Behind the scenes with Ryan Seacrest

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (FOX Providence/AP) - Yes, they were singing in the rain. Thousands of "American Idol" hopefuls braved showers and unseasonable cold winds Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. with the hopes of becoming the show's next star.

In this behind the scenes video, host Ryan Seacrest said the bad weather may have been a plus for contestants since it likely reduced competition.

Seacrest also talks the new season of Idol, Kris Allen, and how long he thinks the show will go on. Hint, he wants to see Simon Cowell so old that he gets a discount on movie tickets!

The Season Nine kickoff auditions managed to attract around
7,000 contestants from the East Coast. Some showed up around 3 a.m. Sunday for a place in line.