Chris Daughtry's American Idol Audition Where It All Began

Chris Daughtry has rocketed to the top of the music industry. Check out this clip of his Idol Audition. I thought Daughtry should have won season 5, but it obviously didn't hurt his success in the music business. I can't believe that Simon told gave him a "no." I'm glad Randy and Paula saw his talent and potential and they gave this North Carolina boy a chance.

David Archuleta's Impressive San Diego Audition

American Idol. . . Missed!

Wednesday night I had the kids tucked in bed and was all set to watch the night's episode. I always DVR Idol so I can watch when I have time and rewatch my favorite episodes with the family. Anyway, when I found American Idol on my list of recorded programs, imagine my horror when I saw a big fat zero next to it! I was shocked and dismayed! My favorite show in the entire world, I've been waiting months for it to start. . . you get the picture. In an attempt to get to the bottom of this seemingly cataclysmic event I was determined to find the outlaw who cancelled my DVR-ed Idol. Within seconds the criminal was exposed. . . not to mention any names, but my husband David was the perpetrater. He sat there in his Lazy Boy recliner trying to look so sweet and innocent. . . but I knew the truth!

Then it hit me. . . in the grand scheme of things was this really soooo important? I thought back to a book my sweet mom gave me entitled Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family and Chapter 5's " Become Less Easily Bothered." As big of an Idol fan as I am, I had to admit that there are a lot more important things to make an issue of than this. So, even though I admit to a momentary lapse in judgement, I took the highroad and forgave my dear hubby for making such a monumental mistake. . just kiddin.

The preliminary auditions are winding up and soon we'll see the REAL talent. Can't wait!

Is Judge Simon Cowell Becoming Mr. Nice Guy?

According to a Yahoo News source, 33.4 million viewers were watching last Tuesday's American Idol Season 7 debut. Nielsen Media Research reports that this is down from the 37.4 million viewers who watched the first show. Regardless, Idol still has phenomenal viewer numbers!

I've recently read several articles about how Idol was criticized for being too harsh with the auditioning contestants. While I don't disagree with this, I'm wondering, if it's true. . . how will it affect the British judge that America loves to hate, Simon Cowell? Isn't it his edgy candor that makes him so talked about? While I don't think Idol should exploit contestants personal lives, the reality is that those contestants want to be there, they want to be on TV and get their 10 seconds of fame. If you choose to audition for American Idol, you shouldn't expect Simon to be nice.

This season, I think he is being much more polite, considerate, and kind. While these are admirable qualities to have, I think Simon's appeal lies in his brash comments and funny facial expressions (see above). Although it is nice to see him smiling a bit (remember Renaldo Lapuz's serenade to Simon and vow to brotherhood?) people enjoy watching Simon give contestants a good reality check. Besides having a great ear (and eye) for talent, people like Simon because he's honest. I agree that he oftentimes could have a softer touch in his approach. But, if Simon starts being Mr. Nice Guy what will happen to the hilarious banter and conflict amongst the judges and contestants?

Most Original Version of "Let My People Go!"

Please check out this clip from AmericanIdol.com entitled Bad Philly Auditions, #1. Watch the second contestant and tell me what you think. He truly gave new meaning to, "Let My People Go" and is definitely my favorite for. . . let me see how to word this politely. . . the most unique and unusual audition. I have to admit that when David and I watched night 1 together I was laughing so hard during his audition that I had tears running down my face, and watchin' Paula and Randy hiding their faces and bouncing up and down with laughter just intensified the hilariousness of the situation. He seemed like a very nice guy who was there singing his heart out. It was kinda sad, because he looked so brokenhearted after his audition was over. If you missed the first episode of American Idol this past week, (or just want to watch it again) please click here to watch the clip of this particular contestant.

I'm curious to know if anyone has done a psychological analysis of some of the contestants that audition, thinking that they're really good. I would like to get a professional's opinion of the mentality that is shown again and again. I'm sure some do it just to get on TV. . . but what about the others? There seem to be so many that really seem to believe that they have what it takes, but sort of give off another vibe. Is it that they are so confident in their abilities, or just oblivious to the truth?

I'm not trying to be mean at all. In fact, I think it takes guts to audition and face Simon's raw comments. This is just something that I've pondered since I first saw an Idol audition episode. This year, I'm finding myself sort of wishing that they would show more of the talented contestants and just pick out the very worst of the worst. I'm ready to hear the talent and see what they can bring to American Idol, Season 7.

American Idol Auditions

Last year more that 103,000 Idol hopefuls auditioned. This years try-outs took place in San Diego, Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami, and Philadelphia. When asked by USA TODAY for audition advice here is what some of last season's Idol contestants had to say:

Blake Lewis, 26, added his own unique spin on Seal's Crazy for his Seattle audition last year. Blake suggested, "be yourself and be confident. I didn't view it as television so it was easy. . . Just be true to yourself. There will always be other auditions."

Winner, Jordin Sparks, 17, (amazingly) did not make it through in Los Angeles. She then auditioned in Seattle singing Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion. And, you know, the rest is history. Jordin had this advice, "Know that (the judges) are watching to see if you'll crack under pressure. Sing something nobody else is doing, because by the 10th time they've heard it, they're going to cut you off early. Smile."

Melinda Doolittle, another stand-out performer from Season 6 emphasizes the importance of connecting with the judges. "Even if you're nervous, look them in the eye. Sing a song you believe in, one that you can really sell. Capture their attention. They're looking for more than singing."

Finally, few of us will forget Phil Stacey's dramatic audition, coming at the same time as his newborn baby daughter's birth. Stacey, 29, had this to add, "You've got to be real. The truth is, I would have left a better impression if I had done the music I wanted to do from the start rather than wait until I was comfortable. Blake went a long way because he was crystal clear about who he was."

I can't wait to view this years auditions! January can't come soon enough.