PORTLAND — Hundreds of wannabe pop stars lined up in the morning heat Wednesday for a chance to be on American Idol. For the first time in the hit show’s 14-year history, the Fox talent search came to Maine.

Conor Tubbs from Portland belted out an Amy Winehouse song as he waited patiently in the back of the line snaking around Maine State Pier. “This is my third time auditioning. I hope it’s the charm, ” said the South Portland native.

Tyler Flavin, 17, of Wiscasset clutched a new Fender guitar and said “I want to be the next American Idol.”

He planned to play a Mumford and Sons song for judges.

One-thousand people from age 15 to 28 are expected to fill the pier today for a shot at stardom.

Some like Sophie Ouellette from Atkinson, N.H., had their dreams dashed early.

“They said I need to work on tone,” she said walking back to her car with her guitar case.

Auditions are open till 5pm.