There's still a month left in the season, but the "American Idol" machine is already gearing up for its usual summer tour with the year's top 10 contestants.
The tour's itinerary -- posted today at AmericanIdol.com -- lists a Sept. 1 date at Target Center. Tickets will go on sale May 9 through Ticketmaster at prices yet to be announced. Minneapolis comes at the tail end of the summer jaunt, which will kick off July 5 in Portland, Ore.
About 11,000 fans showed up for last year's "Idol" concert, which moved to Target Center after five years at Xcel Energy Center because the St. Paul arena was under preparations for the Republican National Convention. With ratings holding strong this year for the Fox TV show, the concert industry is banking on another profitable year by the "Idol" road show. And that's without anymore appearances by this week's big guest star: Frankie Avalon.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
