Truly Julie standing in the #11 formation… signifying American Idol’s 11th season! How did the contestants sound? See and hear for yourself! Click on the below picture for Julie Chang’s coverage out of the Izod Center, including an interview with Ryan Seacrest!

For the last few weeks, I’ve been getting loads of “The X Factor vs American Idol” tweets & Facebook messages. For those of you who reached out…you seem to be split between the two…almost as vehemently as “Team Jacob vs Team Edward”…or even “Team Jen vs Team Angelina”. Everyone, relax! The two singing talent shows are on opposite seasons…and for heaven’s sake, they’re on the same network, so they’re essentially on the same team. As host Ryan Seacrest put it: the more shows the better! It means more opportunities for everyone to showcase their talent. The turnout today was a bit lackluster …but that could be because of a) rainy weather b) East Rutherford was added on sort of last minute as the 8th and last open audition city, and c) anything would be a letdown compared to last year’s record breaking 17,000 turnout. Idol auditions are one my favorite live remotes because I simply feed off of everyone’s energy. The sparkle in their eyes…the palpable hope…oh yeah, and some incredible vocal chops (and some unbelievable nut jobs who are in denial)…this is where dreams are made!

Truly Julie interviewing Idol hopeful Shannon Sinner…which prompts…winner winner chicken dinner!

A familiar face in line…Victoria Huggins! The North Carolina native made it to Hollywood Week last year but didn’t make it past top 100. She’s hoping second time’s a charm.

Ryan Seacrest rolled up for 10 minutes and taped a few lines before jetting off to do his radio show. I couldn’t help but be jealous knowing his 10 minutes of work equalled at least a few hundred grand (Ryan reportedly earns $15 million a year just off of Idol). But then I remembered what this agent once told me…”one of my best clients was a radio guy with awful blond highlights. Most found him annoying till I got him on a little show called American Idol.” I guess in some aspects..I’m no different than these starry-eyed contestants. I enjoy my craft as it is..but it never hurts to dream.