The first person I was able to talk to was Melinda Doolittle (finalist, season 6).  We were getting ready to go on a ride and I had to stop and tell her how much I enjoyed her album.  We talked about the horns and live instruments and she seemed genuinely happy to hear the compliments. 

I spotted Ruben Studdard quickly exiting the party (the whole resort was open to us so maybe he was going to a different park) and Fantasia was dancing with a few friends.  I also saw Bo Bice with his wife and a baby stroller.  I don’t think they stayed very long.  There was a DJ set up right in front of the Rock’n’Roller Coaster and he played some really good music.  Since he was right outside the ride, I decided it was time to go on it again.  I saw Chris Sligh and Sanjaya Malakar (both finalists from season 6) up ahead but then noticed David Cook (winner, season 7), Carrie Underwood (winner, season 4), Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro (both finalists, season 7) in line with me.
One of the contestants from earlier in the day at the American Idol Experience was also in line and she got the winners to take a picture with her.

MORE PICTURES AFTER THE JUMP!

Syesha double-checked her large earrings before the ride took off (she’s brave – I would have taken them off!).

The Idols still looked picture-perfect after the intense ride that takes you from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds.  Here are some shots from inside the Rock’n’Roller Coaster shop:

We also took a picture of the giant guitar outside of the ride along with the “American Idol Experience” sign beneath it.     

Carly Smithson was a bundle of energy.  We saw her bouncing around all over the place all evening.  She really seems like a lot of fun.  I got her to slow down just long enough to take a quick picture.
 

Near the VIP section, I was able to have a quick chat with Chris Sligh.  I congratulated him on the fact that the song he wrote, “Here Comes Goodbye” was picked up by Rascall Flatts and is the first single off of their new album.

Chris has a really quiet demeanor and voice, which surprised me.  He seems like a gentle soul (I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true).  He’s also really tall!

I also had a nice little chat with Sanjaya.  I asked him about his book and he told me it was surprisingly easy to write – that the story just flowed out naturally over four months.  I also told him that his album surprised me because it wasn’t what I was expecting but that it was actually pretty good.  Have you heard it?

He was really friendly.  I think that, regardless of what anyone says, Sanjaya seems like a nice person who would be fun to hang around with. 

I should also mention that the party had the “blue theme” that we’ve all come to associate with American Idol.  They had the symbol projected onto the ground and bars were set up in the area with the logo on the front.

A little later on, I saw Lakisha Jones rush up to Jason Castro and give him a big hug.  There was a lot going on at that moment so I can’t remember exactly why I was making this face.

Towards the end of the night, I saw Carrie again and she was the sweetest!  I told my kids that she was really like a Disney princess come to life and she’s so tiny (and even prettier in person)!!!

I had a great time and, again, I would like to thank Disney for flying me out to participate in the event.  They did an amazing job!

images: Jyle Dupuis

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At the event, all of the former American Idol winners were brought on stage where they were presented with awards made especially for this occasion (they looked like old-fashioned microphones).  This was the first and only time that I saw Kelly Clarkson. 

Season 7 winner, David Cook, did an acoustic version of his hit, “Light On” and then season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, also performed an acoustic rendition of her song “All-American Girl.”  They pair then sang “You Can Go Your Own Way” together and it was such a good duet that a lot of people were later saying they should actually record and release it as a single.

There was also a pretty hilarious exchange between Ryan Seacrest and Paula Abdul while they spoke to the “contestants” before the performances.  Paula went over to give them tips on how to relax and when she started massaging one girl’s shoulder, Ryan said something like “now, remember Paula about the rules regarding contestants?”  The audience booed but we also laughed when Ryan referenced the situation with former contestant, Corey Clark, who alleged that he had an inappropriate relationship with Paula.

That’s basically all I’m at liberty to say but, in the meantime, here’s a video that walks you through the attraction:

image: Jyle Dupuis

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image used with permission

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• American Idol host Ryan Seacrest
• David Cook, winner Season 7
• Jordin Sparks, winner Season 6
• Taylor Hicks, winner Season 5
• Carrie Underwood, winner Season 4
• David Archuleta (runner-up, Season 7)
• Bo Bice (runner-up, Season 4)
• Justin Guarini (runner-up, Season 1)

The list continues to expand so, hopefully, we’ll be able to add a few more names to this list! 

The event takes place on February 12, 2009 and is by invitation-only.  Fortunately, I’ve been invited so I’m planning to take a TON of pictures and share them with you!  I’ve put up a few posts about the event which you can see here:

• American Idol Experience at Disney World!
• David Archuleta Talks About Disney’s American Idol Experience
• David Cook To Appear at American Idol Experience
• Disney’s American Idol Experience Audition Process
• American Idol Experience with Syesha Mercado

In the meantime, here are some images to show you just how much Idol contestants love Disney!

See more pictures after the jump!

images used with permission

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Opening on February 14, 2009 to the general public, the attraction gives people the chance to live through the American Idol audition process which includes receiving feedback from a panel of judges and an audience (the audience gets to vote!). 

The finalists get to try out for the real judges and get priority placement at one of the show’s real auditions.  Archie had some tips for standing out during the process at Disney:

image used with permission

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I’m so excited!!!  The event takes place on February 12, 2009 and I will be flying out to attend the festivities.  If you are in the Florida area and/or will be attending let me know! 

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This video explains how the audition process works at the attraction.  You must perform on of the 100+ songs on the list a cappella and, if the casting director(s) like you, you will move on to the next round.  At that point, you will be seated in a room and provided with a special iPod so that you can prepare and rehearse for the second audition (which will be videotaped).  After the second audition, you will get ready to perform on the American Idol Experience stage.  How exciting is that!?  Will you be trying out?

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American Idol season 7 finalist, Syesha Mercado, sat down and talked about the American Idol Experience attraction which is opening next month at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (Syesha’s home state!). 

A few days ago, I put up a video of Idol winner, David Cook, talking about it (click here to watch it!)

I will be attending the grand opening so, if you’re in the area and want to meet up, drop me a line or leave me a comment.  In the meantime, check out the video below and get more details for the American Idol Experience official site!

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The American Idol Experience will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park at Walt Disney World next month and it sounds like it will be a lot of fun!  Starting February 14, 2009 guests of the resort will be able to get up on stage and perform at the state-of-the-art theater and experience what it is like to be on American Idol.  Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without voting!  Spectators will get to pick their favorite singer and, in the finale performance each day, “the singer getting the most votes gets priority access to a regional audition for the TV show.”  Want to know more?  Watch this video! 

Also, can I just say how cute that picture is of Idol winner, David Cook, with Sorcerer Mickey Mouse behind him (Sorcerer Mickey is my favorite!). 

image used with permission

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