American Idol Experience marks 3 years at Walt Disney World

The American Idol Experience opened just over three years ago at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, on Feb. 12, 2009, with a star-studded premiere night. Just over three years later, the guest performance-based attraction continues to be updated while the television series has undergone major changes.

  The most recent update is the addition of 14 new songs now available for guests to sing, including two from past “American Idol” winners, each chosen from recommendations by guests and Cast Members:

“Lean On Me” – Bill Withers
“Something To Talk About” – Bonnie Raitt
“Heartbreaker” – Pat Benatar
“Just Haven’t Met You Yet” – Michael Bublé
“Use Somebody” – Kings of Leon
 “Gone” – Scotty McCreery
“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
“Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band
“Love Story, The Story of Us” – Taylor Swift
“My Kinda Party” – Jason Aldean
“Stuck Like Glue” – Sugarland
“Dock of the Bay” – Otis Redding
“Get Here” – Oleta Adams
“I Can Only Imagine” – MercyMe

 When the American Idol Experience debuted, the mega-popular TV show was still holding onto its tried-and-true formula, featuring a flurry of singing contestants, good and bad, appearing before the three-judge panel of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. But in recent seasons, two of these original stars have moved on, replaced by Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

 And since the American Idol Experience opened three years ago, all the show’s winners have shouted “I’m goin’ to Disney World!” and done just that, including Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, and Scotty McCreery. Paula Abdul also visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios just yesterday for a Valentine’s Day visit.

 But while she did meet with Minnie Mouse and drop in on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, there’s no indication that Abdul visited the Disney version of her former TV home at the American Idol Experience yesterday. 

Thanks Mr.DisneyFan :]