For this contestant, 'Idol' audition will be the experience of a lifetime

It was hot. It was smelly. My eardrums may never recover from the clashing and clanging of untrained voices polluting the air.

Standing in line to register for "American Idol" auditions at the North Charleston Coliseum on Thursday was an experience I'll never forget.

And I haven't even sung the first note.

At this point I could fall out of this competition happy that I've obtained a registration wristband and an assigned seat for Saturday.

I'm proud of myself for withstanding the heat, the crowd and the girl in leather hot pants who blew smoke in my face and gave me dirty looks for three hours.

I'm proud of myself for waking up at an hour most human beings haven't seen and never will.

And I'm proud of myself for agreeing to walk around town for two days with a bright red band attached to my wrist, bearing the "American Idol" logo for all to mock.

You see, telling people that you're trying out for "American Idol" is like telling them you like to light bugs on fire — they think you're a nutcase. I've come to terms with it though, and I'm starting to realize that this is going to be the experience of a lifetime, whether I'm crowned the next Karaoke Queen or not.

Saturday is the first day I'll actually sing in front of an "American Idol" judge, although it won't be Simon, Paula or Randy. I've decided to sing "Way Over Yonder" by Carole King, my favorite songwriter of all time.

As for nerves, they haven't really set in yet.

I assume that's because I've never been an "Idol" fanatic. I only decided last week to audition, so there really hasn't been enough time for me to get nervous.

Perhaps my stomach will start swirling and my joints will start buckling when it's my turn to stand before the judges. Seat 8, Row D, section 133 ... Come on down!

Reach Abi Nicholas at anicholas@postandcourier.com or 937-5581.