<p>Love Didi and the Hispanic father’s version of “Straight Up.” Also the young boy who was nervous in the first round but played guitar in Hollywood to a David Cook song.</p>
<p>To me there were a lot of “Archuleta” wannabes, “Carrie” wannabes and “David Cook” wannabes last night. Hopefully the winner this year is totally different than any past winner. My favorite was Andrew - my H said “Danny Gokey” wannabe but we’ll see…I liked Crystal too.</p>
<p>Gosh, I can’t believe you remember the contestant’s names! Until they narrow it down to the top 24, I go by titles like: guy whose wife is in labor…girl who took first ride on an Air - O - Plane…</p>
<p>Ah seiclan, they have you just where they want you. For some reason all of the back stories really bugged me this year. I felt so aware of the fact that they were packaging these people for mass consumption. The one with the son who is autistic especially. My friend’s nephew is autistic and we were talking about how that boy is on the very mild end of the spectrum but they are playing it to the hilt for the cameras.<br>
Actually that girl just took her second ride in an Air O Plane because it turns out she can’t sing. She was just a hook to keep you watching.</p>
<p>ebeeeee, I did notice this year it seemed to be a high number of “back story” getting to the Hollywood round that I did not think could really sing. Maybe I just did not watch this early before, but really, isn’t it kind of cruel to send them out and then cut them when they really did not have it to begin with? And what about all of those still in that we have not seen anything about?</p>
<p>"Hispanic father’s version of “Straight Up” was awesome. Watching this year for the first time. Its going to be interesting. I am amazed at the talent out there and doubly amazed at the courage/nerve of folks to stand up there and audition.</p>
<p>I think there are more back stories to fill air time since they can no longer make so much fun of the real weirdos since that woman killed herself outside of Paula Abdul’s home.</p>
<p>Glad to finally get to Hollywood Week and get past the bad auditions. Seems to be some amazing voices there. Am curious about tonight and the group stuff with all of its usual drama mamas (and daddies).</p>
<p>I think Ellen is going to do very well as a judge. She’s refreshingly honest and can be blunt when needed, but has a friendly vibe about her as well. A vast improvement over Paula!!! Loved her quip when she told the barefoot young woman from Florida to put on some shoes because LA is such a filthy city. Classic Ellen.</p>
<p>I read a comment from someone on the show this season. It said:
“Looks like Ellen will fit in just fine. And looks like Kara never will.”</p>
<p>Some truth to that. I don’t NOT like Kara, but sometimes I still feel like she’s the fifth wheel.</p>
<p>My wife and I both think Kara is much better this year so far. We did not care for her last year.</p>
<p>I really liked Andrew (is that his name? “Straight Up”) and Janell last night. And I adore Ellen and am SO glad that she’s a judge; so far, she seems lively yet honest, just like I’ve grown to expect from her.</p>
<p>Yeah, Andrew Garcia is the “Straight Up” guy. I just saw a clip of him on The View. :)</p>
<p>Andrew Garcia was incredible last night.</p>
<p>Yes he was very good. And I liked 3 of the girls.</p>
<p>I read the other day that they were talking about Howard Stern replacing Simon. That will be the day I stop watching Idol.</p>
<p>I may be in the minority here, but I think Vanessa CAN sing, even though I agree with the judges’ decision to send her home. She was SO nervous during the 1st round, but I hope somebody gives her guidance and support, because I think she’s got potential.</p>
<p>Yeah, I am not a Stern fan. I don’t know why they don’t get Piers Morgan.</p>
<p>Spoiler Alert regarding contestant “Big Mike”</p>
<p>[‘Idol</a>’ cut for spilling beans - NYPOST.com](<a href=“http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/idol_cut_for_spilling_beans_pVbrJfl6KIVk19UzJ6f8EP]'Idol”>‘Idol’ cut for spilling beans)</p>
<p>That’s sad. I think he’s the one that missed his baby’s birth to be on AI.</p>
<p>Now, Idol is starting to get interesting. I like the second part of Hollywood week, once they weed out the marginally talented. That stinks about Big Mike, he has a lovely voice but, life is about following the rules of the game.</p>
<p>The rumors about Mike’s having to leave have been confirmed and denied for days now…I think we should just wait and see. I hope he stays. He’s quite talented and a good guy.</p>
<p>I never see the point in group day besides just being good, dramatic television. I hate how they focus more on groups that fail than on groups that work well together; that sort of thing I expect in the audition rounds, but once we’re in Hollywood week they really should be encouraging watchers to find their top 24 favorites.</p>