By Bill Zwecker, FOX 32 News Entertainment Reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
There was lots of excitement along the lakefront Tuesday morning as the judges auditions began for the 12th season of American Idol.
Chicago is one of six cities where new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban join veteran judge Randy Jackson to determine who will get that "golden ticket" and make it to the next stage in Hollywood.
A couple hundred anxious contestants were on hand Tuesday, with more invited for Wednesday's auditions. All of them were excited by the new group of judges, as expressed by Charles Roach, who clearly has been long preparing for this big day.
Season 11 American Idol finalist Coltyn Dixon also showed up, there to support his sister Skyler who is back trying out for her third time.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Marcel's Culinary Experience owner Jill Foucré and executive chef Kelly Sears explained how the Glen Ellyn gourmet retail store and cooking school can help you prepare easy dishes for your next dinner party.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:21:15 GMT
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:20:10 GMT
Kevin Durant, one of the Oklahoma City Thunder's biggest stars, made a generous show of support for tornado victims on Tuesday. His foundation hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Kevin Durant, one of the Oklahoma City Thunder's biggest stars, made a generous show of support for tornado victims on Tuesday. His foundation hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Four-time Emmy winner and star of Northlight Theatre's "Stella and Lou" Rhea Perlman joined Bill Zwecker to speak on the world premiere and teaming up with fellow "Cheers" alum Kirstie Alley again very soon!
Four-time Emmy winner and star of Northlight Theatre's "Stella and Lou" Rhea Perlman joined Bill Zwecker to speak on the world premiere and teaming up with fellow "Cheers" alum Kirstie Alley again very soon!
TMZ's Dax Holt reports on Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's drawn out divorce proceedings, Barbara Walters' daughter gets a DUI, legendary keyboardist and Chicago native Ray Manzarek's passing.
TMZ's Dax Holt reports on Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's drawn out divorce proceedings, Barbara Walters' daughter gets a DUI, legendary keyboardist and Chicago native Ray Manzarek's passing.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
Country crooner Rick Monroe is on the Jagermeister country tour, which stops in Bloomington and South Bend this week. He performed his new single "Just the Same" for Good Day Chicago on Monday!
Country crooner Rick Monroe is on the Jagermeister country tour, which stops in Bloomington and South Bend this week. He performed his new single "Just the Same" for Good Day Chicago on Monday!
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
Four-time Emmy winner and star of Northlight Theatre's "Stella and Lou" Rhea Perlman joined Bill Zwecker to speak on the world premiere and teaming up with fellow "Cheers" alum Kirstie Alley again very soon!
Four-time Emmy winner and star of Northlight Theatre's "Stella and Lou" Rhea Perlman joined Bill Zwecker to speak on the world premiere and teaming up with fellow "Cheers" alum Kirstie Alley again very soon!
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
FOX's Bill Zwecker shares photos from "The Hangover Part III" premiere after party in Las Vegas, and sat down with stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms to get their take on the film.
FOX's Bill Zwecker shares photos from "The Hangover Part III" premiere after party in Las Vegas, and sat down with stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms to get their take on the film.
FOX entertainment guru Bill Zwecker reviewed "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "The Ice Man" starring Michael Shannon in the Screening Room Friday. Both are must-see movies, and they open this weekend! Don't miss out!
FOX entertainment guru Bill Zwecker reviewed "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "The Ice Man" starring Michael Shannon in the Screening Room Friday. Both are must-see movies, and they open this weekend! Don't miss out!
Candice Glover was named the nation's favorite singer on "American Idol" Thursday night, after singing with Aretha Franklin and Chicago native and "Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson. She never, ever gave up on her dream.
Candice Glover was named the nation's favorite singer on "American Idol" Thursday night, after singing with Aretha Franklin and Chicago native and "Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson. She never, ever gave up on her dream.
American Idol will soon name the nation's newest, favorite singer. The last two hopefuls gave their finale performances Wednesday night, and their fate depends on the vote. Bill Zwecker reports.
American Idol will soon name the nation's newest, favorite singer. The last two hopefuls gave their finale performances Wednesday night, and their fate depends on the vote. Bill Zwecker reports.
Golden Globe and Oscar nominee, musician and original Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan from "MASH," Sally Kellerman introduced her revealing tell-all autobiography "Read My Lips."
Golden Globe and Oscar nominee, musician and original Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan from "MASH," Sally Kellerman introduced her revealing tell-all autobiography "Read My Lips."
Bill Zwecker has the scoop on Miley Cyrus receiving nasty comments from fans of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, Barbara Walters' retirement, Beyonce baby rumors and new judges on"The X-Factor."
Bill Zwecker has the scoop on Miley Cyrus receiving nasty comments from fans of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, Barbara Walters' retirement, Beyonce baby rumors and new judges on"The X-Factor."
Bill Zwecker sat down with Chicago native and "The Office" favorite Craig Robinson, who leads in Tyler Perry's new film "Peeples" with Kerry Washington. Bill also says "The Great Gatsby" is a must-see!
Bill Zwecker sat down with Chicago native and "The Office" favorite Craig Robinson, who leads in Tyler Perry's new film "Peeples" with Kerry Washington. Bill also says "The Great Gatsby" is a must-see!
