"I had a lot riding on this audition," said Feary, who made the cut and advances to the next round of scrutiny tomorrow at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

"I was doing this for myself, my family and, of course, my dad," said Feary, of the beloved Kalapana member. "I sang 'Always and Forever,’ belting it out, and hoping he (his dad) was watching. I screamed super loud when they told me (I made it)."

He was one of about 2,000 would-be Idols who braved the heat when the lineup began early yesterday and continued through this morning. Armed with gear for daytime humidity (bikinis, tank tops, shorts) and overnight cool (blankets, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses), "American Idol" contestants descended upon Aloha Stadium yesterday, from the wee hours on into today.

The parking lot encampment and pavement camaraderie resembled a rock concert crowd, with folks from Kailua, New York and New Hampshire sharing a common bond: to earn the right to appear as a contestant on the Fox-TV talent show and possibly jump-start a musical career.

Some grabbed microphones supplied by local radio stations and belted out impromptu auditions that blared over the heavy-duty speakers to anyone who cared to listen (and even those who didn’t).

Other contestants tried to seize the moment — walking behind anyone who looked official and breaking into song in hope of making an impression.

The selection process didn’t officially kick off until this morning, when the auditions began inside the stadium with the show’s producers.

Everyone will get a chance to sing at least a verse. From there, it could be a quick trip home after spending the night in line, or it could be on to this weekend’s finals and a chance to audition in front of "Idol" judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Anticipation and heartbreak shared the playing field when the auditions got under way.

Kulia Davis, 18, a Leeward Community College student, was skipping classes to audition. "But it’s worth it," she said, after earning the chance to move forward. "I sing a lot around the house, so I figured I could do it."

She knew she found the pot of gold when she sang "Over the Rainbow" and "the judge put his head down and smiled," she said.

Holly Young, 21, a nursing student at East Carolina University in North Carolina, also advances. "I’m really excited," she said. "It’s been fun so far."

She previously auditioned in Georgia, making it to the third round and decided to try again — with happy results. Her friend, Stephanie Bannick, 19, a Seattle native now attending school in San Diego, didn’t make the grade.

"Sure, I’m a little disappointed, but this was my first try," Bannick said. With her obligation gone, she’ll have time for a reunion with an island friend.

"My goal was to make it to the audition and I did," said Courteney New, 21, an LCC student who didn’t make the cut. "I met a lot of cool people from all over the state," she said. "And now I can go back to my life — and finish my album, as an independent."

Julius Mina, 20, an LCC student who also works for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said not winning was not a big deal. "I’m used to the audition process; there’s a lot you have to sacrifice but I’m glad I tried."

Tony Villanueva, 42, a part-time stevedore, was the last in line for the audition, even if he knew he’d be disqualified because of age. The FOX TV talent search is restricted to those aged 16-24.

"But it’s a lifetime chance to superstardom," said Villanueva. He was there to support his brother Frankie, 23, a Foodland trainee, who also competed.

David Goffin, a supervising producer for Idol, told auditioners before the sing-out began, "You’re all winners ... there are no losers. We cut the wristbands off (all contestants earned a wristband to audition) whether you’re a winner or a non-winner, so you have no souvenir to take away — except your memories."