Will the Rhythm Get Us in Miami?

There are a lot of songs out there about Miami but will Miami be home to the next American Idol? We've got a long way to go before we'll find that out.

In the meantime, Shannon McGough is up first. The backstory here is that she works in her family's meat market. Not only can she handle some meat, she has an odd ability to burp. Unfortunately, her attempt at Janis Joplin is absolutely dreadful. In fact, Simon called her the Hungarian Janis Joplin. Sadly, her burps have more melody than her music.

Robbie Carrico is supposedly a former boy bander and now he's a "rocker." There's a nice tone to his voice and Paula is smiling. We'll see Robbie in Hollywood.

The next guy, Ghaleb Emachah, is from Argentina and he sings the song of his homeland. He's got a pleasant voice but something's not quite right. Simon's not enthused but Paula and Randy like the tone of his voice. I don't like this guy's hair, but his face, his body, are quite chiseled. Nice ...

Now we're up to two 20-year-olds who seem to be "bosom" buddies. Corliss Smith sings some jazz to Randy and she's got some chops - but can she do pop? Brittany Wescott goes for the 60s and again, another delightful voice. Nice, very nice. Simon says yes to both, as does I absolutely love these gals! They are full of life and personality. Nothing boring about them!

Day 2 begins with single mother Suzanne Toon telling her sob story, but I'm not crying. Her voice, however, could bring me to tears because there's a lot of potential there. All three judges think so too.

A cute little girl from the Phillipines, Ramiele Malubay, takes on a song much larger than she is - Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman." Her voice is as big as the song though and Paula applauds. Simon scowls though and compares Ramiele's voice to hotel quality. Lucky for this small sensation, Randy has the deciding vote and she's through to Hollywood.

Syesha Mercado treats us to another Aretha hit with "Think." I don't like it at all. Paula calls it fantastic. Randy says she's one of the best so far in Florida and Simon threw in a yes too. I don't think they thought this through.

Several more gals follow in Syesha's footsteps and nab that golden ticket to Hollywood.

Back from the break and we get nothing but bad news followed by worse news including an American Juniors Top 20 finalist - Julie Dubela. Another Janis Joplin which I don't enjoy at all. The judges commend her acting abilities but send her out the door empty-handed.

Will our last contestant of the final day in Miami fall victim to the axe too? I hope so! Brandon Black will not be back. Seventeen Idol hopefuls will be back when Idol gets back to Hollywood.

Hey - thanks for voting in the polls but feel free to share your thoughts on this season's antics by posting a response below!

Mutual of Omaha

Did you ever watch Animal Kingdom growing up? When I asked the husband, I was reminded I'm six years older. Not directly, it was his look of confusion that gave it away. Okay, I digress from the ever-important topic at hand. Tonight's carnival of characters comes to us courtesy of Omaha, Nebraska.

If this is real and not Photoshopped, they've got the coolest corn field crop design of the American Idol logo. Turns out, the harvest sculpture is real. That's sweet! Gotta love those midwesterners!

The first dude up is a real dork and now my husband (MAN) is mocking the beautiful nasaliness known as the midwest monicker. As lovable as the accent is, this guy's performance gives me chest pains and heartburn. Simon's letting him down easy and I can't help but wonder what he's been knocking back. This "guy" is a certified lunatic.

Jason Rich is a handsome, young, part-time farmer from Stout, Iowa. His nerves get the best of him though and he has to start the song over like five times before he gets all the way through it. Luckily, Simon and Randy (Paula's plane is delayed) exhibit patience and we're treated to an actually good voice. Cutie farmer dude from my home state makes it through to Hollywood.

Other lyric losers are not so fortunate. Some things are just too funny not to air though ...

Back to those who can sing though, like Rachael Wicker. She's an arm wrestling champion and hopes to have similar success singing. She takes on a big Lee Ann Womack song and has a very nice country voice. Simon thinks the performance is too old, and I can see where he's coming from. I also can see that Rachael looks like a blond Julia Roberts. While Simon's not really fond of her, Randy and Paula like her and thankfully, she's on to Hollywood.

