By Robert Cardenas, IT Office

8/7/08

Whether they choose to admit it or not, everyone has seen American Idol. If not to tune into the tremendously talented individuals, it’s a chance to have a laugh at less gifted (and sometimes ridiculously dressed) contestants having their morale slaughtered by the judges. I always wondered how people were chosen and how talented you had to be to get a chance to go in front of Randy, Paula, and Simon. With one month left of being eligible to try out, I decided that it was now or never. I made arrangements to be at the Cow Palace for auditions in San Francisco.

I arrived on the first day that you could register (July 15th, two days before auditions) at 5 a.m. There were about 500 people in front of us, and that number quickly grew as time went on. Some people in line were already warming up their voices, to the annoyance of others trying to sleep. After waiting in line for a few hours, I had a ticket to enter and a paper lime green wristband that needed to be protected if I wanted a shot at fame. We also received an itinerary with a start time of five in the morning and two group songs that we had to learn. From there it started to sink in that this wasn’t just a normal audition, but a pop culture event in which most of the U.S. would be watching.

Two days later on the 17th, as I stood waiting in line on a windy morning with about five thousand other hopefuls, I knew that this would be a grand experience. Television stations from all over were out in full force getting shots of the crowd. ET (Entertainment Tonight) was also there letting whoever wanted to show off a chance to do so in front of their cameras. Then … the Idol cameras came out. We were encouraged to scream (I was one of the smart ones who didn’t, I pulled an Ashley Simpson) and be excited about being there. Then we were told to say numerous things like “I’m the next American Idol” and “Welcome to San Francisco”. After two hours of takes, the line started to move. The first group of contestants (myself included) were formed into a giant “8” and were again told to scream and do cheesy one-liners like “Season 8 from the Golden Gate”! One person asked angrily when they would have a chance to audition, to which a producer quickly snapped, “When ever we tell you!” We were then reminded that this was a television show, and if we didn’t want to participate, then there are others that would be glad to take our place. After about twenty takes, we were allowed to enter the venue.

As the Palace started to fill up with hopefuls, a guy who would turn out to be one of the judges went through the group songs and broke them down to a three-part harmony. He then informed us that Randy, Paula, Simon, and Ryan were not in attendance. After we filmed the group songs and again, did the cheesy one-liners and screamed, 12 tables were set up on the palace floor. It was then that we were informed on how the auditions would take place. A group of 4 people would audition at a table, one at a time, and after everyone had gone, the judges would talk to the group and let you know if you made it to the second round. If you made it, you would exit to the left, have your info taken, and then given a date for the second round. If not, you were to exit to the right. The moment everyone had been waiting for had come.

A wave of nervousness came over the crowd as people franticly started warming up and practicing their song of choice. The first group was led to the tables and the process began. At first, no one was leaving from the left hand side. The crowd remained anxiously quiet until a girl was handed a “golden ticket”. Everyone erupted with relief. While waiting for my chance, I was very surprised that of the number of very talented musicians that weren’t making the cut. A few contestants who the judges had on the fence, had to audition for producers, mostly to negative results. However people that sang badly (if they did it on purpose or not) or had a “unique look” were quickly passed to the second round.