American Idol Auditions Texas Style

The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders welcomed over 11,000 American Idol hopefuls at the new Cowboy Stadium in Arlington. Idol producers were hoping to find the next Kelly Clarkson in the Lone Star State crowd

Neil Patrick Harris, star of How I Met Your Mother, was the odd choice of guest judge on day one. Fourteen golden tickets were given out on day one to a wide variety of individuals. Lloyd Thomas, a 29-year-old dock worker that grew up in the projects of Dallas, received the first golden ticket of the day. The father of two young children performed Stevie Wonder's Overjoyed and looked and sounded a lot like Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard. The most memorable performance of day one was 23 year-old Erica Rhodes who was on the Barney Show as a child. Dressed as a dominatrix in black leather and wielding a whip, she sang the Barney theme song for the judges. She also performed For Your Mind by EnVogue and was handed a ticket to Hollywood.

Pop superstar and hometown boy Joe Jonas was the guest judge on day 2. Joe didn't get much screen time, disappointing millions of teenage girls around the country. Tedrick Hill, a back up singer for former winner Fantasia Barino, sang an original song and made it through to Hollywood. Megan Wright, a bubbly 20 year-old with adorable eight year-old brother also received a golden ticket. After two days, 31 golden tickets were given.

Idol looks for the contestants that overcome major obstacles in their personal lives with stories that tug on your heartstrings and we were introduced to two amazing young people tonight. Dave Pittman is an attractive 27-year-old man suffering from Tourette's syndrome with a beautiful voice that isn't affected by his disability. He sang Bring it to Me by Sam Cook and won the judge's hearts along with a golden ticket. Christian Spear is a 16-year-old leukemia survivor who performed Etta James' All I Can do is Cry." She is impressed all four judges with her poise and confidence and is headed to Hollywood.

Next week auditions are in the Mile High city of Denver.