David Hernandez Shows His Talent With "In The Midnight Hour"

After his standout performance of "In The Midnight Hour" this Tuesday, David Hernandez should fly through to next week. A little more soft-spoken than some of the other contestants, I think some underestimate his vocal abilities. Even so, judge Randy Jackson said, " I like that you started with a gospel vibe..." Paula Abdul complimented his "brilliant vocals" and Simon added an encouraging (sort of) "It was actually better than I thought it would be."

This 24-year-old Glendale, AZ has sort of an Elliot Yamin thing goin' on, yet he has his own distinctive sound. His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Alicia Keys.

David Cook American Idol Rocker and MO Native

Although I agree with Simon that David Archuleta is the one to beat this season, there were several other performances worth noting Tuesday night when the boys took the stage. David Cook, a fellow MO native and self-proclaimed "word nerd" (love that!) revealed that he loves doing crossword puzzles. His performance of The Turtle's "Happy Together" was pretty awesome.

Although Randy said, "You worked it out... dude, it was crazy!" (That's a compliment.) D.C. seemed to take it pretty hard when Simon criticized his performance. Understandably so, but he might fair better in the future to take it with a grain of salt. It is just one person's opinion after all. Interestingly, when David C. was asked in an interview, "Who is your favorite judge and why?" His answer was, "Simon, because he's such a smart aleck I kind of can be too." Maybe they're just 2 of kind, in that way, just a thought?

All things aside, David Cook has a great rock voice and can definitely sing. We're hoping to see much more of him this season. . . .Rock on!

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.