'Idol' auditions will be held Tuesday at mall

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS -- "American Idol" is coming to St. Clair Square on Tuesday, looking for local singing talent.

From 10 a.m.to 1 p.m., KTVI-FOX 2's "St. Louis Idol" contestants will have up to 30 seconds to sing a cappella in the mall's Center Court in front of a panel of judges. Singers must be 16 to 28 years old and have two forms of identification. If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper identification.

The best singer will be chosen from among contestants during this audition or another at Chesterfield Mall in St. Louis. The winner is guaranteed an audition with an "American Idol" producer July 14 in Denver. (No, you won't meet judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul or Kara DioGuardi.) Roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations will be provided.

The top three singers from the local contests will sing live between 7 and 9 a.m. Friday on "Fox 2 News in the Morning," where the winner will be announced in a simulcast with Y-98 FM.

Besides the Denver audition, the winner will receive two front-row seats to the American Idol's Live Concert on Aug. 29 at the Scottrade Center. The two runners-up will receive two tickets to the concert, as well.

St. Clair Square will open its doors at 7 a.m. for contestants.

It is strongly advised that anyone considering auditioning read the contest and audition rules at www.fox2now.com.