This Is What It's Really Like to Audition for 'American Idol'
American Idol has catapulted many stars to fame. Its first winner, a singer you may have heard of named Kelly Clarkson, is so popular today that she’s about to launch her own talk show. Carrie Underwood, another success story you’re likely familiar with, is up for Entertainer of the Year the 2019 CMA Awards. Casual.
Though it was briefly canceled and later revived by ABC, American Idol has been a fan favorite since it first began in 2002. Through all the awkward moments and amazing performances, it’s retained its star power, likely because it reminds all of us that anyone can live their dreams.
That sentiment is what led DesertNews.com reporter Lottie Johnson to finally face her fears and audition for American Idol when it was time for open calls in Salt Lake City. She jotted down many interesting takeaways about the experience, but these are the few you won’t want to miss.
You can’t be older than 28 to audition right now.
I never thought I'd audition for @AmericanIdol. But when auditions were 2 miles from @DeseretNews, and I learned that at 28, my eligibility was expiring, I thought, “This is my moment.” My moment to prove I'd overcome an insecurity. My chance at stardom. https://t.co/UcCfJiyUws
— Lottie Johnson (@Lotlotej) September 2, 2019
According to the article, your birth date must fall between June, 2 1990, and June 1, 2004, to qualify. So if you were born before 1990, maybe you should try out for The Voice instead.
People show up early to get in line—and we mean early.
Lottie showed up around 6:45 a.m., and learned that she was far from the first person in line. A 26-year-old named Keely Ames led the pack, and she arrived at 3:30 a.m. for her coveted spot.
She stood in line for 120 minutes before even making it inside.
One hundred and twenty minutes! She noted it felt “like an eternity when you’re alone” and we can only imagine.
It may be a competition, but people still made friends.
Contestants were reportedly “quick to form bonds” over their mutual interests. (Apparently a love for judge Luke Bryan was one of them. We get it.) Once inside, the artists sang with one another and cheered as their competitors practiced, which shows there's still some pureness left in this world.
She auditioned for producers, not judges.
Lottie made no mention of performing in front of the celeb judges. Instead, she explained that she entered a room of Idol producers with three other singers.
Overall, there was a three and a half hour wait.
But who can put a time limit on fulfilling your dreams?
Unfortunately for Lottie, it doesn’t sound like she’ll be advancing to the next round. She didn’t seem too upset, and hey, that didn’t stop Maren Morris!
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