American Idol 5 Favorites

The fifth season of American Idol is here. I try not to miss the audition episodes coz all the funny and wacky moments are found there. I always wonder if the 3 judges go through listening to all those people... stadium full of people per city. Even taking away the hakot or support groups, what remains is still a staggering amount of hopefuls. I doubt if there are people who screen them though coz there are more delusional contestants than real talents shown per episode. Anyways, I have 3 favorites so far this season.

First up is Taylor Hicks, the salt & pepper haired guy who sang Georgia on his audition. He definitely stands out in a crowd, not because he looks elderly, he is only 29, but for his talent. His singing mannerisms and concentration reminded me of the late Ray Charles. As much as I am rooting for him though I don’t see him going very far in the competition, coz he doesn’t Iook commercial or pop. But I would buy his CD. I am sure with his AI exposure, he will get the break that he and his band needs to further their career.

Kellie Pickler is the Cinderella story this season. She doesn’t have any musical background or training. She just likes to sing and she has a sad story to tell. She lives with her grandparents coz her dad is in prison and her mother ran out I think, sorry I can’t remember. I was blown away by her rendition of the Kelly Clarkson song, Since Uve Been Gone.

Last but not the least is Paris Bennett. This early I am predicting that this girl will go to the finals if not run away with the title. Man, can she sing or what! And she is only 17 years old! Can’t say I’m surprised though, her granny is a Grammy Award Winner. She sang a blues song that I don’t recognize. Simon was so impressed that all he can say was, "Where have you been all this time?" This girl has so much talent and potential, the best is yet to come.

On the other end of the spectrum I can’t say that I like the Brittenum twins. They aren’t just hissy as Simon called them, they’re also full of air. Yeah they have talent but it’s forgettable. I was bummed that the judges invited them back after Derrell declared his and his twin’s resignation. "My spirit is broken!" -- Derrell Brittenum said. It certainly looked like it when both brothers went back on stage hat in hand, apologizing to the judges and seeking mercy LOL. It is not clear though if both will be allowed to compete considering their present and pressing legal problems. Both twins, have outstanding arrest warrants for theft, forgery and identity fraud at the time the auditions were shown on TV. Terrell has been in jail since January and Derrell is expected to surrender to authorities.

Although I am glad that a Fil Am made it through, Jose "Sway" Penala has a lot of work to do to make it far. If the work attitude that he showed on TV tonight is any indication, he’ll be in trouble pretty soon. But first he has to prove that he is eligible to join the contest. Rumor is he has not left his band and they are under a recording contract, if true, he will be disqualified. So far he has denied this and claims that he left the band before the auditions.

And the American Idol saga continues...