Difference between revisions of "The American Idol Experience"

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The American Idol Experience is an interactive attraction based on the popular television show American Idol. The attraction is located in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The American Idol Experience
The entrance to The American Idol Experience
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Attraction type	Live Show
Theme	Singing Competition
Opening date	February 14, 2009
Ride duration	25:00 (Prelimary shows) 45:00 (Finale) minutes
Theater Capacity	1100 guests
Sponsored by	General Electric (1973-1985)

Attraction History

Although Disney announced the creation of The American Idol Experience on February 7, 2008, construction on the attraction actually began in September 2007. Disney licensed the show’s logos and set design from 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media, and worked with the show’s set creator Andy Walmsley on the design of the studio. The 1,000 seat set that Imagineers constructed, was based on the American Idol Season 7 set, and featured a 35 by 7 foot LED wall. The attraction also features a spotlight, which automatically follows the performers as they move around the stage.

Although originally, intended for 2008, The Grand premiere of the American Idol Experience took place on February 12, 2009. In attendance were all seven winners of American Idol, as well as judge Paula Abdul and host Ryan Seacrest. Since its opening, the American Idol Experience has seen very minor changes. On February 11, 2009 it was announced that guests could make online reservations to audition for the show. In October 2009, a second audition entrance was added to the attraction.

Attraction Experience

In order to perform on the American Idol Experience, guests must first register. This can be done in two different ways. Guests can either schedule an audition online, or register at the park when they arrive. Guests must be at least 14 years old to participate in the American Idol Experience.

Round One: A Cappela Audition

When auditioning for the American Idol Experience, guests must first watch a pre-audition video before they are ushered into the next room. Here, the first round of auditions take place in front of a casting director who has a background in entertainment. During the first audition, guests must perform a cappela. The casting director then provides feedback. If the auditioner is successful, they will be given a pin-on number, and brought the Red Room.

Round Two: Second Audition

Inside the Red Room, guests are given a song list from which they can choose. Guests are also given an ipod, so that they can practice their song. American Idol hopefuls, then sing their selected song in front of a Disney producer. Instead of a cappella, as in the previous round, guests now sing with pre-recorded music.

If the audition is successful, guests see a video of Ryan Seacrest telling them that they are advancing to the live show. They are then given a performance time and a "Vote for Me' Lanyard, before they are taken out of the audition room.

Round Three: Live Show

The third round of the American Idol Experience takes place in front of a live audience, during one of the daily shows. Following round two, guests are taken to wardrobe and makeup, where they are prepared for the show. Following makeup, contestants are taken to the rehearsal stage (which is empty).

The live shows of the American Idol Experience, feature three constants competing for a slot in the attraction's final show (which takes place at night). Each contestant is allowed to sing one song, on a stage, which resembles the real American Idol stage. Like the television show, following the contestant’s song, they are given feedback by the judges. At the end of the show, the live studio audience votes on the winner using electronic keypads. The winner of the live show is awarded a slot in the attraction's nighttime finale. Each of the shows is approximately 25 minutes.

Finale Show

The American Idol Experience's final show features the winners of the day's previous shows. Once again the contestants perform their songs in front of both the judges and the live studio audience. Although the judges give feedback, the final desions is made by audience vote. The finale show is also broadcast on a large LED screen, outside of the attraction. The winner of the finale show is given a Dream Ticket, which allows eligible guests to get a front-of-the-line audition for the American Idol Television show, at one of the regional auditions.

Notable Winners

Aaron Kelly, who finished in 5th place on season 9 of American Idol, got his audition by winning a Dream Ticket on the American Idol Experience. Kelly used the ticket during the auditions in Orlando, and eventually made the show. Nolan Sotillo, the star of Disney's PROM, also won the American Idol Experience. Mark Haze, who also won a Dream Ticket, was a top 15 finalist on the South African version of American Idol.

Song List

Below is a list of songs, from which guests can choose from when performing on The American Idol Experience.

http://www.studioscentral.com/american-idol-experience-song-list

Fun Facts and Trivia

• The theater that houses The American Idol Experience is known as the Superstar Television Theater. This is a reference to the extinct attraction Superstar Television, which was originally housed there.

• 2000 votes can be tabulated in 2 seconds by the American Idol Experience computers.

References

http://themeparkmom.com/disneys-american-idol-experience-tips-from-a-contestants-mom/

http://goflorida.about.com/od/disneymgmstudios/a/american_idol.htm

http://crushable.com/entertainment/disneys-american-idol-experience-audition-process/

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/american-idol/experience/#/home/

http://www.studioscentral.com/american-idol-experience-construction