CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Thousands of American Idol hopefuls are lining up at the United Center for their chance to be on the show.
The Chicago auditions for Season 12 are being held Thursday.
Ryan Seacrest, host of the show, says he's still excited even after 12 seasons.
"I'm grateful to be back. This show has changed my life in so many different ways. I'll always be thankful for that. Every time I walk out on that stage and look into the camera, I get excited," he said. "I hear those kids sing and we give out that phone number and the next night the results, there's an adrenaline rush that comes with this show."
He says one of the things he's most commonly asked when people recognize him is why their favorite singer didn't win.
"Usually they will come up and tell me who their favorite was or say how come so and so didn't win. And I'll say, 'because you didn't vote enough. You have to call in and vote.'"
Seacrest added that one of the things he loves to do when he comes back to Chicago is to take a long run along Lake Michigan.
Wheeling, Illinois native and former Idol contestant Haley Reinhart says seeing all the hopefuls standing in line is like déjà vu for her.
"Standing in a line, you know, just being a hopeful dreamer. Knowing how it turned out, I'm so excited for everybody here, especially Chicago, one of the greatest cities -- is the greatest city. The support system here is like no other.," Reinhart said.
Reinhart says at this stage in the contest, hopefuls only have about 15 seconds to impress the judges so it's important to "bring your game."
Reinhart, who will be appearing at Lollapalooza in August, says Idol was not just a platform for launching her career, it also helped her discover herself.
"Idol is the biggest, greatest platform to teach you everything you need to know about this business, so I'm grateful for that. Most important thing, I did it my way. I found myself throughout the show and I'm glad I stuck to my guns, made something I'm proud of," she said.
Reinhart did offer some advice for anyone trying out.
"Just be who they are. Stay true to that. Be able to represent yourself in the best light," Reinhart said.
