Mehlville Teen Set to Try Out for "American Idol"

Mehlville's Miranda Hall is hoping to be the nation's next American Idol.

Miranda, 17, arrived at the Scottrade Center about 4:30 a.m. Sunday to register for an audition for American Idol. St. Louis is the first stop for the hit TV show's 11th search for America's next singing superstar. The show's producers will serve as judges.

Miranda and her dad were in the first wave of people to be ushered for registration in at 7 a.m. Ten minutes later, she received a wristband and two tickets to the auditions on Tuesday.

"I'm really excited, but I'm not going just to win," she said. "I'm going for the experience. It would be great to move to the next level, but it's such a hard field."

Miranda, a soon-to-be senior at Mehlville High School, has been involved in theater at the school since she was a freshman. She's been in several school plays and musicals and played Gabriella Montez in High School Musical.

She also sings on a regular basis in her church and was asked to sing the national anthem at last year's Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Miranda is planning to sing "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk, a Canadian singer-songwriter, at her audition Tuesday. 

Ralph Hall, Miranda's dad, said his daughter is a very talented vocalist and has good stage presence. He added that the family has been very supportive of Miranda's decision to audition for the show.

"It's overwhelming and such a big step for her," he said. "She loves to sing, whether it's in the shower or around the house. We're very proud."

Miranda said her favorite types of music include soft rock, country, gospel, soul and pop. She also noted that several of her current and former classmates were planning to audition for the show.

Registration for the auditions is open until 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Scottrade Center. Contestants must be between 15 and 28 years old. More details on the registration process can be found online.

All contestants are scheduled to report to the Scottrade Center at 5 a.m. Tuesday for the audition. Each contestant should be prepared to sing two to three songs a cappella, meaning without music or instruments.

Not everyone who registered will get to audition because of time constraints. In the event time runs short, judges will peruse the crowd and choose contestants based on performing ability, look, style, personality and other factors.