FOX will host a screening of its hit reality show “American Idol” for Villanova students next Wednesday in Connelly Center’s Villanova Room at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by CAT, the viewing party will be similar to game-watch parties CAT has run in the past.

The screening will include the local Philadelphia auditions from “American Idol.” This season of “American Idol” is the first that features Philadelphia as an audition city.

On its Web site, FOX cites crazy costumes as a Philadelphia highlight.

“It will be a fun event that we encourage all Villanova students to attend,” said Nikki Hornsberry, assistant director of Student Development.

The event will also feature free giveaways, such as “American Idol” sweatshirts. The giveaways also include iPod accessories.

FOX contacted CAT earlier in the year to set up the event. FOX is trying to set up a college tour of screenings designed specifically to judge collegiate reaction to “American Idol.”

Because the auditions kick off the season and often set the tone for the season, FOX says it wants to see how the college audience reacts to the auditions.

“FOX contacted us to start their college tour,” Hornsberry said. “They want to see how our students react to the bad singing and the good singing so they can judge for the rest of the season.”

Currently, plans for the event are running smoothly, according to Hornsberry. FOX will do much of the set up and organization.

CAT’s biggest concern is that the event will be popular and therefore too crowded.

“We think it will be a very popular event on campus and so have to put a ticket system in place,” Hornsberry said. “Tickets are free but will be required to get into the event.”

Tickets for the screening can be picked up in the CAT office in 108 Dougherty Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Since 2002, “American Idol” has been one of the top-rated shows on TV. The show has launched the careers of such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks and Fantasia Barrino.

Part of the show’s notoriety comes from its introductory audition episodes, which will be featured during the screening in Connelly Center.

CAT looks forward to the event and encourages students to take advantage of the various events scheduled.

“It will be a truly once in a lifetime opportunity for students,” Hornsberry said. “How many times does ‘American Idol’ comes to Villanova?”