'American Idol' sets Chicago auditions

Record labels also baffled over how to make money on social networks

With Facebook and MySpace accounting for two of the top 10 Internet spots in the U.S., the music industry is grappling with how to make money on social media.

Mike Jbara, chief operating officer of WEA, Warner Music Group's domestic sales and marketing company, today told those attending the music retailers' annual conference in San Diego that social networks present an opportunity to reintroduce consumers to the habit of buying music.

"It looks like social media is competing with peer-to-peer (file-sharing networks) and we all have an interest in turning that into an appropriate revenue opportunity, given that it's substantial," Jbara said.

So far, that secret formula has proved elusive. Panel after panel addressed the question of how to monetize social networks, but offered little by way of concrete success stories of bands converting Facebook fans to song buyers.

Many digital media experts extolled the power of social networks as powerful marketing platforms. But that's not exactly what the music industry needs -- new and innovative ways to give away its music online, in the hope of one day cashing in.

"It remains to be seen if it's going to be successful in that capacity," said Adam LaRue of IndieClick, who consults with major and independent labels in developing online strategies for artists.

The most advanced experiment to date, the MySpace Music service started in a joint venture with the major music labels, has yet to live up to its hype as a one-stop shop for music fans.

Alicia Yaffe, director of digital media at Rocket Science, which provides music label services, put it this way: "MySpace's new music service is taking a lot of time to get off its feet."

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

'American Idol' sets Chicago auditions

"American Idol" is holding open auditions in Chicago June 22. If you think you're the next Kris Allen or Kelly Clarkson, you'll get your shot at becoming a contestant at the United Center that day.

The first thing you must know is that pre-registration is required; that takes place June 20 and June 21, and registration wristbands will be handed out those days starting at 7 a.m. Those who obtain wristbands will be able to line up for auditions starting at 5 a.m. June 22.

"American Idol" has held open auditions in Chicago in 2002, prior to the show's debut season, and also in 2005, before the fifth season of the Fox talent contest.

The full details on the audition process are below.

From Fox's Tuesday press release:

PRE-REGISTRATION ON JUNE 20 & 21
 
WHAT: Open call audition for the ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL in Chicago, IL.
 
WHERE: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612
 
WHEN: Pre-registration-- Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21

Wristbands will be distributed to auditioners during pre-registration (tables open at 7 a.m.).  Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to the stadium by 5 a.m. on Monday, June 22 to line up for their audition.

[Media] crews can begin shooting pre-registration at 6 a.m. Auditioners can sing for the camera at this time if they would like to.
 
AUDITIONS

Monday, June 22

***NO MEDIA WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE VENUE DURING AUDITIONS***

Registered auditioners may begin lining up for their audition starting at 5 a.m..

Crews can begin shooting at 5 a.m. on Sunday.

NOTE: Contestants who do make it through to the next round of auditions cannot sing for the cameras after their audition.  Those contestants who do not make it through can sing for the cameras after their audition (outside the stadium) if they would like to.

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