Ryan pokes his head in after some gothic girl with a wacky witch laugh doesn't make it through. Somehow, he and Paula trade spots as Samantha Sidley is about to audition. Samantha sings Nora Jones's "I Don't Know Why" and she sounds almost exactly like Jones, only a little more sultry. After picking apart her stage performance, Ryan says he would vote her through but they decide to leave it to the "professionals" and Paula's called back in. As it turns out, Samantha gets five yesses - if you count votes from me and Ryan!

A whole slew are making it through now, including Elizabeth Erkert, Denise Jackson (who reminds me of Fantasia) and Michael Sanfilippo - all of who I hope to hear more from.

Who else makes it through? Angelica Puente, 17, from Wisconsin. The judges feel her performance of Celine Dion's "The Power of Love" is a mimick. Even so, Simon says, "Clear up these nerves and we'll see you in Hollywood." Hooray!

David Cook is up and he immediately gets a strike from me as he mentions he'll be singing a Bon Jovi ear bleeder. Even so, his voice is different from everything else we've heard. Still, I can't stand Bon Jovi - sorry Darci Rae! Lucky for David, the judges aren't as biased as I am.

The highlight of the evening is now brought to us by Paula Abdul as she blurts out a loud, unexpected hiccup followed by "Excuse me!" That's even before Johnny Escamilla gives a frightening performance of "Shout" from the Isley Brothers. It makes makes me want to shout - and not in a good way.

There's one person left in Omaha - Leo Marlow. He is a self-described "Homecoming Queen" and proves it by singing one of my favorite Carpenters tunes: "A Song for You." In addition to being very good, I admire the fact that he's not afraid to be himself and he doesn't try to be anyone else. He gets an "absolute yes" from all three judges. Leo is so happy that he cries. Still, he's a good kid who we'll probably see a lot more of.

There you have it - 19 young farts make it through to Hollywood.

So, do you think American Idol will EVER return to Nebraska?

Tomorrow night - Miami, Florida - a big Texan Howdy to my brother- and sister-in-law.

What Was Your Favorite Season?

What was your favorite season of American Idol?

Season 1 - 1 (50%)

Season 2 - 0 (0%)

Season 3 - 0 (0%)

Season 4 - 0 (0%)

Season 5 - 1 (50%)

Season 6 - 0 (0%)

Poll Results

Do you like the Idol America blog just the way it is?

Yes - it's great.
2 (50%)

No - it's too long.
0 (0%)

No - your writing sucks.
0 (0%)

People who watch American Idol are losers.
2 (50%)

Total Votes: 4 Poll closed

Well, at least no one voted that my writing sucks!

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.

Another Hour of My Day Wasted

If American Idol has proven anything, it's that just about anyone can get on television these days - and that's not necessarily a good thing.

This is Idol's first trip to San Diego.

DAY ONE

Tetiana Osta-something-or-another is up first and while she doesn't do anything for me, there's a sultry, yet tender, quality about her voice. Simon doesn't think she's as good as she thinks she is. "Let me prove you wrong, Simon," she pleads, and he and the other two unlikely celeb judges say yes to Hollywood.

Perrie Cataldo is a single father whose young son is there to root dad on. Unfortunately, mom passed away in 2005 so all they've got is each other. Dad's vocals are average kaoroke to me, but judges think he has a really great voice and he gets three votes of approval. Son is proud - and adorable.

HOTTIE ALERT!!!!

Michael Johns is a CUTIE CUTIE CUTIE. Originally from Australia, this HOT HOT HOT young man has a gruff, yet, appealing voice. As Simon put it, he sounds like a white soul. YEP YEP YEP and YUMMY. Oh, btw, he makes it through to Hollywood. HOORAY!!!

Have you ever known someone whose terribly tone deaf but has no realization of the fact? What about those who are faking their way through the audition process? Then they "act" surprised at the judges express render expert apalledness. It gives me ulcers.

