Well, there are *some* advantages to Tivo-ing all this and watching it later. (I managed to sign myself up for classes on both Tues and Wed nights for a while. Duh.) At least I am NOT forced to sit through all the awful squawling that AI seems to find amusing (or worse, think that we-the-braindead spectators will find amusing). I've seen plenty of scary contestants the last few shows, yes, but most of the wretched singers were very, very serious about their "work" and were unhappy little campers when the truth was revealed. Their unhappiness takes most of the fun out of it for me. (That said, WHO has been telling these people they could sing????? Their delusional mothers? The voices in their heads? The squirrel that lives in the tree on the corner? Yikes!)
There may be a few keepers in the bunch. The Fred Savage kid has a lovely, mellifluous voice. I have no idea if he has range, power, or taste, but the quality of his voice is just lovely. Reminded me of a young Frank Sinatra. Paris (with the Butterfly McQueen speaking voice) could be a real contender. I also liked the excessively-straight guy (a couple of shows ago) with the Aussie accent who sang country. (I also liked the little cowboy from the town of 4 people who sang Elton John, but only because he was utterly adorable in his innocence. No music future there.) The reservist who swept Paula off her feet has style and a nice voice, but seems to be a bit of a cad. The "fit model" won't win because her voice isn't much, but she could string along for a while, with her personality and looks. (I'd pick her to show, not win. :)
Anyway, looks like another interesting season in store! I'm just bummed that I'm on the West coast here and can't play with you guys in real time. Kind of like showing up at the playground when all the other kids have gone home! :(
Anyone who is even remotely serious about auditioning for AI (and not just trying to get on TV), should find someone who has a video camera, record themselves doing what they plan to do for the audition, and then watch it back. For most of these folks, that will weed out all but the truly delusional. For others, the nerves may still get them at the audition, but at least they've got to know that they had a shot...
But sometimes it's funny--like the Fake Jamaican from Vegas. He was in tears after he was rejected, like he really thought he had a chance. And Tessie Mae last night--somehow she had deluded herself into thinking she sings like Avril and Carrie! And then she couldn't believe it when the judges told her she was awful--unanimous NO, lol.
The only time when the rejections aren't funny, IMO, is when the singer has borderline talent or a nice personality (like Carolina girl last night) and it's just not enough to get them to Hollywood :-/