Music

ARLINGTON – American Idol auditions are still two days away, but potential contestants have already traveled thousands of miles and spent a sleepless night in line.

Hundreds of Idol hopefuls braved the Wednesday morning heat to be the first to receive competition wristbands at Cowboys Stadium. Registration continues until the start of first-round auditions around 8 a.m. Friday. By that time, more than 10,000 aspiring singers will have signed up, if past numbers hold.

The gates opened at 7:20 a.m., as the crowd chanted, "Dallas has never been hotter!" and "Simon, here we come!" Some of those in line had been trying to sleep on the ground, their heads propped on purses and duffle bags.

Macie Keylon, 25, of Mesquite, said she'd been awake for 27 hours straight, except for a 1-hour nap on the concrete.

"I got in at 1:30 this morning," she said. "I work at Starbucks, so I've been up since 3:20 yesterday morning."

Nick Smith, 17, traveled with his mother from Ponchatoula, La., and had been waiting in line since 9 p.m. Tuesday. His mother, Shawna, took a brief nap in her truck, but soon rejoined her son in line.

"He's always been a good singer," she said. "He was the only one, out of 15 soloists, who got a standing ovation during his school performance."

She wasn't the only parent to forgo personal comfort for her child's dream. One mother had gotten knee surgery the night before, and was sitting in a lawn chair, waiting for her 17-year-old daughter to get through the line.

Dwayne Holmes traveled from Antioch, Calif., with his 22-year-old daughter, Tyan Short.

"I came out of the womb singing," said Short, whose first public performance was at a quinceañera when she was 5.

Laeli Sharifi, 18, Washington, D.C., said she is mentally preparing for Friday's auditions.

"I just keep telling myself to sing for myself and no one else," she said. "Like I'm singing with a hairbrush in the mirror. That's when you sound the best."How to register

Where: Cowboys Stadium, One Legends Way, Arlington. Go to Gate C (eastern side of the stadium off Legends Way) and look for the "Front of the Line" sign.

What to do first: Registration continues today through about 8 a.m. Friday, but waiting until the start of auditions is discouraged. Bring two forms of ID that show proof of age and a photo (for example, birth certificate and driver's license), the release form (available at americanidol.com) and the person who will accompany you at the actual audition. A parent or guardian is required if you're under 18. Your companion must also bring ID.

What to do next: Show up on Friday with your wristband and seat ticket. Hopefuls can begin lining up at 5 a.m., but no earlier. Contestants will be allowed into the stadium at 8 a.m. or earlier. Parking is free.

More details: Check the official site, americanidol.com

Audition tips

The FAQ section of americanidol.com advises:

Don't lose that wristband: If you lose your wristband or seat ticket, you'll be sent to the back of the line if space is available.

Do the math: You must be between ages 16 and 28 as of June 12, 2009.

No pros allowed: The specifics are on the Web site for how much experience is too much.

Sorry, tots: No children under age 5 allowed.

What you can bring: blankets, water, banners, cell phones, digital cameras, sunscreen

Don't bring: video cameras, air mattresses, alcohol, animals, chairs, coolers, drugs, tents, weapons, hair dryers, fireworks.

What's next: Some singers will be asked to return at an undisclosed place and time to perform for the judges.