Samantha Musa has the hots for Simon and from the first note out of her voice, it's no doubt that this girl is going to Hollywood. Plus, she's cute as a button to boot. Quite excellent says Randy, she gets a good from Paula and a great from Simon. The sit-in judge, Samantha's friend, gives her a yes too so it must be official as she gets the much-coveted yellow ticket.

DAY TWO

Day two is not off to a good start, especially with some dude named Blake. This is his eleventh audition and hopefully, his last.

Then there's this hippie dude wose gorgeous fingernails scare me. Alberto Hurtado performs an original, titled "Live," but unfortunately it lures you into a deep depression. I'm enjoying the snores coming out of Greta the Fluffycat better than some of these auditions.

David Archuleta, two years ago, suffered vocal paralysis. Based on his speaking voice, I don't have high hopes. Then he announces he'll sing a John Mayer song. That's another strike. Then he starts singing and his voice has a charming tone about it. Sings much better than the icky ol' John Mayer. Much better. Judges love him too.

The last contestant of the day is Carly Smithson, originally from Ireland. She auditioned in Vegas in Season 5 and got the ticket to Hollywood, but because her Visa paperwork didn't come through, she was disqualified. But she's back for her second chance. She's amazing on Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman." Although Simon says she isn't as good as she was two years ago, she gets three votes for Hollywood. Probably the best audition we were treated to tonight.

Thirty-one hopefuls from San Diego make it through to Hollywood. Tomorrow night, it's South Carolina and based on the preview, I'm quite afraid.

New Poll!

The inaugural poll of Idol America has closed and much thanks to all three voters who participated. The question was:

Do you watch American Idol?

Yes 2 (66%)
No 0 (0%)
Sometimes 1 (33%)

Total votes at poll closing time: 3

I spent most of my previous life as a news reporter and I'm not one to leave out much information. Even if it's irrelevant at times, it's just plain fun messing around with the higher-ups who get to edit it. The point is, I write a lot, sometimes too much. The new blog poll to the left f your screen asks the important question: Do you like the Idol America Blog just the way it is? If you would like to provide additional feedback, post a comment below!

Yee Haw! Idol Does Dallas

Now that I've had a chance to reflect on last night's season opener of American Idol, I've come to two conclusions. First, the format needs to change. It's a formula that has worked for six years, but after that length of time, we need something new, something fresh.

Along with that, are you growing tired of the showcasing they give to the obvious no-talents as I am? Do a vignette/montage to close the show with the freaks and give the spotlight to those who deserve it. What do you think? I'll kick things off by only highlighting the good in tonight's show.

First up is a recovering meth addict, Jessica Brown. She sings The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You" and, while her voice is good and well-controlled, it's nothing we don't already have out there. Jessica showed promise though and the judges voted her through to Hollywood.

It's going to be difficult not commenting on the no-talents because the first freak is absolutely hilarious and as Paula said, "joyful." But not good.

After all that dreadfulness, beauty adorns the stage with Alaina Whitaker singing Faith Hill's "Stronger." She sings as pretty as she looks. No doubt this one's going to Hollywood. She's only 16 years old and she's full of confidence.

Back from the break and we've returned to the badlands - the really bad.

While not so bad, Bruce Dickson, a guy who has never even kissed a girl, let alone be intimate with one, just isn't good enough for the judges.

Zpia Easley puts her chops on a Gladys Knight tune and I like her, but can't really tell what the judges think from facial expressions. Turns out that this stylish model with a bit of a blonde mohawk and tattoos everywhere is loved by the judges love her.

Up next is a guy who is a bit creepy. Instead of biting his nails or clipping them, he hs a bad habit of tearing them. But wait! There's more! Brandon Greene has kept a bag full of his torn nails for the last seven years and he even shows it off to Ryan. My hopes aren't high for this one but then he sings Hall & Oates' "Rich Girl." This is a great song and Brandon does a pretty good job. Simon, however, calls him "forgettable." Paula and Randy disagree and while we'll get to see more of Brandon in Hollywood, let's hope he leaves his bag of fingernails at home. That aside, this guy is cute in a weird way.

