American Idol - Rest of the Best

Okay well, I've already said this will be a short recap. My thoughts are elsewhere with LOST. And I think we're all tired of the auditions at this point. I'm ready for Hollywood! Here are the additional people we saw that made it through and some quick thoughts:

• Tammy Gosnell - 29 - aka "The Lip Ring" Well she had a nice voice and sang "Whipping Post" pretty well. But I'm confused by the 29. I think you have to be 28 at the time of the audition to qualify. So does this mean she's 29 NOW? or did they make an exception? Do I really care? Not really!
• Paul Kim - 25 - Wants to prove to people that all Asian people of the world are not like William Hung. Well he's off to a good start. Good voice, Hollywood ticket. We'll see how he does!
• Gina Glocksen - 22 - 3rd time auditioning. 2nd time through to Hollywood. Simon says he likes her. But mainly because Gina is fascinated with him. There has to be a reason she didn't get far last time. So, we'll see.
• Ashley Cleland - 17 - Roller Girl #2 - She wasn't that good, but she was better than Roller Girl #1, so they let her in.
• Ebony Jointer - 23 - Roller Girl #3 - Very good. We may see more of this one.
• Lakisha Jones - 26 - Mandisa 2.0 - Not too bad. She belted out some Aretha convincingly. And well she has a 3 year old daughter. Nothing melts Americans more than a little girl!

Can you tell I'm thrilled to be writing about this stuff? Enough already! The Auditions this year, on a whole, were horrific. Way too many episodes, and too much of the ol "Been there done that" If AI wants to keep dominating the ratings, they need to work on this section of the show a bit. I think people are getting tired of it. But then again, if the ratings continue to improve on a yearly basis, I don't know what's going to stop it! But, I've had enough with it. I don't think I can write about Auditions anymore! I warned you last year. I'm telling you again this year. It's just not worth it! We can just catch up next year when we hit the Top 24! lol (All empty threats...I know!)

Are we all excited to move on to Hollywood? These episodes are only slightly less painful than the auditions. But we're getting there folks! Soon enough we'll be talking about dialidol.com and votefortheworst.com and we'll be hearing about my bottom 3 picks, my wildcard picks and most importantly...my BONUS WILDCARDS!

See you next week!

American Idol - San Antonio Auditions

Ahhh Texas. Every time I hear Idol and Texas in the same sentence only one name comes to mind. That would be the one and only Kelly Clarkson! She may never have sang for the Mayor of Houston, but apparently that mayor doesn't have very good ears! (based on hearing Music Teacher Sandie Chavez's toneless and wordless performance of "Black Velvet") But we did see some good talent coming out of San Antonio, and probably some names you should get used to seeing a lot more.

There was also some decent comedy. Finally, they paid Homage to the "OTHER DOOR" gag that's been running throughout the auditions. You have to think they started locking that left door intentionally after the first city. We saw much of the judges uncontrollably laughing at bad auditions. While some may dig up controversy in the media (ugh...Rosie)....this is what the auditions are all about. If we are going to see bad auditions 6 seasons into this show, let's see the judges try to keep a straight face. That's when you know the contestants are actually trying their best and they just are plain awful. When the judges just stare at these OBVIOUS ACTS that come in the door...you know it's just the producers trying to liven up the show. At least we don't have to talk about these bad auditions much more this year.

Anyway, let's get this thing moving and talk about who is moving on to Hollywood!

• Haley Scarnato - 24 -Well you gotta hand it to San Antonio, we definitely got some unique names out of them. Paula found Haley SUPER SEXY and loved her Hoochie Mama style. Well, she definitely was a good looking girl. Add in the good voice and you have a lethal combination. Add in some "okay" comments from Randy and Simon, and you have a set back. But I think the viewers will like this girl. I thought she pulled out a nice rendition of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me." It's tough to match Carrie's audition in season 4, but I think it topped Constantine's performance (come on a dude singing that song? what a girl!) She'll have to step up her game from her usual Wedding Band gig, but I think she'll be up to the challenge.
• Baylie Brown -16 - City Girl trapped in a Country Girl's body. It's a classic tale, isn't it? I thought her voice was decent, but seemed like she had no sense of rhythm. It'll be interesting to hear what she sounds like with backing music. Obviously, as Simon so bluntly put it, she's got the look and the personality and an OK voice. All the makings of a Pop Star and commercial with a capital "C." She may be one of our resident 16 year olds that will be with us in the top 12. You know one of the ones that will eventually be showcased on votefortheworst.com and we'll be wondering how she still is in the competition. Ahhh are you getting excited yet?
• Akron Watson - 23 - otherwise known as Bruce Banner to his cousin's Incredible Hulk. He had a nice "SMOOTH" voice (thanks Paula) and won Simon over with his 2nd song "Let's Get it On." But I think it'll be tough for him to overcome his personality issues. But that NAME...gotta love that name! American Idol 2006 - AKRON! Yeah...I just don't see it. But maybe it's all elementary....what do you think WATSON?
• Ashlyn Carr - 18 - Well if this girl can't get over her weird facial expressions (I mean WEIRD!) then she'll be always known for one thing. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. It is very rare when Simon is the only one that says yes to an audition. The other 2 idiots were bumbling around trying to figure out whether to send her to Hollywood or send her home. After painfully deciding NO, Simon declares he would've said yes. And then they realize they made a mistake? Don't they realize that we value their opinions even less now? Maybe it was offset by Simon stating "You have some very bad habits to break" contradicting himself as he was fondling his man breasts (as he always does!) Who knows? But still...the drama makes it all the more entertaining!
• Jimmy McNeal - 23 - The Fun Ruben. Well, we needed another Ruben in our lives didn't we? I liked this guy. Well, I've always liked the song "Cupid" (and it always reminds me of that silly movie "Innerspace") Anyway, he's likable, has a great voice....and let's face it....we're due for someone like this to win again this year. So then, why couldn't it be Jimmy?

