American Idol Hopefuls Line Up For Registration Day

American Idol hopefuls got their first look at the competition early Wednesday morning as thousands lined up in front of the North Charleston Coliseum. Registration began just after 8 a.m., but some aspiring singers had been there since well-before dawn to sign up for Friday’s auditions.

More than 8,000 tried out when the show last visited the region in 2007 and large numbers are expected again this year. License plates in the parking lot told tales of lengthy car trips for the chance to be the next American Idol, with cars from as far away as New Jersey and Michigan.

Quenique Ames traveled all night from Chicago. She wasn’t nervous at all as she waited for a wristband — the accessory that will get her a shot in front of the show’s producers Friday. “I’ve been singing since I was seven — taking voice lessons and practicing,” she said.

But she hasn’t settled on a song yet. There are two choice: the Porgy and Bess classic “Summertime,” a big hit for Season 3 winner Fantasia, or “Broken Hearted Girl” from Beyoncé. “I’ll probably decide when I get in,” she said.

Contestants who can wow the producers Friday will get a shot to preform for the show’s popular judges during another Lowcountry visit later this year.

Registration will continue until Friday morning, but producers warn that late registrants may not get time in front of the producers.

Leah Price, 15, of Wilmington, N.C., said she has grown up with the show, which is now seeking its eleventh American Idol. “This has been my dream my whole life,” Price said.