Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol broadened its search for the next superstar during Season 12 with a small-town bus tour.

And, you’ll recall that Idol also launched something called “nominate an Idol” last year.

It’s a process by which a relative or friend can nominate someone for an American Idol audition as a surprise.

Well, it’s back for Season 13.

But you’d better hurry. The deadline is Sept. 20.

And you’ll be expected to include a video link or the person you’re nominating singing solo and a cappella.

For complete rules, head here. Of course, all the other Idol eligibility requirements still apply.

Last year, some of these contestants wound up being featured in audition episodes.

I especially remember Randy Jackson surprising a talented teen named Isabelle Gonzalez at her school in Georgia and another young lady named Maddie Assel while she was eating dinner with her family in New Orleans, where she thought she was going for a college audition.

Both turned out to be very talented. Here’s a reminder.

“Skinny Love” by Izzy Gonzalez

“Wicked Games” by Maddie Assel