By Preston Gossett | Arts & Life Editor
Even as early as 2:30 a.m., American Idol auditionees began lining up outside of the Waco Convention Center, and by 6 a.m., the line had completely wrapped around the building.
One thing is evident almost immediately: the energy in Waco today is electric and hopes are high as local Wacoans, Texans and out-of-state hopefuls prepare for their auditions and the answer that they’ve been anticipating.
Strangers were coming together to sing songs like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Jessie J’s “Price Tag,” with as many as eight people joining in with various harmonies and melodies. Clapping almost always ensued after anyone was finished practicing.
As the only Texas stop for the summer tour, Waco proved to be a convenient location for locals. Brennon McFarlane, a recent graduate of Baylor University who now works full-time in Waco, is extremely thankful for this summer tour stop, because without it, he would not have been able to audition. He is no stranger to the spotlight, as he has performed at After Dark, Baylor’s all-university variety talent show, for three years.
When people say they’re not nervous, they’re lying, McFarlane said. It’s normal and natural, you just have to make sure your excitement outdoes the jitters, McFarlane said.
Registration will close at 5 p.m. and the line has all but disappeared as more and more contestants are making it through the preliminary round.
Updates and more coverage to follow. Be sure to tune in to our live social media coverage on Instagram at @baylorlariat, Twitter at @bulariat and Facebook at The Baylor Lariat.
