DETROIT - If you happened to be near the Greektown Casino in Detroit on Monday morning, you may have noticed something other than the typical crowd of tourists and people starting their work week.

More than 5,000 people lined up the streets outside of the Atheneum Hotel in downtown Detroit, hoping to take the first step in becoming the next Jennifer Lopez or Nick Carter by trying out for the popular television series "American Idol."

Doors opened bright and early at 8 a.m. Monday, but devoted fans of the show lined up by the thousands long before the first person auditioned.

"We got here last night about 10:30 and we waited all night," said Mandy Dixon, 16. "It's been my dream forever to be a singer. I want to be the next Kelly."

Dixon was one of many who hoped to get a good spot in line by arriving early. "The first person in line got here about 11:30 in the morning on Saturday," said Selena Norris, 17. "I heard there were people who came as early as Wednesday, but they gave up because of the cold."

Detroit is the first of seven stops on the "American Idol" contestant search. From there the search continues in New York, Atlanta, Nashville, Tenn., Miami, Austin, Texas and ends Nov. 17 in Los Angeles

"American Idol" debuted on FOX this summer and became a ratings phenomenon for the fourth network, besting the offerings by big time competitors NBC and CBS. The program boosted the saging reality series trend, dominating the coveted younger audience bracket.

The show is a "Star Search" for the new millenium, but instead of performing for a star rating, contestants must prove their talents to the "American Idol" judges. Producer Randy Jackson, '80s songstress Paula Abdul and British producer Simon Cowell make up the judges panel, each with their own way of critiquing hopeful superstars.

Cowell quickly became notorious for his brutally frank comments, often leaving timid contestants in tears.

"I'm here to snot on Simon's face," claimed Andrew Papke, 17. Ironically the judges were not in town on Monday. The tryouts were simply preliminary screenings where each person had mere seconds to impress the representatives from the show.

The judges will arrive in Detroit on Friday to finalize the list of who will be flying out to Los Angeles for the second round.

For the second installment of the series, FOX will be bringing on a fourth judge, but that person is yet to be announced. The see-through shirt wearing, all smiles hosting Ryan Seacrest will bring back his annoying personality as well, but co-host Brian Dunkelman will not be joining him.

The "American Idol" craze has continued since Kelly Clarkson was announced as the winner last month as viewers anxiously await the debut of the new season airing sometime at the beginning of next year.

"I figured this is an opportunity and when you've got an opportunity knocking on your door, you have to take it," said Megan Cox, 17. "I live too close to pass this up."

People flocked to the Atheneum from as close as Novi to as far away as Minnesota. "I drove up from Toledo just to be here," said Michael Dow, 23. "I love the show "American Idol" and I love to sing, so I thought I'd give it a try."

Many of those in line were students, some in college but most still in high school. A few even got permission to miss school. "I'm here just for the experience," said Kim Maes, 16. "My mom is the attendance clerk at school so I didn't have to worry about skipping class."

From the seven cities on the search tour, about 100 people will be asked to fly to Los Angeles where the they will then be reduced to 30. Chances are we may see a local crowned as the next "American Idol."