TVSquad

Maybe it was me, but only having to watch one hour of the auditions each night kept it short and simple.

It was easy to watch the show with less sarcasm and really see some potential talent. Tuesday night, we started off in Birmingham, Ala. Finally, we saw some contestants who I think are definitely finalist material. That being said, it brings me right to Chris Sligh!

Not only was he the first contestant with a great personality, he also has the "body of Christina Aguilera." His unique rendition of "Kiss From a Rose" kept me wanting more. He is funny, and though may come off as cocky to some, he has the talent to back it up. I LOVE HIM!

We also met Tatianna McConnico. At 17, her voice is strong and her tone is beautiful. I am still not sure if she will end up in the finals, but she had a great audition. Of course, American Idol wouldn't be the same without the usual
nut job -- this time, Margaret Fowler. Busting through those doors in her self-made attire, she looked like nothing more than a 50-year-old Big Bird.

Having said that, I think that if you can flash your gut at 50 on national television, you have alot of hutzpah. I
only wish my grandma was that cool. We had the regular pleading, begging, and desperation, but I think that
Birmingham -- home of Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, and Bo Bice -- could really crown yet another winner this
year. My bet is Chris Sligh.

Los Angeles Auditions

Moving on ... the next night, we finally hit up Los Angeles. Hmmm, I have "Hotel California" stuck in my head this morning. Thinking there was every opportunity that L.A. auditions could end up being more dramatic that New York's, I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it was only one hour long. Home of Katharine McPhee, we knew it would take a lot more than Paula and her "Coca-Cola" cup to judge these contestants fairly.

Olivia Newton John, is a world renowned singer. With hits like "Physical" and "Hopelessly Devoted," American Idol felt she would be good to join their team. Though the night seemed disastrous, starting with "Eccentric," the human panther, it quickly turned around. I do just have to say one more time though -- Martik "Eccentric" Manoukian was completely ridiculous. Hideous or not, he made me laugh with his intensity and "sex appeal."

After watching Marriana Riccio bargain with the judges after being rejected, I love the fact she thought by bringing her mother in, they would say yes. True enough, the mom was stunning, but they would both continue to look beautiful all the way home. Now, I know I say I hate sob stories, but I totally dug Alaina Alexander.

It's inspiring to see someone quit what they love to do and try to start living the "normal life." Though she may not be the best singer, she has got this genuine innocence and gratitude about her. I think, given the chance, America will really like her.

Another total potential I saw last night, was Brandon Rogers. He sang a beautiful version of "You Were Always On My Mind." Let's get serious though, would you expect anything less from someone who sang back-up for Christina Aguilera? I don't think so.

One story that really touched my heart was Sherman Pore. After having his wife die of cancer, he still allowed her dream to carry on. It was very classy for American Idol to air that, and Mr. Pore is a very classy man.

One relationship that was not so classy was Cavett Carr and Darold Gray. Not only was there semi-porn going on in front of Ryan and 37 million people, neither one of them could carry a tune. Thank God they have each other.

So to sum it up, I think we have seen some serious potential and maybe even the NEXT American Idol. Until next week, peace out!

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

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