So are there any other Idol viewers here, or am I the only one?

I must admit that I am an unabashed, Idol junkie. Love it. All of it, from the cheesey auditions, to the cheesey competition.

Anyway, let's use this thread to discuss this season as it unfolds.

And the old guy last night choked me up something fierce.

In terms of my self-concept, I would love to be one of those people who is above watching American Idol. Or maybe watches it mirthfully, in a half-mocking way. Perhaps in a smoking jacket.

But instead, I love American Idol. It is far and away my favorite television program. I actually think about it during the workday on the days it airs.

I don't watch many network shows. The other night, I looked at my wife and said "Do other people like TV this much every night?"

I don't know what exactly does it. Maybe it's because there's a lot of hype, but underneath there's also something very authentic going on.

So, any stand outs for you yet jay?
I like the kid with the mushroom hair.

I'm a little tired of it. In fact, I quit watching the preliminary shows. They're starting to focus way too much on the freaks. I have no idea who's going on to Hollywood. All I can remember from watching are lemur-faced, hugely fat, mildly retarded, gap-toothed, profanity-spewing "contestants". I don't know whom I dislike more, the Idol producers who give us all these freaks or the talking heads on other shows who want us all to feel sorry for them. Wake me up when the Hollywood stuff starts............

The kids and I rally around the TV to watch them get booed off the stage. I've told them about The Gong Show, and really, that's what the judges need.
My oldest thought they could use a Trap Door. Seeing some of them, I tend to agree.

Usually I agree with the choices that the judges send through, and we play a game of yes/no as soon as the contestant walks in/or sings the first few bars. We're pretty accurate so far this season.

I give up when it gets to the "good singers" because quite frankly, I've no effin idea how Taylor Hicks won last year, or Chris Daughtrey lost. Did anyone miss Elvis Night? Daughtrey nailed both of his, Hicks was a joke, and Ms. 2nd Place forgot the words.

Who's eliminated? Daughtrey. Oy!

And yeah, the old guy last night, I wept. I thought that he was cooking up an excuse to get on the show, but when he told his story, and then sang...

Yeah, I got a little teary-eyed when the old guy sang last night too. And no, I didn't lie in my above post. I was channel surfing and caught his part.

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If we're talking about the same guy, he's from right here in Greenville, SC (where I am). They said someone made on local radio, and they're being all hush-hush about what happened in Hollywood (the big rounds are apparently going on now). He was good.

Nobody's floored me yet. Several great talents. It's hard to tell, because they get to pick their audition song. The contest format stretches them, and the ones with real chops survive.

Old guy: classic moment.

And I like to think it would have been just as touching if he sang like me. But it elevates it to a whole new level because he sang so well. I think he sang well enough to legitimately advance, but for the age limit.

Old guy rules. Sherman Pore is his name I think.

Someone watching should offer this guy a recording contract.

Even if he only records and releases You Belong to Me as a single.

Hell, I'd buy it.

Potential William Hung type of after-fame. But not out of mockery.

Yeah, difference being he can actually sing. And if he put together a cd of standards, I could see it selling.

I'm a fan.

Love it love it LOVE IT!!!!!!

I enjoy the show..i like the mass auditions more than the finals though..so far its a fun season.

Just bumping this up in anticipation of tonights show.

So at this point I am going out on a limb and saying I see little 16 year old Bailey Brown going a long, long way in this competition.

I am ready to say top four for Bailey Brown based solely on the limited information I have right now.

Oh yeah. You heard me. Top four. That wrinkle you feel in the space time continuum is me, posting a quote to this post months from now when Bailey makes the top four.

<<whrrrp>>
<<sound effect of wrinkle in space time continuum>>

I'm gonna say top three.

I can name that tune in two notes!

Oh, wasn't that what you were guessing?

I'd just like to thank American Idol for last night's segment on "The Other Door".

You woud think, one sign that says:

Use Other Door --->

Could save so much time.

But hey, the results are hilarious. And from the sounds of one of those, the contestant HAD to have bounced off the door and hit the floor. Must not have signed a release for that footage.

And last night, how cool were the judges, Simon specifically, Mr. I Hate Everyone, for allowing Ms. Face Twitch a 2nd audition, telling Randy and Paula that they were making a mistake.

Looking forward to tonight's Best of the Rest.

Yes. And now you ruined it. Hope you're happy.