Colton Dixon discusses 'Idol' tour - FOX 35 News Orlando

The American Idol Live Tour 2012 kicks off at Joe Louis Arena on Friday.  On Thursday, it was dress rehearsal before their first live audience.  They have been here for a week in preparation, and they're ready to go.

"We're beyond ready.  It's such an honor and a privilege to be able to be here first of all.  We never thought we'd be here a year ago, but we're playing for our first audience, a small audience just to get things going tonight, and it's crazy, even just with [people] up in the few rows, it's like feel the energy," said Colton Dixon.

What should the fans expect to see when they come to American Idol Live?

"The fans are going to have so much fun, especially the fans of the show," Dixon said.  "They're going to be familiar songs.  They're going to be songs that we wish we could've done of the show."

Aerosmith is playing at The Palace and Steven Tyler is in town.  Did he stop in?

"I thought we were friends, but no, he hasn't said anything, so I'm kind of questioning that friendship, Steven.  I'm just kidding.  Hopefully, he'll stop by after the show or, I don't know, we'll try to figure something out.  It's cool.  I didn't know that."

Did Dixon ever imagine in his wildest dreams that anything like this would ever happen?

"No way.  We're all normal kids.  I was in everyone in the audience's shoes last year.  I went and saw the tour, and it's crazy to think that I'm up on that stage now sharing my music with people.  It's a dream come true, it really is, and that's what American Idol is.  They provide a great platform, and now it's up to us to do something with it."

For more information on the American Idol Live Tour 2012, visit www.americanidol.com/tour.