Amid sweltering temperatures the American Idol auditions kicked off at Disney Springs in Orlando Florida on Thursday. Past winners Ruben Studdard (S2), Jordin Sparks (S6) and Kris Allen (S8) were on hand to get things started.
“I’m impressed by the turnout, and I’m impressed by what we’re seeing,” senior supervising producer Patrick Lynn told the Orlando Sentinel. “I can’t even see the end of the line right, now. This is great, especially in this heat.”
After Idol ended a 15 season run on FOX in 2016, the show returns to Disney ABC in 2018. Hence, the first stop on the Idol bus tour had to be Orlando.
“That’s why we’re here. There’s a lot of talent here,” Lynn said, estimating the show could see up to 2,000 hopefuls on Thursday. “It was time to come back.”
Jordin told the Sentinel that she remembers Kelly Clarkson winning the first season: “I was such a huge fan. I still am. I looked at my Mom and said, ‘I want to do that.’ I wanted to be onstage evoking emotions through song.”
“They’re seeing how well you can handle everything,” Jordin said about the challenges of that first audition. “Can you handle the heat? Can you keep your attitude in check when you’re tired? Can you have other songs in your pocket? Can you maintain your voice? How are you interacting with other people?”
Ruben said: “I knew when I was 11 I wanted to be a professional musician. American Idol’ was the catalyst for me to get to do a job that I’ve been wanting to do my whole life. So I’m just really thankful.”
Kris said: “I thought the show was great before. I think adding Disney into the equation definitely puts it in the upper echelon of amazing shows.” Jordin believes Idol and Disney are a good fit because the show is all about family. “It’s good to be here,” she said. “I love Disney, I love theme parks, and I love the show.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, if you really want it,” Ruben said. “You don’t get to choose how your dream comes. You just get to be a part of the process.”
American Idol judges auditions are reportedly set for the end of September/October. So far, Katy Perry is on board to judge and Ryan Seacrest will return to host. Also today, the West Coast bus began its tour in Portland Oregon. The American Idol Audition buses are set to visit 19 cities.
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The SEARCH FOR THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL IS OFFICIALLY ON.
The shot is done over and over, so expect to see this ribbon cutting on the premiere.
Radio Disney interviews for the American Idol Facebook page, featuring interviews with Kris, Jordin, Ruben and more.
The kickoff @DisneySprings! pic.twitter.com/iOznvD6lId
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) August 17, 2017
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It’s always good to see .@JordinSparks ??? #TheNextIdol pic.twitter.com/CQnap3li5g
— RADIO DISNEY (@radiodisney) August 17, 2017
.@KrisAllen is here for the @AmericanIdol audition kick off! #TheNextIdol pic.twitter.com/n2C8MkSJQw
— RADIO DISNEY (@radiodisney) August 17, 2017
We are at @DisneySprings for the @AmericanIdol audition kick off with @RubenStuddard #TheNextIdol ?? pic.twitter.com/pNwItczmyQ
— RADIO DISNEY (@radiodisney) August 17, 2017
We’ve had a blast covering the return of @AmericanIdol in Orlando! Join us live at noon 4 a look at more contestants! Good luck everyone???? pic.twitter.com/kFknuheOew
— Shelby Danielsen (@NewsShelby) August 17, 2017
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