American Idol Season 8: Contestants with the Most Memorable Personalities

It has been a roller coaster ride for the American Idol Season 8 Contestants. The challenges that they have endured have ranged from the initial, nerve-wrecking solo auditions to the patience-wearing team auditions. On the show aired on Wednesday, February 11, the contestants had to await a crucial deliberation by the judges that revealed whether they made it to the Top 36 contestants on their way to Hollywood. While many of the contestants were emotionally affected, three of them stood out with the most theatrical personas.

Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle)

This whimsical 27-year-old from Connecticut is popular because of his interchangeability between his humorous alter ego Norman Gentle and his subdued self Nick Mitchell. Though he is a talented, soulful singer, he has won all but Simon's vote due to his comedy. Nick expresses that his goal is to sing and make people laugh which has confounded the judges' in their decision to vote him through. In fact, during the deliberation on February 11, Nick was the contestant about whom the judges spent the most time debating.

Nathaniel Marshall

Another memorable American Idol Season 8 contestant is a rambunctious 18-year-old from New York. Nathaniel Marshall known for his dramatic outbursts during the initial audition and especially during the team audition preparation. Also, attention-getting is his dauntless style of dress that includes facial piercings, a punk rock hairdo with accessories, and snugly-fitted trousers. In his biography, he has shared that he had an unstable upbringing where he lived temporarily with various family members due to his birth parents not being in the condition to raise him.

Tatiana Del Toro

A third animated American Idol Season 8 contestant is 23-year old Tatiana Del Toro from San Juan, Puerto Rico who is referred to as the "Drama Queen." To some, she is a burst of cheerfulness depicted by her excessive giggling and display of emotions. Earlier, she gained popularity after all of her teammates were voted through by the judges and she reacted by sobbingly thanking everyone that was a part of the show. Further, during her appearance before the judges on the February 11 show, Tatiana flattered Paula by wearing one of her bracelets from her jewelry line "Forever Your Girl" that was engraved with the message "Reach for the Stars." Tatiana was in turn moved when Paula donated her "sold-out" ring to her. Unfortunately, Tatiana is not as favorable among others including Simon who labeled her as "annoying".

Of most concern, the selection of these three memorable American Idol Season 8 contestants into the Top 36 has viewers on pins and needles about the outcome of their upcoming performances. Will their personalities smother their talent or will they be an asset? It is all up to American viewers to judge.

Sources

"Top 36 Contestants." American Idol.