THE final “American Idol” audition of the new season is threatening to overwhelm the City of Brotherly Love.
Nearly 13,000 singers – three times the usual number – registered in Philadelphia over the weekend to tryout beginning today.
Philly was overloaded with contestants partly because, for the first time in the history of the show, no auditions were held in New York City this year.
Hopefuls from here had to make the 90-mile trip to Philly’s Wachovia Center if they wanted a chance to get on the show.
Only about 100 performers will make it through to the end of the week when – at an undisclosed location – Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will hand out the golden tickets to Hollywood.
That’s what Rob Johnson, who drove from Brooklyn on Saturday, is shooting for.
“This is my fourth year auditioning, but when I get in front of the judges I stiffen up. I’m just trying to overcome it, which hopefully I will do. Last year I forgot the words to my song,” said Johnson. “But I like singing. I’ll try until I can’t try anymore.”
Johnson brought his pal Richard Houston along for the ride.
“This is my first time trying out,” he said. “I’ve never sung professionally. When I was little I used to sing in the choir.”