Idol audition cities announced

It's time to begin searching for the next American Idol. And although we won't get a peek at any of the auditions until they air in January 2008, the first Season Seven wannabes will begin lining up outside of stadiums on July 30 in San Diego, California.

"We do like to see America," executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said of the seven-city nationwide search for a superstar. Besides San Diego, American Idol will be holding auditions in Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami, and Philadelphia.

Last year, Idol was criticized for televising so many bizarre auditions. This year, producers are promising to make sure that more "good" singers make it past the initial audition round. While thousands of people show up at each city to try out for Idol, only about 120 singers per city get to perform for celebrity judges Paula, Randy, and Simon. "Too many slipped through the net," Lythgoe said, regarding last year's talent pool.

In a truly cutthroat audition process, non-talented crazies would never make it in front of the cameras. However, non-talented crazies make for good reality TV. So I imagine we'll be seeing a few more William Hungs this year no matter what Lythgoe promises.

Season Seven auditions are beginning a week earlier than last season because producers will also be holding tryouts for The Search for the Next Great American Band. You must be 16 to 28 years old as of July 28 to be eligible for American Idol. The complete summer audition schedule is below:

San Diego, CA: Monday, July 30 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Dallas, TX: Monday, Aug. 6 at Texas Stadium

Omaha, NE: Friday, Aug. 10 at Qwest Center

Atlanta, GA : Tuesday, Aug. 14 at TBA

Charleston, SC: Saturday, Aug. 18 at North Charleston Coliseum

Miami, FL: Wednesday, Aug. 22 at AmericanAirlines Arena

Philadelphia, PA : Monday, Aug. 27 at Wachovia Center

For more information, go to americanidol.com.