JOPLIN, MISSOURI -
Updated August 22 at 5:15 PM CST: Around 850 people auditioned for American Idol in Joplin today. We're not being told how many passed this first test, but those who did will next go to a regional audition in front of executive producers. After that, if they get the nod, it's on to the audition with the celebrity judges.
Some skipped school today while other young adults came to put their passion for singing to the test at Landreth Park.
They got their shot standing in groups of four, each getting to sing a capella for senior producers videotaping everything. They stood in line for what all say is an opportunity and even a learning experience.
Some brought their guitars, serenading other contestants.
Producers say Joplin singers are showing real talent and the key to being selected is being original, different or simply something they haven't seen before.
One singer says he switched songs while in line so judges would hear a more high energy soul tune.
We spoke to several who made it through to the next audition stage about what set them apart.
"I don't really ever attempt to try to sound like them," says Karl Skinner, a 26 year old qualifier from Joplin. "I just sing how I would interpret the song."
"I think they probably liked the way my voice matched my song selection and the smooth quality of my voice I guess," says Arianna Goddard, a 15 year old qualifier from Joplin.
"I'm myself - I've been told my voice is not copy able, it's non-mimickable, I think that's something I've got going for me," says Brittany Moore, a 19 year old qualifier from Rogers, Arkansas.
Posted August 22 at 12:01 PM CST: American Idol is in Joplin giving Four State vocalists a chance to make their dreams come true. Auditions for the show's 12th season are underway in Landreth Park. Contestants began arriving this morning well before lines were even allowed to form.
Joplin police told us just before noon that there were 400 to 500 people are at the park, that includes those auditioning as well as family members and others.
Contestants began arriving this morning well before lines were even allowed to form for auditions for the show's 12th season.
The bus and producers made it to town late Monday evening and have since been hiding out waiting for the big day.
The bus stop in Joplin is one of nine stops as a part of the Small Town Tour. Dodge City, Kansas is next on the list.
Advanced singers will go on to another round of auditions in front of the executive producers and if they advance from that, they'll meet the judges.
Producer Norm Betts says he's enjoyed the auditions and City of Joplin.
"We've been able to see the town, meet the people," says Betts. "The city has been great. Everyone we've met has been incredibly gracious. They've been really enthusiastic for us to be here which makes us excited to be here as well. What we do when we come here into town is we set up and kind of take the bus around, show some sites of the area and kind of show off the city a little bit. We've been really impressed with the progress the city has made recently. It's really cool to see."
Betts says the amount of singers to advance to the next round is unlimited depending on the talent.
Auditions will run until 4 p.m.
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