Contestants everywhere are lining up and auditioning for their chance to try out for American Idol. Several small towns hold auditions and then send their hopefuls to the larger competition in hopes of making it all the way to the bid stage in Los Angeles. Fairbanks, Arkansas is no different.

On Saturday, 15 finalists will compete at Hering Auditorium. The winner of the local competition, sponsored by KFXF Fox Channel 7, will receive a ticket to Chicago and a guaranteed audition before “American Idol” producers there on Sept. 16.

On Friday, during the semifinals, 46 people competed singing a variety of music from country, gospel, rock, and rhythm and blues.

“With the possible exception of yodeling,” emcee Jerry Evans said, “We had a little bit of everything.”

Each contestant was given 60 seconds to sing a cappella which means without any musical accompaniment. This is done because that is what they will do when arriving in Chicago for the next leg of the competition.

Chantal Gonzales, who was a runner-up in last year’s contest, will be back again this year as one of the finalist along with Aisha Printup, Brittany Huntziker, Chris Malen, Chantarai McDougald, Donielle Carrol, Dorothy Fremman-Witig, Ebony Davis, Emilee Coblentz, Jenny Gilhuly, Latisha Noecker, Quyana Mountainflower, Samantha Kinchole, Shane Keesler and Whitney Wood.

This year’s judges for the finals are Sue Wallace, Therisa Ramsey, Dermot Cole, Matt Want, Beth Austin and Sam Oxman.

The judging goes on all over American for each town to send their best, this year American Idol will have hopefuls from over the country and one of them will be the next American Idol. The television series begins in January and we can all witness the best of what American has to offer.