Read about my American Idol experience from the beginning
I was up at 4:30am even though my alarm wasn't set until 5... I just couldn't sleep. So I got up and got myself ready for the auditions. After taking my picture, I drove down to the UT campus. The parking lots were totally full but I still managed to find myself a parking space which was just big enough for my little car.
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Waiting in line for the auditions
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I walked over to the Erwin center and there was already a TON of people in line. They had told us that the doors would be opening at 5am, but clearly they hadn't. There were WAY more people in line at 5:15am Thursday than there were when I got in line at 6am the previous Tuesday. This was pretty crazy, considering that we all had reserved our place in line by virtue of having our wristbands and tickets.
We waited for over 2 hours. I was really starting to get hot since I was wearing so many layers in my outfit. They had us do a couple of group "cheers" that were recorded for promos. We had to say things like "Simon, Don't mess with Texas" and "Everything's bigger in Texas". It was pretty funny because everyone was already dying in the early-morning heat so it was pretty weak... no matter how much the show people tried to get us excited.
Finally around 8am, the line started to move. It was pretty smooth, actually... there were a few people with cameras recording the whole thing, pulling some people out to get a sort of "mini" interview. I finally got into the Erwin center and walked around the concourse to find my seat. On the way, I ran into a good friend of mine who was also auditioning... another of the karaoke crew. After grabbing a bottled water, I settled into my seat.
Ben finally came around and took his place next to mine. They did a few more promo things... making us chant some more stupid stuff, like "Welcome to Austin, Yeee-haaa!" I thought it couldn't get any worse until they had us sing Deep in the Heart of Texas, with lyrics they had passed out ahead of time. Seriously idiotic... Austin is the least "Texas" city in the state yet they still tried to make us out like a bunch of country bumpkins.
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The crowd inside Erwin
The audition booths
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Let me set the stage for you... there must have been more than 10,000 people in the Erwin center. Down on the stadium floor were 12 "booths" which were nothing more than a table with a little curtain. At each booth, four contestants stand shoulder to shoulder and sing one at a time. After all four sing, the producers decide who, if any, get to move on to the next stage. Those that do go on walk through one exit... those that don't walk through another exit. So basically... we all have to sing in the open and then take a walk of shame. It's pretty intense!
We could hear nearly everyone singing... especially the girls who were "power" singing. One girl was pretty good and the crowd even cheered her when she finished. And then she was cut. So clearly it wasn't going to be easy... and it wasn't totally based on talent.
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Ben and I waiting to audition
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It wasn't long before it was my turn. Since I had been towards the front of the line Tuesday, my turn was up within an hour. My friend Ben and I both were in the same group of four. Both of the foursomes ahead of us were all cut. I was first in the group. So I walked up to the table and sang half of my song. I know I did a really great job... I hit every note, my voice was stellar, and I felt great about it. The next two to sing were less than great... and then Ben sang last and was his usual greatness. Nevertheless, we were all cut.
Just like that, the whole Idol experience was over. It felt very anti-climactic. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel disappointed. I knew going in that the chances were far greater that I'd be cut than to move on, even to the 2nd round. Still... I know I'm a great singer. I don't need to be a worldwide sensation... my secret dream is to be a lounge singer in some dive bar in Austin. Somewhere that I can sing all the time with very little pressure.
I know at least some of my customers are relieved, though... I had more than one ask me what would happen to their website if I "made it." So no worries, people. I'm here to stay. But the next time you hear someone talking about needing a website, or needing to improve their website, just tell 'em to talk to the American Idol web guy!