The parking lot at the United Center filled with potential American idols this morning.
Auditions for Season 9 are underway, and despite the longevity of the show, "American Idol" fever is still burning hot.
Thousands of aspiring stars were hit by rain in the pre-dawn hours as they began lining up, but their enthusiasm did not seem dampened by the weather.
"It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I think when you get past it and you have a passion, and you’re doing what you love, you got to get over it and just got to do it and be excited about it and be confident," wannabe Elizabeth Pedraza told Newsradio 780.
Registration for today's auditions is closed -- having taken place over the weekend. Contestants who'll be seen by the judges were given green wristbands, WBBM radio reported.
Producers estimate about 12,000 people turned out for today's try-outs.
Chicago is one of several cities playing host to auditions for the next "Idol" competition, set to begin next January.
A trip to Chicago is a joint graduation and birthday present for a Niles, Mich., teen who joined the thousands for the auditions.
Courtney Myers wants a chance in the spotlight, Fox28, South Bend, reported Monday.
"Courtney hopes that (her) voice will be her ticket to become the next 'American Idol,'" the station's Web site said.
"When I first watched, I thought this is cool. I like singing; they're singing. They're doing what I want to do so when I get old enough I want to tryout," she said.
Chicago native Jennifer Hudson made it big after her performance on the show. There's nothing saying another area native or two might not share that success.
