Community Corner

"American Idol" Pittsburgh Auditions Scheduled for Friday

Will the next "American Idol" be discovered in the 'Burgh?

The FOX television show "American Idol" will conduct auditions for its 11th season Friday at Heinz Field. Registration will be Wednesday and Thursday for those who hope to be the next big singing star.

The concept of the series is to find new solo recording artists. Contestants must prove that they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents eligible to work full time in the United States. They also must be 15 to 28 years of age as of June 26.

Wristbands will be distributed from about 7 a.m. Wednesday until about 8 a.m. Friday. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Heinz Field by 5 a.m. Friday.

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Those auditioning should look for the "Front of the Line" banner and enter at the Heinz Field main gate.

American Idol Affiliate program winners must check in by 7 a.m. on audition day and must have a letter and identification.

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For more information about auditions or to print the release forms, see the show's website.

Pittsburgh Police said they were expecting 10,000 to 20,000 to turn out early Wednesday morning and additional contestants to pour into the North Side this week during registration and audition sessions.

Police Bureau spokeswoman Diane Richard said would-be contestants and morning rush-hour commuters should be aware that traffic and pedestrian congestion are likely to be extremely heavy near Heinz Field, PNC Park, parking lots adjacent to both stadiums and throughout the North Shore. Off-duty officers hired for private details will augment on-duty officers assigned to the North Shore for traffic and crowd control, she said.

"We ask that motorists pack patience," Richard said.

Police are urging people headed to the North Shore this week to park downtown and walk to the North Side. Motorists also should consider carpooling or making arrangements to be dropped off and picked up at locations aways from the stadium, she said.


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