'American Idol' Auditions: Some People Wait a Lifetime for a Moment Like This

Tonight's show features the August auditions in San Francisco and made Patch Editor Erika Conner reminisce about the time she worked for the show.

When I tell you that I've been behind the scenes of American Idol, I know what you're thinking. She thinks she can sing? Well, no, I can't and I know it. But that didn't stop me from getting a peek at what it takes to put together the widely popular reality television show. 

In September 2004 I was working at a local television station in Las Vegas when I heard they were looking for production assistants to work on the show during the auditions for Season 4. And really, who could pass up an opportunity to see what this show was all about behind the scenes? Without hesitation, my coworkers and I applied and were given weekend jobs during auditions.

I should admit right now that we didn't get to meet celeb judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul or Simon Cowell (They usually don't show up at the first round of auditions). That season the winner was Carrie Underwood. And no, Carrie didn't audition in Las Vegas. But thousands did audition and wow, it was a sight to see.

When we arrived at the Orleans Arena, contestants lined the entrance hall and stairs while they filled out paperwork. After making their way through this area, they entered the huge stadium and took a seat to wait. And wait. And wait and wait. Some of them brought sleeping bags, others simply passed the time playing cards. And then there were those who thought it best to rehearse during this down time. 

These wannabe idols were simply hoping to make it through the first round in which they audition with producers. 

They were called down by groups of about five and brought to one of many tables on the floor of the arena. They would then be asked to sing and some of the show producers took notes and decided right then and there who would go on.

True to what you see on TV, there are some characters. One young man came carrying a stuffed pony and sang the country song, "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy." He passed round one. Clearly not because of his singing talent, but because I'm sure producers knew he'd make for good television.

Another young woman came as herself, no costume, no joke. She truly, genuinely believed she could sing. But after screeching the lyrics of her song of choice, the producers kindly thanked her and said she would not be passing the round. Immediately, the tears started flowing, and it was clear that this was the first time anyone had been honest about her lack of talent.

I observed every emotion you could think of; elation, frustration, anger, excitement and the list continues. It was exhausting just to watch, especially considering the fact that everywhere you turned, there were cameras to capture the drama.

All these years later, I watch the auditions for American Idol season after season. And when I see tonight's version, filmed in San Francisco and maybe featuring the next Idol from a town around the Bay Area, I have no doubt that we'll see lots of tears, frustration and even some amazing talent. Just like I did during the Vegas auditions six years ago. Who knows? You may even see someone you know.

Kelly Clarkson, the winner of Season 1, has a song which includes the lyrics, "Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this." And while we may never dream of auditioning ourselves, who can say we haven't waited a lifetime for some moments in our own lives?

I give the contestants credit for coming to the City By the Bay —  whether they bring a stuffed pony or not. It takes guts to get out there and get people talking about you. It just doesn't necessarily take true talent to do that, as I saw firsthand behind the scenes.