| Saturday 10 November 2012 |
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American Idol contestants audition for the judges in OKC
American Idol comes back to Oklahoma City. This time contestants auditioned in front of judges Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey. "It's a once in a lifetime experience. I can't describe it. It's amazing," said Milena Laguerre of Midwest City.
In July, more than 10,000 people auditioned for producers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Four months later, less than one hundred are called back for final auditions at the Devon Boathouse. Contestants lined the Oklahoma River with their families by their side waiting for their chance to perform for American Idol in front of their idols.
"It's kind of stressful to be honest with you," said Colin Marange of Norman. "Just hopefully I don't puke," said Josh Woods of Sapulpa. As contestants see the judges arrive, their gravity of their audition sets in. Randy Jackson arrives first, "Wow, very windy man." He's been a judge on the show since it began. "I hope we find an American Idol Winner here. C'mon Oklahoma!" said Jackson.
Country superstar, Keith Urban, blows in right behind him. We asked him what he thinks about Oklahoma City. Urban said, "I love it! I've played here a lot over the years." This visit is different though. Now he's the audience. "There's no music, there's no audience, you stand there and sing acapello in front of the four of us, that's pretty nerve-racking," said Urban.
Judge number three, Nicki Minaj, offers some advice, "Think of us as your friends." Minaj reminds contestants they're here to help, "They shouldn't be nervous. We're rooting for them." As the fourth judge arrives, contestants turn back into fans. "Mariah's oh my God! It's Mariah Carey!" said Marange. "I'm happy to be here and really to see all the young talent. They should just come in and be them and do the best they can," said Carey.
Season 12 of American Idol starts January 16th on FOX 25. In January, we will bring you exclusive behind the scenes footage of what Oklahoma contestants go through during the audition process. (KOKH FOX 25)
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