From Deseret News archives:

Thousands jump on the 'Idol' express in Salt Lake City

Only 200-400 expected to go on to 2nd round

Published: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 12:19 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Several thousand young people got a chance to be part of "American Idol" on Tuesday — and for most of them it was short and bittersweet.

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."

Story continues below
"It wasn't how I expected it to be, but it was still fun," said Jordann Gasser, 20, of Midvale — who's expecting a baby in September. "Just to come out here and try out was worth it. You're part of 'American Idol,"'

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.

Image

Ecstatic to have passed the first round of the "American Idol" auditions, Salt Lake resident Yolanda Arrey chats with first season runner-up Justin Guarini.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

True. It's not terribly funny and if it has any effect on society, it won't...

Letters: Christian founders

What else would you expect to find in a book called "The Founders on Religion"?

5A: Davis runs over Hunter

Ok not to be rude here, but check the stats, Hinds isnt first in yards and...

t-hinds = best player in utah

Anonymous: Was that English? I though conservatives believed if you are in...

Attack meant to kill apostle

Wow! Glad the Lord kept you safe. Separate comment: That was a horrible...

5A: Bingham rolls to title game

I have never been to a Utah high school game before as I am not from the...

Sponsor for gay-rights bills found

It would behoove the above commenters to recall that religion, including our...

Vandals take advantage of young Utes

Only 8000 attendance? BYU had 16,000+ tonight. What is wrong with Ute fans?...

ian you are the 3A MVP If you win next week so just do it that would be nice....

Advertisements
Advertisement