St Louis Auditions

'American Idol' Auditions for Season 11 Begin in St. Louis ...

By Katlyn Moncada

St. Louis — More than 10,000 people fled to American Idol auditions in downtown St. Louis with hopes to get a shot at fame and fortune.

Being the only Midwest City hosting, St. Louis kicked-off the Season 11 auditions for the popular reality show. It has been four years since the auditions have been held in St. Louis where Season 4’s American Idol, Carrie Underwood, auditioned.

Residents from St. Louis, as well as travelers from states such as Michigan, Nebraska and Illinois, got bracelets that allowed them to enter for their one-in-a-million chance of a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Alarie Parker, St. Louis resident, got inspired to audition based of singing as a child in church choir and his family.

“It runs in my veins,” Parker said. “My father can sing, my mother can sing. I have a lot of family members that can sing.”

Parker currently works at McDonalds and practiced non-stop for three days to prepare.

The auditions come with a long process. The city streets surrounding the Scottrade Center, the audition venue, were blocked off for approximately four hours the morning of June 28 to allow the crowds to slowly flow into the arena. Many were so determined that they came as early as 3 a.m. to get a spot in line.

While all believe they are qualified to be the next American Idol, each has their own stories. Some have higher motives to succeed other than solely gaining recognition.

Justine Perry from St. Louis found herself at Scottrade after her son, who suffers from cerebral palsy, had a surgery postponed.  Her mom encouraged her to attend the auditions and said she “needed to try and follow her dream.”

“I love life. I am outgoing and just a happy, good-natured person,” Perry said. “I have a unique style and unique sound. Hopefully it will get me there.”

Only the show’s production staff viewed the auditions. All the contestants that made it through the first round in St. Louis will perform for the celebrity judges – Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez – later this summer.

Reporter can be reached at katlyn.moncada@gmail.