American Idol Round up in Dallas

The second biggest state in the US has produced some of the biggest singing stars in the world including Janis Joplin, Ray Charles, Jonny Mathis and of course season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.


Simon explained how he wanted Clint Eastwood on as a guest judge but couldn't get him so he had to settled for number 3,998 on his list Neil Patrick Harris. A TV doctor who said he was looking forward to crushing a few peoples dreams.

The first contestant from the 11,000 crowd at the cowboys stadium was a young lady who had auditioned at the same time Kelly Clarkson did back in that first ever American Idol, on that occasion Simon advised Julie Kevilighan to get a lawyer and sue her singing teacher after murdering Lady Marmalade. But 8 years on Could this possibly be her lucky day? NO! Even overflowing with confidence, carrying a sign which read, 'This is my year'. It only took a few lines from 'Black velvet' for Simon to point out the fact she had missed the word 'Not' on her placard. Her excuse this year for failing to impress the judges was she had forgotten to take a deep breath at the start, Yes good idea, then don't bother breathing out again. Make up your own mind, you just can't stop this one singing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U2gzIdxW0A&feature=PlayList&p=907A007B717586AE&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=20

Dockworker Lloyd ‘Sexy’ Thomas came up with yet another drug story for the cameras, yes I know it makes good TV but come on, change the song. Some clever editing before the break made it look like he was going to hit Simon Cowell, well you did your job Mr producer because I tuned in after 'Those messages' and it came to light that the phrase 'Simon you can get out of here right now' was one of those Americanisms that I promise to learn by the end of this seasons Idol. He was Simon's favourite of the day and was the first male to leave with a Gold ticket from Dallas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lRlYUTo-Eg

Kimberly Carver dished up some 'Jazz TV' next but Simon didn't enjoy the performance, the deciding vote was with Dr Houser who provided her with the gold medicine she needed for Hollywood.

Now I have seen enough talent show auditions to understand that when someone is interviewed out in the holding area and they brag with unbelievable confidence that when they step on that Idol logo on the centre of the stage they are going to be the very very very very very best thing America has ever seen, the next American idol you just know he is going to be one of THE worst singers of the day. So when Dexter Ward stepped up to the plate what he actually proved was he was in fact the next American Idiot. Simon did have some kind words to say about his positive attitude but advised him his smile and those teeth would take him far. Maybe a toothpaste commercial? It turned out the smile lasted to the other side of the exit door and then Kleenex looked more likely advertiser. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GACZMc3E5D0 The show ain't over Dexter, they still looking man.

This opened the floodgates for what I like to call a 'Montearge' of disappointment as patient after patient got the crushing diagnosis from Doctor Patrick Harris. The thing that always brings a smile to my face is that blurred out vision of the Coca Cola cups in front of the judges, or are they Pepsi?

From tears of joy and sadness to astonishment, Erica Rhodes whipped 3 of the judges into a frenzy, the ex Barney Kid had grown up into a dirty young girl. Simon asked her what her dream was, explaining he knows what his is! There were yes yes yes's from all the judges plus some rather strange knocking noises from under the desk Simon's end. Sorry I couldn't find any more recent photos of Erica for you readers

The final audition of day one saw Dave Pittman 27 explaining how he has overcome tourettes. I learned something also and in future wont be so ignorant as to believe that tourettes isn't necessarily something to shout about. Other symptoms are uncontrollable blinking, shaking of the head and unavoidable unnecessary tendencies to clear the throat. As so often happens with people who suffer with such conditions and others such as stuttering, there was no sign of any of these displayed while singing a perfect verse from Sam Cooke. Neil liked his voice and thought he was crazy brave and Simon said people are gonna like you and Dave received nods from all 4 judges.

15 golds from day 1 and Idol welcomed Joe Jonas to the panel for day 2, Clint still obviously busy then. Randy did reveal some shocking news that he was the 4th Jonas Brother, or am I still struggling with Americanisms here?

My favourite so far was next to go for gold and wow did he impress. I'm not actually going to spoil anything for you, just look for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYzVNIC2nko

Pretty cool song hey? Keep an eye on that guy, he has real star quality.

Vanesssa Johnston is ultra super optimistic. The girl in pink used the whole of the stage 'Searching for the right note' and 'My worst nightmare' is how Simon described her. 3 no's didn't dent her enthusiasm saying she was still very excited as Simon delivered some 'More good news' with the 4th one. She still walked out feeling 'Fantastic' adding, at least Simon is dreaming of me at night. Now that is positivity. Can I have some of what you have, please!

I do love it when they play a few of Simon's best insults, and here are a few more gems from the Diamond of TV talent shows. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3cTEQFP3VQ

16 year old Christian spear who almost died of Leukemia when a child impressed Randy, Joe and Kara with her confidence and lack of fear, Simon thought she was incredibly brave and completed the full house of approval.

There were 31 winners from Dallas, next stop for the talent train is Denver Colorado. Looking forward to seeing Victoria Beckham as one of the guest judges, a new Victoria if we are to believe the news. It will be interesting to see if her face actually still moves. Whatever happens let's hope it's an uplifting experience for everyone. See you there.