Judging By The Sound of Things ...

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You can't see the 20 to 30 "American Idol" wannabes who're hoping to score the golden ticket to Hollywood. But, at least for a moment, you could hear them cheering loudly from somewhere near the Gate 10 Lobby at Churchill Downs.

For the past few hours, they've been sequestered up on Millionaire's Row. In addition to passing the time by practicing -- and praying, said one family member who declined to give his name -- the hopefuls have also been filmed by "Idol" producers for possible footage for the upcoming season.

Now, though, the judges are about to arrive, and producers are creating the perfect atmosphere that will give them the best footage.

Local voice coach Sheila O'Bannon hurried through the downs. She'd come to offer support to one of her students who'd called and begged for her assistance. "I left church!" O'Bannon said, smiling before entering Gate 10 Lobby and emptying her pockets in front of security.

--Angie Fenton, The Buzz Columnist, The Courier-Journal