Kansas City

We seem to have a slightly more talented pool this year. It's either that or they're sparing us some of the really bloody awful ones for a change. Thank goodness they got rid of that ridiculous "out the wrong door" gag. Although they showed it happen just once and the contestant (Danny Gokey) is the one who pointed it out and had a good laugh over it!


Wednesday's episode came from Kansas City, Missouri, the town that brought us last year's winner (YAY!!) David Cook. There were 5-6 that I think we need to keep our eyes open for but before I get into this episode, I'm going to step back into Tuesday's show and pull one more name out of that list. Warranting a second look is Emily Wynn-Hughes who sang Barracuda. Listening back on her performance it's not all that bad. Do I think she'll have a chance? More than likely not. I dont think the viewers are quite ready for a female rocker yet. Remember, it took the viewers two additional seasons before they voted a male rocker in as the winner. I suspect it'll be season 9 before we see a rocker girl get close enough for a potential win. I half expect Amy will go the way Carly Smithson went which is a shame and a half.

In order of appearance, this is who caught my eye as Styx's Picks for the episode:

Ashley Anderson (Footprints in the Sand): She had a very nice voice. That's about all I can say as I dont remember much about her. I dont expect she's going to make it past the Hollywood Rounds.

Casey Carlson (A Thousand Miles): She's cute as a button and had a very nice voice for pop tunes. She sang a Vanessa Carlton song but had a touch of a Colbie Caillat sound to her voice. She was good...very good...but not great. I dont expect she'll make it past the Hollywood Rounds. Her best hope now is to catch a Wildcard spot (yeah...they brought 'em back).

Matt Breitzke (Aint No Sunshine): He's the welder/ fabricator with that nice soul sound to his voice. Although he's worth keeping an eye on, he's another I suspect wont be around when the contest truly fires up.

Danny Gokey ( I Heard it Through the Grapevine): He's the one who's wife died 4 weeks prior to the audition due to a heart problem. Im hoping this one makes it through the Hollywood Rounds to be honest as he's got some real potential there and Im really praying that the pressure doesnt crack him. He looks really familiar though. Anyone have any ideas what actor of whom he might be reminding me? Although...he does remind me of a chat pal from a couple years ago that went by the nick of FresnoJay....

Asa Barnes (The Way You Are): He is a band director in a school. We never really have luck with the teachers, do we? Wasn't Anwar a choir teacher or something? Ah well. Anyhow, Asa did a very good job with the Michael Jackson song he choose. He's one I might actually be able to get behind if he makes it through Hollywood.

Lil Rounds (All I Do): This mom of 3 is actually the first woman I've seen so far that I could easily throw my support behind. They said she had a retro feel and the first thing I thought of is that this could be her year if she plays it right. With the movie Cadillac Records out and Beyonce playing Etta James, this could be just the opening Lil needs. This one could go far.

All in all, in this week's shows, 53 total received Golden Tickets to go to Hollywood with Phoenix bringing in just one ticket more than Kansas City.

Looks like this just *might* be an interesting year after all.