Over 600 talented people were lined up around the block at the State Theatre here in Falls Church to audition for the follow-up to this summer’s wildly popular show, American Idol. Even the persistently looming clouds and the miserable cold drizzle of the day could not put a damper on the cheerful enthusiasm of the participants or the excitement surrounding the event.

Some were there because their dream was to be a singer, and some just simply wanted to gain audition experience, but they all wanted the opportunity to share their vocal talent and be given a chance to be the next great pop superstar.
 

The first edition of American Idol was made famous for giving people this very chance. On the show, the panel of judges included the harsh wit of Simon Cowell, the nauseating support of singer Paula Abdul, and the corny bantering of Randy Jackson. These judges narrowed it down from the thousands of contestants who auditioned to the 30 best singers. Then the TV audience voted for their choice of the top 9 contestants, with one judges’ pick to round out the top ten. The viewing public slowly eliminated these ten finalists from the show, one by one, through a weekly phone-in vote. This unique format gained popularity very quickly and when Kelly Clarkson was proclaimed winner, it left the audience excited but craving more. The huge ratings that this show received spurred Fox to decide to produce American Idol 2.

The national anticipation surrounding this American Idol sequel has spawned many audition opportunities like the one sponsored by the D.C. radio station Hot 99.5 at the State Theatre last Friday, which was the only audition place in the Metro area. Although the famous TV judges were not there, the judging panel’s pick would guarantee one lucky singer the chance to perform in New York in front of Simon, Paula, and Randy, and give them a once in a lifetime shot at being on American Idol 2. They would also be driven by limo to the Hard Rock Café in D.C. for a celebratory dinner, and given a hotel room while in New York for their audition.

Eager people began lining up outside the State Theatre at 5 o’clock Thursday night. By Friday morning at 7 o’clock, there were over 600 people outside hoping for their chance to sing. Only the first 99 people in line were guaranteed auditions, so many tried to show up early. Some were more dedicated than others, like Mason’s own Kate O’Hara, who got in line Thursday evening at 6 and was the 20th person to get a chance to audition. She belted out her rendition of Amazing Grace and although she didn’t make it to the top five, she said that it was a great experience that she wouldn’t trade for anything.

After 170 auditions, including seven bad renditions of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ the judges had a five-way tie for the winner. There was a sing-off and a re-vote before, in true Miss America style, the fourth runner up was announced, then the third and the second. The tension mounted until finally 18-year-old Ryan Krasney of Columbia, Maryland was proclaimed winner.
 

Krasney has been taking voice lessons since the age of nine, and singing was all she could ever imagine doing with her life. It was hard for her even to watch the first American Idol because she wanted to do it so badly. Krasney got in line at 10 o’clock on Thursday night and when she finally got her opportunity to sing, her rendition of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Reflections,’ moved many to tears. Of all of the judges, she looks forward to meeting Simon the most. When asked what she would do if he criticized her, Krasney had the following to say: “If he had any constructive criticism, that would be fine, but you just got to believe in yourself.”

The judges at the State Theater also thought that this was key. One of the judges, Noah Sheer, who is the Regional Manager for Island Def Jam Recordings, said that he was looking for someone who could really belt out their song and make it sound natural. It was important that they weren’t too timid or quiet and that they weren’t forcing their ability. He said that it was also important that they had the American Idol look, and would photograph well. About a dozen had it, Sheer said, but the winner was someone that all the judges thought was at least in the top three.

The next round of American Idol begins when Krasney performs in New York on October 24th. If Simon and the rest think she is good enough, she will be called back and invited to go to Los Angeles, California, where she will have a chance to be in the top 30. After that, it is up to America. So if you like Krasney's sound, be sure to look for the premiere of American Idol 2 early next year.