American Idol Best of the Rest: The Good, the Bad, and the Really, Really Sad

Hallelujah! The American Idol auditions are over! I don't know about you, but to me it feels like they've been going on for eons.

Like most of the shows so far, this one was chock full of montages: Athletes, fake out results, adversity, persistence and audition cities. Personally, I wish the American Idol producers would chill with all the montages. I know they're necessary elements for the show, but they waste too much time on them. Spend more time on the talent, show!

General Larry Platt and his viral hit "Pants on the Ground" was certainly the most memorable thing from this season's auditions. Not that he's seen any money from it. He has to be elated to see college students, politicians, and a host of others loving his song, though.

Last year cute Jessica Furney tried out with a Janis Joplin song and didn't get through. This year she's wiser, kissing up to Simon Cowell by singing the horribly named "Footprints in the Sand," which he co-wrote. Her voice is good, but I think her singing style is a bit old fashioned. The judges liked her well enough, so she's off to Hollywood.

I'm a little shocked that overly dramatic Amanda Shectman got a yes from the judges. Somehow I don't think she'll do well in the next round.

We briefly got to hear guitar players Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox. Both of them had very good bluesy rock type voices, so I expect to see more of them in the later rounds. From what I've seen online, Lee has a substantial fan following already. That's never a bad thing.

Lacey Brown was my favorite contestant tonight. I loved her indie girl singer-songwriter version of the overused "Over the Rainbow." Hopefully she won't get cut in chair episode like she did last year.

It looks like American Idol has found a bunch of talented 16 year olds this season. Among them, Rachel Hubbard, Thaddeus Johnson, and Genesis Moore all sounded fantastic in their brief introductions.

Aaron Kelly is also 16, and he got the full-blown lead in package. Aaron's birth parents were super poor, so his aunt and uncle adopted him. He said he considers his aunt his mother now. Aaron sweetly says that he wants to be an inspiration to other kids and that he's lived a happy life. Apparently things have gotten much better, since he recently won Disney's the American Idol Experience. I'm not saying he's a producer plant, but that did allow him to skip the line and go straight to the judges. He kind of reminds me of a countrified David Archuleta, and I'm sure the American Idol viewers will love him if he can stay humble.

Another one to watch is father-to-be Michael "Big Mike" Lynche. Mike has a great R&B style and a smooth voice that should take him far. A runaway Internet rumor claimed that Mike got DQ'd last week, but it was thankfully proven to be false. Look for Big Mike in Hollywood. I've heard he does well.

Didi Benami had a very sad story to tell about her best friend passing away. Her jazzy rendition of "Hey Jude" was a bold choice that turned out well. It was heart-wrenching to watch Didi break down in tears after the audition, and I'll have to admit I was happy when she got her ticket to Hollywood.

Another contestant who had a sad story to tell was Hope Johnson. She grew up so poor that she used to take food home from school for her brother. Her singing of "I Hope You Dance" was done in a slightly old-fashioned country style, but her voice was lovely. Simon really liked her, so she got a golden ticket.

There were many bad singers on the show, but none of them were that memorable. Except 6'8" Adrian who I found more sweet and sad than funny.

My favorite part of the show was the Hollywood previews where we got to see new judge Ellen Degeneres for the first time, a bunch of people being told they suck, and some being told they're great. I believe I saw John Park among the latter group. The American Idol Hollywood shows are always suspenseful and full of drama. Next week should be fun!