American Idol’s seven-city auditions tour has begun, and thousands have already lined up to get fifteen seconds in front of Simon, Randy, and Paula. More than 12,000 turned out in San Diego, but the line outside the Texas Stadium this week stretched to 30 people wide. Among them was LaCondra Davies, whom faithful viewers may recognize from last season. Davies made it to Hollywood Week last year, but no further. This year, Davies says she knows the game. As temperatures climbed to 90 degrees in the Texas heat, ice packs were passed around to waiting contestants. It was in Dallas that Kelly Clarkson, the first Idol, was discovered – she’s from nearby Burleson. Has the winner of season seven already been selected to move on to Hollywood week? The next Idol auditions will be held in Omaha, Atlanta, Miami, Charleston, and Philadelphia, with Idol returning to the small screen in January 2008.

(You can find all the American Idol 7 posts here.)