Thousands flock to Cow Palace for 'American Idol' shot

got this from mercurynews.com

Several thousand "American Idol" hopefuls braved the chilly morning temperatures outside San Francisco's Cow Palace today for their shot at stardom.

The crowd began lining up about 5 a.m. and snaked in a long line through the stadium's parking lot by the time doors opened four hours later. The 7,000-strong crowd filled half the seats at Cow Palace for a full day of auditions. Danielle Najmeh, 25, of San Jose, who hoped her version of Oleta Adams' "Get Here" would secure her a spot on the show that has launched the careers of the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and most recently David Cook. "Anything it touches turns to gold," she said about the show. "Since the days of 'Star Search' we haven't seen anything like this."

Once inside the stadium, Najmeh changed her song choice to Aretha Franklin's "Until You Come Back To Me." "The more you sit here and see people sing, the more you rethink your choices," she said. "I want to sing something with a little variety."

By 10:30 a.m., the first auditioners began streaming out of the building. Those who didn't pass to the next round exited through the front door, where well-wishers had gathered to receive friends or family members who had auditioned.

Olivia Totten, a 26-year-old hairstylist from Fremont was among the many auditioners who wasn't chosen to advance. Totten, who sported an eye-catching multi-colored haircut, sang four songs for the judge, including a couple of tunes by rock band No Doubt.

continue...

Comments