For the thousands who lined up Sunday outside the Izod Center in East Rutherford to register for an “American Idol” audition, it was a logical step for people whose lives revolve around music, whether they’re singing in the church choir, starring in high school musicals or playing in garage bands.
They were willing to face the daunting odds that come with being among the roughly 100,000 people who are expected to audition nationwide for the show’s 10th season.
“If you have the opportunity, why not take it?” asked Benjamin Chavez, 16, of Rutherford, who is studying theater at the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack.
“There’s nothing to lose,” said Nikki Verost, 20, of Washington Township, a communications major and a cappella singer at the University of Connecticut.
“I’m just taking a chance; you never know,” said Apryl Evans of Pompton Lakes, a 27-year-old construction project manager who sings with a band. “Somebody’s got to get through. Maybe it will be me. Maybe they’d see something different in me.”
“Anybody can be the next American Idol,” agreed Patrick Lynn, a supervising producer for the show. By 11 a.m. Sunday, he estimated that 9,000 people had already registered at the Izod Center, a number he expects to grow to 15,000 by Tuesday, when auditions begin.
“There’s a lot of really talented people who come through the auditions, and not everybody is going to be right for the show,” Lynn said. “You have to want it; you have to have talent. But this show is not just about singing; it’s about personality.”
Producers, he said, like to see “the ones who really express themselves and get out there, people who aren’t afraid to be themselves.”
Several auditioners said they were studying more practical fields, in case their shot at stardom doesn’t pay off.
For example, Marlon Brightman, 20, of Jersey City is studying hotel and restaurant management at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. He has auditioned twice before.
“This time I was a little discouraged,” he said. But he gestured to his friend, Raheem Dwight, 18, of Jersey City, and added, “He dragged me here. We’re going to be the support system for each other.”
Amanda Phillips, 16, of Wood-Ridge said she has wanted to audition ever since she saw Carrie Underwood win in Season 4.
“And the auditions just happened to be 10 minutes from my house,” said Phillips, who likes country music.
On the other hand, some hopefuls traveled a long distance to the Izod audition.
Maliek Burrell, 17, took a 13-hour train ride from his home in New Ellington, S.C., and stayed overnight with his aunt on Long Island, who drove him Sunday morning to the Izod Center. He said his mother insisted he go for it.
“I hear all the time I’m really good,” he said. “I think it’s my chance to shine.”
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