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'Idol' wannabes' dreams realized, broken in Orlando

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Thousands are at Orlando's Amway Arena to sing for producers of "American Idol." Only 200 are expected to move to the next round of auditions.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2009

Updated: 07/09/2009 03:55 pm

ORLANDO - Hearts were broken and tears were flowing for many of the 9,000-plus who auditioned in Orlando Thursday for "American Idol" – but for a fortunate few the dream lives on.

"There were a lot more people going through the losers door than the winners door so I'm glad I made it," says Brad Iturriaga, a 29-year-old appliance salesman and church worship leader from Plant City, who will be returning to Orlando in August to audition before the executive producers.

Also passing to the next round is Samantha Leigh, 22, from Tampa's Citrus Park. The Ohio transplant won a talent competition at a Brandon mall, besting about 100 competitors.

"It's the dream of anyone who can sing to be on 'Idol,'" she said. "I'm excited I sing with a couple of bands in Tampa and I auditioned for 'Idol' when I was 17. But I've learned a lot since then. My voice has matured and so has my confidence."

Lakeland resident Seth Rollins, 29, an insurance claims adjuster who sings in church and at weddings, also got a call back, "I was really nervous because this is my last chance because of my age," says Rollins, who has auditioned twice before.

Rachel Potter, 24, from Seminole, also got a passing grade. A former singer at Disney World, Potter auditioned last year and didn't get a call back. She says the talent scouts liked her rendition of Martina McBride's "Broken Wing."

But for most of the wannabe "Idols" the dream ended in less than 30 seconds. "I don't feel so bad because there were a lot of really good singers who were cut today," says Andrew Zarzeski, 18, of Lutz. He and high school friend Brenna Bamberry, 18, say they may try again next season. "The
producers said we were good singers just not what they are looking for," said Bamberry.

Iturriaga, who sang "Ain't No Sunshine" to show off his range, was cheered on by his wife, Haley, and three sisters, Allison, Amber and Ashley, all of whom auditioned, too.

There also was a lot of cheering before the daylong marathon. "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest tried to pump the 9,000-plus people waiting to audition for the show's ninth season but many of them were already excited.

"We've been here for hours and we're ready to sing," said Tovia Gibbs , a 27-year-old mother from Tampa. "Singing is what I love, it's what I do," said Gibbs who came with friend and fellow singer Chantel Gonzalez, 26, and also a mom. Both perform in a local all-girl group called Bronze.

"This is our chance but if we don't make it, we will keep on singing anyway," Gibbs said
Seacrest told the crowd: "This is Orlando and Florida's chance to show America what you've got."

He arrived just before 8 a.m. to tape a 30-second introduction that took about 90 minutes to set up.

The wannabe idols, who had been corralled in a parking lot for hours, were herded like cattle on to the steps of Orlando's Amway Arena.

When Seacrest arrived, the crowd went wild. "We're in Orlando and this is the next American Idol!" he told the screaming throng.

"The next 'American Idol' better come from Orlando because I'm sweating like a pig,' he said following the taping of his brief introduction.

"This show just keeps getting bigger and better," he noted. "We've come a long way since that first season. And despite all the craziness that goes on here we really do help some people achieve their dream."

Producer Patrick Lynn, who used a bullhorn while standing on a stepladder to direct contestants, said they spent almost two hours setting up and taping the opening shot. He said it may only last 30 seconds in the actual show.

"But this is a very important shot because it establishes that we are in Orlando," he said.

Lynn said they specifically scouted the location at the Amway because of the impressive steps leading to the Orlando arena. Thousands of excited contestants were visible and screamed loudly for the segment that will open next season.

The crowd was filled with characters – literally. There was a Zorro, two Supermans, a caveman, a kid wearing an Indian headdress, women dressed in evening gowns, Goths, punkers and Quatrele Smith, an 18-year-old high school graduate who rode a bus from two days from Oklahoma.

"I flew in from Heaven," he said, explaining why he was wearing white feathered angel wings and an Afro wig.

There were many fresh-faced teens with their parents. "We are seeing more young people than ever before at the auditions," said Lynn. "I was expecting maybe 5,000 in Orlando but this is impressive."

Last year's runner-up Adam Lambert inspired many contestants to wear punk rock outfits and apply heavy eyeliner. "That's well and good, but we already found Adam Lambert," Lynn said. "You need to be original. We're looking for people who are entertaining."

Lynn estimated that about 200 people will get call backs for the next round before the executive producers next month in Orlando. And from there, a handful will move on to sing for judges Randy Jackson, Kara Dio Guardi, Paul Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Those auditions are closed to the media.

Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

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