A lot of people came to try-out for "American Idol" Friday, but it's the downtown merhcants who reaped the benefits.

"Business has more than quadrupled today. We've seen people from as far away as Pennsylvania, which has been really exciting. I've had a lot of people from Bowling Green come through today. And people that are regulars of ours are actually auditioning, which has been kind of fun, so we get to root them on too," says Theresa Shea, owner of Tea Squares Restaurant.

"It's easier and quicker to get around the crowd. Plus their like, 'Hey, there's the skate boarding guy with pizza,' instead of just someone with pizza," says Molly Shannons Irish Pub employee, Caleb Brent, who was skateboarding through the crowd selling pizza by the slice.

The business owners downtown thought of creative ways to give a warm welcome to the "American Idol" crew, and auditioners.

"A lot of them couldn't really afford to eat something, so were were going to make them sing if they used our restrooms," Shea says about the auditioners.

Some of the merchants set-up shop outside, so they could also enjoy the show.

"Having a great time watching American Idol, watching all the people, and having a good time... selling a few waters," says merchant, Rick White.

Several businesses set-up tables outside for bystanders, and parents who couldn't control their nerves.

"It's really exciting, scary, nervous. I'm going through a lot of emotions," says Joan Smith, whose 15-year-old son auditioned today.

And the wait brought some parents closer together.

"Oh, isn't this funny, I just met her and she rememebers all of these things about my daughter," mother, Jami Nichols says to a fellow bystander.

The Fountain Square businesses brought a boost in sales, but provided relaxation for nervous parents.