Web blogs: Wild scene in Orlando for Idol auditions

Thursday, July 9, 2009

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Thousands gathered before dawn outside of the Amway Arena for Thursday's American Idol auditions. (Slideshow)

By Virginia Johnson
Tampa Bay On Demand

ORLANDO -- Approximately eight thousand people converged on Amway Arena this morning for the American Idol auditions.

Contestants started arriving before 5 a.m.

Tampa Bay on Demand photographer C. J. Johnson and myself started our day before 3:30 a.m.

It's hot and humid but that hasn't deterred the thousands who showed up for a shot at being on the uber-popular television show.

Even host Ryan Seacrest showed up, milling in and out of the crowd and whipping them up into a frenzy while shooting promos for the show.

Check out Tampa Bay On Demand, Channel 340 on Bright House Networks for more from the Idol auditions.

American Idol is in the entertainment section.

Virginia's American Idol video blog

After the auditions

Tampa Bay On Demand's Virginia Johnson and photographer C.J. Johnson trudged through the rain and broken dreams of rejected would be American Idol auditioners on the hunt to find audition winners from the Tampa Bay Area.

Make sure to watch their Tampa Bay On Demand story on channel 340 under the entertainment category.