"We always joked about that," Appel said. "We were hoping that we wouldn't become the joke people ... you know those people are going to be made fun of. You feel bad for those people."

To keep from becoming "joke people," the "Five" sang for each other the night before, during the ride down to San Antonio and while waiting to audition.

It's been nearly five months since those auditions and soon, the "Five" will have their story revealed to millions across the country 7 p.m. Jan. 31 when San Antonio's auditions air on Fox. Looking back at their experience, the "Five" have mixed reviews.

"I really had no idea what to expect," Gossett said. "I think it's a great thing and it's been great for my singing. I've grown a lot through the experience."

Foster said there were quite a few misconceptions about the show and how difficult it is to make it into the audition room with Simon, Paula and Randy. Knowing what the experience is like now, Foster said he would encourage others to go for it.

"It's well worth it," Foster said. "It could be a life-changing experience with a million-dollar recording deal."

Fisher, who said he was in Nashville, Tenn., this week working on future recording opportunities, said with his musical background and education, he did not think "Idol" was the route to go.

"It goes against everything I've worked for," Fisher said. "The route I'm going with my network is going to be my ticket to the industry.

"It was a cool experience, but in terms of being a trained musician, it's so much more work once you're on the show."

Appel said the auditions were tough with "Oklahoma and Texas being very artistic," but that the chance to audition was a "blessing."

"The experience was amazing," Appel said. "We met some cool people in line. You get to see what the directors and producers go through... It was a blessed experience."

Althea Peterson 366-3539 apeterson@normantranscript.com