“American Idol” hopefuls in Arkansas will get another audition date on Monday, Sept. 29.
Arkansans can visit AmericanIdol.com/auditions, select their state, and sign up for a time to audition. They will then be sent a Zoom link for the audition. The performer will get an audience with a producer from the comfort of their own homes.
When “American Idol” began, there were the big stadium tryouts with crowds lined up around the block. Now it’s done virtually, but the big line is still the same, with a holding room where potential candidates for the show wait with others.
Carrie Underwood, who had performed on the Dr Pepper Stage at the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair before she won Season 4 of the series, returns as one of the judges when the new season launches in 2026.
Patrick Lynn, senior supervision producer with “American Idol,” has been with the program from the beginning. He recalled how even after Kelly Clarkson won the show, it wouldn’t be able to pull off the same feat the following year, much less as it heads into its 24th season.
“We have singers who have been on the show, and now their kids are old enough to audition. Do I feel old? Yeah, a little bit,” Lynn said.
He begins each audition by providing all the necessary instructions to be successful, including sound settings and camera positioning. While the audition format has changed in the past 24 years, one thing remains the same: Choose the right song and performance.
“Pick a good song. Sing a good song, and perform a good song. All three of those things go hand in hand,” Lynn said. “If you can do that consistently from the audition to the final show, you can win ‘American Idol.’”
Lynn recognizes that people will be nervous, and it’s his role to help them relax so they can perform their best. He said he’s looking for potential, not perfection.
“I’m looking for that diamond in the rough,” Lynn said. “I’m always trying to notice people, uh, that try to make themselves stand out. You know, personality is obviously a big part of it. Singing is a big part of it, but so is performance. The things I always stress to people that you really kind of need to, you know, dive headfirst, and don’t be afraid of your song.”
Lynn has visited Arkansas in person a couple of times and has enjoyed his time here, listening to the talent that has emerged from the state.
“I like Arkansas. It’s its own thing,” Lynn said. “We like to go places that we’ve had success. If you’re from Arkansas and you’re thinking, ‘They’ve never picked anybody from Arkansas,’ that’s not necessarily true. We like people from all walks of life. Maybe you’ll be the first person from Arkansas to win ‘American Idol.’ You never know.”
Lynn is asked what “American Idol” is looking for, and he says it can’t be narrowed down to a specific type of person or genre.
“I know it when I see and hear it,” he said. “So it could be anybody. It’s basically anybody’s ball game. I encourage people to try out for American Idol all the time. There are any number of ways you can break into the business, and ‘American Idol’ is just one of them, and I think we have a pretty good track record for people who are stars in the making.”
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Senior producer Patrick Lynn shares tips for American Idol auditionees
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