Could the next “American Idol” come from Chattanooga?
It’s happened before – runner-up Lauren Alaina built a successful career in country music thanks to the “Idol” springboard followed by hard work.
Thousands of aspiring singers hoping to be discovered as well will fill First Tennessee Pavilion on Tuesday, Aug. 28, when “American Idol” holds auditions for its second season on ABC.
Gates will open to media crews at 6:30 a.m., auditions start at 9 a.m. according to Gigi Stevens, Fremantle Media communications and publicity associate for “American Idol.”
“We find that, in most cities, hopefuls start lining up as early as 3 a.m. to audition,” she says, adding that auditions are “first-come, first-served.”
Applicants will sing for producers at the pavilion, 1826 Carter St. Those who make it through Tuesday’s preliminary rounds will sing for “American Idol” celebrity judges at a later date.
“We don’t have dates locked in or the judges’ cities yet,” says Stevens.
Singers who haven’t yet preregistered online might find it wise to do so in order to avoid lengthy paperwork Tuesday morning. Apply at https://fmna.etribez.com/ag/fmna/ai2abc/welcomeAlerts.html.
You will receive a confirmation email once your online registration is complete.
Those who successfully have registered online can pick up their wristband and seat ticket (if applicable) on audition day at the designated Check-in/Registration Line.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE AUDITION
» A photograph of yourself (mandatory).
» Valid form of ID that shows proof of age (driver’s license, state ID card or school ID card).
» The signed Personal Release form. Only a limited number of forms will be available at the audition site. If you are a minor, you and your parent/legal guardian must sign the form.
Every individual auditioning for “American Idol” is required to sign a Personal Release prior to auditioning. Find the form online at https://fmna.etribez.com/ag/fmna/ai2abc/welcomeAlerts.html.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
» You may register on Tuesday at First Tennessee Pavilion. However, if you wait until late in the day on audition day to register, you will be one of the last people to register, and there may not be enough time to accommodate you.
» No children under 5 years of age will be allowed at the audition venue.
» Auditions are open to ages 15 to 28.
» Entrants must be legal U.S. residents.
» You are allowed to have one person accompany you to the audition. However, that person must be present with you during check-in/registration so that a wristband may be issued to that guest as well.
» Any singer under age 18 on the day of auditions must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to the registration and audition. That parent or legal guardian must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. If you are accompanied by a legal guardian, your legal guardian must bring proof of guardianship.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.
HOLLYWOOD HOPEFULS
Meet three contestants hoping to make it through Tuesday’s preliminary auditions to sing before “American Idol” judges and win a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Molly Barclay (Barry Aslinger Photography)MOLLY BARCLAY, 17
» School: Center for Creative Arts senior, vocal major
» Singing style: Pop, soul
» Training: Studies classical music with Rebecca St. Goar at UTC
» Experience: Auditioned for “The Voice” in February, got a callback, didn’t advance past second preliminary round.
“Now I’m not going into this so nervous because I know what to expect. I know I have to do the best I can in the certain amount of time they give me.”
» “Idol” fan: “I’ve begged and begged to audition since I was 10; I didn’t understand there was an age limit. Auditioning’s been a dream because I love to sing. Every opportunity to get onstage is a chance to work my craft.”
» Audition notes: “A lot of these shows want people with a certain look. I am 6 feet, 2 inches and a plus-size girl. My mom didn’t want me to audition before now because she didn’t want me to have self-esteem issues since they tend to pick slender blondes. I know now that looks don’t make me who I am and I am more than my looks.”
Chastin Cookston (Contributed photo)CHASTIN COOKSTON, 20
» Occupation: Employed at Patron Mexican Grill in Dunlap, Tennessee.
» Singing style: Country. “But really anything that has a good flow to it.”
» Training: Lessons at Fireball Music in her mid-teens.
» Experience: “I don’t perform anywhere on a regular basis, but I do like to go to karaoke nights at a few restaurants.”
» “Idol” fan: “I’ve watched ‘Idol’ with my family since the very first season and always loved it. From the audition episodes to the season finale, I stay committed.”
» Audition notes: “Music is a true love of mine and has been since I was old enough to talk. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a passion.”
Grace Brody (Photo by Julie D Babb)GRACE BRODY, 17
» School: Girls Preparatory School senior. Plans to major in music business in college.
» Singing style: Pop, country, rock, alternative rock. “Since I was little, my dad played Jimmy Buffett, Kiss and Kid Rock. I heard rap and pop music through my brothers. I loved it all, so I sang it all.”
» Training: Singing lessons for five years; writing music since age 13.
» Experience: Auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” in 2015. “I still have the sticker from my audition on my guitar.”
» “Idol” fan: “I have watched ‘Idol,’ diehard, since Lauren Alaina’s year. I loved her so much. My hairdresser does her hair; my mom’s sorority sister is her manager. I have all these connections to her, but I have never had the pleasure of meeting her.”
» Audition notes: “My motivation is to have my voice out there. I registered when it was first announced ‘Idol’ was coming.”