Idol Hopefuls Gather In Nashville

Thousands of star-hopefuls braved the heat outside the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville this morning (7/15), as registration to audition for season 10 of American Idol got underway. Many of those waiting to register for a time to sing arrived the night before, sleeping on the sidewalk outside the arena to be the first in line. Contestants will have to return to the arena on Saturday (7/17), when the actual singing auditions begin, in front of producers. The show’s celeb judging panel won’t be present for this early round of the competition.

Idol Season 10 auditions will also take place in Milwaukee, New Orleans, East Rutherford, Austin, and San Francisco. Season Nine was the final one for show co-creator Simon Cowell, and there is no word yet on who will replace him in the upcoming season.