'American Idol' is coming to Coeur d'Alene

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — The votes are in. Coeur d'Alene will be a star on the next season of "American Idol."

The mega-popular singing competition show will host its second round of auditions with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the Hagadone Event Center in mid-October.

The auditions will feature more than 30 contestants who advanced through the first round of auditions held in August and earlier this month in 20 cities around the country, including Boise.

J.J. Barlow, national sales manager for The Coeur d'Alene Resort, said more than 20 Northwest venues were considered before "American Idol" officials ultimately decided on the Lake City.

"We were chosen as the best venue in the most scenic location," he said. "We’re really proud that they chose Coeur d'Alene. It says something about how great of an area it is."

The auditions will be closed to the public. Barlow said the privacy and security of The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course was something that really appealed to "American Idol" staff.

And of course, Lake Coeur d'Alene is a huge draw.

"They're excited to have that lake background," Barlow said.

The Press contacted a media representative of the show Wednesday, who said no further information is available for release at this time.

"American Idol" first aired on Fox in 2002 and ran for 15 seasons. It made its debut on ABC earlier this year.