PhillyInc

Nothing like covering the auditions for American Idol to reaffirm how powerful people's workplace connections are.
Tara DiOrio, 28, of Prospect Park, is the personal assistant to the executive of a local paint company. (She's the one singing "Walkin' After Midnight" in Philly.com's video) Her boss is paying her to try out. Joel Correa, 18, of Northeast Philadelphia, works at a local Circuit City store. "My managers are so stoked and they want all the nitty gritty," he said.
Jenn Jewell, a senior bank teller in York County, said, "When the radio comes on and there are no customers in there, we all stand and sing." Arleen Alexander works in a Home Depot in the Detroit area. Her co-workers made a good luck banner for the break room and if she gets any further in the process, they've promised a banner outside the store. "It's a great feeling to know everyone's on my side."

- Jane M. Von Bergen