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Hundreds pack Exchange for American Idol finalists

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  It was a sight that few had ever seen at Tinker. Hundreds or perhaps thousands of people fled to the Tinker Exchange July 19 in hopes of meeting or seeing the Season 10 American Idol finalists.

The line, filled primarily with teenagers and adults, started at a stage with long table and chairs for the finalists and contestants, then zigzagged like an amusement park ride at the front of the store into the north retail corridor just outside the exchange.

Standing first in line was Katelyn Frye, a 12-year-old fan of American Idol contestant James Durbin.

"He's the voice of the season," said Katelyn of Edmond. She had won a dance contest, which secured her place at the front in line. "I am going to hug him; it's all I've ever wanted to do and I'm going to shake his hand."

Next in line was Rich Werner and his daughter Samantha, 11, of Moore. Like Katelyn, Samantha said she is also a James Durbin fan.

"I like how he sings and that he goes for his dreams and doesn't give up," she said. "I'm psyched we were the first ones here."

To secure their place up front, Mr. Werner said he woke up at 4 a.m. and got his daughter up an hour later. They arrived at the Base Exchange at 6:30 a.m. and sat outside the building.

"I thought it would be a madhouse with a 1,000 people," Mr. Werner said.

It wasn't. Mr. Werner said at approximately 8 a.m., there were maybe 10 people in line. An hour later, there were 50. The madhouse came later.

When they arrived, there was just one other group to join them.

Eighteen-year-old Kathy Esser of Midwest City drove herself, younger sister and two friends to meet the finalists. They arrived at the Base Exchange parking lot at 4:30 a.m., but everyone slept in the car for two hours.

Seeing the line that formed after them, Ms. Esser said waking up at 4 a.m. for the event was worth it.

While she wasn't sure what she'd say when face to face with the American Idols, her friend, Shaina Zopfi, did.

"I want to tell Scotty McCreery, American Idol winner, I once lived 30 minutes from him in North Carolina and never met him ... until today," the 17-year-old said.

Roughly a quarter way down the line stood 15-year-old Tiara Ciesielski of Ontario, Canada, who was undeterred by the number of people who waited before her. Armed with homemade signs that she hoped Scotty McCreery would sign, she waited with her stepmother, Kim, and father, Canadian air force Maj. Kevin Ciesielski, who is stationed at Tinker.

Though she didn't arrive as early -- showing up around 9:30 a.m. -- as other fans, Tiara said she had a reason for taking her time.

"I had to get ready. I wanted to be pretty for Scotty," she said. "He's a really great artist. I've been rooting for him since his audition. I love all of the songs he's going to make."

Standing outside of the line, inside the Base Exchange's electronic section were two excited Airmen who stood patiently but watched the rumored entrance, waiting for any movement. Assigned to the 72nd Medical Group, Airman 1st Class Jennifer McElroy, held a sign she and Airman 1st Class Stephanie Butzer, both 20, made for Mr. McCreery.

"We're hoping he signs it," she said.

And, he did.