oh, Seattle, Seattle....

I admit, I didn't even watch the beginning. I can only take so many awful auditions in one night. Paula was more alive tonight. Randy wasn't quite as big of a jerk as last night, and Simon was his usual self that we love to hate.

I must say, the bad were REALLY bad this time. And Simon was REALLY rude too. I keep reminding myself this IS a reality show.
We finally convinced my sister, Missy and our friend Jen to watch AI this season. Poor Jen and Missy are traumatized. Jen called me in the middle of the Seattle show... right after (and forgive me for saying it this way, but I don't know their names) monkey boy and his friend were BEAT UP by Simon... asking WHAT IS GOING ON? THIS IS PAINFUL !!

You've gotta understand, Jen's an elementary school principal... first thing out of her mouth? I'm surprised the Americans with Disabilities people aren't up in arms over this show !!! ROTFL. She was sitting there trying to figure out the IQ of the contestants (they can't be over 80) and getting indignant over Simon ridiculing them !! "They are OBVIOUSLY special needs".. And the Utah "Unchained Melody" dude? She suspects he has Aspergers. Oh, she was too funny... I told her to skip a few audition weeks (yes, they can be somewhat painful) and stay tuned for the Hollywood round. That's when things get REALLY interesting.

So, who did I like in Seattle? Not many people at all.... the brother and sister are CUTE. I liked them both. He has a very surprising voice... didn't expect that to come out of the shy little boy (he's only 17 !!) And Jordan what's her name... sang Celine? Final 12, I predict.

Sigh, well, first week of auditions is over. What a roller coaster ride! Mostly valleys, but a few mountains too.

Minneapolis?

OK, so I'm NOT a Prince fan so I can say, "What the heck did they expect to find in Minneapolis?" !! I'm sure there's a reason WHY they've never been there... and it was proven to us tonight. Over 10,000 auditions, and only 17 went through to Hollywood. I'm always so curious about the others who did get the Golden Ticket -- you know, the ones WITHOUT the interesting back story? We only saw a handful of the golden ticket winners actually perform tonight. I don't think there was anyone humongously (yes, I made up my own adverb here) OUTSTANDING. I agree with John, Sara(h?) sounded mighty fine. She did have confidence and a great voice. Final 12 material? I don't know, we'll have to see what the next few weeks bring us.

I felt SO badly for the 16 year old kid who was there all alone. (yes, BO, he had a zit on his nose, but he's 16, what do you expect? I was politely not going to say anything about it. :P) He had an interesting voice, but I don't know if he's mature enough emotionally to handle it. I so hope he doesn't crack under the pressure.

Who else stood out? Denise (just cause her name is Denise, I'm sure)... I don't think she was outstanding. She has a great back story though, so hey, let's highlight her, right?

Shakira wannabe sounded SOOO much better when she wasn't trying to do Blondie... which judge said it? about the weird accent thing going on? Falsetto British with that Latin flair? GMAB !!! She's going to be this seasons annoying contestant we wish would go away... wanna bet?

OH, and Paula for her lack of contribution. What was up with her tonight? Fred says she was drunk. Allison said she must have tried some new medication. After seeing Bo's link to the clip of her interview, I'm leaning towards just plain whacked. She is SO out of it, I don't know what she was contributing in Minneapolis. She should have called in sick that day.

I actually, at first, thought we were going to see a kindlier, gentler Simon this season.. but he soon got back into form. And Randy, was just TOTALLY uncalled for with some of the contestants.

I actually appreciated Jewel's body language and her attitude of respect towards the contestants. She seemed to genuinely want to give each person the benefit of the doubt. She even tried to give a tad bit more constructive criticism than any of the other judges. AI should get rid of Paula and sign her, IMO.

All in all, it was exactly what we expected from the season premiere. Loads of crappy auditions and people you just want to shake and say "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?". I have to admit, I'm an audition-lover. It helps me feel comfortable in my own cowardice, because I can sit there smugly and be justified in NEVER, EVER taking the risk. But kudos to all those who auditioned.... ya gotta admit it takes guts.