From what I understand, they're showing fewer auditions this year and empasizing the weird/eccentric people a lot less.
Actually, it was supposed to be the contrary! But, the audition show from San Franscisco definitely didn't show us that! But with only 12 people making it, I bet they didn't want to show us all 12. We saw 7 of them actually, including the incredibly annoying Tatiana and the mediocre Jesus.
Adam has a big buzz going on for him, but I'm not convinced. He seemed like a great guy, but I didn't really like his audition. I watched some videos, but they just showed me that some of his performances are way over the top. If he cuts back on the theatrics, maybe I'll be on board, because I can't deny that he has a good voice.
Kai didn't really wow me, I thought his voice was nothing special, but maybe I need to see more. By the way,
ross, if you find myspaces with music on them, it's not a good sign, since all the contestants who made the top 50 were supposedly required to take down their music at the beginning of January. It's not like that with Canadian Idol and I'm grateful that it's not.
From Louisville, I liked Joanna's voice and she was likeable enough, but I don't know if her previous experience(s) in the industry won't be a turn off for some viewers. I also liked the way-too-brief auditions of Kris Allen and Felicia Barton that were included in a montage.
The others who made it didn't really leave a mark on me, but again, it's so hard to judge after hearing so little of their singing.
Finally, the guy (Aaron?) who belted "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" thoroughly entertained me (if only for the reactions of the judges!), but mainly made me remember fondly the amazing version that was done by Mookie, Tetiana and the Pigott brothers last summer.