From Deseret News archives:
Thousands jump on the 'Idol' express in Salt Lake City
Only 200-400 expected to go on to 2nd round
Out of the estimated 4,000-6,000 who showed up to audition at the EnergySolutions Arena, only about 200-400 were expected to make it to the second of three rounds. Those who did, however, could hardly contain their excitement.
"I was freaking out. I was so nervous. I started shaking like crazy," said 18-year-old Skyler Holman of Salt Lake City. "I was so happy, because I've dreamed about this forever. Ever since the show came on."
"It's intense how fast everything happened," said Nicole Christensen, 25, of Midvale, a ventriloquist who performed with a "elderly" dummy on her arm. "It's Simon Cowell's grandmother," she joked.
At the other end of the spectrum were the vast majority who were told the show is "looking for something different" this year. There was a lot of disappointment and a few tears.
But that didn't mean the effort wasn't worth it.
"Yeah, absolutely, it was a good experience," said Chris Aaron, 27, of Orem. "Nerves got the best of me."
Which is the reason thousands turned out.
"This is their tangible way of touching the show. Being a part of the show," said "Idol" senior producer Patrick Lynn. "Whether or not they're coming out here to take it seriously, or whether they're coming out because they just love the show, they're coming out. And that's the most important thing."
He said there was no "quota" on Tuesday. "We usually send through anywhere from 200 to 400 people out of this crowd, but it's really whoever we think is good enough for the show."
Tuesday's auditions were the "cull." On the floor of the arena, 12 pairs of "Idol" staffers sat at tables. Four auditioners at a time stood before a pair of judges, who spent about four minutes with each group.
Those chosen few will return to sing for the executive producers, who will pick maybe 100 to sing for judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.
The date and location of the next two rounds is a closely guarded secret for security reasons. "I've got a lot of people who are here today that probably want to be there that can't be there," Lynn said.
All we know for certain is that Rounds 2 and 3 will be in Salt Lake City sometime in September.
Recent comments
We went last year, and again this year. My Kid's only goal was to...
Mama of Idol hopeful | Aug. 10, 2008 at 7:33 p.m.
I auditioned in Salt Lake and the judge said you have a really good...
Browneyed Girl | Aug. 3, 2008 at 8:47 p.m.
funny how some of you find it annoying to watch but worthy to...
your mom | Aug. 1, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.
- Car crash victim in Lehi lifeflighted 8:21 p.m.
- TCU in good hands with Dalton 8:21 p.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 8:19 p.m.
- Bye came at good time for Weber 8:17 p.m.
- MWC focus is on Utes, Frogs 8:13 p.m.
- RSL to face Fire's Blanco 8:10 p.m.
- Lou Dobbs resigns from CNN 7:54 p.m.
- Colon cancer topic of News hotline 7:53 p.m.
- Try this chicken two-fer 6:54 p.m.
- Cats are trainable — no joke 6:47 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Gays get Mormon support in SLC
- House passes health care bill
283 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
237 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
108 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
100
This week, I'm compiling my annual list of restaurants serving...
Since we're having so much fun: If health care costs are causing so many...
ok hunters 19 playoff apperances in 20 years is the best percentage just saying
Interesting experience, read the Harmon article, then the Times article, then...
No way hunter has more kids than Alta. Maybe Davis now with syacuse...
Y'all talk about Max like he is the incarnation of Steve Young, Ty Detmer and...
I live in Santa Clarita, and it is a "town" of about 250k people. This is a...
Thanks for the info, looks like that was a good game. I didn't follow much of...
Utah Fans need to start stuffing the ballot boxes... I know the West is...
So easy: It's a good moniker for you because your arguments are so easy to...
To Anonymous | 6:51 p.m. Socialism does not require individual ownership...


