My MIL will probably want to do this - she is in her seventies and has placed in a Senior Idol competition. She is really quite good - when she was in her twenties she was offered a recording contract but chose to settle down with my FIL and come to Canada. I'm guessing from the description that they don't cap the age?
Oh!! Tell her to do it!!
Soooooo much fun - I just had my second American Idol Experience-experience
First time, Late February 2009.
Audutioned, got through.
Sang Shania Twain's "Man I Feel Like a Woman"
...and rocked it, if I do say myself
Hah!!
...but sadly, did not go through to the Finale.
Many Canadians in the audience, though - so felt like I had my very own cheering section!!
Second time, just last week.
Sang "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", and totally rocked it!!
Hah!!
Like I said at the start of my audition:
What I clearly lack in talent, I make up for with enthusiasm
There are currently 5 shows per day.
Auditions start at park opening, and continue until early afternoon.
Apparently, 300-400 people audition per day.
3 contestants make it into each show.
The audition process is simple.
Present yourself to the American Idol Experience CMs, sign the waiver that you are not a WDW employee, or family member of one, and go line up.
Canadians are entirely eligible for the WDW experience, but not to win a ticket. So yes, you can win your show, go onto the Finale, win the finale, get the ticket, but then would have to transfer it to an eligible US citizen.
Entering the building, you are directed to one of a few initial audition rooms.
Sing your song for one of the producers.
From there, if given the go ahead, you proceed to the CocaCola Red Room, and start practicing 2 songs - on an Ipod with headphones - for the final stage of audition.
Then onto the next producers...they will tell you whether you're on ...or not.
Some taping of interviews, staged scenes around the park for your video clip if you wind up as Contestant #2 (which I was, both times), and after that, you then have "free time" until about an hour before your show.
Hair, make up, vocal coaching, dress rehearsal....
It's a wonderful day, a truly fantastic experience, and something that not everyone gets to do. The CMs are absolutely terrific, you're walked through everything, and they are so tremendously supportive.
It really, really is one of those "once in a lifetime" things!!
...which is why I *had* to go try again
Anyone in the park can attend the shows, and/or the evening finale.
And for folks with little ones, it's a great time - air conditioning, lots of singing, get to press the voting buttons, dance and clap along!
Have fun!!!!