Well we've seen 7 cities now, have we all picked our favorites yet? I've yet to see anyone that truly blew me away. I'd like to see more of Sundance and the Sligh Guy, but I still question how they'll be able to adapt on theme nights. Of course, we need to get through Hollywood and the Top 24 before they have to worry about that. Well, if you haven't picked out anyone to root for yet, you have one more shot to see some more talent. Wednesday Night, they're going to show us who was edited out of the 7 cities (Good and Bad). So based on their recent track record...that probably means we'll see 5 more decent people. (22 Got in tonight, we saw 5 again)

And is anyone else out there like me that would rather watch the LOST Recap Special Wednesday night instead of this Idol Recap episode? Don't worry, I won't leave you strictly Idol fans stranded (EVEN THOUGH I SHOULD!) Just don't be expecting much substance!

Well, discuss away. Who are your favorites so far? Do you think this season is going to be a letdown? Or will someone unpredictable rise from the average talent we've seen so far? See you tomorrow! (AND WATCH LOST!)

American Idol - Los Angeles Auditions

Slowly but surely we're getting there, the end of auditions. I guess they're really going to want us to tune into next Wednesday's "Best of the Rest" episode because they only showed us 3 people get in tonight of the 40 contestants they sent to Hollywood from Los Angeles (Yeah, seriously? "You're going to Hollywood" isn't a very big deal when you're already in L.A.!). Meanwhile the judges said that at least 4 from L.A. they could see making the finals. What gives?

So with Olivia Newton John Guest Judging, and Paula returning to her subdued state, we suffered through a majority of ridiculous auditions. Panthers were impersonated, Compton couples flirted with Simon and showed off their Grills, children of former Rat Pak Back-up singers showed that talent isn't always passed down in the genes, and we learned that dedicating 2 years of your life to winning American Idol is not recommended if you just can't sing. Of course, perhaps Randy and Paula teaching you how to sing like a star may even make you worse!

Maybe some of you out there shed a tear with Paula when 64 year old Sherman Pore came with his petition of 300 signatures to sing on Idol as he dedicated his performance to his recently deceased wife. A touching moment.

But you know me, I want to hear the talent. And there wasn't much to see tonight! But here's what they showed us:

• Alaina Alexander - 24 - "Feeling Good" - I just did not see Simon's fascination with this girl at all. Poor Alaina had almost given up on singing, but she was going to give it one more chance. Her audition just didn't impress me at all. I guess she had a bit of a unique lower voice. But, I sided more with Randy on her pitch problems. And I just dropped my jaw when Simon gave his strong thumbs up. We'll see if him really really liking her translates into America really really liking her.
• Brandon Rogers - 28 - "Always on My Mind" - This was the only guy I thought showed any top 12 potential. And yes, it's yet another BACKGROUND singer trying to become a Prime Time Player. He has backed Anastasia and Miss Aguilera herself and is frustrated that he has not had his own shot at stardom yet. Well, he has the likability factor and a good voice. Now he just has to show his versatility in Hollywood and beyond.
• Brian Miller - 18 - "Change is Gonna Come" - Apparently, this guy was in season 5 also. Seems like a recurring theme this year. If he wasn't good enough last year, what makes him think this year will be any different? Randy, Olivia and Paula let him in based on the voice. Simon focused in on his "forgetableness." And it makes sense to me. But maybe America will get behind him just to spite Simon. It's happened before (Since I'm on good behavior right now, I won't name names!)

I think I'll go for a record. This may be my shortest Blog ever! Only 2 more Auditions left folks! We hit San Antonio next Tuesday and then Wednesday see more talent that the producers have been hiding from us. See you next week!

American Idol - Birmingham Auditions

Well, I am not sure there is much to say about American Idol's visit to Birmingham, Alabama. The town boasts the Idol talents of Bo Bice, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. I guess any good producer would figure if you have 2 Idol winners and a runner up all coming from the same town, there must be more talent to dig up there! Well, the judges let 20 through to Hollywood but we only saw 5 that got in on day 1 when Paula was there in all of her glory. Seriously, how do you go from completely sane one week, back to drugged and bizarre the next? How can Paula be so naive to think that we're the weird ones for thinking SHE'S on something? But, alas, it makes for some good TV (I didn't say QUALITY TV! Just Good!)

