Boys are back in town

Ryan Seacrest starts: "Last night you saw the girls. Tonight, it's time for the guys."

So odd. You'd expect he's say boys, if he's going to continue referring to 27-year-old women as girls. In the first minute, he uses the term 'girls' three times; the only time 'boys' is used is when Randy Jackson uses it in a clip. There's something deliberate going on; either Fox wants him to diminish females, or they're trying to set up a victory by a male this year.

The guys walk out, oh so cheesy. Where did they find these people?! Unbelievably cheesy. They waste time talking to the judges. Then run clips of how they got to this point. Mainly serves to remind you what a nerdy group this is. What happened to calm self-confidence--everyone seems so needy.

Patrick Hall, 27, from Arkansas, seems like a nice Southern boy, very sincere look when he sings in the clip. 'Come to my window' by Melissa Ethridge?! Sportcoat and jeans. Swallows his words at first, not a very energetic start. And off key too; not a great performance, doesn't grab you at all, and not a good song choice. Randy didn't like it that much, says it's not bad but not his best, liked Hollywood better. Paula also talks about how Hollywood was much better, not this here. Hall does this thing where he talks over the judges and tries to recharacterize what they say. Simon says average, no star quality shown tonight.

David Radford, 17, Illinois, who has a Sinatra-style thing going. Let's see if he can do something modern. 'A Crazy Little Thing Called Love', says he's never performed it before.... Okay, wants to branch out and surprise America. The thing he doesn't realize is America doesn't know him at this point. A very odd performance; all in black--almost more spoken than singing. He's trying to be charismatic, but just comes across as weird. A bit like JPL from a few seasons back, but he doesn't go all out for it. Not good. Randy not happy, says it was terrible, like it was acted out. Paula disagrees--not horrible; true to who you are. Simon says it was a bit of a joke, but thinks audience at home will like him; tells him to take himself a bit more seriously, be great at what you do, instead of playing the fool.

Next is countryish Bucky Covington, 28, North Carolina. Talks about his nerves. 'Simple Man' by Lynnard Skynard. Jeans, odd shirt. Authentic voice for this song, like a rocker. Rough, kindof hard to listen to--but I think this is who he is, blue collar and beer and trucks. Thought his voice was smoother than this, but guess not. Randy says he likes that he does the South proud and it's cool, but says you have a nice tone so don't worry about being so hard; thought he was more country. Paula liked it even though some parts were rough; Simon says he wasn't bad, likes his rawness. But there are thousands of bars where people like Bucky hang.

The guys really aren't any good so far. When they're not singing they're all standing up at the rail trying to look cool and keeping an eye on each other. Man, just do your thing, there's a reason why you got this far.

Next is Will Makar, 16, from Texas, who comes across well in the pre-interview, confident and himself. He's a little nervous and earnest. 'I Want You Back' by the Jackson 5. An odd choice, unless his voice really is like Michael's. Whoah, this is fun! Lots of energy, confident, he really performs, preens a little. Voice isn't that great though. But he tries, lays it out there a little. Has a good look too. Odd song choice, but fun. Randy is laughing. You're not a dancer like Michael, but he enjoyed it, was entertained. Nice smile; Paula says he's adorable, every high school girl likes him, like Bobby Brady. Simon says reality check--fun, but it was average.

Jose 'Sway' Penala, 28, from California. 'Reasons' by Earth Wind and Fire, his parents really liked it, sang to him as a baby while putting him to sleep, sings it for his folks. How many votes do they have? He's hilarious, falsetto, wears a white hat and shirt and pants, marron jacket. Very odd--not that enjoyable. Bad song choice; it's almost like a parody. Crazy high parts, at least he performs and is confident. Randy likes it, says it was hot, showed originality and range, hard song to do. Paula says it was truly amazing, he proved he knows how good he is. Simon is with me; thought it was pimpy, third-rate performance. I guess we're both outof touch with what the kids today like, the audience and the girls really liked him.

One of my favorites, Chris Daughtry, 26, North Carolina. He has a Billy Joel quality to him. 'Wanted Dead or Alive'. Cool outfit, black top and jeans. Wow, good song choice for his voice, very powerful. Yeah! Why wouldn't you perform a song like this, that you've done a million times and know well. Good performance, if a bit safe. Randy says it was really good. Paula says she's always been vowed by him, his stage presence. Simon says good choice of song, finally hearing someone with potential tonight.

