American Idol Changed My Life: The Inside Story Of Two Finalists

George: I never believed in American Idol. I was one of those people who thought that the major singing talent contest in the world was nothing but a big play, with very little of "reality" and a lot of "show." Fortunately, I was wrong.

Despite my skepticism, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to see with my own eyes what it was like to audition for the show. I had been singing since I was five years old and, after graduating from high school I had earned a full music scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma.

I was frustrated because my scholarship money was exhausted and I had to postpone my senior year. That was when I heard that American Idol was beginning its city-to-city tryouts. I thought "Why not?"

I didn't want to give up on my dream to pursue a career in music, and I saw American Idol as a valid option. So I gathered up courage and attended the first massive audition in Houston, Texas, at the end of 2003.

Jon Peter: The way I became an American Idol finalist was surreal. I always liked singing, but I had never been to a concert prior to my experience in this show. I didn't quite follow the TV program when it started up in 2002, but as soon as I watched a couple of episodes during the second season I decided I should take a chance.

I looked on the Internet to see where the auditions for the next season were. Without thinking it further, I cashed in my college loans and caught the next plane to Hawaii. I didn't want to be left wondering what "could have been."

I must say it wasn't easy to wait in line for a day and a half.