The 10th season of "American Idol" is under way in Nashville, and despite the long lines and big dreams of wannabe contestants, there's no denying that something's missing.

"'Idol's' going to be different this year first and foremost because (judge) Simon Cowell's not here," supervising producer Patrick Lynn said in an interview. "But secondly, this is our 10th season, we're going into it, and we're really this year are making it about the contestant. It's all about them, and let me tell you, Nashville, the crowd here does not disappoint."

People began lining up for wristbands outside Nashville's Bridgestone Arena early Thursday morning. By 9 a.m, Lynn estimated there were upward of 10,000 people waiting in the nearly 90-degree heat. About The Author: Steven Rogers
Steven Rogers is a senior entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and been covering the reality TV genre for two decades.