An insider look at American Idol

I arrive to the auditions at 4:30 AM in which our papers state to be here at 5 AM so I want to be prompt because I have no idea what is in store. This is my first year to audition. There are about 20 groups sectioned off in the parking lot of Reliant Stadium each group containing about 200-300 people. They say there are about 7,000 people at this audition.  I would like to know the exact number because it certainly seemed that way.

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions / Reliant Stadium

We stayed outside in the Reliant parking lot for 6 hours. We all watched the sunrise and gathered for entertainment as boys with their guitars played covers. Finally we had movement at about 11 AM. In which we waited to be lead by section into Reliant Stadium. Why was it taking so long? I am so anxious!

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions

♪ here comes the sun here comes the sun & I say it's all right♫

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions

While outside I met a couple of girls from Wisconsin. Turned out they were adorable sisters and both American Idol hopefuls. Hopefully they will walk away with the yellow slip they have traveled so far for. There are a ton of people here today from other states taking their second swing at the audition as this will be the last one for American Idol Season 11.

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / Katie & Kellie Larson

Katie & Kellie Larson both wear Aguci from the Houston Galleria for the American Idol Auditions.

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions

Sisters, Katie & Kelli Larson from Wisconsin hold up a sign

'Got Cheese?'

We all have tickets to be seated in a designated seat in which we received them at registration two days prior. We also have a wrist band that was to be kept on for two days. We are disqualified if we do not have both for this audition.

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions 

After being seated we wait another hour. We are to go up section by section. Once our section is called you go up to 1 of 12 tables - each table has 1-3 judges. You are either given a yellow slip which means you will go on or you will be asked kindly to leave, you did not make the cut. At Reliant we exit to the left if we have not made it and exit to the right if you have received the grant to passage - the yellow slip.

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions

Photo Credit: Haili Pue / American Idol Houston Auditions

There is a lot of talent here in Houston but people are exiting by the masses to the left and every once in a while someone will exit to the right profusely showing off their yellow slip going crazy - skipping, flying like a butterfly, or jumping like crazy to the right exit in which the crowd at Reliant goes wild when one of our fellow Houstonians goes through.

Good luck to all of our Houstonians and to all American Idol Season 11 hopefuls!

Catch American Idol Season 11 on Fox.