Idol Chatter & Voice Views

One sign that American Idol has lost some of its appeal: Auditions coming to town are no longer a must-cover event for local media.

Idol held another round of auditions in Austin in the middle of the week, and the only coverage I can find is from the local FOX affiliates.

No way they couldn’t cover the event, right?

Anyway, neither provided a clear estimate of the turnout in Austin.

But KABB in San Antonio did air an interview with Ryan Seacrest in which he said an announcement on the Idol judges for Season 13 will be coming very soon.

“It can’t go much longer without that announcement,” Ryan said.

Of course, FOX has confirmed that Keith Urban will return to the panel for Season 13. Rumors indicate he might be joined by Jennifer Lopez and will.i.am.

Here’s hoping those rumors aren’t true.

Oh, as for Idol’s appeal … well, it’s still very strong for some people.

My FOX San Antonio interviewed Madelyn Patterson, who flew all the way from Georgia to audition in Austin, using her parents’ mileage points to do so.

Auditioning for Idol has always been a dream for her, Madelyn said.

Idol will be stopping in Omaha, Neb., on Sunday; then embarking on a small bus tour with visits to Little Rock, Ark., on Aug. 17; Oxford, Mississippi, on Aug. 19; Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Aug. 21; Knoxville, Tenn. on Aug. 23; and Chapel Hill, N.C., on Aug. 26. Online auditions continue through the end of the month. Go to americanidol.com for information on those.

Here are photos provide by FOX of those San Antonio auditions.

Some of those who turned out at the Austin, Texas, auditions for American Idol make a bold prediction about the outcome of Season 13. (FOX Photo)

A few auditioners get into the jubilant spirit at the American Idol Season 13 auditions in Austin, Texas. (FOX Photo)

Fans of American Idol wait for a chance to try out earlier this week in Austin, Texas. (FOX Photo)