Road to 'Idol' goes through Orlando

American Idol auditions will be held in Orlando on Thursday, with registration beginning today. If you intend to be among the brazen, the bizarre, the belligerent and even the incredibly bad masses who will be answering the cattle call for fame, here's what you need to know:

TOP TIP: Brace yourself for disappointment, because there's no guarantee you will get to audition. Scouts go through the crowd looking for ... whatever it is they look for. So if you don't have it, you don't get to show off your fabulous singing voice.

But if you make it all the way, you get to be on the series' new season, which begins airing in January. The winner gets a recording contract and all the fame he or she can handle.

WHERE: Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive. Take Interstate 4 east to SR 528 (Exit 72), go east on SR 528 to Exit 1 (International Drive).

TODAY: Doors will open at either noon or 1 p.m. to begin registration. You will be allowed to sleep in the convention center halls overnight.

THURSDAY: Auditions will begin at 6 a.m.

RULES: Go to idolonfox.com for complete information, but here are some of the more important rules and tips:

You must be a legal U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident, 16 to 28 years old as of Aug. 4 and eligible to work in the United States.

You are ineligible if you made it to the top 30 contestants of Season 1 or the top 32 contestants of Seasons 2 or 3.

Clothing that reveals tattoos or displays designer branding or team logos is forbidden. By the way, if you're spending the night on the convention hall floor, bring some fresh clothes for your audition.

You have to sign an official release with lots of fine print. Check it out on the Web site and make sure you really want to sign.

Bring all your friends for support, but only one of them will make it into the building with you.

Portable restrooms will be set up outside, but bring your own TP.

You are allowed to bring umbrellas, lawn chairs and blankets.

Coolers are okay, too (otherwise you're at the mercy of whatever the food vendors are selling), but alcohol is not allowed and won't be sold.

Sources: Orange County Convention Center, Cleveland Plain Dealer, IdolonFox.com, Associated Press

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