Philly searches for next American Idol at Wachovia

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Editor
August 29, 2007

The Wachovia Center hosted American Idol auditions in South Philadelphia Aug. 27, attracting singers from at least four surrounding states. The seventh search for America’s favorite singer began in San Diego, CA and made its last stop in the City of Brotherly Love this week. Philly was the only audition location for the entire Northeast section of the country and for those rejected in other cities, Philly became their last hope.

Those who believed they were the next Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood or Taylor Hicks began to register for the singing competition Aug. 25 and continued to wait until Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. Auditions lasted until about 1 a.m.

American Idol producer Patrick Lynn told the Philadelphia Daily News that the Philadelphia auditions turned out the biggest crowd of the season and possibly the second-largest of the entire series’ history.

American Idol hopefuls used any means possible to get noticed by the judges. Some dressed as angels while a few impersonated superheroes. Even their modes of transportation emitted suggestions of star potential, with vans and cars displaying messages such as “Watch out, Simon” and “Philly, Here I Am.”

Host of the widely-popular FOX series, Ryan Seacrest said in the Daily News that donning a strange and unique get-up does in fact make an impression, but not a particularly good one. Seacrest said that the judges only want to hear the voices.

According to testimonies given to the Daily News by participants post-audition, American Idol production staff members administered preliminary tryouts on Wachovia Center floor, where contestant-hopefuls prepared two songs. Apparently, a large number of participants were interrupted mid-song rather abruptly and were eliminated.

Those who impressed the first round judges would advance to the next stage and audition for executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick Aug. 29 and 30 at a secret location somewhere else in the city.

Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell will hear the singing attempts of participants approved by the executive producers on Sept. 1 and 2 at another discreet Philadelphia site.

The Philadelphia participants who advance to this stage will be the first of the season for Jackson, Abdul and Cowell. Philly is considered the “turnaround site” since these three judges will re-audition advancing contestants and then move on to cities previously screened.

All participants who advanced to the next stage on Monday were advised not to speak to the media regarding the competition.

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu