Ryan Seacrest Claims Rain 'Reduced Competition' at 'American Idol' Season 9 Audition

Mon, 15 June 2009 01:07:18 ET

Ryan Seacrest says rain may have been a plus for contestants of 'American Idol' season 9 audition in Massachusetts because it likely has reduced competition.

The first round of auditions for "American Idol" season 9 was kicked off at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, June 14. The rain and unseasonable cold winds didn't stop thousands of "Idol" hopefuls from auditioning for the popular singing contest. Ryan Seacrest, the host of the show, said that the "bad weather may have been a plus for contestants because it likely reduced competition".

Joining the audition were an estimated 7,000 contestants from all over New England and as far away as North Carolina. Some of them have shown up at 3 A.M. to grab a place in line and practiced their songs which would be performed in front of the judges.

One of the Rhode Islanders, 18-year-old Stephanie Lariviere who has just graduated from Cumberland High School, was invited to a second-round audition in Boston this summer for the hit Fox television show. "It's exciting, it's great to hear. I wasn't expecting it. I'm known as the national anthem girl at the high school. I sing at every event," she said after singing Carrie Underwood's tune "Last Name".

The auditions of "American Idol" will be continued in the other parts of the state. The next auditions are scheduled in Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17 and 18.

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