I think I can guage talent to a certain degree.

1. People, especially teenage girls, like to dress up to get wristbands
2. Majority of people waiting in line have a voice bad enough to crack a window
3. People will act like idiots to get on TV

KDFW.com

Intern Josh Davis has been spotted on the local Fox station! Josh is trying out for American Idol and could become the next William Hung. I think Josh already has a Christmas CD in the works. Much like Mr. Hung's.

(Josh is the behemoth in the pink shirt)

1. The bathrooms are gross. Bring some sanitary wipes or cleansing soap.
2. DO NOT bring coolers Monday. The word is you won't be able to bring them in.
3. Bring sunscreen. (August. Texas. Hi.)
4. Remember there are not in-and-out priviledges in the parking lot.
5. Also, just because you got your wristband at dawn, doesn't mean you'll be the first to audition Monday.
6. People got yanked from the line for smoking. (Wouldn't it just break your heart if a nicotine craving cost you your dream? It would break our hearts for you.)
7. Again, Texas in August. It's hot. It's miserable. It's a long wait. Stay hydrated.

Check out the vote on your favorite Idol. At last count, she has more than 53,000 (yes, thousand votes.)

He released three CDs thanks to Idol: “Inspiration,” “Hung for the Holidays” and “Miracle: Happy Summer from William Hung.”

OK, so his audition didn’t go well. And really, he can’t sing. But he’s sure got spirit. He's even got a couple music videos now, also on YouTube.

File this audition under: “What not to do.”

I thought it might help to go YouTubin' to give those planning to audition some real-life examples of success. Go 'head and watch the first auditions of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks. If these clips do anything at all, they reinforce my belief that American Idol has the best makeover team in the world.

Ok, calling all Idol wannabes and aficionados. We have some questions for you. Click the question to answer or comment to the post. (You guys know how blogs work.)

Here we go:

How far did you travel to audition?

Have you auditioned before?

What song are you going to sing? What’s your genre?

Who's your favorite American Idol and why?

Who's your favorite Texas musician?

Would you rather win the contest and have a so-so career or place in the top five and be a star?

Can you sing? (No, seriously.)

...found my costume. I'll let you guess which of the options out of the title actually fits my theme.

HINT: It's not the potatoe.

We just got out of a meeting with the American Idol coverage staff, and I can reveal little more than the fact that it's on like the title of this post.

Tara will be following me on my epic journey into the national consiousness, which is built around a song recommendation from my grandparents that will be revealed in my three part video series.

It looks to be a solid, fun coverage team that will make waking up at 4 in the morning twice seem a little better.

Say it with me:

Saaaaaannnnnnnjayyyyyyyaaaaaa!

DMN File/Darnell Renee

Other than Kelly Clarkson, the person I've always rooted for each season has lost, and until Daughtry last year, I didn't realize what a big deal that was. I believe his album has sold more than the three contestants who beat him out COMBINED. Plus, he can make the music he wants to without being beholden to one style. So anyways, if you want to be the next American Idol (unless you can sell Kelly- or Carrie-size numbers), hope you lose. It might be in your favor.