Idol Chatter & Voice Views

I’m wondering if the end of that last real audition episode — the one from Denver — was in some way symbolic.

You remember what happened. Bikini boy walked into the audition room. The judges got out of their seats and left the room.

Were the judges trying to send us a message?

Something along the lines of, ‘We’re done with all those gimmicks from season eight. The barely dressed bikini girl. The comedian who didn’t really want to sing. The bloated semifinals where singers were judged based on one 2-minute performance. This year, it’s back to basics on Idol.’

Hmm. We’ll see. It’s time for Hollywood. Which is usually the time of the year when Idol turns up the volume dial on the drama.

And, tonight, we also get our first glimpse of Ellen DeGeneres as an Idol judge. Should be interesting.

OK, I’m already liking Ellen, who’s warning Antonio Wheeler not to scare the audience. “There’s a fine line between sexy and scary,” she says.

Ellen’s throwing out the one-liners at a Simon-like pace.

“It’s was crazy I think, in a bad way.”

“I was already tired. That just about put me out.”

Love the fact that they’re letting performers use instruments in the first round this year. And Andrew Garcia just made it pay off with an acoustic version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” And earning a comparison to Adam Lambert from Kara DioGuardi.

Next up is Vanessa Wolfe, the charming girl from Vonore, Tenn., who was afraid she’d be trapped there forever. Unfortunately, she’s likely to be headed back after that performance.

Hey, lots of people try Hollywood again and again. So there’s always next year, Vanessa.

So, we’ve already said goodbye to Amandeo DiRocco, Kristi Quinnie, Marcus Jones, Cornelius Edwards and Maegen Wright, Katelyn Clampett, Kiera Masters, Stephanie Crews, and Amber Caparas on day one. I’m most disappointed about the loss of Amber, who showed potential based on the YouTube clips I’d seen.

Now we hear from Janell Wheeler, one of the talented female country singers among this year’s cast. She has a brilliant song called “Red Dress.” Go here to find out more about Janell.

Haeley Vaughn is another of the many country singers in this year’s cast. I don’t think she’s nearly as good. Of course, she’s also only a teen.

And Mary Powers might wind up as this year’s designated rocker chick. Every year needs one.

Lilly Scott is something of a rocker, too, and personally, I prefer her to Mary Powers. You can learn more about Lilly here.

Hey, I like this Michael Lynche, guy. He has a great personality. More importantly, he has a great voice. He’s the guy who was rumored to have been booted from the competition because his father blabbed about his results on Idol to the media.

I’m really surprised to see Justin Williams head home. But Timothy Urban, who sang the David Cook song, really has a very good voice based on what I’ve heard on MySpace.

Also, bye-bye to whip girl Erica Rhodes, Paige DeChausse and sisters Amanda and Bernadette DeSimone.

Wow, got it wrong on the sisters. I figured Idol would milk them for all sorts of Hollywood drama.

I’m a little surprised to see Maddy Curtis go home so soon. But Casey James, predictably, advances.

Hey, looks like Idol is finally going to introduce us to Crystal Bowersox. Folks, this girl is absolutely one of the best females in this year’s competition. You have to hear her music.

Wow, and she just nailed “Natural Woman.” And wasn’t it fun, hearing the other contestants chime in. Haven’t heard that on too many of these first-round performances, huh?

I’ve listened to enough Crystal to know she’s fantastic when she sings her own songs. Great to know she can sing covers, too, since that’s what this show calls for. For more on Crystal, go here.

Meanwhile, Didi Benami is the gal who’s doing this for a best friend — her roommate in college — who died at a very young age. She’s singing “Terrified,” a Kara DioGuardi song. Go here to hear more about Didi.

But this part of Idol kills me. Didi might be a waitress, but she’s been singing for years. Heck, she has a MySpace page full of music, unlike most waitresses I’ve ever known.

Idol always tries to convince us they’re plucking talent out of thin air.

More like, the talent was already there and decided to try out for Idol.

And Hollywood episode number one ends.

Conclusions: Ellen fit right in and will be every bit as pleasant an addition to the judges’ table as I suspected.

As for the contestants: Crystal Bowersox, Andrew Garcia, Michael Lynche and Janell Wheeler have already nailed spots in the semifinals … if you want my opinion.