The next girl, Kayla Dawn Hatfield, is cute too, despite being disfigured in the face as the result of a horrible car wreck when she was younger. Now a strong, positive survivor with the brightest outlook on life I've ever seen, Kayla's all grown now and has two kids. Today, brings a unique, yet odd, approach to Janis Joplin. Kayla starts out strong but after the first line, the audition took a turn for the wild blue yonder and really, really weird. Strangely, Simon is overcome by Kayla Dawn's infectious spirit and wants her through to Hollywood. Paula says no but Randy likes her enough and I guess we get to see more of this bad singer. I'm baffled.

Speaking of cute, Kady Malloy is up next. She compares her style to Britney Spears and Carrie Underwood and sounds exactly like them. But at the encouragement of the judges, she gives another song a try and just sings like Kady and let me tell ya, this girl is really good. Simon calls her the best they've seen so far this year.

At the end of Day 1 in Dallas, 12 people have tickets to Hollywood.

It's Day 2 and if a certain former coworker happens to be reading this ... I now have a new appreciation for Bon Jovi. 'Nuff said.

Who can look that gorgeous wearing a hair band? I want Paula Abdul's silky hair.

Kyle Ensley looks like and is a geek. He's double majoring in things that offer excellent career opportunities and yet, his optimism has him on the American Idol audition stage. He wants this more than he wants to be the Governor of Oklahoma. Surprisingly, Kyle has a very nice voice and even gets a yes from Simon. Randy says, so it's up to Paula. It takes some coaxing, but with some campaign promises to not be like Clay Aiken from Season 2, Kyle gets a yes from Paula and he's going to Hollywood.

Oh my! The bad ones are so entertaining tonight! That's what I get for ditching commentary on the bad. Dang it! Curses!

What's up with Colton Swan's hair? It reminds me of those pencil topper trolls with wild hair. This guy needs an eyebrow waxing. Okay, that's enough mean. Even Simon's been relatively "nice" this season. Back to Colton singing Little Big Town's "Boondocks." I was expecting something more "punkish" from him, based on looks, but he's pretty good with the country. Simon was either way on this one but in the end, Colton gets three yeses.

Farmer Drew Poppelreiter is a good ol' country boy and I absolutely adore him well before the audition. Then he sings one of my mostest favoritist songs ever, George Strait's "Check Yes or No." While Drew is no George Strait, he's pretty good. Despite having no "wow" factor, he makes it through. Yay!

Tonight, I was introduced to the term "Guy" liner. Dudes wearing eye liner. I let Duran Duran get away with it just because lead singer Simon LeBon is HOT HOT HOT. This dude, though, is scaring me, like, for real, dude.

Not scary at all is Miss Nina Shaw. This girl looks like she just walked off a fashion plate from the 60s. Looks aside, Simon is not at all impressed with Nina's voice. Randy and Paula see the look and the potential. She's not the winner, but I'm glad she made it through to Hollywood.

Okay, if you didn't watch tonight, you missed so much. Let's just say, remember the name Renaldo Lapuz.

Unlike the season opener, tonight's show has to be the most entertaining ever. The bad were bad, but in a good way! FUN FUN FUN!!!

By the way, 12 more make it through to Hollywood on Day 2.

Next week we go West to San Diego, California. Hope to see you here!

Season 7

When American Idol first hit the scene back in 2001, I thought it was a passing fad and a big waste of my limited viewing time. While not a passing fad, I am beginning to question whether or not it's a big waste of my even more limited viewing time, let alone continuing a commitment to blogging about the whole experience.

But because of American Idol, I have had the opportunity to make new friends, even if the only thing we have in common is our fascination with this show that has done quite well for itself in its first six seasons. It will be interesting to see if the Writer's Strike and lack of new television programming will have any effect on Idol's ratings.

Here we go ... Season 7 kicks off in Philadelphia and it's Day 1 of auditions.

