Please, please, please, B-Side. You have got to get a clipgasm of the panther kid. You forgot to mention when he walked in the room and threw his scrapbook on the floor. He was, by far, the most entertaining person to ever be on the show. I can't remember the last time I laughed that long and hard. That's what she said. "Eccentuate!"

PS
I thought he was wispering Eccentuate even thought I'm not sure that's a real word.

You're right B-Side. Just about everyone I talked to about the auditions last night were AT LEAST misty at Sherman. *sigh*

Was it just me? Or when Martik was listing off all the professions he was going to break into (dancer, choreographer, producer, model...) - please tell me I wasn't the only one adding "Britney Spear's future boytoy" to that list!!! C'mon, he's perfect for her!! The hair, the style, the puffed up ego, and like you said the wish-upon-wishes to be black!!

B-Side, I believe you cried there was no way not to. I got a phone call right after his segment and my friend was like OMG what happened, then I told her that I was crying over American Idol and she told me to suck it up.

I can not wait for this phase to be over with I find for the most part this stage boring.

It was so obvious that Darold (of the bling grill) was completely stoned. My boyfriend saw him walk into the audition room and said "Man, he's so baked." But I think he's definetly in love with Sparkles. Which is commendable.

And that last guy who auditioned, Eric Mueller, of the Paula and Randy DVD school of singing, he TOTALLY looked like a serial killer. I kept thinking he'd pull some stunt and rush the judges or something. He kinda gave me the willies.

Aww, damn Sherman! That made me cry. I haven't cried during AI since that little cowboy dude from Montana saw the ocean for the first time. ;-)

The banana thinks Katies a bitch...LOL. Haters!

I predict Sherman is going to be very popular with the ladies. You Go Sherm!

hb

They really toned down the judges comments since the first couple of episodes. It's obvious that Rosie O'Donnell had an effect and they rushed back to the editing room.

Simon never comments on anybody's appearance or weight or say anything offensive anymore. He just says "that's a no" or "what was that?" or "it's 100% no".

Simon used to be witty but now I think they edited it out.

Krizzatch (#6)-yes! The first thing I said when I saw that Eric guy was I wonder how many people are buried in his basement?

Loved Sherman!!!

And what the hell was hanging from the stoned guy's pants? I'm also willing to bet his woman, Sparkles, auditioned for "Flavor of Love." It was entertaining to see how uncomfortable she made Simon feel.

You mean that guy Eccentric/Martik WASN'T Kevin Federline under an assumed name?

These audition shows are really getting old. I read that they are actually cutting back on broadcast time for Hollywood week because those shows traditionally get lower ratings. I think the Hollywood second round is more interesting because the people there all have at least some talent and it's interesting to see who chokes and who rises to the occasion. I also love seeing the idiots who stay out partying and then forget their lyrics.

I was surprised with how lackluster LA truly was. But as it was pointed out, LA isn't all ga-ga over AI like the rest of the country appears to be. I would still think they'd have a little more talent than they did, though (doesn't LA have the largest population of overly-talented waiters and starlets -- surely a few of them can sing as well as act). Who'd have thought the BEST audition would have come from a 64 year old?!?

It is kind of sad to think that had a show like this been around forty years ago, Sherman could have been a star. Sure enough, had this show been around 40 years ago our civilization would have declined at an even faster rate and we'd all be total idiots and losers now, but . . . Has anybody seen Idiocracy? I hope that isn't where our country/world is headed. But look at our entertainment, seriously, it is kind of scary.

Sherman was a pleasant singer -- I enjoyed his audition very much. It was sweet and genuine and very much needed at this stage of the season. I was glad he didn't turn out to be another cuckoo, delusional elder like Big Bird from the other night (she was wrong and gross on so many levels). Sherman made me think of a man I used to work with at a bank during college. He sang ALL the time between customers and was so sweet and caring towards everyone. Maybe they should come out with another show like AI but for an older crowd (because so many people like Sherman didn't have this opportunity given to today's young population) -- but half of AI's audience is teenagers so it wouldn't do well in the ratings department. Still, an entire season of Sherman . . . who wouldn't like that?

