Idol Gossip: Seattle Auditions

Does Simon Cowell suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Could it be the constant rain in Seattle rather than the auditions themselves that had him in such a pissy mood?

No, I think it really was the so-called "talent."

First, the lowlights from Seattle.

People should realize by now that trying to imitate past Idol winners is no way to get a Golden Ticket, especially when said winner was not really a favorite of Simon's, from what I could see last season. Apparently, Eric Chapman, who called himself Taylor Hicks' long lost brother, didn't get the memo. Eric, Taylor called. He says to stay lost.

Maybe he can team up with the Clay Aiken wannabe from last season and go on the road.

Nicholas Zitzmann had the balls to take on Simon's favorite song, Unchained Melody. Simon is probably looking for a new favorite song now.

Steven "Red" Thoen claimed he resembled Carrot Top but was cooler than him. Who isn't? Well, maybe someone who butchers one of the the greatest songs of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Enough of the bad, let's take a look at the few who moved on to Hollywood.

I think we have already this week seen at least two of the Top 12. Denise Jackson from the Minnesota auditions combines looks, talent and a compelling life story in an irresistable package. She reminds me a lot of last season's Paris Bennett, and I think she'll make it at least as far as Paris did. Then there's Sanjaya Malakar. He has the "cute" factor that propelled Kevin Covais so far last year, but more talent and a far stronger voice, which should keep him in it longer than Chicken Boy was.

Another Top 12 possible is Jordin Sparks. Like Denise, she's cute and has a great voice. She also has a ready made Pop Star name. I don't see her getting to the top four, but there could be great things in her future beyond Idol.

Next week, we see the judges' misadventures in Memphis, and I'll bring you my news and views afterward.