Idol FEVER At Disney

Maybe you sing in the shower. And you figure you’re not half bad. You’re probably a “regular” at more than a few local karaoke bars.
Or maybe the dog runs when you break into an impromptu rendition of “Stand By Me.” You still wouldn’t dare miss the chance to judge the hopeful contestants on “American Idol” and cheer on your favorite.

Forget about watching it from your couch. Now you can live the Idol experience. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will put you right in the middle of the Idol frenzy at their newest attraction, The American Idol Experience. If you are a fan of the show, you know the drill. Just as if you were on the show, you have the chance to audition and if you’re lucky, perform onstage in front of 1,000 audience members. Or, if you’re admittedly not so musically inclined, you can vote for your favorite singer and help decide on the star of the day.

From the moment you enter, you’ll feel like you’re on the original “American Idol” set. The theater is one of the most technologically advanced theaters ever created at Walt Disney World Resort. A giant HD teleprompter scrolls lyrics while a 35 by 7-foot LED video wall shows images to fit the mood of each song. The 1,000 audience seats come fully equipped with armrest keypads for instant voting.
Whether you’re in the spotlight, or sitting in the audience, The American Idol Experience will let you experience everything you’ve seen on TV. Why? Because “Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what will happen at The American Idol Experience,” says Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom.”

If you feel you can win over the audience with your astounding vocals, you’ll get to the attraction in the morning so that you can audition, or you can sign up for an audition time online. From the backstage lobby, you’ll go to one of several audition rooms to perform a song a cappella for a Disney casting director.
If you pass round one, you’ll get your own Idol number, and you’re off to the Red Room with an Ipod full of pre-approved songs that you can choose from. Once you’ve mastered your tune, you’ll have to impress a Disney producer. Your performance here will make or break you, just like on the TV show.

If you’re chosen to perform, a casting director will schedule you for one of the seven preliminary shows throughout the day. You’ll meet with a performance coach and get professional styling from hair and makeup experts to form your star persona when you return to perform. Then it’s one final dress rehearsal, and on to the VIP Green Room to wait for your chance to take the stage.

But don’t count on just your voice to get votes. As Gary Buchanan, spokesman for Disney Parks, points out, “It’s not just about singing. You have to get the audience on your side. You have to put on a show.” So if you can win over enough hearts, you’ll be back for the evening finale show. Here, you have a chance at the ultimate prize—a Dream Ticket that gives you a front-of-the-line audition spot at an upcoming regional audition for the TV show.

That’s exactly what Mariah Roberson of Austin, Texas did when she visited The American Idol Experience during spring break this year. At only 14—the youngest age you can be to participate—Mariah put on a performance that made her the winner of the day.
This was certainly not her first time onstage—she has performed in front of many audiences at talent shows and with bands, including opening for an audience of approximately 20,000 people for Sean Kingston in Arkansas.

Mariah had heard about the experience and decided she couldn’t miss the chance to experience singing in front of a different audience. According to Mariah, “It feels so good to be onstage—to make them feel excited is an honor.” With confidence and excitement, Mariah connected with the audience and won their votes. Mariah had a little help from her mom—as far as her wardrobe and a cheering section are concerned.
Overall, for Mariah, it felt like how she imagined it to be on the set of the American Idol TV show. Of course, she says the judges were a little easier on the performers than Randy, Paula, Kara and Simon. If we’re lucky, we’ll see Mariah on the TV show once she turns 16.

Of course, you don’t have to be center stage to enjoy The American Idol Experience. After all, it is the 1,000 audience members who have the power of the vote.
After a practice vote, the three judges are introduced and seated onstage. The first performer takes the stage, and the anticipation builds. After each performance, the host (not Ryan Seacrest, but pretty close) asks each singer how they think they did. And just like on the show, the judges have their say, providing constructive criticism and feedback. One of the judges almost reminds you of Simon with a few sarcastic remarks to get the audience to boo.

Then it’s time to make a decision. You have ten seconds to punch in your vote on the keypad. But that’s not the end of your job as an audience member. While the votes are counted, you’d better get to your feet and break it down with “I’ve Got the Music in Me” as you watch a video montage of past American Idol contestants, winners and you—in the audience—until a new idol is chosen.
So if you’re a true American Idol fan, you can’t miss The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Take the mike or take a seat—you’ve got the music in you!
Courtesy of VSP/Naser