American Idol Season 9 Auditions in LA

It's about that time again: time for the tears, triumph and off-key vocals. American Idol season 9 auditions launched yesterday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The LA Times' ace Idol tracker Richard Rushfield reported on the sights and sounds of 11,000 people with dreams of stardom, and also includes video of tomorrow's celebrities (or karaoke addicts, depending on the outcome).

Among the faces in the crowd, he recounts: the legendary 'Crying Girl' (Ashley Ferl) who wept for poor Sanjaya way back when. The next round is off-air, followed by a round with Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara. Then comes 'Hollywood Week' and 'the Green Mile.'

Photo: David Banks/ Getty Images