Dallas, Texas - 1/16/08

Hi everyone. Round 2 of the new season takes us to the Lonestar state. I must say I found tonight's show in Dallas much more entertaining than in Philadelphia and yeppers several of the contestants did catch my eye who I think have a chance at the top 24. Even the judges were kind of fun tonight. So on with the show.

The Good:

First up is Jessica Brown who is a stay-at-home mom with 2 kids. I am applauding her as she once was a Meth addict while in college and managed to overcome this addiction. Bravo girl! She sings "I'll Stand By You" in a pleasant enough way to get her a golden ticket.

Next up is Alainia Whitaker who resembles Carrie Underwood however she has a cuter personality. After doing her bit with "Stronger" by Faith Hill, Simon tells her she is not as good a singer as she thinks she is but all the judges decide to send her through to Hollywood. She was just okay for me.

Pia Easley walks in and so reminds me of Fantasia but has a funkier hairstyle (were those tattoos on the back of her head?). Doing Gladys Knight's "Use My Imagination" she can tell she is definitely going to get that ticket and she does. Very good voice I thought.

Brandon Green has a disgusting habit of peeling his fingernails. Worse yet he has saved all the peelings for the last 7 years which he displays to Ryan Seacrest before his audition. Then comes the topper in the auditioning room, he thinks Simon always tells the truth. HUH? After singing "Rich Girl" by Hall & Oates, he barely gets the ticket to go west.

Now comes a very happy and peppy girl known at Kayla Hatfield who was in a horrific accident when she was 18. The left side of her face was badly scarred but with time it has only become slightly noticeable. She has a wonderful personality that Simon would like to borrow for an hour or two for a day. After singing "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin, she gets her ticket. I kind of liked this girl even though I doubt she will make it past Hollywood. Paula was the only judge to say no to her. Surprise!

Kady Molloy has the ability to imitate certain people and does a great impression of Britney Spears. She then starts to sing "Unchained Melody" but Simon stops her and asks her to sing in her natural voice. Wow, this girl can really sing and is already on my list of people to make it to the top 24. The judges agree and off to Hollywood she goes.

Kyle Ensley wants to be the Governor of Oklahoma and before he auditions gives us a pep talk of his aspirations. A somewhat nerdy-looking kid who does not make a hit with Randy as he performs "Somebody To Love" by Queen. However Simon and Paula like him and he gets his ticket. My thoughts are he has a nice voice but his timing was so off.

Colton Swon is in a band with his brother and his song "Boondocks" is one I am not familiar with. He is sort of a rocker and does get a ticket. My daughter likes him but I was just okay. Loved how the judges went along with his farce to act like he did not make the grade. Are the judges overly happy tonight. Okay, what gives?

Next up is a real cutie known as Drew Poppelreiter although I thought his last name was Mechelle as his parents. Boy am I confused. Anyway, he is a farmer who loves to sing while driving his tractor. After giving us his rendition of George Strait's "Check Yes or No" he will get the opportunity to be on a plane for the first time with his golden ticket. Nice voice but kind of no emotion singing. Oh well, can't have everything.

Nina Shaw loves to oversing her songs. She gives us her rendition of "Run To You" by Whitney Houston with overboard notes. Judges are on the edge of a no but then she sings a jazz number which pulls her through to Hollywood. I was not wowed by her.

Totally 24 made it to Hollywood from the 13,000 who showed up. Now on to the bad. I will only mention a few who stood out for me.

:) Our first was a jolly fellow who loves rollercoasters. Paul Stafford does a horrible rendition of Elliott Yamin's "Wait For You" but this guy is definitely fun. The judges let him down nicely but also enjoy this man. I think he would be a blast to hang out with for a day.

Bruce Dickson is sure a babe in the woods. He has never kissed a girl and plans on saving himself for that event on his wedding day. He has a key on a chain around his neck that daddy gave him to match good old dad's necklace that is the heart that fits the key. What? Both of these men plan to give it to the bride when Bruce finds his soulmate. After singing "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, Bruce asks for advice after he is turned down. Randy cutely says kiss some girls.

Day 2 opens with a character known as Douglas Davidson who is quite concerned with his voice. He saves it to sing "Living On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi. However, first he has to warm-up his vocals for a few minutes. After much aaging and ugging he still can not do a good job. The judges are a definite no but Dougie keeps right on trying to warm up that voice and is finally escorted out the door by security but finally hits a good note in the hallway. Oh jeesh!

Kyle Reinneck is a counselor for kids which is admirable and he brings some pictures with him to show them off. He thinks he is a true rocker and actually is not a bad looking guy however totally dresses the part with his garb and eyeliner. Not a very good singer as he performs "Never Again" by our own Kelly Clarkson but I found the judges no a bit of a mystery. They think he has scary eyes. So poor Kyle, I think the kids will still love you.

