EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (1010 WINS/ AP) — The Izod Center in East Rutherford was the center of the universe Tuesday for nearly 17,000 people hoping to get a spot on the next season of “American Idol.”

A line of vehicles, more than two miles long, stretched along Route 3 Tuesday morning just hours before auditions were to begin.

Singers performed for the show’s producers before finding out if they were in or out.

Photo/Steve Sandberg

“I just don’t know what they’re looking for,” Emily Roycroft, who didn’t make the cut, choked through tears.

“It’s hard when everyone’s telling you how good you are and then you walk in and they tell you it’s not what they’re looking for,” Lindsay, from Long Island said.

But Jessica, from North Bergen, got the chance to move forward. “I’m really excited, I was crying hysterically,” she told 1010 WINS reporter Steve Sandberg.

“Some of the most talented auditions have come from some of the youngest contestants,” host Ryan Seacrest, who was on hand at the Izod Center, said.

The lucky ones that make it to the next round will return in about a month to perform in front of the judges — whoever they may be.

Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres are out. Kara DioGuardi is rumored to be a goner too. Yet, Fox executives still refused to confirm Monday whether Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be joing Randy Jackson at the judge’s table for season 10.