With nearly half a year until the premiere of American Idol 7, the phenomenon is getting under way in typical fashion. Last week, 12,000 people showed up in the first audition city, San Diego, CA. This week, a similar sized crowd swamped Dallas, TX.
Throughout August, preliminary auditions will be held in additional cities: Omaha NE (August 10), Atlanta GA (August 14), Charleston SC (August 18), Miami FL (August 22), and Philadelphia PA (August 27). Those contestants who prove to be bad enough, along with a handful of competent singers, will be invited back to be torn apart by Simon and company.