The preliminary audition rounds wrapped up in San Diego, CA this week. Twelve-thousand people waited in line at Qualcom Stadium for a chance to advance to the producer’s rounds and eventually to sing in front of Paula, Randy and Simon.

According to producers, auditioners may be allowed to play instruments during their audition in front of Idol judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Those rounds have not yet been scheduled. If they make it far enough, they may also be allowed to play instruments when they sing, an “Idol” first, producers announced.

Contestants who have made it through to the second round:

Among those selected Monday were two veterans of the program, Brian Miller, 20, from Anaheim and John Edward Carey Jr., 27, from Van Nuys. Both were among the final 25 men in last season’s competition.

Miller, a waiter who sang “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins Monday, said he was nervous hearing other people warm up for the auditions. “Am I as good as that guy? But you have to push all that aside. I’m just ecstatic to be moving on again.”

Carey said he thought it helped that he looks different from most of the other contestants: shaved head, black designer glasses, tattoos down both arms.

He sang “Guitar Man” by Bread – “a great song,” he said, and fitting for him because he makes guitars for a living.

“Last year I was so nervous,” he said. “This year I’m a lot more relaxed and just trying to have fun with it. My strategy is to lay low, get as far as I can and then surprise everyone.”

Also, thanks to Lisa M for the tip about Danielle Calato, 23 of Snyder, NY who has also moved on to the 2nd round. You can check her out here and here.

In other Idol news, 1000 hopefuls turned out for Arizona Idol sponsored by the local Phoenix Fox affiliate, Channel 10. Jordin Sparks won Arizona Idol last year after not making it past the first round in Los Angeles. Channel 10 flew Jordin to Seattle to try out, and well, you know the rest….

PWE part Deux?
PWE2?

pee pee junior?

so many possibilities...

Welcome Jdl249!

Don't be shy We love new posters as long as they are not posers.

You don't always have to quote. However for lots of info on rules help etc, look at the "Rules, Help and Junk" section. If you get too far off topic here you will get a reminder that this is the forum for AI7 Spoilers...not for rules, help and junk.

Tough Taskmasters, those moderators! But someone has to keep us moving forward or every thread would be a chit chat cocktail party conversation.

Welcome! I look forward to reading your thoughts....er reading your posts!

Danielle may have what it takes to go far in the competition.

i heard about the "musical instruments" thing this morning on the radio also. thanks insane for the thread.

also, that dude with the tats down his arms? looks like he dropped weight from last year. drugs maybe?

Probably saw VFTW and didn't want to be called FaFu.

(I think he's kinda cute now)