In the past nine years, the hit television show “American Idol” has produced such names in the music industry as Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry.

Bakersfield College student Sami Tate, 18, was hoping to be one of those names when she stood in line in San Francisco last fall. The auditions were pre-taped for the season currently on FOX.

She had a big ball of nerves before the audition.

“I was feeling very anxious and nervous but also on the same hand I was excited to see what would happen,” Tate said.

Then came the moment of truth for Tate.

“I sang ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ by Billie Holliday. I would change my song if I had the chance because it wasn’t enough power for that little of time,” she said.

“I guess I wasn’t what the judges were looking for this year. I would do it again, it was a great experience.”

Tate explained that there is a vast difference between what actually happens and what is shown on TV.

“The day before the auditions in San Francisco I had to get my tickets by providing two different types of identifications. Then I waited in the stadium as people went into groups of up to 10 into tents. If you got through then you walked around the track and waited, if not then you just pass through the tent,” she said.

Although Tate did not make the show, she still talked about the current season and her prediction on who should win this season.

“Casey Abrams is my favorite. I think he should win because he has a true gift and has major musicality,” she said. “Abrams is my favorite of all time because I’m old enough to appreciate his sound, and he is exposing America to true artistry.”

Abrams got eliminated on last Thursday’s episode of Idol.

Tate talked about who she would want now to win the show.

“No one else, Casey was the only one who deserved it. Maybe Haley, she is really good,” Tate said.

Tate offered her advice on people who want to try out for the future.

“My advice to future auditions is to be confident and pick a song that will show your range and power. Everyone will be doing that, but it is what will get you noticed. I made the mistake of trying to show my skill set and technique. Being original or different will get you nowhere in the first half. In the beginning, you have to be a cookie cutter to get in,” she said.