I am VERY ready for the auditions to be over and for the real competition to begin. Haven't we had enough already? I am afraid that we'll find out on Tuesday night that there will be one more audition city on Wednesday (Phoenix, Denver, Miami or Salt Lake). I have had enough of this crap. PLEASE start the season -- what is sad, though, is that thirty million of the viewers tuning in to this show would probably continue to watch an entire season of horrid auditions and craptastic performances. We would definitely turn into the America of Idiocracy (Sports Drink anyone?). I say a couple of weeks of this is enough. My head hurts just thinking that I have to hear and endure another night of pathetic wannabes.

B-Side~

What! No screen capture of Olivia Newface-John looking cross-eyed during the wacky audition montage. I about fell off the couch during that and thought for sure that would appear on your recap.

For your viewing pleasure, TVGasm readers.

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/8871/onjje4.png

Gotta say, I really enjoy the recaps. It's kind of my first season of American Idol which is because I'm from Germany and AI doesn't air over here. I watched Season 5, too, but not until September '06... I loved Taylor Hicks right from his first audition on (yes, it's true...) and so I was looking for someone more original and interesting in this season. So far, the only one living up to that was Sean Michel. I so hope he's gonna make the Top24...
However, this episode was decent, but the recap was fabulous. You actually said a lot of things I thought watching the show... We have the same programm over here in Germany, but it's not nearly as good regarding talent, judges and host. Yes, I LOVE Ryan Seacrest, because he's funny and cute (you should see our hosts...) and I also LOVE the judges...
I really liked last season, but this year I haven't really found too many people I could imagine on the Top12 Live Shows.
Anyways, what is it with those melodramatic people this season? OH MY GOD! That is so annoying.
And why are people trying to imitate Taylor. I mean, seriously... The great thing about him was that he was original (and could sing). There's nothing original about people trying to be someone else. What that is, is it's annoying...
I agree with Simon and B-Side, that Brian Miller was nothing but forgettable. But obviously they had to give away tickets, so they have people to be sent home during Hollywood week...
One of my favourite scenes of this episode was that weird girl (from the couple) inside, weirdly flirting with Simon while outside Ryan was going on about the two being soulmates and loyalty and so on... Classic!
I hope San Antonio is gonna bring some more talent. Because even though AI is way better than Germany's version I still think it kinda sucks compared to last season. But that could be me...

TWilliams (#13), I just read on msnbc.com that 40 people from L.A. got golden tickets!! For whatever reason, the producers are hiding a lot of talent from us, especially since Randy said last night that he could see the winner coming out of L.A. For whatever reason they decided to concentrate on the losers and no-talents in L.A. I think we'll be very surprised in the coming weeks and saying a lot of "where did he/she come from?"

BTW, I've been seeing a lot of Carmen Rassmussen on the talk show circuit talking about Idol the last few weeks. That girl couldn't sing but she has grown into quite a hottie.

I absolutely loved Brandon Rogers. His voice gave me goosebumps. He's the first audition this year that I can see going on to win.

The panther kid was really something!

i couldn't believe that chick's mother told her she was "no katharine mcphee..."
therapy is right B-side.

"Bananas have feelings too. And hey, I think I know a sexy plantain I can hook him up with." LOL.

#16: I have a question. What is it about Taylor Hicks, that makes you a big fan of his? In fact, Can any Soul Patrolman answer this question for me? I just don't understand why he's popular. Him winning AI last year still boggles my mind, and it defies all logic. I'm not a Mcphee fan, but I don't think anyone will disagree when I say she was WAY better than Hicks in terms of singing. He has no talent what-so-ever, and it really confuses me when someone, like yourself, say you're a big fan of his...

I have never seen an episode of American Idol and I generally don't read the recaps. However, I saw on a news site something about Paula, tears, and a 64-year-old...so I bopped on over here to read about it as opposed to a boring ol' news article. Yep, sitting at my desk crying now. Sherman, you old sailor, you. Something that did keep me from full-on bawling was that upon first glance, he reminded me of someone else. I think it was Mr. Feeney from Boy Meets World. I was amused at the thought of him auditioning in his KITT, the talking car, voice. But, truthfully, Sherman occupies a little piece of my heart.

I can't help but wish that I had been watching this show all along. Therapy-inducing mothers? Disgruntled bananas? Crawling panther boys? Sounds like a good time in the old town tonight.

Seriously though, banana kid is so lucky that panther boy was more Bagheera than King Louie. As convincing as he seemed to be as a large cat, there's no doubt that his instinct would tell him to go in for the banana kill had he been simian. Another Idol scandal avoided.

