American Idol Season 8: Kansas City Auditions

Night 2 of the eighth season opener finds us in Kansas City, Missouri-the hometown of last year's winner David Cook. We saw his parents and it was fun seeing them again and were still gleaming with pride about their son winning Idol. Another unexpected appearance is last season's finalist Jason Castro. He ruined Bob Marley and Simon didn't like him. He has a brother named Michael. Here's hoping that another Castro gets into the finals of American Idol.

The Contestants:

Chelsea Marquat-Simon told she sounded like a cat jumping off the Empire State Building and the siren still going off. There's no way she will have a singing career.

Ashley Anderson-sang Leona Lewis' "Footprints in the Sand" which was written by--can you believe it? Simon Cowell!! The many talents of Simon Cowell. Ashley has a pretty good voice so she is off to Hollywood

Kasey Carlson has an unusual job--Bubble Tea Maker. She is the one to watch for.

Brian Hadler-butchered a classic by Aretha Franklin--No dice

J.M. Avance--NO NO NO

Billy Vinson--NOT A CHANCE

Chris Jones--LOSER!

DeAndre Hopkins-Disrespected a beloved spiritual, "Amazing Grace" but we are grateful that he won't be voting for him

Von Smith--Powerful voice!!!--He could blow away the competition--One of this season's front runners.

Michael Castro (Jason Castro's brother)-has pink hair, began singing 20 days before audition, Simon called his audition "goodish". He's off to Hollywood and hope to follow in his brother's footsteps

Vaughn English-What song was he singing?....NOT RIGHT FOR IDOL!!!

Matt Brightsky-He is a welder and father of a 3 year old boy. He has soul. His son will look forward to see Daddy go all the way

Jasmine Joseph-Her nickname is Jazz. She will be forgettable.

Jessica Page Furnee-lives in Kansas with her 93 year old grandmother. Sang a Janis Joplin tune. She rocked it with the judges. She is a standout and could have a shot of making the finals. What a birthday present for her...auditioning for American Idol and passing with flying colors. She's off to Hollywood

Sisters Asia & India rapped a song for Randy. Asia is not ready for Idol but her sister India has good tone in her voice so she moves on to the next round and Asia stays home.

Best Friends Jamar Rogers and Danny Gokey tried out for Idol. Jamar sang "California Dreaming" and oversang the song. The judges liked them but Paula advised him to control his voice. He goes to Hollywood. Danny Gokey was too emotional and sad to talk about his ordeal. His wife passed away and he thought of not going to the auditions. He is brave and tried out and won the judges over with his soulful voice. Another front runner.

Anoop Desai has a soulful voice. Randy liked his "crazy vocals". He needs to work on his stage presence. Noop Dogg goes to Hollywood.

Andrew Long went way overboard bringing cheerleaders to the audition room. He has a soulful voice but the judges called him theatrical and told him he should in musical theater. His dream was crushed.

Asa Barnes is a middle school band director and a father of a 4 year old girl. Sang Michael Jackson very well. Here's a tip to future Idol contestants: don't sing Michael Jackson songs at the auditions. The judges loved him so we will see him in Hollywood

Michael Nicewonder is related to Hank Williams, Jr. For real? His mom doesn't think that he can sing. The judges after hearing him doesn't think either. He won a medal in 5th grade for best vocal in music class...his music teacher made a mistake. He'll never flourish in the music business. I agree with the judges that he should write cards for Hallmark.

Dennis Brickham dreamed about getting good praise from Simon. He sang a Chris Brown but it did not bode well the judges. I'm shocked that he got through to the next round. He won't make it past Hollywood week

Mia Conley was confident but pitchy. Not Idol material...so no chance of being a star for her. Got upset at the judges

The last contestant hails from my hometown, Memphis and her apartment was torn to pieces by a tornado. Her name is Lil Rounds and she is a mother of 3 kids. She has a good voice. The judges loved her. She is a mix of Fantasia and Mary J. Blige. I want her to win the show. It is about time that Memphis has an American Idol winner that we can be proud of. We will see her again.

26 people from the Kansas City Auditions are headed to Hollywood.

The auditions continue on Tuesday.More Idol? Visit http://www.americanidol.com