Who Stays and Who Goes?

Did you see Prison Break last night? OMG!!!

Can you believe the state of Georgia is considering a University of Florida license plate? NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! As us UGA grads like to say, "Don't say the 'F' word!"

Oh, you're here for American Idol, I suppose.

It's the first day of Hollywood week with 164 contestants arriving on a Monday with nothing but their dreams of stardom. We're promised bigger and better talent this year and after last year's dreadful season, I certainly hope so.

Brooke White, who's never seen an R-rated movie, is the first contestant of the day. For the first time in Idol history, contestants are allowed to play their own instruments. Brooke is on the keyboards with "Beautiful." Simon says she's got "great, great potential." I concur.

Not everyone fares as well Brooke and we learn that a YES from the judges means a free ride through to Thursday and a NO means they get a second chance on Wednesday.

David Hernandez relies on his voice only. The most impressive voice and performance so far tonight. Judges seem just as pleased as I am.

Remember the Rock-N-Roll nurse? She was in a terrible accident the week before the Hollywood round, but with stitches in her head and two cracked ribs, Amanda Overmyer pushes through singing the Doors' "Light My Fire." I don't think it's her best, but her voice is so unique and enjoyable, the judges better send her through to Thursday. While they do, Simon cautions her "sound" could become monotonous.

Even after a warning from Simon, several contestants forget lyrics. Do you suppose he jinxed them?

Day Two brings us 80 contestants who hopefully are better than Day One. I have high expectations out of that homeless kid, Josiah Leming plays the keyboards and demonstrates his incredible vocal range. The crowd loves it, the judges love it and I possibly love it. "Out of all the auditions, I think this is the is one I'm gonna remember," Simon says.

Several more step up to the plate and and get sent through to Thursday. Most of them are just so-so to me, but Carly Smithson is going to give a lot of other contestants a run for their fortunes. She's absolutely fantastic!


While David Cook's vocals are fine on "Everything I Do, I Do It for You," I find it rather boring. Randy likes his range and tone. Paula calls it soothing. Simon finds it boring. He makes it through.

Long-haired Robbie Currico sounds fabulous as do several people who follow while some are not so fabulous.

Rememeber the next Governor of Oklahoma, Kyle Ensley? He's not that great on the Hollywood stage but the audience likes it. Paula calls it corny. "Abysmal" is what Simon delivers before walking of stage while Paula babbles something about Kyle's spirit.

Forty-eight contestants got a free pass to the final Hollywood round and are able to relax, unlike 116 others. Wednesday is here and it's time for second and last chances. Not too many manage to wow over the judges this time either as almost 100 people get cut from the second chance group.

Now it's the final day of auditions in Hollywood and tensions are running high.

David Archuleta sings Bryan Adam's "Heaven" and I'm liking it. This kid has oodles of potential at the ripe old age of 16. The judges are equally impressed.

Kyle Ensley is back and he knows he has to impress. He's very pleasant on "You Raise Me Up" but he's no Josh Grobin. Randy's feelin' it. Paula calls it safe. Simon calls it a good little audition. Kyle gets three yesses.

Syesha Mercadohas struggled with sickness all week. Hollywood must have the same flu/stomach crud that's been going around here. This girl's been sick? Sick with star power! Marvelous! Randy thinks it's great. Paula calls it amazing. "You did it. You just did it," says Simon. We'll need to watch this one!

Australian Michael Johns takes a risk with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Turns out this is a perfect song choice for his voice. Yeppers. I like this one. Brilliant. "Best audition of the day," according to Simon.

The Irish girl who I've loved since her original audition, Carly Smithson, sings Hearts' "Alone." Her voice is sultry and smooth but she needs to work on stage presence. All three judges are happy and several more make it through too.

Josiah is the last contestant of the day and for the first time, he crumbles under pressure. He doesn't even get through rehearsals with the band and takes it a step further by dismissing them as he enters the stage. Josiah chooses to sing "Stand By Me" acapella. While I love this dude's singing style, Randy really hates the performance and Paula says it didn't work. Even so, Randy thinks Josiah is worth one more shot based on previous performances. Paula and Simon agree. The only thing that annoys me about this kid is that he's too emotional.

After ticking me off with the Georgia/Florida license plate crap, the husband mocks the length of my blog, saying I should just stream Idol video. MEN!!! (Yes, I've edited it down even though it's still lengthy.)

Back to the show. Have you noticed everyone has blue tongues? Wazzupwitdat?

The Top 50 are celebrating upstairs while downstairs, judges whittle it down to 24. Final judgement takes place during tomorrow night's one hour episode. I hope to see you then and I hope to see your comments below!