I was the only one at the Dallas concert on 07/23 to get a picture with Adam because I did a lot of research. My icon is my picture with him, obviously I cut most of my face out of the picture.

They do two autograph signings, one around noon before the show and one right after the show. Don't even bother going to the one at noon if you only want to meet Adam because only Kris, Scott, Matt, Mike, and Danny came out. If you do want to meet them, however, go at noon because there is about 1/100th of the people there at that time. After the show, there are so many people packed in it is unbelievable.

The ONLY way you will get a picture or an autograph from Adam is to leave as soon as Kris comes onstage. You will miss his performance and the group performace but it was worth it to me. Find out where the barriers are ahead of time and RUN to get a spot at the barrier (try for the middle) Adam is the last one to come out and they stop signing at midnight so you have about 15 minutes to get your chance. He was saying no to pictures but I told him it was my birthday and I left my 6 week old at home just to get a picture with him (both true) I got a picture and an autograph.

It is possible but you have to be obsessive like me and be willing to do what it takes to get what you want.

If you have Facebook and want to see all of my great pics from the concert, go to www.facebook.com/ashleighhart4

American Idol Auditions Aren't About Talent

Anyone who follows American Idol knows that there are times when there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who is selected - and who is rejected. According to the 'American Idol Advantage,' this is because the judges aren't selecting candidates on the principles we think they are.

"Talent is not the most important factor in making it past these first auditions," said Andy West, a marketing specialist and representative of www.AmericanIdolTips.com. "The singers who have a clearer understanding of this are the ones who make it past the judges."

If there is anything that gets results in the American Idol auditions, it's not talent - it's how much time and effort people have put into their presentation. Singers who desperately want the opportunity stand out from the crowd, not because they're talented, but because they have done their homework: they know how to market themselves in order to get the judges' attention.

'American Idol Advantage' explains the factors that actually determine the judges' choices in the first round of American Idol auditions - those that separate the chosen few from the rest of the crowd. The e-book is full of trends, tips, and other information that reveals how American Idol auditions are really won: songs that boost a candidate's chances, versus those that bomb; how successful candidates tend to dress; and how to interpret the judges' reactions to you and your audition. 'American Idol Advantage' also includes analysis and interpretation of past American Idol auditions, showing real-life examples of what works - and what doesn't.

"There's a lot more to these initial auditions than just singing," said Mr. West.

As with everything else in life, the American Idol auditions are about more than just showing up - they're about being prepared. 'American Idol Advantage' provides everyday people with a shot at making it onto American Idol - by teaching them how to prepare.

"The singers that do their homework and are the most prepared will make it on to the show, plain and simple," Mr. West said. For more information about American Idol Advantage, check out the website www.AmericanIdolTips.com.

About the Author

Andy West is a freelance writer and a marketing communications specialist for MediaChoice, Inc. MediaChoice is a search engine marketing company which owns and operates http://www.RatingZone.com and http://www.ReviewPlace.com