If you’ve dreamed of being a famous singer, this could be your golden ticket. “Idol Across America” is coming to the Beaver State.
This virtual, nationwide audition process gives aspiring stars the chance to appear on “American Idol.” Every state has its own audition date, and Oregon’s is Monday, Aug. 26. (There are additional nationwide and regional dates if Aug. 26 doesn’t work).
Ready to meet Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and newly appointed judge Carrie Underwood? You won’t be starstruck just yet. The virtual auditions are for people aged 14-29, and Idol producers will watch the acts. They will also select the singers who get to advance to the celebrity panel.
While “Idol Across America” makes it easier for locals to access auditions, the city of Portland and state of Oregon already have their places in Idol history:
- The first time “American Idol” held auditions in Portland was in 2011 at the Rose Garden Arena (now Moda Center). An estimated 7,000 people attended this event, and the episode aired in 2012 for the 11th season on Fox.
- The traveling “Audition Bus Tour” stopped by Director Park in 2014 to recruit for the show’s 14th season on Fox.
- In 2017, Portlanders were able to audition for the show’s first season on ABC when the bus tour stopped at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
- “American Idol” came to Central Oregon in 2019 to host auditions at Sunriver Resort. The episode aired during the third ABC season in 2020.
“American Idol” is currently auditioning for its 23rd overall season, but only a handful of Oregonians have appeared on the show. This includes Portland-raised singer Daniel Seavey who finished in ninth on Season 14. Other contestants from the Beaver State include Season 11 semifinalist Haley Johnsen from Beaverton, and Kristy Lee Cook from Selma who came in seventh on Season 7.
