Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, ever since tonight’s episode of Idol ended, I’ve been searching to web for more information on Lauren Alaina.

Here’s what I’ve found so far.

Her last name is Suddeth. I’m assuming her middle name is Alaina.

She’s a sophomore cheerleader at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, according to the Chattanooga Free Press, which had no luck contacting her family about her Idol success.

And she apparently writes country music as well as singing it. Follow this link and you’ll be able to hear two of her original songs, “Leaving” and “Set Me Free.”

I’ve also posted two YouTube videos of her performing below.

The most talented singer we’ve heard from so far this season?

I’m not so sure.

But her feature spot in tonight’s episode is yet another example of Idol’s determination to push younger performers at us this year. I just reviewed the profile information I’d collected on the 32 females who got golden tickets in New Jersey. Eight of them — that’s one-fourth — were 15- of 16-year olds trying out for Idol in their first year of eligibility.

Really now.

Truthfully, no one made me react as strongly tonight as Steven Tyler did to the looks of former Miss Teen USA Stormy Henley.

But I did think the first two singers featured — Rob Bolin and Chelsea Oaks — the former couple who still sing together sometimes, each had distinctive tones to their voices.

Now, for tonight’s Snarky Simon awards …

#1: Randy asked one vocally challenged young lady if she could read minds. Yes, she replied, predicting he’d vote her through to Hollywood. Responded Randy: “No, you can’t read minds. That’s for sure.”

#2: Randy was dashing lots of hopes tonight, and got scolded by J-Lo a couple of times for being so blunt. To one aspiring Idol, he blurted out: “Baby, that was horrible. It was loud. It hurt.” Ouch!

Maybe Randy is turning into the new Simon. Past criticisms seldom went beyond: “Dawg, that didn’t work for me.”

Way to go, Randy.

Now, more from Alaina, beginning with her cover of “Anyway.”