Olivarez auditioned for American Idol's second season with a rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" in 2002. Paula Abdul was not present for Olivarez's audition, but both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson were impressed by Olivarez and put her through to Hollywood. Olivarez impressed the judges once again during a round where contestants had to write their own songs. Olivarez wrote a song called "The Only Thing Special About You Is Me." She was then placed in the top 32 contestants of the season.