Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Well, Idol had a chance to introduce us to some new faces on the first day of Hollywood Week.

Instead, the show decided to reacquaint us with its favorites, some of whom we’d just met the night before.

Hey, Nigel might be back in the saddle, but it’s the same ol’ Idol.

That said, here’s what I learned from Thursday’s episode.

James Durbin: He sounded more impressive tonight than during the audition. Incredible range. I just hope he doesn’t fall into the Siobhan Magnus habit of shrieking during every song. It’s not special if it happens all the time. Still, Idol should punch his ticket for the semifinals. Now. (Go here to hear more.)

Lauren Alaina (Suddeth): I’ve quickly grown tired of Idol pushing 15s on us this year. But Lauren Alaina sounded special during round one in Hollywood. Again. And she seems to have a bubbly personality to accompany that very sweet voice. Let her be the 15s representative in the semifinals. (Go here to hear more.)

Scotty McCreery: The teen with the incredibly deep voice. The real deal. He proved it again tonight. And, folks, he can sing more than one song. Guaranteed. He might be the best male country singer Idol has had since … well, ever. I mean, I like what Bucky Covington and Josh Gracin have done post-Idol. But, wow, this kid has got a voice.

Rob Bolin: Speaking of which, I love the tone of this guy’s voice. He’s the male half of the Chelsee-Rob duo that apparently take great comfort in being around one another, even after they are no longer a couple. But I fear Rob’s Facebook gives away his Idol status. He’s writing updates about an EP coming out in a couple of weeks. That does not happen when you are still a contestant on Idol.  (Go here to hear more.)

Chris Medina: After hearing him sing twice, I like his back-story more than his voice. That story will keep him around a while. He’ll need to turn more heads with his singing to keep pace with the James Durbins and the Scott McCreerys of this competition.

Jacee Badeaux: I don’t get it. He sounds fine. But has his voice changed yet? Let’s just say this, I still need to be won over by Jacee, who looks younger than his 15 years. And I don’t want this year’s Idol to start looking like “America’s Most Talented Kids.”

Tiffany Rios: Perhaps the most annoying contestant Idol has introduced us to. What was that line? She’s tired of seeing other people try to do what she knows she can do? Sorry, sweetheart, but lots of gals in this competition can sing rings around your stars. And show some sweetness while they’re doing it.

Hollie Cavanaugh: After the tear-fest in the auditions, I figured she’d crumple in a Kodak minute. She didn’t. So now I’m anxious to hear more.

Paul McDonald: Who? Well, you wouldn’t know it, because Idol hasn’t introduced us to him, just as they haven’t introduced us to dozens of extremely talented contestants. But Paul is the husky voiced lead singer of a group called Grand Magnolias (formerly the Hightide Blues) and we saw him smiling as he advanced for a micro-second in Thursday’s episode. Go here and listen to “Dreamin’ Alone” to see what we’re missing.

Editor’s Note: For profiles, bios and videos of more than 170 Idol contestants, go here. I’ll keep adding more, even for those contestants already eliminated. Many of them have great music available for download already.