‘Idol Across America’ lets Oregonians audition for ‘American Idol’
Oregon singers, your day to audition is Monday, Aug. 26. | Image via Idol Across America
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.
Over a decade ago, hopeful Idols auditioned here.
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Photo via Gary Halvorson on Wikimedia Commons
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.
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology | Wednesday, Aug. 21-Sunday, Aug. 25 | 6-10 p.m. | OMSI | $10-$48 | It’s opening night for this global cinematic showcase; a selection of filmmakers and animators will be in attendance to field questions from the audience.
Them Coulee Boys | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 8 p.m. | Show Bar | $15 | Jam with the Wisconsin-founded folk and Americana band.
Thursday, Aug. 22
Hans Kim | Thursday, Aug. 22-Saturday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Helium Comedy Club | $10-$42 | Laugh with the comedian and “Kill Tony” podcaster who’s opened for Joe Rogan.
¡Ordena! | Friday, Aug. 23-Saturday, Aug. 24 | 12 + 5 p.m. | Portland Mercado | Cost of purchase | Order dishes with a side of theater at this performance-based food cart.
Flip Side: Vegan Market | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 12-5 p.m. | 6550 N. Interstate Ave. | Cost of purchase | Browse 30+ vegan vendors and celebrate the “August for Animals” theme by meeting local animal sanctuaries at their booths.
Memberships include participation in student exhibitions, seasonal camps, workshops (and more) at a state-of-the-art facility in Lake Oswego, led by world-class educators.
The Focused Intervention Team Community Oversight Group (FITCOG) is inviting locals to share public safety concerns at a community listening session tomorrow, Aug. 22, 6-8:30 p.m. at the East Portland Community Center. FITCOG is designed to address concerns regarding the policing of gun violence in the city.
Traffic
The number of traffic citations and warnings has nearly doubled in Portland over the past year — since the Portland Police Bureau reinstated its traffic division. The police department hopes increased enforcement will help reduce the number of traffic-related deaths. (KATU)
Sports
TheLes Schwab Invitational will have a new home this year at Portland State University. The annual, national high school basketball tournament will go down Thursday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Dec. 30. Previously, the competition had been hosted at Liberty High School in Hillsboro since 2005. (The Oregonian/OregonLive)
Festival
A radishing new vegan festival is coming to Portland on Sunday, Sept. 22. Circle V Portland, organized by local event collaborator Veganizer, will showcase imaginative dishes from 20 local vegan restaurants. Tickets are on sale and include an eight-course meal, desserts, and drinks. (Eater Portland)
Featured
Three local pizza shops have bubbled in popularity after being mentioned on best-of lists. Grana Pizza Napoletana and Ken’s Artisan Pizza were recognized by 50 Top Pizza, and Hapa Pizza was mentioned by The New York Times. The attention has caused sales spikes, but the pizzerias have risen to the occasion. (OPB)
Gallery
Hundreds of locals showed up for Multnomah Days 2024 on Saturday, Aug. 17. The celebration was marked with a parade (including a doggy display), performances, and shopping at local vendors. If you missed the fun, you can see images and videos from the Multnomah Village Business Association. (Portland Tribune)
Listen
Blazers games will no longer air on ROOT Sports, so Mike Richman is exploring over-the-air and streaming options to watch the team. Get the biggest stories of the Portland Trail Blazers every day from the local experts with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
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Seasonal
Discover the magical Topaz Farm Sunflower Festival on Sauvie Island now through September. Wander through a massive 14-acre sunflower maze, enjoy exclusive after-hours events, and capture unforgettable moments amidst radiant blooms. Take home some of the magic with a bouquet of U-cut sunflowers after enjoying the farm’s many other delights.*
Number
22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*
Festival
🍄 Fun with fungus
Rad Myco returns to Brown Bottle Farm for its 2024 festival
Rad Myco includes outdoor, educational sessions. | Photo via Rad Myco and Peter McCoy
Excitement is growing for Rad Myco. The community-based celebration of mushrooms and lichens will return to Brown Bottle Farm in Mulino from Thursday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 29.
This is the seventh iteration of the biennial event that debuted in 2011 thanks to Portland native and mycologist Peter McCoy. This year’s theme is “Recompose and Catalyze,” and will feature displays that incorporate the life cycle of mycelia in the wild.
Rad Myco is a blend of art, science, and competition. Throughout the event, guests will experience:
40+ workshops featuring instructors from across the world
Sessions on identifying and growing mushrooms
Competitive events with prizes, like the MycOlympics
Artwork from over 40 international artists
There is mush room for everyone at this family-friendly event. Tickets are available for all four days or for individual days, and car camping space can also be purchased.
The Buy
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I must admit — I used to be a bit of an “American Idol” fanatic. I was really into the show during Season 1, when Kelly Clarkson was on it. Soon after, the “American Idol Live!” tour made its first appearance in Portland at the Rose Garden in 2002.
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