Gonna be real short tonight folks. No need in wasting our time talking about 50 Year old Big Bird siblings, Paula teaching Simon what brushing "Dirt off your shoulders" really means (Seriously, Simon expand your music library with some Jay-Z dude), Long haired Opera Wonders, or the obviously staged BRANDY audition that was kinda funny because Randy and Simon were having a good time with it. I'm with Simon with some of these auditions. "I just don't understand what this show is anymore." But, it's the producers that give these people airtime. Do they think this is what America really wants to see? I still just can't get on board with it!

Anyway here is a summary of the so-called "TALENT" from Birmingham:

• Katie Bernard - 19 - The Squeaky Talking Voice Girl performed "House is not a Home" Man, she has one crazy speaking voice. But seriously, who REALLY talks that weirdly and then is able to carry a song? While she could carry the tune, she did get a little crazy with it and it was really nothing special. Randy and Simon split on the Hollywood decision probably intentionally to show off Paula's crazy behavior one more time. And true to form, Paula lets Katie come to Hollywood just because it will annoy Simon. Yawn... I don't have high hopes for Katie.
• Tatiana McConnico - 17 -This girl had a decent voice. Randy went as far as calling her "A Natural." Not sure if I'd go that far. I don't see this girl being remembered once she gets to Hollywood. But you never know. We all know I already make up my mind early on these young ones when it comes to this crazy show!
• Bernard Williams - 26 - "Rock With You" - To sum up his attitude in one word: Arrogant. Says he wants to prove Simon wrong that no one from Birmingham will win this year. I thought his auditions was decent. Not something I am interested in hearing, but the voice was there. Simon thinks he has a lot of potential. Paula for some odd reason thought he was out of tune.....maybe that's the other voices singing in her head? And regardless of his arrogance, in what scenario is it acceptable to use the phrase "humble pie please!" ??? Paula, I think the answer is NEVER AGAIN, PLEASE!
• Jaimie Lynn Ward - 17 - Yep, the "Blue Eyed Bombshell" T-shirt says it all. Or does it? I don't even think I remember her story correctly but it had something to do with her non-chalant tragic past where she lives with her Grandmother and her Daddy who is paralyzed. Why is he paralyzed? Well, duh, he shot himself in the neck silly! Jaimie's Step Mother (Daddy's wife) was cheating on him and Daddy caught her in the act multiple times and shot her and THEN shot himself. You follow all of that? Naturally, this guy isn't in jail. Simon's subtle eye roll (caught on my tivo) pretty much sums up my thoughts of anyone who bought the story (ahem...PAULA!!). So, did Jaime's story dumbfound you? I actually think more people were dumbfounded by Paula giving a decent synopsis of Jaimie's singing voice. Simon and Randy agreed with Paula that her voice is good when she doesn't try to power through. This causes her voice to get "nasally." "First Time for everything" right Simon? Well, it would be if the powered vocals weren't excruciatingly awful! I, personally, thought the whole audition was atrocious from the Story to the Golden Ticket. I didn't even think her softer singing was too great. But whatever. She's in Hollywood now. Maybe she has some more stories to tell before she is sent home!
• Chris Sligh - 28 - This guy I can see going through to the top 12 and then possibly even going further. He did a nice version of Seal's "Kiss from a Rose on the Grave" which made Paula act strange and jump out of her seat. But it's more of the sense of humor and unconventional look accompanying the decent (not spectacular) voice that will help out the "Sligh Guy" down the stretch. People will remember him, the judges will remember him in Hollywood, the producers are putting him on the commercials. I'm sure people are already picking him as their favorite as we speak. David Hasselhoff is already programming his Cingular Wireless Device to Text in some votes and shed some tears.

Anyone else get more out of tonight than I did? Don't be bashful. Please feel free to share your thoughts. There are a select few of you out there who do post your opinions and try to set me straight, and it is highly encouraged! We all have our opinions. Maybe there are people out there that think this is by far the best auditions of Idol that have ever graced our TV's. SHARE!

Anyway, tomorrow is Los Angeles. And, I don't want to scare anyone, but I think I may have been incorrect about the auditions ending this week. I checked my TiVo and it says next Tuesday is more Los Angeles Auditions and Wednesday is a "Rest of the Best" Auditions episode. I guess this is to please some of the people that just want to see more of the good auditions. They really know how to milk these audition episodes don't they? I did some quick math and it all checks out. After this week: 1 more week of Auditions, 2 weeks of Hollywood Episodes, 3 Weeks of Semi-Finals and 11 Weeks of the Top 12 puts us right at a May 23rd Season Finale.

When you see it all spelled out there, kinda scares you from watching anymore doesn't it? Try looking at that and thinking about it in number of Blogs to be written! Anyway, we'll get through it together! See you tomorrow in Los Angeles!