Starry-eyed singers who dream of being discovered — like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson or Clay Aiken — will have a chance when a new “American Idol” attraction opens in February at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Or, if singing on stage doesn’t appeal, visitors to the theme park’s new attraction can make like Simon Cowell or Paula Abdul by taking on the role of judge in the live, interactive competition.

The attraction, scheduled to open Feb. 12 at a time when attendance and revenues are down at the Orlando theme park, was announced today in a joint statement by Disney World‘s and Resorts and producers/creators of the phenomenally popular “American Idol” TV show, Fremantle Media Licensing and 19 Entertainment.

Like the TV show, Disney World “American Idol Experience” attraction will include a nerve-racking audition process in which eligible park-goers will perform in front of a Disney World producer for a chance to be cast in a show at the theme park — and a possible shot at eventually competing in the real TV show.

“One of the most remarkable elements about ‘American Idol’ is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America’s next superstar,” said Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment. “Disney World new attraction perfectly captures what we at ‘American Idol’ feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality.”

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The attraction will be located in the Hollywood Studios section of Disney World. Park goers who are deemed to have “star quality” during a screening process — and after working with a vocal coach, hair stylist and make-up artist backstage — will perform on Disney World “American Idol Experience” stage set before a live audience and a panel of judges.

Those with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day grand finale show at Disney World; the winner of the grand finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition for the “American Idol” TV show.

“Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the ‘American Idol’ stage,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney World’s and Resorts. “We’re excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World.”

Susan R. Pollack / The Detroit News

Kelly Clarkson wannabe’s can have their shot at fame at the new American Idol attraction coming to Disney World Hollywood Studios. Guests who register will audition before a producer to be cast in a Disney World theme park show. After being prepped with hair, make-up and a vocal coach, they’ll perform in front of a panel of American Idol judges and ‘live’ audience.

Those with the highest number of votes will compete at the end of day Grand Finale show. The winner of this daily event gets a guaranteed reservation at a future American Idol regional stadium audition without having to wait on the long lines. (That is the only advantage that the Disney World Hollywood competition finalists have. They will still need to compete with the rest of the applicants.)

The American Idol Attraction is being developed in partnership with Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment, the creative force behind Idol.

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‘American Idol’ coming to Disney World | detnews.com | The Detroit … – ‘American Idol’ coming to Disney World | detnews.com | The … – Susan R. Pollack / The Detroit News Starry-eyed singers who dream of being discovered — like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson or Clay Aiken — will have a chance when a …

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