The first contestant up for bid is Joey Catalano. Wait a minute ... I thought we were watching American Idol and not Biggest Loser (which was recording on the much-beloved DVR). Joey says he's lost 205 pounds and from the overlay of pictures, indeed he did. Good for him. But all I really care about is whether or not this dork can sing. Turns out he can't be that big of a dork because he performs Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning." His voice is very nice and pleasant but is it enough for judges? Three yeses make it so.

Alaa Youakeem moved to America two years ago from Egypt. Since then, he's developed quite an affection for the Bee Gees. Unfortunately, even his charming accent couldn't lend a hand to his horrendous rendition of "How Deep is Your Love?"

Remember all the back up singers from last year? How about Melinda Doolittle who, despite not winning the title, is the American Idol in many hearts. Let's go back another year. Remember Taylor Hicks? Well, Melanie Nyema sang back for Taylor and, now, she wants the spotlight too. She just might get it with a ticket to Hollywood after a smooth performance of Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten."

James Lewis, a tour guide in the City of Brotherly Love, was encouraged by his coworkers to audition for American Idol. His song of choice was "Go Down, Moses." I remember singing this in Spring choir back in college but I don't remotely recognize his song to be anything like my choir's masterful performance. I can't help but think his coworkers were being mean because let me tell you, it was one of the most awful performances in American Idol history. Paula and Randy spiralled into a fit of laughter. It was bad. Very bad.

If that weren't bad enough, a whole string of no talent followed including an Asian dude who "sang" "Hush Little Baby."

To be fair and balanced though, Junot Joyner did a nice job on Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues." Jose Candelaria sang something lovely in Spanish while a cute Jonathan Baines brought us a great sound. I have no doubt we'll be seeing more of this all-American boy.

Then it was Temptress Browne's time to shine but I was confused. She looked like a girl - granted, a very large girl - but she claimed to be a middle linebacker on her high school HS football team. She was there for herself and there for her ailing mother. Temptress put her heart and soul into Jennifer Hudson's "I'm Not Going Nowhere" but sadly, this sweet 16-year-old didn't have the chops for this competition. The poor baby pouted and tears were streaming from her eyes as the judges delivered the bad news. Out of character though, they hugged her and walked out with her to help soothe her feelings of rejection. My husband is thinking so far ahead that he can see Temptress being invited back for the finale.

Mark Hayes makes me wish for deafness with a hideous rendition of "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." Did this guy really think this was a good idea?

Udgeet Sampat did it "his way" and was definitely worse than the last loser and now we're treated to a not so enjoyable Rock n Roll montage.

But wait. It gets worse. Alexis Cohen seems to be having a gender crisis and she performs Grace Slick's "Somebody to Love." From a vocal standpoint, Alexis would be great in a bar, but she's no American Idol. Simon was not terribly cruel towards her but still, we had to endure a stupid tirade which involved this girl's middle fingers and a nice butt shot. It was a performance, and a bad one at that.

Are you ready for the heart-breaking story of the season? Angela Martin's daughter developed Retts Syndrome around the age of two and medical care is constant and expensive. Angela is hoping to have a career that will ensure her daughter gets the needed medical attention. She may not be the next American Idol, but, she's going to Hollywood following an "okay" performance of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." It doesn't hurt that she's absolutely gorgeous. Her entire family support system was there - the girl is blessed.

The second day of auditions in Philadelphia and all I can say is that Alyse Wojciechowski's "Feelin' Good" was one hell of a way to start out the day. Simon described it as a nightmare and unfortunately that nightmare continued with a man, claiming to be 39, singing an original song called "No Sex Allowed." While I could appreciate his message of abstinence to the young population, it was totally inappropriate for this venue.

There's hope on the horizon though with Kristy Lee Cook singing "Amazing Graze." The only thing more amazing than her wavy blonde hair and rockin' body was her delightfully unique voice. The judges were unanimous in their sending her to Hollywood. I know it's early in the season, but this girl has Top Ten potential. The husband seems to be in love.

