EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - There are separate lines for coffee, hot dogs, parking, pretzels and the bathroom at the New York-area auditions for the sixth season of Fox's ''American Idol.''
Oh. And there's a line to audition, too.
Thousands of wannabe Kelly Clarksons and Carrie Underwoods lined up at the Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex last August for their chance to shine in front of producers.
While an arena spokeswoman counted 9,263 people inside -- that includes auditioners and their one allotted guest each -- a Fox spokeswoman said 13,000 people were present.
Despite the talent competition's new wristband-and-ticket audition process -- a numerical system that eliminated the need for crooners to camp outside of audition locales across the country -- thousands of participants began lining up in New Jersey on the day of auditions way before 5 a.m.
Here's questions many wondered before they arrived, with answers most had to figure out for themselves.
WHERE DO I GO TO THE BATHROOM?
Before auditioners were allowed inside the Continental Airlines Arena, the only place to do their business was in one of the portable toilets in the parking lot. Along with the 10 commodes usually stationed in the parking lot, 22 more Mr. Johns were brought in for relief, according to Ron VanDeVeen, associate general manager of the arena. Once inside, indoor plumbing was readily available to all.
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HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION?
Wannabe Idols were required to register the day before the first-round audition. Then, they and their one allotted guest received a ticket, wristband and instructions to bring two songs, two forms of identification and completed release forms. Auditioners were also told not to wear anything with a logo and be prepared to sing ''Can't Smile Without You'' by Barry Manilow in a group.
WHERE DO I PARK?
The New Jersey Turnpike off-ramp looked like a parking lot at 5 a.m. as caravans of singers made their way to the auditions. But actual parking was available at the site for $10 per vehicle. Because of the mass number of commuters, shuttle buses brought participants to the arena from the sprawling parking lot.
WHERE DO I THROW THIS AWAY?
Oh, anywhere. That's what most people seemed to do as refuse piled up on the pavement outside of the arena. Despite large blue trash bins with wheels that lined the roped-off section of the sidewalk -- guess aspiring Idols don't need to recycle -- the parking lot looked more like a war zone than a Hollywood set after participants moved inside the arena.
WHAT CAN I BRING?
According to instructions passed out the day before auditions, ''Idol'' producers allowed the following: banners, blankets, bottled water, cell phones, folding chairs, cameras, flashlights, hats, coolers, pillows, sleeping bags, backpacks, umbrellas, sunglasses and sunscreen. Stuff such as hair dryers, fireworks, candles, animals and camcorders were prohibited and possessing them could lead to ''immediate disqualification.''
GOT ANYTHING TO EAT?
Unless they packed lunches, the same stuff they'd scarf down during a professional basketball game. Outside of the arena in the morning, auditioners could purchase Dunkin Donuts coffee and assorted pastries from portable carts. Typically pricey concessions -- bottled water for $4, hot dogs for $3.75 -- were sold throughout the day of the first-round audition.
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