TVSquad

Well, I am finding it very hard to begin this blog. I am torn between starting with Julie -- I mean Isadora -- who basically had an orgasm on national television, or Ian Bernardo, who not only told Simon to F-off (which usually I respect but found it odd for him to say), who as well thinks he is quite the superstar.

Okay. Let's just start with the premise of last night's show. We started off in The Big Apple. New York City! There, we saw 16,000 hopefuls waiting in line to be the next American Idol -- only to find at the end of the day, 35 people were chosen.

As usual, they worked up the nerve to audition in front of Simon, Randy, and a more sober Paula, but found themselves in front of this weeks guest judge, Carol Bayer Sager. If you are finding yourself unsure of who she is, let me inform you that I was riding in that same boat not too long ago. I have since learned she has worked with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and my favorite, Barbra Streisand. Now that your mind is no longer pondering, lets get to the goods.

Though Ian Bernardo could have easily been my favorite finalist last night, with those big lips and sexy dance moves, and dramatic point of view, the real Golden Globe simply must go to Ashanti Johnson. Her desperation and dramatic monologue were not only annoying, but completely uncomfortable. I will say though, I didn't think her voice was that bad. Another dramatic encounter we all had to endure last night was Sarah Burgess, who lied to her parents because her father doesn't believe in her.

Though it could have been touching last night when Sarah called her father, again I was annoyed and wanted to continue on with the show. I will say it again, I am over the sob stories. Just get out there and sing and let your voice shine for you. One contestant whose voice really did shine, probably because she gives a very trashy looking first impression, was Porcelana Patino, or in her words "Rocky."

As many I'm sure, seeing Porcelana on the big screen kind of reminded me of watching Jerry Springer, but, to my surprise, she actually had a very good voice. If she works on her image A LOT, I think she could continue on successfully. Eighteen year old Rachel Zevita, who is another liar as well, also proved that first impressions are not always what they seem to be. She proved that she can sing anything and make it sound pretty good. I just worry that she hasn't completely found herself and in a competition like this, you really need to start with a good self awareness base. We'll see.

We also saw Kia Thornton who sang "Ain't No Way." Now, call me racist or ignorant (I know you will) but though her voice was good, there was something very average about her. I felt like she really was trying too hard. Point blank, if I feel like hearing a Black girl blow some gospel, I will go back and watch season three of American Idol, or walk down to the local gospel church. Again, just my opinion. The only one who my heart actually went out for was Nakia Claiborne. She came with great energy singing "Dancing In The Streets." Though her heart seemed kind, it was obvious her intonation was so not there.

Yet, to see the transformation from when she walked in to the audition to when she walked out, it did pull at my heart. She seemed very genuine, and it was clear this wasn't the first time she had been told no. She actually was my favorite. Among some of the contestants I have mentioned who made it through to Hollywood, there were quite a few more. Sixteen year old Henry, who I thought Paula was going to be locked up for with those googly eyes, forgetting he is SIXTEEN, made it through along with Amanda Coluccio and Antonella Barbra who are best friends.

Though two very cute girls, they seem a little naive about the business. You can have your friends, but this is a
business and Simon couldn't have said it better: "When someone is down, kick them." Sad but very true. There were a few others who made it through but none of them stick out in my mind I'm afraid. Except for maybe a fellow Jew by the name of Sarah Goldberg. I completely didn't get what point she was trying to make. She knew she couldn't carry a tune, yet proceeded on telling the judges she really was the next American Idol.

I think everyone is losing the idea of what this show is about. Nobody cares if you are nice or are pretty or are unique. This is a singing competition. That's it. That is what an American Idol is for this show. Not one who brings world peace. All in all, it was another dramatic show with 35 people who will get turned down in Hollywood. Until next week. Peace out.

[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]

Click here for more 'Idol' news, photos, recaps, rumors and more.