Discover Detroit: A City of Innovation, Music, and Revival
Detroit is Michigan’s largest city and part of a greater metropolitan region home to over 5 million residents. Founded on July 24, 1701, by French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe Cadillac, the city began as a settlement along the Detroit River—a key waterway connecting the Great Lakes with the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
In the mid-20th century, Detroit flourished as a major urban center, thanks in large part to its expansive freeway system and booming automotive industry. Often referred to as the “Motor City,” Detroit was the birthplace of the modern automobile and home to many of the nation’s leading car manufacturers.
Detroit’s influence isn’t limited to transportation—it also holds a special place in the history of American music. The city gained recognition as a major hub for jazz in the 1940s and 1950s and later became internationally renowned as the home of Motown. The iconic Motown label, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., launched the careers of legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, and The Temptations.
Though Detroit experienced significant population decline between 2000 and 2010, the city has recently focused on revitalization, evolving into a cultural and entertainment destination. Its downtown has seen a resurgence of new businesses, live music venues, and public events.
Detroit Hosts 2013 American Idol Auditions
In 2013, Detroit proudly hosted auditions for American Idol, welcoming aspiring singers from around the country to Ford Field for a shot at stardom.
- Registration Day: July 20, 2013
- Audition Day: July 21, 2013
- Location: Ford Field, 2000 Brush Street #200, Detroit, MI 48226
Contestants were encouraged to review audition rules, complete release forms, and come prepared to showcase their vocal talents. Detroit’s rich musical legacy made it a fitting location for hopeful performers looking to join the ranks of America’s next big music stars.
Visiting Detroit
Transportation:
Detroit is well connected by major freeways and public transit options. The city’s bus system serves both the city center and surrounding suburbs. Downtown visitors can also hop on the People Mover, a 2.9-mile elevated rail loop offering convenient access to key attractions. For those flying in, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located in nearby Romulus, provides international and domestic service.
Things to See and Do:
Explore Detroit’s rich heritage by visiting institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Detroit Historical Museum. Music lovers won’t want to miss the Motown Museum, a tribute to the city’s groundbreaking role in shaping popular music. In the summer, Detroit comes alive with major events such as the Movement Electronic Music Festival and the Detroit Jazz Festival.
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