American Idol Season 7 Premiere Review

American Idol has returned for season 7, and night one's Philadelphia auditions were as entertaining as ever! We welcomed back Simon, Paul, Randy and Ryan last night, January 15th, as season 7 officially kicked off.

The first audition was from Joey Catalano. This young man had lost over 200 pounds and was very confident in becoming the next American Idol. He sang "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5 and made it through. I had my doubts, but he actually sounded ok. Simon was worried about his looks and desires, but I think Joey has potential.

Up next was Yuca, a young gentleman from Egypt. In an interview with Yuca, he said he just wanted to love a girl from her hair to her nipple. Yuca attempted to sing "How Deep Is Your Love" by the BeeGees, but his accent and vocals were awful! I was tickled at his accent and English and snickered quite a few times while he was singing. The judges also did not think singing was his "thing" and sent him back home.

Taylor Hick's backup singer Melanie Nyema auditioned third. I don't think she is vocally strong enough to make it all the way. The judges, however, decided to give her a shot and put her through to Hollywood.

The night continued with tour guide James Lewis. He was also confident he could become the next American Idol. He sang "Go Down Moses," but he was just not cut out for singing on the show either. He sang very deep and slow. He was so bad that Paula and Randy had to cover their faces and turn the other way - they were laughing so hard. I found myself mocking his version of the song several times last night! It was hilarious. James wanted to sing another song for Randy, Paula, and Simon but they didn't want to hear more, and neither did I.

Temptress, a 16 year old female linebacker, greatly desired to become the American Idol for her mother, who is ill. Temptress left the stage in tears because the judges told her "no." Randy, Simon, and Paula were sympathetic and told her not to be so hard on herself. They all walked her out of the audition room to where her family and mother were waiting. I think her emotions were genuine, but she was not a good singer at all. She should stick with football.

With so many being turned away, there had to be some better auditions to come - and there were. The young vocal talents of Juno Joyner who sang Elton John's "The Blues," single mom Angela Martin who pounded out "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," cagefighter Kristy Lee Cook who sang "Amazing Grace," and stay at home mom Beth Stalker were just a few of the 29 to make it to Hollywood.

This year's American Idol started off with some interesting individuals with unbelievable voices, both good and bad. From last night's season opener, I don't think I saw the next American Idol, but who knows. I can't wait to see what the second episode holds in store for America tonight!