Auditions for next season's American Idol got underway in San Francisco last week.
Here's a look at some of the hopefuls. Remember, your next American Idol might be pictured here...
Auditions for the eighth season of American Idol are underway. They kick off July 17 in San Francisco and will head to seven additional cities.
Check out the complete list now - and good luck to all that audition!
Simon, Paula and Randy are ready to entertain the best and worst of new American Idol auditions.
Following their performances this week, it might be safe to say that David Archuleta and Brooke White are the favorites on American Idol.
The former caused Paula Abdul to cry with his rendition of "Imagine" by John Lennon; while the latter showed how simple this competition can be: all you need is a stool, a guitar and a beautiful voice to turn Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" into a delightful, modern tune.
Check out each audition now and let us know your favorite...Â
It was the first ladies night on American Idol season seven. A handful of contestants were impressive, while a few others - such as Kristy Lee Cook and Joanne Borgella - suffered through the flu.
The following three women left the best impression on our staff after an evening of auditions:
Starting tomorrow night - when the top 12 males perform on American Idol - viewers will be in control of the vote. As MSNBC reports, however, these votes will now be based on a new semifinal format.
In the past, contestants have selected songs after being given a CD with hundreds of tunes that meet that night's theme; they were allowed to pick any song, though, even those not on the pre-selected album.
This year, however, singers such as Luke Menard will be forced to choose from just 50 songs. For example, the theme for the first semifinal round is 1960s music and we're likely to hear many of the same selections.
When Garrett Haley takes to the stage tomorrow night, he'll be singing a song from the 1960's.
Last Friday, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told reporters that forcing them to choose a song from a list of 50 is a result of both bad song choices during past seasons and producers' desire to speed up the clearance process.
The producers also want to make the best TV show possible, one that appeals to its wide range of viewers. Hence, the reason why moder artists are asked to date themselves with older songs.
"Asking America to vote on a performer they don't know with the possibility of a song they don't know we felt was not right, and there were some strange songs," Lythgoe said.
How do you feel about this new American Idol format?
The Atlanta auditions during season seven were filled with heartbreak, such as contestant Asiah Epperson losing her father mere days before she tried out.
But it was also filled with at least one unique hopeful: Amanda Overmyer. This nurse rides a motorcycle, has a rocking look and the potential to be a female Chris Daughtry.
Check her out:
We were treated to a handful of solid performances last night during American Idol auditions in San Diego. Here were our favorites:
A single father, Cataldo had more than just a great backstory. He bellowed Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" as if it had been written for him. Combine the adorable son with the voice and this is Top 24 material.
Now, the controversy begins: Johns was great, if only for the accent alone. But news has broke that this Australian was the lead singer for two bands: The Rising and Film. Should that disqualify him from American Idol? Some believe so.
For now, Johns is simply an early favorite who has moved on to Hollywood.
Another great backstory and another contestant with a professional resume: the 16-year old won Star Search when he was 12 and has performed across the country ever since. He also suffered from paralysis of the vocal chords as a child.
Formerly known as Carly Hennessy, the Irish singer tried out for American Idol in 2005. Visa problems caused her to drop out, however. She's also received attention for a failed album released a few years ago, "Ultimate High."
Pia Easley - also known as "Zpia" - certainly has a unique look.
Take a look at her American Idol audition in Dallas below:
American Idol treated viewers to the usual train wrecks during its second night of auditions last night.
But here are three names from Dallas that stood out after the Simon Cowell insults and Paula Abdul compliments were complete:
- Colton Swon (pictured) sounds like a character on Days of Our Lives, but his rendition of Little Big Town's ''Boondocks'' reminded us a bit of Chris Daughtry. Know what we mean? American Idol spoilers have revealed that he plays the guitar in Hollywood, too. Cool.
- Kady Mallow was from Houston. She made us laugh with her imitation of Britney Spears' vocal technique - but then really blew the judges away with her rendition of The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody." Simon went so far as to tell her: "I think, of all the people we've seen so far this year, you're the best."
- Alaina Whitaker possesses a voice of depth at the age of sizteen that was amazing. She didn't lack for confidence, either, as she compared herself to Carrie Underwood. Or, to be precise, Carrie Underwood to her. We liked the sass.
American Idol fans know what to expect from the first few episodes of their favorite show.
The initial round of American Idol auditions result in a couple standout voices, a few attractive faces, many untalented hopefuls desperate for attention - and, of course, a slew of inspiring, golden ticket-waving scenes that involve shrieks and tears of joy.
Fortunately, last night's premiere involved a solid mix of the terrible and the talented. Here are a few names to remember that got their tickets to Hollywood stamped:
Of course, there were also a few singers who took advantage of the airtime to weasel into the judge's room and serenade viewers with original, awful songs.
Take Milo Turk, 39, of Absecon, N.J. Despite being 10 years too old to be eligible for the competition , he sang âNo Sex Allowed.â
No sex allowed/I donât want to be a part of your crowd/And if you donât like it, get out of town
Then there was Paul Martarano of New Hope, Pa., who wrote an unnamed love song for Paula Abdul:
I broke into her house when she wasnât there/Took off all my clothes and tried on her underwear
Lovely.
