Jacob was the last one to take the stage - JoJo thought he might be bringing Abby, his monkey, out with him, but alas, Abby was nowhere to be seen. Jake talked to the fans a bit and expressed his excitement over the new album. He told the fans that the album was virtually done when the song "Craving" came long. "Craving" is a very catchy slow rock song co-written by Ashley and is predicted to be one of the hottest songs on the new album.

Listening Party Los Angeles Style! (continued from page 1)

O-Town wrote or co-wrote 6 of the 13 songs on O2 - "From the Damage" (Ashley), "Make Her Say" (Erik), "The Joint" (Erik), "Suddenly" (Ashley), "Craving" (Ashley), "Girl Like That" (Dan, Trevor and Ashley). That is amazing for a sophomore album! We are so proud of the guys - they are really showing people that they are a complete package - they not only sing and dance, but they write the music and play their own instruments. Endless talent!

After they were done previewing O2, the guys judged the fan auditions. The winner is eligible to compete for a scholarship at the Hard Rock Academy! There were four contestants, one of which was our very own Liz (SillyOCricket on the IO message board)! Liz went first (what a brave soul) and sang a Monica song, "For You I Will," a capella. She was amazing!!! All of the O-Boys sat there intently watching and listening to her.

After she was done, Danny held out his arms to her and Liz got hugs from him, Trevor and Erik. The next three contestants sang their songs and then the guys huddled together to choose the winner. Unfortunately it was not Liz, but Liz did get hugs from Ashley and from Jacob and was thrilled when Jacob told her that she had "raw talent" and that she should follow her dream! Congratulations to Cricket for her courage and her performance! You rock girl!

Cricket mentioned to us how special it was that she was auditioning at the Hard Rock, the exact spot where Trevor and Jacob first auditioned for Making the Band! How ironic that the boys were now judging auditions for other people at this same location! How far they have come in such a short time.

During the performances, I was standing behind the guys trying to catch a few shots through all the madness - Erik turned around and saw me and gave me the biggest smile and waved. He tapped Trevor on the shoulder and pointed at me and they both played to my camera - I just love those guys and so does my camera!!!

After the listening party, the guys adjourned upstairs and started the meet & greet at a table that was located in the exact spot where Trevor and Jacob first auditioned for MTB. We got to go through the line and although it was somewhat rushed, we did get a chance to take photos of each of the guys, to congratulate them on the new album, to thank them for mentioning Inside O-Town on their liner notes and to tell them that we were going to launch the site on November 12, 2002, the very same day that O2 was dropping! They all seemed very excited to hear the news and we were so pleased to be able to share it with them.

We are so looking forward to the new album - from everything we have heard of it, it truly represents a major leap ahead for the boys. Their style has matured and is turning more toward a hip-hop/rock sound that I personally love. Thanks to O-Town for taking time out of their hectic schedule to share the new album with us and a huge thanks to all the fans for showing O-Town undying love and support!