@#20: Well, I don't really know what to say. I guess, it's always a matter of taste. I liked Taylor's voice a lot and thought he was pretty cute. I also thought his enthusiasm was sometimes a little over the top. Still, I liked it. Besides, he really appreciated the opportunity and knew (and still knows) that it's his fans had brought him where he was. Unlike that arrogant Chris Daughtry who sounds so like 50 other rock singers in the States and I only know those whose music is so good that it makes all the way across the big ocean ;-).
I'm definitely not some crazy fan following him around (that would be difficult anyways, flights to the US aren't really affordable to me cause I'm a student), but I absolutely enjoyed him watching the show and he does have a lot of talent. Maybe you just don't wanna see that because you have some kind of problem with him ;-)
Unfortunately, he's not very successful but I hope he'll at least be able to live as a performer and earn a decent amount of money with it. I think he deserves it...

Damn, Southern Belle -- I am laughing my ass off at your comments about "Eccentric the Panther" and King Louie. Fantastic! Thank you!

Oh, and Sherman had a really pleasant singing voice. It really was a nice break from the usual audition show melodrama.

Sherman was a gent alright, but maybe it's just me: playing the cancer card was just cheese central, and I would have shown him the door right there and then.

#20 - I always felt that Taylor won because of the whole grey haired, energetic thing he has going for him. It's just his gimmick. Obviously Katharine sings better but she doesn't stand out from the crowd like Taylor does.

Personally I like them both :)

Simon's reaction to seeing the DVD "training" in Eric's contestant notes was priceless.

He looked exactly like a kid seeing his presents Christmas morning. Unlike so many staged moments on AI, that was a completely genuine reaction. He was killing himself laughing... and the best was when he was running through the halls to find the guy. Definitely one of the best Idol moments this season.

And speaking of great Idol moments, Sherman definitely had me tearing up. How could you not?

thanks for your opinions #22 and 25.

I'll give Hicks credit for playing the harmonica well, and trying to be original. But c'mon, you guys have to admit the guy shouldnt have won. Have yoe been listening to his songs on his new album? No wonder it's not selling well!

I hope people don't misunderstand. It's not like I hate him personally. I hate to admit it, I think he has a good personality by looking at how he treats his fans, etc. I'm not angry that he won either because he did deserve it. I'm just angry cause I keep thinking of better singers who has incredible talent the likes of the people I mentioned in my last comment, not being reconized because Hicks is the BIG winner. I really don't think he has a good singing voice. It's nasally and weak. No power, range, soul. Just a regular voice.

Actually, I didn't mention anyone in my last comment. So I'll list all the singers who were better than Hicks: Elliot Yamin, Mandissa, Lisa Tucker, maybe, just maybe, even Kevin Covais....Yes, I said it. Kevin Covais. The little pale shrimp boy. I really think that all the above contestants were better than Hicks...

Taylor was definitely not the best singer of the competition, but seriously, you would argue Kevin Covais is better? Have you already forgotten his earnest rendition of "Thstarry Thstarry Night"?

Maybe Taylor wasn't the BEST singer on the show. But considering the amount of talented singers it is more than obvious that having a great voice can't be the only thing. Most of the contestants were just plain boring and that was their problem.
Besides that I don't think that the fact Taylor won the competition spared all the other contestants the opportunity to put out a record. Just look at Chris Daughtry whose record was extremely successful. Kellie Pickler even made an album (sorry, for bringing that up ;-) ), Katherine's album has been released a week or two ago. And I even read Paris was working on one.
If the contestants really have the ability to be a successful singer they will get the chance. They had the opportunity to be seen by millions of people across the States. A lot of people out there that are far more talented than some that made the Top12 will never get that chance. I think that is probably more unfair than having a Taylor Hicks win American Idol ;-)

#29: Haha. Sorry about that, and I take it back. Hicks is a liiiittle better than that shrimp. What was I thinking?

#30: Thanks for your answers to my question. You make some valid points, that I agree with 100%. I'm just frustrated because people who has vocal talent over gimmicks don't get recongnized as much as I want them to be. I still think Hicks is overrated... btw, Autumn Reeser IS hot. No arguments there...=)

Well, roleepolee, I see your point. Naturally, I can't agree because I love Taylor. At least we can agree on the other Taylor ;-)
I'm glad I could even make a point considering that English isn't my mother tongue and I normally don't even correspond in English. I'm usually just a lurker *g*.
Really looking forward to this week's AI. Is wednesday's episode gonna be about Hollywood week already?