Thousands attend Utah 'Idol' audition

Salt Lake City -- Salt Lake City resident Jasmine Welch says despite being among thousands auditioning for "American Idol" in the Utah city, she will be on the TV series.

The 16-year-old said during the open audition at EnergySolutions Arena for the popular reality competition that she is confident she will outshine the other hopefuls, the Deseret Morning News reported.

"I'm here because I think I'm the next American Idol. Why else would I be here?" Welch said during Sunday's audition.

"You've got to have confidence or you're not going to get very far."

Yet at the audition, such confidence must shine through in a 10-second spot before an "Idol" staffer, who will decide if each contestant has what it takes to appear on the popular FOX series.

Welch told the Morning News that those staffers will likely be "surprised" at the level of talent they find in Salt Lake City.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.