Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Plan on trying out to become the Season 11 American Idol?

If so and you live in southcentral Pennsylvania, this week marks your most convenient opportunity.

American Idol is stopping at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Friday for its fourth round of Season 11 auditions.

Thousands already turned out for auditions in St. Louis, San Diego and Portland, and three more audition stops are planned — in Charleston, S.C., on July 22, Denver on July 29 and Houston on Aug. 26.

If you’re planning to audition in Pittsburgh, you’ll need a wristband, and those will be distributed from 7 a.m. Wednesday until about 8 a.m. Friday. Those with wristbands will be asked to return to Heinz Field by 5 a.m. on Friday.

You can go here for more information.

Meanwhile, here’s some advice from reigning American Idol Scotty McCreery.

“Be unique, and don’t be nervous,” he advised during a recent Ustream session where he and fellow touring Idols answered fans’ questions.

“They want the next American Idol to be the person singing in front of them,” he said of the audition judges. “They’re there to help you.”

Added Haley Reinhart: “Be yourself.”

And, if you’re fortunate enough to get one of those golden tickets to Hollywood, she suggested staying positive.

“You will get through group night (in Hollywood). It might age you 10 years but you will get through it,” she said.