American Idol's first stop on the audition circuit is in Music City! Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is where music is created, celebrated, recorded, and performed. Music legends Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Jimi Hendrix have called Nashville home. Every night of the week, you can stroll down the street and enter one of over a hundred live music clubs in Nashville where artists of all genres are performing. It's always a good time in "Nash Vegas!"

Transportation

If you're flying into Nashville, you'll probably land at Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is located in southeastern Nashville, TN. You can then catch the MTA #18 bus which will take you from the airport to Downtown Music City, near Bridgestone Arena. The best thing about this bus ride is that it's only $1.35! For those folks who are driving to Nashville, the city is centrally located at the crossroads of three interstate highways: 1-40, I-24, and I-65. There are many hotels next to the Bridgestone Arena, which provide a convenient place to get a good night sleep before your early morning audition.

Sightseeing

If you or your loved ones are auditioning for American Idol, you obviously have an affinity for music, and Nashville is the best place to be for country music lovers! The Grand Ole Opry is walking distance from the Bridgestone Arena, and is a great place of music history. Take a tour of the Opry House and see where member Carrie Underwood and guest artists Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Bucky Covington, and Phil Stacey have performed. Also within walking distance from the arena is the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, and on the sidewalk out front you'll see the Music City Walk of Fame. Unfortunately, this spring, Nashville was hit by devastating floods. Lend a helping hand while you're in town with Idol Gives Back beneficiary Feeding America at their Second Harvest Food Bank. In April, Idol's own Lacey Brown, Bucky, Melinda Doolittle, Bo Bice, Phil, and Mandisa packed disaster-relief boxes their in honor of Idol Gives Back.