There haven't been "Idol" auditions in Chicago since 2005, and all the rain and heat probably haven't done much to encourage producers to return. But for the wannabes who camped out over the weekend and last night, it was an intense bonding experience. They vow to remain Facebook friends at the very least, and their spirits are not dampened.

"I put the 'ism' in enthusiasm," says Joey Kiening, 28, of Andersonville, who was inspired by Adam Lambert's memorable run last season.

Kiening has a new fan in Ashley Stafslien, 20, of Janesville, Wis., whom he met in line. "I watched his bags when he went to pee," she explains. Stafslien came straight from a friend's wedding to register to audition, in a full-length red satin gown.

This is the "producers' round," and there is no limit on how many talented singers are selected. In August, filming returns to Chicago for the "executive producers' round." If they can warble their way through that, contestants get to meet the celebrity judges, including the scathing Simon Cowell and the often incomprehensible Paula Abdul.

But everything in their lives has prepared them for this moment. Teeya Skipper, 20, of the West Side, is inspired by Chicago success story Jennifer Hudson. Skipper thinks her own skin should be tough enough by now to withstand any bad news. "I tell myself not to take it personally," she says. "I've been in retail so long."

Belle Dean, 23, is from Gary, Ind. "Home of the Jacksons," she says proudly. Her grandmother used to sing backup for Aretha Franklin. "She just told me to sing like I'm at home," says Dean.

The flight attendant has found that the world is a stage. "Once you step inside the plane, it's showtime," says Dean. On her last flight, her passengers wished her good luck and prevailed on her to perform over the intercom. Song choice? "I Believe I Can Fly."

James Lee Hanshaw, 18, was rejected after his last "Idol" audition because producers said he was "too green." He used to sneak into karaoke contests in Baberton, Ohio, to dazzle the crowds with his rendition of "God Bless a Broken Road."

"I look like Zac Efron and sing like Jesse McCartney," says the Teen Beat-ready Hanshaw.
Cousins Zoe Breeze, 16, and Sarah Gard, 28, of Evansville., Ind., have been promising each other for two years to try out together. "This is the last year I can audition," says Gard, "and the first year she qualifies."

The outgoing Andre Beans, 15, is determined to be a star, even if he's too young to get into the auditions this year. He holds his head and screams with excitement, and then jumps in front of a videocamera to sing the National Anthem. "I can act, too!" he promises.

But for some, the dream could end today. It's not looking real good for Shada Gardner, 22, of Joliet. After her campout night in front of the United Center, yelling and cheering with the crowd, she has lost her voice. "They tricked me," she says hoarsely.

But she wouldn't consider leaving without giving it a try. "I'm just going to belt through it," she says.