'American Idol' comes to San Diego for season seven auditions, July 30, 2007

It is TV's biggest show and phenomenon, and it produces thousands of dillusional and dozens of genuinely talented young adults to its pop culture alter. Yes, it is "American Idol" and if you ever thought that there might be a drop-off after six seasons in people who think they have the talent and star power to be a star, the season seven auditions will prove you wrong. And for the first time ever, the Idol auditions are coming to San Diego, kicking off the audition tour on July 30 at Qualcomm Stadium. The auditions will also invade Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston and Miami.

Arguably, the "American Idol" auditions are the part of the competition that is everyone's guilty pleasure: a train wreck before our very eyes, of kids who seemingly feel entitled that stardom is something to be handed to them just for showing up, like the praise and trophy you get in youth soccer for coming in last.

Yes, the Idol auditions are where we watch and cringe at the clueless parent who encourages their talentless kid; of the overweight, tone-deaf person surprised at the rejection; and of the infamous "Bush Baby" contestant that invariably shows up to compete.

It is what makes "American Idol" a pop culture phenomenon, and it's America at its most calculated, superficial, disposable best. What's not to love?

If you're rehearsing your voice and routine for the San Diego audition, expect to be joined by tens of thousands of other hopefuls. Be aware that there are many facts and requirements you need to know before invading San Diego, including (per AmericanIdol.com):

Registration will begin TWO days prior to the audition day (San Diego: July 28-29). You can come to the venue and register during designated times on the two registration days up through the beginning of auditions on the morning of the audition day. Remember, if you wait until the audition day to register you will be one of the last people to register and we may run out of space or time to accommodate you.

Once you have registered, you will be given a wristband and a seating ticket and asked to return on the audition day (San Diego: July 30). Registering in any particular city registers you for THAT CITY ONLY. Registration does NOT guarantee you the opportunity to audition.

When you arrive at the venue on one of the registration days, you MUST have two forms of ID that show proof of your age and a photograph (for example, a birth certificate and driver's license or a birth certificate and a passport or a birth certificate and a school ID card) to obtain a wristband and a ticket.

For all of the official information and FAQs about the season seven American Idol auditions, click here.

SAN DIEGO AUDITIONS

WHO: Men and women 16 to 28 years old on July 28, 2007 and eligible to work in the United States. Restrictions apply – please go to Americanidol.com for specifics.

WHEN: Monday, July 30 (audition day); Sat. & Sun. July 28-29 are registration days.

WHERE: Qualcomm Stadium
9449 Friars Road
San Diego, CA 92108
LINEUP: Wristbands will be given out from Saturday, July 28 (starting time TBA), until 8:00 AM on Monday, July 30. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out; therefore, once they obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Qualcomm Stadium on Monday, July 30.