:laugh: Last of our noteables is Renaldo LaPaz who comes in draped in a white suit with a cape and a feathered hat. He does his own composition of "Brothers Forever" and totally admires the name Simon which is stitched on his hat. Being the last contestant of the day, I think the judges are punchy as Simon can not contain his laughter. Paula and Randy get into the act and actually perform with this man once they have the lyrics down. All in all this was a fun way to end the Dallas auditions even though Renaldo does not make it.

Lots of bad singers were shown throughout the show and Simon grows to hate the song "Since You've Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson as many do this in a really bad way.

Well gang, that's a wrap from Dallas with our next stop in San Diego, California. Until then, take care!

I did watch last night again and honestly in my opinion I think there was more talent in PA just my opinion and what do I know anyway...

I did like that Drew, I think he'll be the Country star for the males this season. To me this was the only stand out. I believe he'll go a long way. again just my opinion.

Kady is ok but I just wonder with her being able to do the imperssionations are will we ALWAYS hear her and not someone else,

Now if you don't mind can I say something. In my opinion I think we are being played this season. I honestly think something is not right with this season. What I mean is I honestly believe they are stacking the deck on us.. Granted I haven't watched Every season of AI but have seen 5 & 6 and caught up on 1 and catching up on 2 and it seems to me that they are letting a lot of very iffy ones through. I mean that Kyle got his gold ticket and I didn't think he could sing at all or almost anyway. The same with Kayla, I feel sorry for, for the way she was hurt and all but I thought she was WAY over the top and was very surprised they let her through. In the season 5 & 6 they've turned away better talent they've let through this year already again in my opinion, I really think they KNOW who they want to win and they are putting through some of the only average ones to make sure the top 12 is who they want. Also it's been a lot of blond, young pretty and Simons behavor is just plain STRANGE. I don't get it. I mean I was happy that he was nice to the gal on Tuesday night with the sick mother but this is strange, he hardly says anything mean or anything. Just not Simon and it's like he doesnt' care. I think the auditions have been bland at best. I also think they are out after the symathy this year, DO none of these people have happy stories? It worked for Kellie so is that why they are making sure we hear all this. I just don't get it.
I loved the way they treated Renaldo though, that was great, with Randy and Paula and even Ryan dancing and being right up there with him and I did have to chuckle when Simon said "Why do I think this song is going to be a hit" Thought it was cute.. and they treated him very well.

I love your recaps I really do but for some reason this year this show is just acting very different and strange.. But thanks for the great recap...

:surprised: Well Sandi, you could be right about being played. Keep in mind that 50 professionals make it to Hollywood although one has dropped out already. Some of the talent is not the greatest but I am trying to keep a positive thought that just maybe the audience will vote for the best of the lot.

As for Simon, he does seem kinder this season or maybe he is tired of being the bad guy because I notice Randy and even Paula are refusing more on who goes through. So far only one of the professionals has been on the show and that is Kristy Lee Cook. I also get the feeling that a country artist will win this season.

Regardless, I think I am enjoying the auditions more this time around because we are hearing alot about several contestants. Nigel the creep said that the focus would be more on the contestants and so far that appears to be true. Another thing I am enjoying about the auditions more is some of the history that is being told to us by Ryan. Speaking of Ryan, he seemed a bit tired looking last night. How does this man keep going?

;) Anyhow, thanks for posting and I guess once we get through all these rounds down to the top 24 we may have a clue who will win it.

I read on another board that there is a AI spoiler board that is to have the 50 that make it through Hollywood and that Melanie isn't on the list as of yet, But there is 38 names of the 50 there so far, Not all of them we've seen yet, Not sure I like knowing who's going through before I see it though,.
As far as the judges, I think Randy and Paula are turning away more because Simon is letting all but the very worst through, I also read that that Kady is one of the names on the VFTW list where ever that site is. Oh well I guess we'll find out in time, I do believe that it will be a country this year, I've also heard that it'll be a guy and they say in San Diego there is a guy that sings country that was once on Star Search that is very good. TIme will tell huh??

:D Hi Sandi. To answer your last posting, I also saw that spoiler about the 50 who are chosen in Hollywood. Just to ease your mind some Drew Poppelreiter is one of them. Also from whom we have seen so far is Brooke White (the nanny), Brandon Green (the fingernail guy, yuck) and Kristy Lee Cook (the professional). Two others are on the list that we have seen. They are the lookalike Carrie ( Alainia Whitaker) and the rocker guy Colton Swon.

I kind of do not like knowing either so far in advance but from what I have seen of the 38 mentioned several are not professionals so that is the good news.

I personally can not wait until they get to the top 24 so the voters take over and maybe get rid of some of the professionals.

Talk to you soon.

