Memphis brings the goods

American Idol goes to Memphis, cradle of Elvis/B.B. King/Beale Street. Where apparently over 16,000 people showed up to try out.

They start with a college student, Frank Byers, who brings an entire marching band, along with cheerleaders. If nothing else they should hire him to help market the show. He can sing decently; not a great voice, but strong--he does Heard It Through the Grapevine, which Simon hates; so he busts into another song. Both Randy and Paula say he may have shot in the future. He then leads his own cheer outside; then they burst into song, until Simon asks them to shut up.

They go to break with the ultimate tease--Simon saying "I'll be amazed if you don't make the finals" about a contestant. Hmm--have we found this year's Paris/Chris? Back with some bad chick, who has staring eyes; totally in a world of her own--just sits and looks, not much activity upstairs possibly. She sings in a high-pitched voice, almost like someone singing along to a Jew's Harp--there's a very country quality to her; Simon says he couldn't understand anything she sang. She sings another song despite being told it was pointless.

A white guy in torn jeans and a freaky voice does a whacked-out version of Stevie Wonder's Superstitious, which Simon also doesn't understand. More bad people who you can't understand and who have no shot. I just keep waiting for this great singer.

And then... he comes. Sundance Head; big guy with hippie parents and an intereseting beard. His dad was a singer; the guy has some sortof presence. Reminds me of the big guy from New Orleans last year who got cut early but who I liked. Good attitude; and--a nice, deep, powerful, controlled voice. I like listening to him; like he came outof gospel and the blues. Paula likes him, Randy too; Simon too. I don't think he's unbelievable, but he has all the ingredients to make top 12.

Wandera Hitchye--also has a good bluesy voice. Kindof a weird look, with odd hair and outfit; but she can sing. Judges, though, say there's nothing special, or next level--she asks for one more try, but Simon says no. Odd, in Seattle or Minneapolis I think she'd have gone on; she's totally mad afterwards, pushes the camera--so maybe they did make the right choice.

A bunchof quick no's in a row, including Paula telling someone it was "too desperate". Then, Travis McKinney, a nice-looking guy who keeps building up his song as being so emotional. Okay.... My gosh; starts with an insane martial artsy dance; and his song is not at all emotional, it's like some bad skitzo rap. That was crazy, says Randy. Boy, he's totally deluded; and some chick tells him to try again next year.

Some blonde chick, Danielle McCulloch, who I don't believe will be any good. But she's not half-bad; a bit country, Paula seems into it. Plays with the lyrics a bit, always the sign of a good singer. Paula calls her an old soul; Randy says it was okay, Simon agrees but likes her bluesy voice. Paula and Simon say yes, on she goes--she's okay, I agree with Randy that she won't be around long. Watching her afterwards, though, when she says Oh, I can do this, makes me think maybe she's one of those level-headed contestants who learn fast and makes the most of what she's got, surprising everyone.

Day 2, and they show everyone hugging Paula. Some geeky guy who loves Paula is first up. He's hobbitish, actually; his wife cheated on him, he forgave her, she said she wanted to keep messing around, so he told her to leave. He anticipates her wanting to come back when he wins AI.... Simon zeros in on his wife leaving him. Does ridiculous version of Footloose, like he just learned it yesterday; complete with some rote moves. Simon says he's tempted to ask if he sang that the night before your wife left. He disses Paula a bit at the end.

Some floozy in a low-cut dress next, who says her shades are important to her, her confidentiallyity. She spews out a list of adjectives she thinks the judges will apply to her, some of which contradict (sexy and conservative) and none of which apply. Bad vocals, some entertaining dancing.

A guy who looks like Castro (or Osama or Jesus, he says); Sean Michel has a gentle, humble nature. I like him, actually--very good vibe. But he can't sing that well, unfortunately; does some Christianity-infused Johnny Cash song. Paula says you have a nice tone to your voice; shockingly both Randy and Simon like him too, and they send him through. Anyone who doesn't think the judges respect pure musical ability (of which I'll freely admit they're much more adept at identifying than I am!) will be hard put to explain this decision. He's definitely the most unlikely person to make it through to Hollywood this year.

Back with Melinda Doolittle, who is a professional backup singer. I like her, she has this interesting cap on and seems eager without ego; a bit nervous, but husky, forthright speaking voice. Doing Stevie's For Once in My Life--a good version of it, pure tone to it. I totally like her; you gotta root for her, like the perfect song choice. Paula likes her, Randy wonders if she can grab the spotlight; Simon says unlike everyone else you come in with no confidence, no attitude, but you're a "brilliant" singer. Says she has a great voice, gotta work on your stage presence, but loves her--as do the other judges. And she's got friends outside to cheer wildly (always a good thing).

Find some idiot who thinks he sounds just like Elvis. Not gonna dance, he says, just gonna do a 'movement.' Robert Lee... he tells the judges he sings, dances, and writes stories. Has confidence, but no voice. Movement consists of raising his index finger vertically. More bad people, none of whom can sing Elvis. Including some guy who finishes by pulling a towel out of his pants zipper.

Back with a guy whose wife gave birth this morning. I like him; has a good look, cracks up the audience while talking to Ryan. Says the baby's more important to him, he's bummed about missing out. Doing My Girl, dedicated to all three of his girls. Philip Stacy. I like his voice--high, but controlled; pleasant to listen to. Randy likes him; Paula wanted to hear something else--so he does, and sings it well too. Simon doesn't think so, Randy and Paula do. there's some bickering; but he goes on to Hollywood. He runs off to go home.

22 people made their way out of Memphis; makes sense, the South is always strong for AI. And they close with Philip and his wife and daughter and newborn--wow, what a great show.

Next is New York (actually, East Rutherford, N.J.). Wish they had a full 2 hours for Memphis, but I heard some politician gave a speech tonight--in front of, for the first time, Madame Speaker?