ABSTRACT
The format bible for the Idol franchise stipulates that contestants have to attend two auditions before they can advance to the ‘celebrity’ judges comprised of music industry producers and pop singers-a ‘golden ticket’ serves as the entry pass for the celebrity round. The whole process creates excitement and anticipation among the 16-to 28-year-olds, who attend the auditions for various reasons such as possible advancement in the entertainment industry, as a personal challenge, or for a ‘fun time’ with friends and family. Most of the attendees are students or workers in lower-income professions such as the food industries and sales. The majority are young women, who have an interest in music and the arts. Overall, attendance numbers for auditions range from 9,000 to 16,000 across the country.
