National auditions for the upcoming season of "American Idol" began this week when 20,000 hopeful singers crammed into the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Tuesday's audition for the hit reality talent show drew thousands from across the nation, all with hopes of making one of the final 12 slots for the show's upcoming sixth season.
"Idol" producers gave each person barely 30 seconds to show their stuff, and some of Tuesday's judges had some last-minute advice for those hoping to make an impression, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.
"I tell everyone (who plans to audition) to focus on today's performance," said "Idol" Coordinating Producer Patrick Lynn. "Do the song that shows you at your absolute best. We're looking for originality and personality and commitment."
Still, some of those who auditioned tried to bribe or strip for the judges in an effort to follow in the footsteps of last season's winner, Taylor Hicks.
The paper said such contestants were promptly rejected.