DALY CITY, Calif. -- Thousands of aspiring musical divas from across the nation filed into the Cow Palace Thursday morning to audition for the next season of "American Idol."

Though many of the contestants have performed at high school graduations, bars, or weddings, all shared a common passion for the uber-popular Fox reality show.

Many performers camped out overnight and were still in their pajamas, with sleeping bags and blankets in tow.

"I had to catch a bus," said Sade Thompson, of Los Angeles. "It was rough. I slept on the ground but we still look good!"

One man, Anthony Gilkes, came all the way from Connecticut, despite the fact that Idol will be holding auditions in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

"I know," he said, "but I came out here because I want a yellow ticket this summer and I’m going to follow the tour until I get one."

10-15,000 people are expected to audition in each of the 8 cities across the nation this summer.

"I came from Blaine, Washington," said Francesca Perez. "My grandma drove with me."

No one had to sing Tuesday, but call times were handed out. Auditions are set to start Thursday morning.

Ann Tran, of San Jose, has a 5 a.m. call time Thursday.

"There’s going to be a long line," she said. "They’re only giving us 45 seconds for our song, so I have to find one heck of a song."