I want the job of music person on American Idol because apparently you don't have to have any knowledge about songs when you chose them for the contestant's walk-a-ways. Viva La Vida for a guy who got put through? Really? A Song about a king who used to be in power for a person who is still competing.

Given how many people in my life have totally blown me away by admitting proudly that they don't pay any attention to lyrics or their meaning, I'm going to guess that the music director probably doesn't care. Which makes me sad, but whatever. He or she goes for a good sound and whatever will get them favors from the label. I totally get people who like particular songs because of what they sound like and don't care about those lyrics, but I'm totally baffled by people who don't bother to listen to *any* lyrics or understand any songs or try to actually comprehend what is happening in the three minutes they're listening. But, then, I guess that explains all those people who think "The One I Love" or "Every Breath You Take" are super romantic love songs.

I know. I once read that something like seven of the top ten romantic songs are not romantic in nature at all. It wouldn't irk so much if the precise lyrics the MD chose was "back when I ruled the world." Past tense Musically it sounds great, I would just expect a "little" more out a show that highlights music. Especially since to get to that line you have to listen to the beginning I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the moment I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to own. One moment I held the key, next the world was turned on me and I discovered that my castles stand upon pillars of sand, pillars of sand. Than again after the choice of Fray for a person who had lost a spouse I can't really say I am surprised anymore.

They're just letting everyone thru this week, aren't they? Yikes. This might be AI's most painful season yet.

I haven't heard much good about this season's 'talent' so far. I'm not watching and have been (unsuccessfully)trying to find out which audition city they are showing, is it San Jose tonight?

She's very cute. Something totally bizarre happens to her face when she sings, though. She looks like a cat. Also, that story is awesome because in a few minutes there's supposed to be a dude from Georgia named Alan Jackson. Seriously. eta: who we clearly did not see. maybe tomorrow. i'm guessing he just wasn't interesting enough to show, though. I like "The Rose" for it's tragedy. Ditto on "Superstar". Not really sure why anyone would play either at a wedding, though.

I really loved the girl who sang "Bubbly" and had to go and make herself look more "star-like". She had some chops. But man, what a lack of talent, only 16 people through! I forgot what the record was for lowest amount of golden tickets in one city, but this week was definitely close, though 12 may have happened once.

I was pretty taken with the oddball blonde at the end and the single mom with the tattoos. And, yeah...totally sucks that I'm pulling a Simon and not even remembering their names, but I really can't recall anything close. Cute blonde had a really nice name, though. I do remember that much. I'm still completely underwhelmed by most of these people, but those two had interesting voices and I like the way they carry themselves. They come off very genuine and that's hard to do when you look like they look if you're *not* genuine. Most gals with the tattoos and the dreads who go on shows like this just look like poseurs. Most people who seem as laid back as the first girl come off as trying *really* hard to look laid back. If either of them reach the point where I'll actually have to get to know them I could easily change my opinion on them entirely, but at this point I like their vibe. In addition to there being very few standouts this year, I've also noticed that there aren't as many freaks surrounding Ryan as he waits. What's up with that? Where are the horny grandmas or the mothers that pick him up and shake him around? Everything seems very low key and boring this year.

Obviously, from Salt Lake City I expect a certain level of squareness, but wow there were a lot of non-secular songs sung this evening. The blonde and the young mom were good. I never know names until about the top 12 and then only the names of people I like. The Osmond's cute and can sing, but then, he's an Osmond. What else is he going to do?

Seriously...the song choices were surprising. And in some cases, puzzling. The Osmond is very cute, but yeah...the career choices of Osmonds are pretty limited. You smile and you sing. And when you've made a name from that, you host bad shows and you sell dolls. It's a nice gig if you can get it, I guess.

I thought the Osmond was pretty good too. I liked Rose, the blonde. There were a few people I thought were pretty good though not many of them are coming to memory now. It seemed like a better crop than some of the other cities had to offer.

Ugh. We almost made it through the entire audition period without seeing Alexis. Even *she* wasn't into it, so why should I have been?