Paula's not in love though. Some dude named Benjamin enters the audition room in get up unlike any ever seen before, even on American Idol. Worse yet, there was some type of "armor" on his chest which "framed" his beastly chest hair. Paula suggested a wax. Benjamin made the mistake of asking if he could come back if he got it waxed and within seconds, this strange one was off to see the wizard.

In Ryan's words, it got hairier back in the judging room. Instead of hairier though, I'm going to say scarier. Much scarier. Paul Marturano wrote a song about Paula Abdul and to sum it up, he basically confessed to being a Paula Abdul stalker and he had to be escorted out. The thing that scares me is that it freaked Simon out more than Paula.

Speaking of stalkers, Beth Stalker performed "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." She sounded more like someone who should be singing in a smokey nightclub. Simon said no but Randy and Paula felt she deserved a second chance.

Back from the break and Benjamin has returned hairless. He barely gets the first three words of the Pussycat Dolls' "Don't Cha" out of his mouth when Simon and Randy ask him to leave. Too bad. He should have at least gotten a few lines out just for waxing all that burly hair.

Next up is Chris Watson. I'm not diggin' the dreadlocks but there's something about his face and particularly his eyes that are going to make the girls swoon over him. He's near flawless with Uncle Cracker's "Follow Me" and all three judges vote him through to Hollywood.

While fast-forwarding through the commercials, compliments of the DVR, a Wal-Mart commercial catches the eyes of the husband and me. It's a promotion for their pizzas - easily located in the deli section. We eat it all the time because it's fresh and terribly inexpensive. Better yet, Wal-Mart's pizza is the best thing to hit my taste buds since Deorio's Pizza in Columbus, Georgia.

Unfortunately, I was not paid for that glowing endorsement.

We're down to the last two Idol hopefuls from Philadelphia. Christina Tolisano, an obvious Star Wars fanatic, was up first with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." While the sun may not go down on Christina, the curtain certainly did.

Will we end the season opener on a sour note? Nope! Brooke White's pure sound, image and personality won the judges over fast. I have no idea what she sang, but who cares, we'll be seeing more of Brooke.

So there you have it. We've started another season and 29 contestants from Philadelphia have tickets to Hollywood. Did anything impress you tonight? Did anything shock you? Let's get this conversation rolling!

Idol America Has a New Home

For everyone who visited the Idol America blog I wrote last year for the Amarillo Globe-News Web site, have no fear. Idol America has a brand new home right here on Blogger - so set this page as one of your favorites. Visit often and share your thoughts as we review each night's show together.

A catalogue of last year's posts will be added to this site soon too so be sure to peruse those and see how badly I stunk up my predictions. Let's hope I do better this year and even more important, let's hope we have a better pool of contestants. We'll get our first taste tomorrow night so be sure to check in after the show and share your take on this year's Idol hopefuls.

American Idol Season 6: Here We Go Again!

Talking to my 84-year-old grandmother Tuesday morning, I learned she planned an evening in front of the television just like me – glued to the two-hour premier of American Idol’s much anticipated sixth season. It’s a bit ridiculous, quite honestly, to devote as much time as I do to a show that I swore up and down I’d never watch. But, like Grandma, I really like that Simon.

While there’s a population out there that certainly tunes in to see people make fools of themselves, I tune in for that rare talent, something that was hard to come by in the Minneapolis auditions. In fact, only 17 wannabes got their tickets to Hollywood. Unfortunately, the show seemed to focus on people like Stephen – a guy who claimed to be a vocal teacher. It brings to mind the old saying “Those who can’t, teach.” (Please teachers, no assaults here please – it’s a sayin’ we’ve all heard before.) Not only was his audition hideous, viewers had to sit through a never-ending verbal pow-wow between this hack job and the ever-hip Randy Jackson.

Speaking of the “dawg,” what was with his makeup last night? With every passing year, the layers of caked foundation get thicker and lighter and scarier. On the plus side though, I was wondering what the producers had up their sleeves this year to keep me enticed. Turns out, Randy’s switch from Mr. Nice Guy to “Mr. Let the Fists Fly” just may do the trick.

What won’t work though is endless focus on individuals – particularly those without an ounce of talent or sense. They should rename it “American Idiot.” It could just be me, but it seemed like last night more than ever people were just there for their opportunity to be on TV. Remember the good ol’ days when being on TV was a privilege for the common folk? Now it seems to be an expectation. Too bad. It’s also too bad that someone like the bubbly Perla squeaked through on looks and personality alone. More so looks. I wish I had her hair … but back to the subject at hand … at least she redeemed herself with Shakira’s popular “Hips Don’t Lie.”

And what was up with the exit doors? There were double doors and inevitably, the awkward contestants would go to the left only to be abruptly locked out. The judges, joined by the softly soulful Jewel, would clamor “It’s the other one.” Couldn’t they at least put up a sign?

Thankfully, some real talent eked through. I’ll be looking for 16-year-old Denise Jackson, the “crack baby.” She may have entered the world with a strike against her, but it seems all she’s done since is strike back with a sassy personality and a powerful voice.

Another favorite that made the spotlight was the lovely Sarah who easily sailed through to Hollywood with her rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” She’s a real contender for the Top 12. And he may not be Top 12 material but he certainly has potential – pimply 16-year-old Matt Sato whose voice was almost angelic.

My favorite part of last night’s offering? When the self-proclaimed “biggest” fan of American Idol, Brenna Kyner, asked if there was anything she could do to improve. Simon’s response? “Leave.”

Yep, Grandma and I really like that Simon!

9.25.07 Fall TV Season

So it seems the Fall TV season is in full swing and due to a busy travel month, I haven’t really had the opportunity to peak at everything I would like to. Based on what I have seen though, here are a few of my thoughts.

Prison Break

For all my homeys at the AGN – PRISON BREAK, PRISON BREAK, PRISON BREAK!!! And because it’s worth repeating – Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller are absolutely HOT!!! … and it has nothing to due with the fact that they’re shooting in Dallas this season.

Back to reality though. I really did not care for the season opener last week. It seemed to lack purpose. That was, until the end, when we learned that Sara and LJ were kidnapped and are being held hostage. They will meet their demise should Michael fail to escape some dude named Whistler out of SONA, the mysterious prison filled with mayhem. Last night’s episode really rocked – suspense was in full force. Hooray! I’m just curious to see what they do with the Sara character since the actress with raccoon eyes is not returning this year. Hey, I could play Wentworth Miller’s new love interest! (of course, the husband might not approve of that)

Power of Ten

Are you watching Drew Carey’s new game show? The one that’s not The Price is Right? He has his moments but there’s always been something about his demeanor and particularly his look that have always irked me. Even so, the questions on this show are so risqué and intriguing, it’s a nice little guilty pleasure.

Kid Nation

I’m more of a cat person so watching a show with a completely kid cast didn’t appeal to me. Then I had nothing better to do (besides clean house) so I watched it. To my surprise, it was really enjoyable. What an interesting study in human behavior. Even more interesting is that even at such a young age, a person’s life identity is pretty much intact.

Back to You

I really had high hopes for not only a sitcom, but for Kelsey Grammer. The entire episode seemed like they were trying too hard to be funny and the end result was pure disaster. I most likely will not be tuning into that one again.

Biggest Loser

Very interesting that they brought training terror Jillian back this year. I just wish there was some element of surprise with her return. This year’s group seems extra whiney, but I think that every year. I’ve already got some favorites and it’s going to be enjoyable watching them transform not only their bodies, but their lives. Now, if I could just get up off my fat rear end …

Other notes …

Because of the busy travel month, I have yet to catch up on Sunday’s premieres of Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters. Thankfully, they’re recap shows so hopefully I can blow through those pretty fast – God bless the DVR! One other show that premiered and is still waiting for me in DVR land is Cold Case. I absolutely love that show.

Also, I’m anxiously awaiting the return of Smallville, MXC, Southpark and Queer Eye (last season).
And if my affections for Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell weren’t enough, I must proclaim my undying devotion to Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel. He can come over!

What are you watching and what do you think about the new season?