As I watched this new season I wanted to know if there was going to be anything exciting. Eh, but I did like Angela Martin whose little two year old girl has a debilitating disease. I liked Chris Martin as well. Jessica was cute and so was Kayla, Kady, Kyle and Colton. My favorites so far are Pia (even though she DOES remind me of Fantasia) and Christie Lee Cook (who reminds me alittle of Carrie Underwood) Mine you, these picks could change as the season goes on. The race is on and I can't wait to see what San Diego is going to bring us. It was great to see the focus on some real life stories.

Me like Colton and Drew for the guys so far. I do like Brandon, but getting past that gross fingernail thingy is going to be hard for me. And Alaina I like too. Pia is good as well.

They are spending a lot of time focusing on the contestants this season, which is good for us to get to know them as last season we barely knew anything about any of them.

You got that right! I didn't know Melinda Dolittle was a back-up singer at one time until well into the season. I certainly agree about the finger nail thingy. Maybe Brandon will drop the habit (or collection) if he moves on through the rounds into the top 12. (or further)

I like Drew and I also liked that Chris from Tuesday night, I thought he had a good voice..
Did you know Mandisa was a back up singer as well, I didn't know that until I seen her on the TV guide station on time last year and she said she'd worked with Melinda D as a back up before either of them went on Idol.
I don't mind the background stories but gee most of them are kind of depressing..

I also agree with concertcris. It will be more fun when it gets to the top 24. I like the idea of voting knowing I'm one of the many who will be making the choices not the judges. Call me crazy but did Simon seems a tiny bit more laid back than in past Idols?

i like Kyle. He has a great voice and he is a real cute kid.

Oh yea denib, Simon seems WAY LAID BACK and that's what's scarey. I still think something is up this year big time...

Simon? Acting human? Did anybody check for pod people? LMAO!
~tyg

Oh Now that's a good one... Like in Invasion of the Body Snatchers ha... Yep I think you are on to something there... :) :) :)

No kidding! There could be something really scarey going on here. Either that or Simon just decided to change his attitude. (yea right!) I'm going to keep my eye on him and see what's going on (when I'm not watching Ryan.) :kisses: I so love Ryan Seacrest. If it were not for Taylor having the number one spot on my favs list Ryan would have it. But for now he is a very close second. :huggy:

OH Yes, Ryan is a very big part of American Idol and he sure is good at what he does. And very easy on the eyes too.. I love watching him intereact with these kids...

Wanted to add something here about Ryan Seacrest. He is really a nice guy in spite of all the cracks he makes to Simon. I was fortunate enough to shake hands with him at one of the rehearsals. My best friend Rachel (sadly she passed away last year quite suddenly) was so ga-ga over Ryan and he being the total wonderful person he is gave her a hug and an autograph. She was in 7th heaven all day.

Ryan is definitely an asset to this show!

:kisses:

I have to admit, Ryan is probably the biggest reason I watch American Idol. I enjoy checking out all the new talent too but Ryan is reason enough for me to watch the show. It's soooo true. He is easy on the eyes. I love how he always takes the time to give the older ladies a hug. He does that alot. What a "people" person he is!

I love Ryan!! It definately wouldn't be a show without him. He's so good with the contestants and he's great at the auditions as much as he gets pushed down to the floor during the big hugs after someone makes it to Hollywood! LMAO

And...about the contestants.....There has been some good singers so far, but no one that has blown me away. I like Chris. His voice reminds me of Michael Warren. If you guys get the chance check it out. I don't want to take you all away from this wonderful home, but at my AI website I have all the videos of the contestants that we've seen so far that made it to Hollywood. if you're interested. (shameless plug LOL)

I just hope there is someone that will blow me away or stand out from the rest.

I agree. No one has blown me away either. But you never know. Once this season gets going there may another (dare I say it) Taylor Hicks on the horizon. Of course, we all know no one can replace Taylor by any stretch of the imagination.

NO ONE can replace Taylor but hopefully there is someone that is close enough.

Yep! Our Taylor is one of a kind. :rockon: I just hope this season is way better than last. It's almost the only reality show I really get into so I don't want to lose interest. I have been watching this Dance Wars: Carrie Ann vs. Bruno. I like it. Bruno is a spunky thing.hahaha

Hey denib, I watched Dance Wars for the first time last night and it is kind of a interesting show. I like Bruno so much better than Carrie Ann but I always did even on Dancing With The Stars.

:sad: Last night, Carrie's team did a little better on that second number I think but that is because one of the girls in Bruno's team seem to sing louder than the other girls and it was distracting. I did however like the first number better by Bruno's team. I was going to vote for Bruno's group but fell asleep before the group dance. Gee, I hate to see any of them leave.

I like this show too. I hope it comes around next season as I like Bruno. I wasn't to sure about him when I watched Dancing With the Stars but he finally won me over. Kinda cute too! I think Carrie Ann's team will win this round because I feel they did perform better. She made some good choices on putting her team together. Bruno's team has alot of spirit though. There is alot of talent there. Can't wait to see how the result are next week.

I must be one of the only people on earth who has never watched Dancing with the Stars or Bruno vs. Carrie LMAO