Southern Hospitality

Tonight's episode of American Idol takes us to Charleston, South Carolina. I've been there once to the campus of the University of South Carolina. Never had a reason to go back.

After some auditions more hideous than a Monday morning, I ask my husband "Where in the heck do these people come from?" His response: "Reproduction."

Just when I thought the southerners couldn't get any scarier, the brother and sister team of Jeffery and Michelle Lampkin are featured. With personalities as large as their physical presence, I'm not expecting a good audition. They prove me so wrong though. They seemed to go in with no expectations other than to be themselves, and it worked. Well.

Amy Catherine Flynn, 16, is not only captain of her dance team, but she also preaches abstinence from sex, drugs and alcohol. She's terribly cute. Singing "Reflection" by Christina Aguilera, "AC" proves she doesn't have the greatest voice but it is at least pleasant. To sum it up, Randy says the girl has "mad potential."

Hot Blonde Girl Alert! Oh, wait - that would be me. But a close second would be London Weidberg. While hot and well-spoken, there's no "wow" factor to her voice on a Billie Holiday tune. However, Randy and Paula send her through to Hollywood based on the pleasing tone of her voice.

DAY TWO

Good Lord! Lyndsey Goodman, an Air Force pilot, has the most amazing eyes. But what about her voice? While she has some pitch problems on "Black Velvet," she has one of the best voices we've been treated to, in my opinion. What's up with the judges though? They let cute little "AC" through with her weak vocals and not this gal? The husband and I are disappointed. I think they made a mistake there and should be beaten.

Named after legendary Aretha Franklin, Aretha Codner is anything but. The judges seem taken aback by her unusual attire which reminds me of a dress I once designed for one of my dolls - and I made it out of a frilly, silky undergarment.

What I haven't revealed yet is the story of Oliver Highman. He was first in line on day one in Charleston but he didn't get his chance in front of the judges because his pregnant wife's water broke. We were treated to welcoming Emma Grace into the American Idol world and dad finally got a chance - instead of being first, he was the last South Carolina audition. I love his voice on "Get Here." To my surprise and dismay, the judges aren't impressed and send Oliver away. Two big mistakes on their part in one day. That sucks.

A total of 23 make it through from South Carolina and next week, we're in Omaha, Nebraska.