Alrighty, here we are again. I’m combining these two audition cities, as it’s getting harder and harder to make original commentary on these preliminary shows. I can’t WAIT for Hollywood week to start!!
So, American Idol is in Omaha, and the auditions start out with just Randy and Simon on the panel. Chris With The Handstand sings "Since You’ve Been Gone". He doesn’t make it to Hollywood, but you might see him at the Finals as a host.
Jason From Stout, Iowa is up next.
I have a good feeling about him. He starts out okay, but then he falters and can’t remember his words. This is never a good sign. Finally he works it out, but in Randy’s words, "there’s no star quality", and I heartily agree. Too bad; he’s a cute kid. Surprisingly they put him through to Hollywood.
That’s when I knew the Omaha show was going to be a yawner.
Paula finally swaggers in at 8:15. I guess her plane was delayed.
Rachael The Armwrestler is a cute girl with a nice voice, although it’s a little affected. She has potential, though, and they put her through.
Is anyone yawning yet? I really can’t think of a single interesting thing to say about this show.
Sarah The Goth — Buy-Bye.
Clearly trying to liven up a dying show, Ryan starts baiting the judges, and then he and Paula switch places so that he can get a taste of what it’s like to have her job. It’s all horribly contrived, and I wish they would just get on with the show. I think I would enjoy the audition portion more if they took it more seriously.
Samantha sings Nora Jones. She’s got a beautiful voice, and I like her style. It’s different. And she’s going to Hollywood.
Then Elizabeth, Denise, and Michael all make it to Hollywood along with a slew of other contestants.
Angelica has one of those sad stories that American Idol loves to exploit. She’s been estranged from her dad, although he’s supportive of her pursuit of American Idol. She comes in for the audition and while clearly nervous, she shows that girlfriend’s got some serious pipes. They put her through to Hollywood (how could they NOT after that sob story??) and then they call her dad on her cell phone to share the good news. And we all cry tears of joy.
David is inspired by the band Daughtry.
I always like the rockers, and it’s about time we got a rocker in this competition! I’m not sure this is the next Daughtry, but he’s going to Hollywood, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
There’s another unfortunate audition and another "bozo montage", the second of the night. Finally Leo The Homecoming Queen enters the room. I have no idea what to expect from this guy. He looks like the type who is usually really bad, but I’ve got a feeling they’re saving the best for last. As it turns out he’s personable, and he’s got quite a voice. And he’s off to Hollywood.
And that wraps up the Omaha auditions. 19 contestants made it through to Hollywood.
* * *
Now we’re in Miami. I’ll try to make this one shorter, jeez.
Shannon — ouch. And she was genuinely surprised. Who encourages these people?? Honestly, American Idol has a way of bringing out the most over-indulged people I’ve ever seen in my LIFE. (And she wasn’t the worst of the night. Just wait till you meet Julie.) Shannon says she’s done with American Idol, but methinks it’s the other way around.
At first I wasn’t sure about Bobbie, but dude’s got some pipes. And he’s on his way to Hollywood.
Ghaleb From Venuzuela enters the room. I’m not impressed, but two of the three judges vote him on to Hollywood. I can’t picture him doing Country Music Week, can you??
Then friends Corliss and Brittany audition together. They’re a hoot, and they can sing to boot! (Do you like my rhyme? I should stick with blogging, huh? Poetry never was my forte.) After they were put through to Hollywood, a love fest ensued in which I was afraid someone was going to get mortally wounded. These girls should be fun to watch in Hollywood.
Suzanne is a single mom. Beautiful girl, nice voice, but it seemed pitchy to me. Randy confirmed my suspicions. Still, they put her through.
(I should note that I was watching the Miami show while my husband was practicing his guitar in the next room, and by the end of the show my head was busted open and my brain matter splattered all over the floor. Seriously, I had to take an Advil to go to sleep. So don’t rely too heavily on any of my Miami commentary.)
Ramielle is a tiny Filipino with a big voice.
She is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jasmine Trias. Frankly, I would set my hopes a little higher, but whatever. She’s adorable, she’s got potential, and she’s going to Hollywood.
Syesha is another cute girl with a sad story. She’s definitely got some star quality going on, but I felt like her performance sounded a little forced. I think one of the judges said the same thing. Still, they put her through.
I was more of a fan of Natashia, although I can’t for the life of me remember what she looks like or what she sang. I didn’t write it down. I think I was beginning to loose my mind by this point.
And then there was Ilsy.
By now my ears are bleeding from trying to distinguish the voices of the Idol contestants from my husband’s guitar practice, and I don’t really get a very reliable impression of Ilsy. Cute girl, though.
Finally Julie from American Idol Juniors comes on the scene. I’m sorry, but a 16-year-old just should not have THAT much confidence. And when the judges don’t tell her what she expected to hear, she pouts like my 5-year-old. Seriously, that’s exactly what it looks like. Simon nails it when he says, "Over indulged." I like her better in the clips from AI Juniors, frankly. Clearly her five minutes of fame ruined her because if anything she has digressed since that point. Sad.
There might have been someone else after her, but that’s the end of my notes. Next week I’ll be sure to watch when I don’t have any background noise. Yeowch. My head’s still spinning this morning.
Next stop: Atlanta!
Just a mom attempting to juggle three kids, four blogs, a blog design business, and the laundry. 
