It took only seven seasons, but the wait is almost over.

The American Idol talent search comes to Philadelphia for the first time this weekend, and tens of thousands of wannabes, weirdos, hangers-on, party crashers, gapers and media types are likely to crowd South Philly starting Saturday.

And that's just for registration.

After signing up over the weekend, auditioners must return to the Wachovia Center on Monday morning.

If you're thinking of trying out (or just showing up to gawk at the spectacle), here's a rundown of what you need to know.

Rules, rules, rules

You must be a U.S. citizen who was 16 to 28 years old on July 28.

You can't have a talent contract that would limit your participation on the show. (No deal with an agent, manager, recording company, acting production, etc.)

You can't work for Fox television, or any of a host of sponsors and other companies associated with the show. And neither can family members or anyone you live with.

You can't have finished in the top 30 on a previous American Idol. And if you were between 30th and 44th, you still might be out, depending on which show.

For more on these requirements and others, go to http://go.philly.com/idolrules.

Weekend Registration

Registration is Saturday morning to Monday morning at the Wachovia Center.

Yes, people can register all night Saturday and Sunday. Idol producers hope this helps avoid a repeat of last year's jam-up in North Jersey.

The sign-ups start at 6 a.m. Saturday, and word is that no line is supposed to form beforehand.

No one will be permitted to camp out overnight, the Idol Web site says.

If you want to try out, bring two forms of ID that prove your age (one should have a photo), and one person you'd like to be with you for the audition. (If you're under 18, that person should probably be a parent or guardian, who also needs to bring ID - at least for Monday's auditions. Check out http://go.philly.com/idolrules to sort out details.)

Auditioners and guests will get wristbands that must stay on through Monday's auditions. Space permitting, people will also get seat assignments.

Traffic and parking could be diciest Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon because the Phillies will be playing at Citizens Bank Park.

Traffic to and from the Shore could add to congestion.

Best alternative to driving: Broad Street Subway. New Jersey's PATCO service connects with the Broad Street Line at the Walnut-Locust Station. Also, SEPTA bus service schedules can be found at SEPTA.org.

Monday's auditions

The actual auditions start Monday at about 8 a.m.

Contestants will have to bring a signed release form, the same two forms of ID, and, for those under 18, that parent or guardian with ID.

Do not wear clothing that reveals tattoos or displays logos or names of designers, advertisers or other companies.

Don't expect to see the TV judges or Ryan Seacrest. The show's producers conduct the initial screenings. Those called back will perform the following week for judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell at an undisclosed location.

$10 off 'Idol' show tix

As a reward for standing in line for the Auditions, everyone on site will receive a $10 discount to see American Idols Live at the Wachovia Center on Friday, Sept. 7. Last season's Top 10 finalists will perform
live in concert, including winner Jordin Sparks, runnerup Blake Lewis, and the man of 1,000 dos, Sanjaya Malakar.  Fans will be able to purchase tickets on site at the Wachovia Center box office or at a future time via ComcastTIX.com, using the code they receive at the auditions.

For more information

See the list of links above.