FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE - September '08 - American Idol - Jacksonville, FlBy: Michele Gillis Photos: Carrie-Lynn Smith
 About 10,000 people showed up last month to register to try out for American Idol at the Veterans Memorial Arena.
Starting around 5 p.m. on Sunday, the line began to grow. By Monday morning, the line to register wrapped all around the Arena and into the parking lot at Alltel Stadium.
“This turnout was bigger than I expected,” said Patrick Lynn, senior producer of American Idol. “The line is twice as long as I expected it to be at this point.”
Lynn said one of his executive producers, Ken Warwick wanted to come to Jacksonville because they have good golf and it was the home of the Super Bowl in 2005.
“We actually wanted to come last year, but we couldn’t do it, so we decided to come this year,” said Lynn.
On Monday those in line registered and got their wristband and ticket to be able to come back on Wednesday to audition.
“Everyone comes back on Wednesday morning and gets back in line,” said Lynn. “We bring them inside and then actually start auditioning. They sing from 20 to 30 seconds. I have 12 tables, two people each. They line up four at a time and sing one at a time. So, I have 12 tables that essentially have one person singing at every single table. They just have to make sure they are heard by the people that need to hear them.”
Lynn said moms are a huge part of the audition.
“We get a lot of moms who show up with their kids in tow,” said Lynn. “We have a very strict age policy, but we always like to take care of the moms. In Salt Lake City we had a huge contingency of pregnant ladies.”
Lynn said there are three rounds of auditions.
“This is the first round,” he said. “They come back in September for another round with our executive producers. Then they come back again for the last round with Randy, Simon and Paula. Hollywood week will be in November.”
American Idol will air in January 2009.
Florida Mom Laurel Yearwood, 27, of the Westside came downtown to register with hopes of becoming the next American Idol.
“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” said Yearwood, who has three children Melissa 10, Hayden, 3 and Hunter, 8 months. “I grew up singing in the choir at my church, Orange Park United Methodist and I went on a mission trip with them touring the country singing for other churches and less fortunate families. It helped lift their spirits and spread the Word. I’ve been in a couple local bands here and there, but nothing serious.”
Yearwood was excited that Jacksonville was chosen by American Idol.
“I think it’s about time they came to Jacksonville,” said Yearwood. “We’ve had a lot of great talent come out of here and I think it’s about time that we get a chance to shine.”
Other moms who tried out included Tina Centeno who has a two-year-old son and her best friend Natalie Rowlinson, who has a three-year-old daughter.
“I grew up around music and I’ve always been told I could sing,” said Rowlinson. “It’s my dream and my inspiration. I have a three-year-old little girl and I want my daughter to look up to me. If I made it to Hollywood, I would thank God I made it that far even if I didn’t make it all the way.”
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