Thousands of people have been streaming into the New Orleans Arena to register for a chance to compete on 'American Idol.'

That process continues throughout the day today, with the number of contestants for the FOX TV show whittled down tomorrow in New Orleans.

With Steven Tyler and J-Lo leaving 'Idol,' who are the judges?

"Later on, late summer / fall, we'll come back and do a separate round with the celebrity judges," spokeswoman Molly O'Gara said.

That will happen in Baton.

So who is evaluating the talent during this stage of the competition?

"It's the producers, music people and vocal coaches," said Patrick Lynn, senior supervising producer for American Idol.

He explained that is the normal process as they determine which select group of contestants go before the celebrity judges.  The difference this year is there will be an extended delay between the initial evaluation and judges decisions.
 
Some of the names being mentioned in media reports as potential judges include singers Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry, Fergie, and Miley Cyrus. There is also buzz around some former Idol contests like Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.  Idol winner Carrie Underwood is also a name that has been suggested. It's not clear if Randy Jackson will return.

So how do you sign up?  Well, there are no specific hours of registration.

"The hours are 24/7 really," Lynn explained.  "We want to make sure everyone has a chance to come down and register."

He says they expect to add another 2,000 contestants before the registration closes in New Orleans.

Click here for more registration information...