Photos and video: On the scene at the American Idol tryouts in Dallas Arlington

by Alex Bentley

American Idol descended on Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Friday (yes, it's Arlington, despite the claims of the show), bringing with it an estimated 10,000 people looking to have their moment in the sun and make it on Season 9. Supervising producer Patrick Lynn said the crowd compared favorably to when the reality show last held auditions in North Texas, and said that the much of the crowd was comprised of relatively young singers. He attributed this to the fact that Idol is essentially into its second generation, with many people having grown up watching the show and biding their time until they can try out.

The video and pictures below show a good cross-section of contestants, from the surprisingly-talented to the "are they serious?" Among the highlights were: a woman, just home from fighting in Iraq, who drove by herself all the way from Minnesota; Quantrell, an Afro-sporting, angel wings-wearing Oscar the Grouch and Zac Efron lover; and three tattooed ladies whose appearances belie their musical tastes. One tidbit that probably disappointed half the contestants is that none of show's personalities (Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Kara DioGuardi, or Ryan Seacrest) were in attendance. Friday was only the first of three rounds of auditions (the "producers' round"). Lucky singers won't face the judges until at least August -- sorry if that spoils some of the illusion of "reality" TV for you.

Also included in the video is a short clip of a Christian man with a loudspeaker proselytizing just outside the stadium grounds (because he had been escorted off the property). It ain't Texas without religion, right?