Big Time Auditionbig Time Rush : Season 1 Episo... Access

Relive the start of the journey with these classic moments and cast reflections:

The audition is a disaster for most, but it leads to the moment that defined Kendall Knight’s character: after Gustavo rudely rejects James, Kendall stands up for his friend by jumping on a table and singing the improvised . Paradoxically, this "fire" is exactly what Gustavo is looking for. He offers Kendall a solo contract, but Kendall refuses to go unless his three best friends come with him. The Palm Woods and the "Boy Band" Boot Camp

The second half of the episode moves the action to Los Angeles, introducing us to the iconic —a "home for the stars" filled with aspiring actors, "The Jennifers," and the perpetually grumpy manager, Mr. Bitters.

Nicole Scherzinger makes a brief appearance in this episode, playing herself as a celebrity who worked with Gustavo before "creative differences" (and throwing a phone at him) got in the way.

The story starts in snowy Minnesota with Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan—four high school hockey players with zero musical experience, except for James, who is desperate for stardom. When they hear that world-famous (and famously short-tempered) producer is holding auditions nearby, they practically kidnap their elderly neighbor just to get a ride.

The official series premiere following this sneak peek earned 6.8 million viewers , making it the highest-rated live-action series debut in Nickelodeon's history at the time.