I’ve Waited in Line for American Idol Twice — Here’s Why You Won’t Have To

If you've ever had dreams of competing on American Idol, here's your chance! The popular television talent show is hosting state-by-state virtual auditions and your chance is coming up next month if you live in Kentucky and Indiana.

I have actually been to two different American Idol open casting calls. One year, I went to St. Louis with my friend Ebony. She wanted to audition and I told her I would go with her. It was insanity. We left Owensboro, Kentucky around 11pm and embarked on the three-hour drive to St. Louis. We got to the arena around 2am, signed in, and finally went to sleep - on the particularly uncomfortable floor with hundreds of other people - around 3am.

At 6am, the masses were awake and doing their vocal warmups in the bathroom because the acoustics were better in there. About 10 hours later, Ebony got to sing - for about 20 or 30 seconds- in front of an Idol talent scout. Moments later, we were headed back to Owensboro. She got a 'No'.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Get our free mobile app

I also went to an audition with my friend Jaclyn at Freedom Hall in Louisville. Luckily, we spent the night with a friend of mine, but were up and at it the next morning and standing in line with thousands of other Idol hopefuls. That audition process was fun, but completely exhausting. Same story as St. Louis — a lot of waiting, very little singing, and an eventual trip back to Owensboro.

These days, it's a bit easier to be seen by the producers of the show. American Idol is about to launch their 2026 virtual auditions.  The show has set state-by-state audition dates and Kentucky and Indiana share the same date. If you're an aspiring Idol from either state, you can sign up for a September 18th time slot.

Those virtual auditions will be live and the goal is to see (and, more importantly, hear) contestants from all 50 states. If you'd like to reserve your time slot, visit American Idol's audition registration site and click on your home state.

Are you the next American Idol?