The TV Zone

We have right here, right now, the the information you've been waiting breathlessly for...Or maybe not. The "Idol" audition dates: They start in a few weeks at the Cow Palace, but the whole process wraps late July at the Izod Center. Here are all the dates just in case, oh, you find yourself in Louisville with nothing to do on July 21...

What's especially interesting about this list? San Juan, of course. That's a first, and an interesting first. While "AI's" had Latino contestants over the years - and of course Bridgeport's own Syesha Mercado qualifies, wouldn't you say? - there really haven't been that many. In fact, the vast Latino community could argue that "American Idol" has sort of ignored it, and with ratings down, that's not a good thing. So, on to San Juan...

The list:

San Francisco, CA Thursday, July 17 Cow Palace

Louisville, KY Monday, July 21 Freedom Hall

Phoenix, AZ Friday, July 25 Jobing.com Arena

Salt Lake City, UT Tuesday, July 29 EnergySolutions Arena

San Juan, Puerto Rico Saturday, Aug. 2 Coliseo de Puerto Rico

Kansas City, MO Friday, Aug. 8 Sprint Center

Jacksonville, FL Wednesday, Aug. 13 Veterans Memorial Arena

East Rutherford, NJ Tuesday, Aug. 19 IZOD Center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex