Miami Sound Machine?

I'm surprised that only 17 Hollywood tickets were handed out in Miami tonight, compared with last evening's 19 from the nation's midsection (Omaha)....I mean, everyone looked fabulous! The weather was great! Beaches were beautiful! Guess it's a stereotype thing I'm working on...and Simon calling Paula's dress "slutty" before the hour even got underway just didn't help ...but I was just glad to see she was lucid and back to work! Yeah!

The meat-market-working belcher just got me going.....I have to hand it to her, cause if that was MY parent's business, and I was 18 years old, I'd have to take a pass...kudos to her for helping Mom and Dad out, and you could tell they loved her...that's what it's all about, right? Liked the sparkle black beanie and hot pink wristguard....girl's got some flair.

Move, over, Constantine! Here comes Robbie :) I really liked your black beanie-wearing self, with poppers and silly string to celebrate. I like that your entire family was there to cheer for you, and your 3rd grade class, too. I think you are Bo Bice and Ace Young rolled into one and can't wait to see what comes next for you!

Similarly, the Corlisse and Britney duo were just adorable and despite not having stellar pipes, showed the power of personality....the lovefest they showed the judges (and were shown them) was fun to see (Simon's prescription of Happy Juice has not yet run out!)

Why did they let that Venezuelan loverguy give Paula hugs and kisses (and let him through??) I'm surprised Corey Clark didn't pretty much stop all that....

Single mom Suzanne Toon makes it through (is that a coincidence?) as does Ramiele, AKA Jasmine Trias 2.0. Simon thought she was a hotel singer, but Paula liked her a lot, and so did we in this house...we liked Syeshe, too, and thought her rendition of "Think"reminded us of Nadia Turner...Nataysha (?) and Ilsy (?) followed rapidly...(sorry for the spelling if you are reading!) and the show ended with some VERY BAD SINGERS.

Now, this is going to sound itchy, BUT the star search chick? That was pretty gratifying that she was turned away. Does the word ENTITLED mean anything to you? I am going to call her Precocious Pricilla....I do think she had a reasonable voice, MAYBE, but we couldn't get to it under all of that make up, posturing, and attitude. I thought to myself, had this girl walked in, fresh-faced without any pretense, and just sang a simple song....she might have made it through and actually turned into something.....good news is that she is only 16 and has her entire life and career ahead of her....she needs to completely recover from her brush with fame, though, if she wants to have any sort of career forward...the 12 year old we saw on film bore NO resemblance to what we got in the audition, no?

Okay....I might be tiring of auditions.....eek! Did I say that out loud?

A Kernel of Talent in Omaha...

Sorry, I don't really mean that...:) I thought there were some mighty good singers in Omaha....but before I get to waxing philosophical, I've been asked several times already about my favorites thus far in the auditions. I must, in all honesty, say I don't have any favorites. As I've learned watching this show, you can't count on anything at this point. We've seen people who have really impressed during auditions, only to see them totally tank in Hollywood. On the contrary, those we've not yet been introduced to (via the almighty 'backstory') can surprise in Hollywood...there is too much unknown at this point. (And yes, I've resisted reading the Top 24 Spoilers...)

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I found tonight fairly entertaining.....with 19 Hollywood passes given out among 10,000 auditioners (am I the only one who found this number surprisingly high?) that does seem a low audition-to-Golden-Ticket ratio....not that there's anything wrong with that...

I loved the opening number with the cornfield shout out....I was thinking, Mel! Signs!

Chris's "life alternating change" of auditioning for Idol pretty much drug on, with the cheesy gifts and ear-splitting Kelly Clarkson rendition...but I do think it's way cool that he might be reporting from Omaha for the finale! I do think Simon is on Happy Drugs! Then poor Jason who Forgot the Lyrics...he is sooooo lucky they stuck around for the finale on that one.....I liked him but hope he doesn't flake out in Hollywood. And "You Forgot the Lyrics" was pretty creative.

(Speaking of which, SHOUT OUT for Constantine....I read today that he'll be on a celebrity edition of Fox's Don't Forget the Lyrics....How cool! Stay tuned for details....)

It's late and I'm tired and there's a blizzard in Chicago at this writing meaning I'll have to get up extra early to clean off my car, so I'm going to keep this short...Rachel the Arm Wrestler was beautiful and had a lovely voice but agree with Randy that the yodeling needs to be kept at a minimum....the Nora Jones cover girl Sara was amazing, but I hope she can sing other kinds of artists...Elizabeth from Springfield (AKA Pit Stain Pattie ) was intriguing, but she's on the wrong show because she is actually America's Next Top Model....LOL....

Angelica and her Dad will hopefully reconcile after her absolutely heartfelt and (I thought) totally genuine audition....drop Celine and find yourself, baby! And rocker David Cook might have gotten his inspiration from Chris Daughtry, but he borrowed Blake's outfit ;)

Finally, Leo was great. Touchdown! (I think Paula is practicing for her Super Bowl appearance). BTW, Paula was delayed in more ways than one tonight....a first for this season....I was kinda hoping we were past that, but oh, well.....

I'll have to look at beach footage again tomorrow night from Miami... oh, the pain.....

Charleston auditions

This week's second hour of audition footage -- from the lovely city of Charleston, South Carolina -- offered some interesting contestants. I'll start by moving backward. Oliver, the new dad who's wife went into labor while he was in line to audition...should have been put through. And not because the baby was totally adorable, nor because Mom looked absolutely fantabulous despite delivering her first baby not 24 hours before (a week before? Whatever!...honestly!) But because despite the judge's comments about his vocal affectations, I thought he was actually pretty good, and I wanted to see more of him....but, 'tis not to be. Best of luck with all those diapers and sleepless nights and college funds and preschool applications, Oliver...

Moving backward, I'll skip past Aretha (who bore only a slight resemblance to her namesake, and it's not necessarily a good one)..and past Lindsay Goodman, the USAF pilot who I really, really (in a Phil kinda way) wanted to be good....but alas, the judges took a pass. Hats off to you, my dear, in more ways than one.

I'll blitz past London, whom despite losing a father tragically to cancer at a young age, was quite poised and confident. Will reserve judgment here. I don't believe that Randy gave her a thumbs up on vocals alone, tho....yeah, right, dawg! Haven't had a chance to Google her, but I'm thinking she's already out there somewhere for something...Meanwhile, Amy the chaste Catholic schoolgirl didn't impress Simon (again, he found her to be not as good as she thinks she is), and again, I say that 16 year olds don't (typically) hold out very well in Hollywood (aren't they holding auditions for HSM3 somewhere?) but I am looking forward to seeing her again! And like my idol Micheal Slezak says at EW, heck, she might even go all the way! LOLOLOLOL

On to the Lampkins, who as a duo seemed a VERY unlikely bundle for Hollywood, but surprise! They both made it. Can't wait to see if brother takes his assignment from Simon seriously to work with sis, she needs it.

We (almost) opened with the all-u-can-eat waitress from Ablemarle, NC...honestly, Simon's comment after she finished singing that she sounded angry because of "all those Sunday people who eat all that lunch" followed by his announcement that should he eat there, he would only "eat one portion" just cracked me up. To Kelly Pickler's relief, there is still only one notable Idol from her hometown.

Finally, ending with the opening, the "Black Clay Aiken", while totally adorable, should not quit his day job...loved the pick, tho.

Are you tired of auditions yet? More importantly, have we met our new American Idol in these first 2 weeks?

San Diego Brings It On

I don't know about you, but those opening shots of sunny beaches, surfing, shorts and sandals had me California Dreamin' here in Chicago (where it's a balmy 13 degrees at the time of this writing).

Even though we learned that 31 people made it through to Hollywood, we only met 6 (by my count) of them tonight, meaning they must have some great singers to introduce us to during Hollywood week. It goes without saying that the 1-2-3 punch right from the start was an interesting opening. Tatiana didn't impress Simon for some reason, getting that biting comment that has to sting ("You're not as good as you think you are") but I thought she had a pretty voice. We'll have to see if Simon predicted correctly.

It's hard not to root for Perry, father to the most adorable pony tailed 3yo boy I've ever met, or for the Hottie (I mean Aussie) that could sing, too. Now, I've got to say for the record that I am personally ready for an American Idol winner that is a male, pop vocal singer....and this year might be the one! I thought Ace Young might have been the one during Hollywood week in Season 5, and I still think he's way cute, but maybe this year? Aussie has me wishin'....

Other Hollywood golden ticket winners were Samantha (and sister) both with "things" for Simon; David, the vocal-cord-paralysis-recoverer who I really liked (but 16-year-olds never seem to do well during Hollywood week, 'cepting if you are Lisa Tucker or Paris Bennett); and the Irish Carly, who had a lovely voice, only I kept singing Jordin Spark's hit single "Tattoo" under my breath for some strange reason I can't yet figure out.... hhmmm...

Simon was his usual self with helpful comments, telling one contestant that it was obvious that "three different people dressed you today" to his proclamation that he "loves this country" after getting the sister sandwich from Samantha and sidekick. Alberto and his spinning-Barbie-eagle-fan-fingernail thing was a little much for me, and while I cheer Blake (and his Mom!) for their Idol audition tenacity (10 cities???), it was a bit, well, sad.

Question: Why, if San Diego produced the best talent (according to news reports) did they give tonight's show just one hour, while giving Philly and talent-starved Dallas two hours each? Also, did you notice that there were no split votes shown this show? In Dallas, there seemed to be several auditioners who got through based on a split vote of 2-1. All six golden tickets tonight were unanimous. Just an observation...

"Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul" book signing

When the opportunity arose for the kids and I to head down to our local bookstore to meet a coupla former Idols, we were very excited, and headed out early to beat the crowd. We were big Gina Glocksen fans during Season 6, and even though the kids didn't know who Jim Verraros was, I did :)

Much to our surprise, there were only a few people there. We were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by both Gina and Jim as well as author Debra and her friend Mackenzie and her mom. I guess the frigid weather kept folks at home, or that the store didn't do a very good job publicizing the event (I suspect the latter....this is Chicago, after all, we're used to cold weather!)

Kids and I proceeded to get our books signed, take pictures, and chat...after a while, I was feeling kind of guilty taking so much time (and other visitors were trickling in at this point) so we moved on to have the books signed by the author, Debra Poneman. She was so delightfully warm and friendly, and seemed genuinely interested in visiting with us. I asked her, what was the biggest surprise you had in doing this project? She didn't hesitate before responding that we might think that the Idols have one persona on stage, and then when they aren't in front of a camera, they act differently....she assured us that they are all exactly the same as they appear to be.

We also met Mackenzie Johnson, a 4 year old battling leukemia who has been befriended by Ace Young and his fans (Highrollers With Heart). Mack's mom Amy told us that Ace was one of the kindest persons she'd ever met, and that she is forever grateful to all he has done for her family.

It was a really, really cool encounter with each one of these people, far more than I had expected. I had dozens of questions I wish I could have asked...Gina and Jim were so warm and friendly to me and each one of the kids, and took as much time as we wanted to chat and sign books. Debra (little does she know) was a huge inspiration to me as a writer and as a working mom... and Mackenzie was an angel to behold. I wish each one of them many future successes, health and happiness.

Do check out the book! Stories from Idols and their fans, for everyone who believes in a dream!

Dear Kelly, Since U been gone....well...

Tonight's Idol auditions from Dallas, Texas were a bit of a snoozer for me. I mean, I'm easy and all....but I found myself a bit bored. First of all, too much screen time on the American Roller Coaster Enthusiast, the 19yo virgin and the coming of Saint Simon....although that last scene had me ROTFLMAO.

