Success and Failure at American Idol Auditions

It was likely an unintended metaphor playing out at the American Idol auditions on Friday: Those who made it through the first round were escorted down a ramp to be greeted by the media and family members at the entrance of the North Charleston Coliseum.

Those who didn’t were unceremoniously ushered out the loading dock, with some left to aimlessly wonder how to get back to their car.

Gabi Carrubba of North Haven, Conn., was among those moving on to the next round. For her, a lot of practice paid off.

"I was singing non stop," she said. "I was singing in the hotel room … I was singing for the guy who drove us here today."

Chapin native A.J. Peeples made it through, but he wasn’t quite ready to celebrate.

"Grandma always told me, 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch,'" he said.

Winners on Friday will face at least one more round in front of the producers before they even reach Randy Jackson and the show's other judges.

The response from those rejected for the show was mixed. Some where resolved, already, about the loss.

At 28, Charleston resident Michael Brown was making his last try for the show, belting out a powerful "You Lift Me Up." The producers turned him down, but he was in good spirits.

"Whatever is supposed to happen happens," he said.

Kimberly Cuningham of Gaffney said she felt like she was dismissed because producers were looking for something else besides a strong voice.

"I do not believe this is a singing competition anymore," she said.

But Carla Rich of Eastivlle, Va., was more determined than ever. Asked if she would be back next year, she laughed.

"Of course," she said. "I might come back to the next audition this year."

Contestants have two more chances to make a first impression: July 29 in Denver and Aug. 26 in Houston.