Surely you've probably wanted to join American Idol, but more often than not there seems to be something in the way. Maybe you think you're at your best during the time when nationwide auditions are not being held. Maybe you're a little anxious about how the judges will treat you. Or, maybe you've been rejected before, and you don't ever want to go to the ordeal of crying in front of the camera and swearing at Simon Cowell for being a “bleeping bleep”. Feel free to throw in your choice of words.
But, after seven seasons, and with an eighth coming up, Idol is bound to creep beyond the television screen, and giving you a bigger chance of getting in, or at least experiencing it. Behold the theme park attraction. Disney Parks and Resorts, along with 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media, recently announced the opening of The American Idol Experience, which will be located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The attraction, which will open on February 12, 2009, promises to do what it says on the can—give visitors the complete American Idol experience. Those who dare will go through a perhaps similarly nerve-wrecking audition process; they'll have to sing in front of a Disney producer, first a capella, and later with prerecorded music, just like in the show.
Whoever is deemed to have enough “star quality” will work with a vocal coach, hair stylist and make-up artist, before being whisked to the attraction's live stage, where they will perform before a live audience and a panel of judges. Sounds familiar? Whoever gets the highest amount of votes among the contestants will compete in a “grand finale” show at Walt Disney World at the end of the day, and the winner of that contest gets a guaranteed slot at a future American Idol audition.
“One of the most remarkable elements about American Idol is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar,” Simon Fuller, 19 Entertainment head, said in a statement. “Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at American Idol feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality.”
“Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the American Idol stage,” Jay Rasulo, Disney Parks and Resorts chair, added. “We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World.”
So, if you can't get yourself to audition, then this could be it. You get to experience the entire thing, albeit in a microcosm—and, if you're lucky enough, you might get shipped to the real thing. Consider your trip to The American Idol Experience as mere practice, if that's the case. Although probably seeing a judge act like Simon Cowell might end up making you laugh… just a thought.
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