We'll start with the show starter, the Meth Mom Jessica...I thought she was sweet, and could sing pretty well, but clearly her backstory made a Dallas-sized impression. I think she will be eaten alive in Hollywood, but I do wish her the best. Other strong auditions tonight were from Alaina (AKA Carrie 2.0), Pia the model and singer from Chicago, and Kady from Houston (Simon pronounced her "the best we'd heard all season so far"). As far as guys/men were concerned, Colton the Cowboy was pretty cute and I can see the whole Randy Travis thing, but I think he slipped through....he'd better impress come Hollywood. Also slipping through on a split vote was Drew the Cowboy...again, his winning personality and boyish charm got him through cuz Hollywood won't be so nice....can't believe they gave the the bag o' fingernails (ick) the Golden Ticket (he did kind of remind me a wee bit of Elliot, tho!) and are sending Kaila, who has recovered from a devastating car accident. Lots of energy (and a cool Survivor buff!) but again, Hollywood will eat her up....but she'll get to go, and that's loverly. Lots of good will tonight. More good will, less talent. Has Simon (and crew)'s hearts grown three sizes bigger, after all?

Have, Have, Have to mention tonight's song montage....Since U Been Gone I HOPE brings a smile to Kelly's face when she watches. As we say in this house, who would have thunk...what a tremendous honor to have people botch your song! At least it means they are listening!

Other funny highlights were Ryan's response to Key-To-My-Heart's Dad who suggested that Ryan would watch out for him if he got to Hollywood: "You don't want that. " Also the elevator music that accompanied chick with no emotion or facial expression whatsoever ..and "No to the Speedo!"

And another episode from Fox's First Dysfunctional Family concludes...tune in next week!

Season 7 Opener: City of Idol Love

Season 7 opened tonight with auditions in Philadelphia, PA, and I was inexplicably, yet thoroughly entertained. How can this be, you ask, even though it's the 7th time? I don't know myself...other than to say, people are so amusing. We even saw some originality, which I thought was impossible at this point....and saw lots of raw talent, which suggests to me that Idol is still a relevant means to discovering a new pop star.

Where to begin? With the highlights: Randy's new look! Loved it. Opening guy who lost 204 pounds! Congrats, and he could sing, too! (Too bad Simon was so rude in suggesting that he "looked hungry" as he left the audition room.....hhmmmph.....) Liked Melanie, the Fantasia-esque backup singer for Taylor Hicks...hope she doesn't go the way of Brandon Rogers....LOVED the "I Love Rock and Roll" montage...truly amazing and hilarious. Also want to follow Chicago's Angela Martin's Hollywood "de-weddingization" and follow the farm girl from Salem, OR (remind you of Carrie, too?) (Seacrest will be following her, too, from the looks he was giving her...)

Temptress was one of the more memorable Idol hopefuls from tonight's show, and what struck me most was the contrast between the picture of the too-young girl caring for her ill mother, taking on so much responsibility (and looking older than 16) versus the child with the huge tears who cried uncontrollably at being told she was not through to Hollywood...the judges going out into the hallway with her to greet her family was a cool moment.

I only counted two Christmas songs (an unusual and good thing given this was filmed in July??) and am still trying to figure out why Philly garnered the largest-ever audition crowd...my husband summed tonight up well (as that guy's chest hairs were being waxed off) that "you just don't know what's going to happen next!"

Memorable lines from Simon: "Keep your batteries in your calculator" to the financial services planner who couldn't sing; in response to the song, how do I get you alone? : "You wouldn't." To the tone deaf Star Wars fan as she left the audition: "Give my love to the wookiee"....and finally, in response to the challenge that Simon couldn't take the squeaky-clean final auditioner to the Dark Side, "Give me a week, Brooke."

Meanwhile, Paula fended off a couple of serious suitors, referring to one's "centerpiece of hair" and enduring the serenade of another promising to "caulk her" if she were a tub, among other things. Okay, he was scary. That is what security is for!

And we're off, folks!