Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol ratings might have declined last season, but it’s still the most-watched show on television.

And the best chance at a big break for many performers.

That’s why thousands have turned out again this year for Idol’s first two audition sessions, last week in Nashville and Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Idol placed the Nashville crowd at 16,000. Among them were 15-year-olds for the first time (OK, I still don’t like that change.) And, according to this story, 18-year-old Shayna Beard from nearby Thurmont, Md.

I’ve got my fingers crossed that the crowd also included aspiring country singer Mallorie Haley. The Nashville resident made it to Hollywood last year, and her original material (check out “Pretty Smile” and “Beat Up Town” here) was among the best I could find from golden ticket recipients … well, except for Crystal Bowersox.

I haven’t seen a crowd estimate from the Milwaukee auditions yet. But the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel caught up with one guy who traveled there from Iowa, living in his car in a parking garage with two friends and his cat (Mecho, if you’re wondering) for two days waiting for the auditions to start.

Hey, York County musicians, if you can sing and want to try out, you don’t have to travel as far as Shayna did.

Auditions in East Rutherford, N.J., are right around the corner (Aug. 3). The other audition cities are New Orleans (July 26), Austin (Aug. 11) and San Francisco (Aug. 19).

In other random Idol news …

* Several media outlets are now reporting that Chris Isaak is among the frontrunners to replace Simon Cowell.

As anyone familiar with the Idol audition process knows, the judges aren’t in attendance at the initial tryouts like the ones that have taken place in Nashville and Milwaukee.

But they are typically on hand when golden tickets are handed out at the call-back auditions, which are scheduled to begin in September.

* The Idol nine summer tour rolls on, but gets a less than rave review from Michael Slezak, one of the show’s closest followers.

He caught the show in Newark and came away impressed with only two of the 10 performers — Pa. teen Aaron Kelly (read my recent interview with him here) and, of course, Crystal.

Remember, the Idol tour stops in the D.C. area Friday night and in Baltimore on Saturday. I’m pretty sure tickets are still available. You can find links to ticket information in the Idols in the Area section off to the right of this blog.

Now, more photos from the Idol auditions …