American Idol auditions wrap in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE - It was going to take a lot more than an early chilly morning to stop these aspiring singers from trying to be the next ‘American Idol.’

“I actually woke up like five times last night,” said 19 year-old Jordan Meredith of Kimberly. “Couldn't sleep.”

“I'm excited, nervous, but cold,” said 19 year-old Rick Graf of Plymouth.

“I'm just waiting to go to Hollywood,” said 22 year-old Nathaniel Jones of Mount Zion.

About 100 Idol hopefuls were chosen to compete in the second round of Milwaukee auditions. Unlike auditions earlier this year in Milwaukee, the ‘American Idol’ judges were in town this time around. The contestants who get the judges approval move on to the Hollywood round.

“I can't wait to see Steven Tyler,” said Meredith. “I love him.”

“Excited to meet JLo,” said Graf.

“Randy, I got my dog pound ready,” said Megan Frazier of Green Bay. “It’s like the biggest celebrity I've ever seen since maybe the Green Bay Packers.”

Before showing their stuff in front of the judges, the contestants headed to the holding room to be briefed on the day ahead. The morning included rounds of interviews and a photo shoot.

While the contestants were getting their face time, the celebrities deciding their fate made their entrances. The Idol judges were excited to hear what Milwaukee's auditions had to offer.

“We're looking forward to what we find out here,” said ‘American Idol’ judge Jennifer Lopez.

“I feel so sad because I've got kids of my own and I want to flambé them and ask them if they ate a lot of paint chips as a kid,” said ‘American Idol’ judge Steven Tyler when discussing how talented the Idol contestants have been.

So who is actually heading to Hollywood? American Idol gave FOX 11 behind the scenes access for some Northeast Wisconsin contestants. FOX 11 isn’t allowed to reveal anything from the results of the Milwaukee auditions until the episodes air early next year.