“American Idol” will be holding auditions on Portland’s waterfront Wednesday, beginning by 9 a.m.

The hit Fox TV show will be rolling its “Audition Bus Tour” up to the Maine State Pier on Commerical Street and parking there until around 5 p.m.

Singers ages 15 to 28 are eligible to audition for a chance to be part of the show’s upcoming season, which airs in January. Singers will audition under a tent near the show’s bus for a group of producers. The show’s celebrity judges will not be at the audition.

People are encouraged to line up before 9 a.m. to register for an audition. According to the show’s website, there is no guarantee that everyone in line at the end of the day will be seen.

Auditions are being held for thousands of singers around the country this summer, and selected contestants will participate in the early rounds of the show’s competition in October, November and December. The contestants in the early rounds will be pared down by judges to about two dozen or so once the show starts airing live weekly. The winner each season is awarded a recording contract.

The show began in 2002 and the contestants who have gone on to become stars have included Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry.

People who want to audition can find out more about what to bring, who is eligible, and what information is required on registration forms, by going to americanidol.com