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(from post-gazette.com)
Ready to sing? Here's what you need to know.
Although auditions can be submitted online at the "American Idol" website (details at americanidol.com), most of those who try out go the live route. There are seven audition cities this year; Pittsburgh is the fourth stop and the only East Coast venue.
Auditions will be conducted Friday, beginning at 8 a.m., but contestants must register beforehand at the site, Heinz Field. Singers can sign up this Wednesday and Thursday, where they will be issued a wristband that should not be removed and a seat ticket that they must have when they return for Friday's audition.
Each contestant may bring one friend, relative or guardian, and that person must also be at registration to receive a wristband and ticket. The earlier the registration, the sooner the audition. Although it is possible to wait until Friday morning to register, it is not recommended -- there is the possibility that time and space limitations will not allow for latecomers.
Rules for registration and the audition are also available at the "American Idol" website, where Pittsburgh information will be updated closer to the event. In general, contestants need to bring two forms of ID that show proof of age, one with a photo. Contestants also must be a permanent U.S. resident. Anyone under 18 must bring a parent or guardian.
"American Idol" contestants must be born between June 27, 1982, and June 26, 1996. They cannot have any sort of current music recording or acting contract, or deal with an agent or manager. Contestants and household members cannot be related to or working for various companies and sponsors associated with the show -- even Coca-Cola.
Although official rules state that overnight camping is not allowed inside or outside of audition venues, expect lines to form as early as 3 a.m. Wednesday.
And, no, the likes of Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler will not be here this time. Contestants will sing short pieces -- probably between 15 and 30 seconds of a song -- for producers. Anyone making it through two preliminary rounds this time will be asked to return here later in the summer; that's when auditions before the famous judges will be filmed.