CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
For the past two days, American Idol judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban have been in Chicago, narrowing the field of contestants for the new season.
Entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker was in the midst of it all and reports that one thing is for sure: the American Idol judges handed out quite a few golden tickets to "Hollywood week," taking place early next year.
As the judges arrived at the Adler Planetarium for Wednesday's judging session, they explained that being called a judge makes them a bit uncomfortable.
"I have to turn it around, treat it as more of giving guidance and giving advice and of course there's a yes and a no moment but I really have to look at it that way. I'm not into the whole judgmental situation," Mariah Carey put it.
For Keith Urban, the whole process brings back memories from his attempt to break into the business.
"I was on a few of these shows when I was very very small. When I was 9, I went on a show called Pot of Gold in Australia and one of the judges completely crucified me. It left a lasting impression on me. He had some really good peices of advice but he could have delivered it better," Urban said.
Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey said Chicago once again delivered some "amazing" talent.
"Yesterday was amazing," Jackson said. "Today has been equally amazing. Some great stories, some great voices. Very inspiring people. It's really been an Idol sort of time here in Chicago."
"I was literally in tears today," Carey responded. "I think it's been a pretty emotional couple of days but the stories are beyond belief and there are some amazing voices."
And, the dream of stardom for contestants who began their journey in Chicago will continue for a few. Of course, fans will have to wait until American Idol's 12th season begins in January in order to discover just how many of our Chicago-area singers get to go to Hollywood.
Now, the judges move on to Los Angeles, San Antonio, New Orleans and Oklahoma City, continuing their quest to find the best of American talent.
