Thousands of American Idol hopefuls showed up early this morning in Charlotte to register for the show's 12th season.

Some waited outside Time Warner Cable Arena in Uptown for hours before registration started at 5 a.m.

Registration will be open around the clock from Sunday until Tuesday morning.

The first auditions are set to begin early Tuesday.

This is the first time ever American Idol auditions have been held in the Queen City.

We spoke to one mother who's daughter, Cheyenne, is trying out for the singing contest.

Suzie Crowe told Eyewitness News she is excited and nervous for her daughter, but knows she can make it.

"God has blessed her with an amazing voice and it's her passion," Crowe said.

Nearly 15,000 people are expected at the Time Warner Cable Arena in the next three days.

The huge crowds are expected to cause congestion in Uptown.

Eyewitness News will be monitoring traffic for any problems that could delay your drive to work.