Kevin Covais, 16 from Long Island, caught off-guard when Ryan wants to talk to him, but seems confident. I like him; just sing what you are. 'One Last Cry' by Bryan McKnight, who's one of his greatest role models. Striped shirt, black pants. Very earnest and nerdy, and apparently nervous too. But voice is really quite good; is carrying him through. No performance at all, just stands there and sings. Ugh. Randy says he's honestly talented and a real kid and that's why everyone likes him; that was the bomb. Paula says he makes her beam and makes her proud, a sheer joy, without arrogance. Simon's gonna shred him. I like you, but... vocally it was verging on excruciating. Paula defends her dear. Hilarious, at the end he goes over to the girls, who all pinch his cheeks.

Gedeon McKinney, 17, Tennessee--there's something robotic about him, very deliberate, talks oddly. Nice, polite Southern boy. 'Shout', turquoise shirt, black pants. Odd, high-energy song, but he doesn't sing it quite that way. Very odd, not sure what to make of him. Pretty good voice, just doesn't seem normal somehow; not as enjoyable as I feel like it should be. Randy says it was unexpected, good song choice, entertained. Simon doesn't like it. I think he's actually very religious, almost brainwashed. Simon nails it, his smile bothers him. Reminds me a bit of George from a few years ago, but without his warmth.

Eliott Yamin, 27, from Virginia. Singing 'If You Really Love Me' by Stevie Wonder. Sportcoat and jean. Oh oh, bit nervous, voice is getting lost. Nice quality to his voice though. Quite nice tone, actually. Girls love him. No real performance, but he's nice to listen to. A bit uneven in the song, definitely very karaoke-ish. Randy likes him, says another hot one, sounded brilliant. Paula likes him too, effortless, has fun. Simon says in five seasons, he's potentially the best male vocalist they've had. Notice he doesn't say performer. Nice guy.

Bobby Bennett, 19, Denver. He could be really good, or horrible. Hilarious comment from audition section, Simon says it sounds like he's drunk. 'Copacabana' by Barry Manilow. Oh-oh, like I said, great or terrible. All black. Very cheesy; he's horrible. Kindof a chubby guy, not a good look--like a clown. His voice is nothing special, he's in overdrive, trying too hard. Looks like Jackie Gleason. Paris is in the front row just having a great time dancing to everything tonight. Randy says it's like he's from a different era. Vocally not good, entertainer but not great. Paula likes his showmanship too; and he commits with passion. I think he's gonna get cut.... Simon says it was a complete nightmare. Ryan goes after Simon a bit, Simon says well I do this for a living, with all due respect. This is going on forever, Bobby is just standing there smiling.

Confident Ace Young, 25 from LA, good look and holds himself well. 'Father Figure' by George Michael. Interesting choice, says he's never performed it. Cool shirt, jeans. Yeah, he's good, very good stage presence. Very earnest, soulful performance, passionate. Maybe the best tonight. A men among mostly boys. Reminds me of Constantine, without the crazy cheesiness. Randy really likes him--good performer, and can really sing. Paula says he's a star, with great eyes. Simon says not the best vocals, but says he has the x-factor. Brilliant choice of song, just relax a bit he tells him.

Final guy is one of my other favorites, Taylor Hicks, 29, from Alabama. He's gotta be careful to not be too Steve Martin wild and crazy guy, and just be himself, which is a good soulful blues-type singer. 'Leave On'. Sportcoat, jeans. Nice voice; good choice for him, very smooth. Wow, I'm really enjoying this. He's also got a bit of Billy Joel in him. Such a nice tone--there's just something about him that's so likeable. Randy says he's not sure it's a perfect choice, but likes it. Paula fights with him over who's his biggest fan. He talks a little too much though. Both say he's very original. Simon admits he was wrong about him, that he's interesting and is just into the singing; and that he's had more positive feedback about Taylor than anyone else from the people who work on the show. Ryan asks if he's as comfortable as he looks, Taylor says it's just music, it's in your blood, you love it; then goes nuts with 'Soul Patrol'? and a bit too much wild and crazy guy.

This wound up being a good program after a rocky start. A lot of talented guys--and women--this year.

Taylor Hicks, 12
Ace Young, 11
Chris Daughtry, 6
Will Makar, 4
Eliott Yamin, 9
Kevin Covais, 7
Gedeon McKinney, 8
Bucky Covington, 3
Patrick Hall, 1
Jose 'Sway' Penala, 5
David Radford, 2
Bobby Bennett, 10

Photo of twelve male Idol finalists from Fox via MSNBC.com.