"American Idol" Pittsburgh Auditions Scheduled for Friday

The FOX show "American Idol" will hold auditions for its 11th season at Heinz Field on Friday. Registrations will occur Wednesday and Thursday for those who want to see if they're the next big singing star.

The concept of the series is to find new solo recording artists. Contestants must prove that they are a a legal U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who is eligible to work full-time in the United States; and they must be between 15 to 28 years old on June 26.

Wristbands will be distributed from approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday until about 8 a.m. on Friday. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Heinz Field by 5 a.m. on Friday.

Those auditioning should look for the "Front of the Line" banner and should enter at the Heinz Field main gate.

American Idol Affiliate program winners must check in by 7 a.m. on audition day and must have a letter and identification.

For more information about auditions or to print the release forms, see the show's website.

Pittsburgh Police said they are expecting between 10,000 and 20,000 people to turn out early Wednesday morning and continue to pour into the North Side this week during the "Idol" registration and audition sessions.

Police Bureau spokeswoman Diane Richard said would-be contestants and morning rush-hour commuters should be aware that traffic and pedestrian congestion is likely to be extremely heavy around Heinz Field, PNC Park, parking lots adjacent to both stadiums and throughout the North Shore. Off-duty officers hired for private details will augment on-duty officers assigned to the North Shore for traffic and crowd control, she said.

"We ask that motorists pack patience," Richard said.

Police are urging people headed to the North Shore this week to park Downtown and walk across the Allegheny River to the North Side. Motorists also should consider carpooling or arranging to be dropped off and picked up at spots some distance from the stadium she said.