American Idol Season 8: Phoenix Auditions

The No. 1 show on television is back with a fourth judge, songwriter Kara DiGuardi. The three other judges return---the "dawg"-Randy Jackson, the compassionate one-Paula Abdul and yes, friends, the "dream crusher" Simon Cowell. Season 8 promises to be the best one yet. The search for the next Idol starts in Phoenix, Arizona, home of Season 6 winner and pop superstar Jordin Sparks.

The first one to see the judges was Tuan Nguyen--he sported a big afro and tried to become the next King of Pop. Unfortunately, the judges didn't like his audition so his trip to Hollywood is cut short. Michael Jackson's reign as the King of Pop is still intact

Emily Hughes is a singer in an all girl band. She didn't tell her bandmates that she is trying out for "American Idol". She sang Heart's "Barracuda" and blew away the judges. She is the first one to go to the Hollywood. She has a good booming voice. Her problem: her band is planning to tour Europe. How will her band take the news she could become the next American Idol. A dilemma

Randy Madden looked like a 40 year old rocker and wanted to get into showbiz. The judges felt uncomfortable and Paula told him to try singing in a band to gain experience. It is no for Mr. Madden

J.B. Afhua sang season 2 winner Ruben Studdard's "Flying Without Wings". He got the chops but has to work on relaxing his nerves and having fun. He got a golden ticket to Hollywood but will he go far beyond Hollywood week?

Michael Gurr sang a Carrie Underwood song and didn't fare well with the judges. No dice for him but he passed out as he was leaving the audition room.

Will Kunick--Hell No!!!

D.J. Bradley--Not a cat in hell's chance to being a recording artist

Shawn Vasquez-Don't get me started!!!

Andre Caraway (nickname "X-Ray")-No way I'm not buying his CD

Arianna Parr-sang well and I see her potential to go all the way-Yes from the judges

Elijah Scarlett-has a deep voice--not a chance to become the next Barry White but the judges gave him career advice of voice over work in monster movies. Elijah, you should be doing that!!

Lea Marie Golden arrived at the auditions dressed up in pink and she is a huge fan of the new judge Kara DioGuardi and she is quite a songwriter in the making--she wrote over 100 songs but when she sang, Simon found her to be annoying so NO CHANCE OF WINNING IDOL

Stevie Wright-Her mom is a huge Stevie Nicks fan--whe she sang, I think that she could grow in the competition so we will be seeing her in Hollywood

Michael Sarver has the most dangerous job in America--he works in an oil rig. He is a big man and has a family (wife and 2 kids). The judges love him so they will see him in Hollywood. Way to go, Michael!! Who knows? Maybe he will quit his job at the oil rig

The auditioner we saw in the preview, "Bikini Girl" arrived in a bikini thinking the judges will put her through to the next round. Her real name is Katrina Darrell. When she arrived to face the judges, Simon acted like a dirty old man. The girls were against her going through. Kara gave her a demonstration of how the song should be sung. Bikini Girl insulted her. Luckily, Paula intervened. She surprisingly got through to Hollywood. But there's no way in hell that she'll make the top 36. If she does, America, don't vote for her. She made out with Ryan.

Eric Thomas-has a nickname of "Sexual Chocolate" and his mom promised a new car if he doesn't get a ticket to Hollywood--the judges said "NO" and he got a car!!

Brianna Quijada-She was nervous throughout her audition but she won the judges' respect. She needs to control her nerves if she wants to be an Idol

Deanna Brown-Good voice-the new Kellie Pickler--she is Hollywood bound, actually she lives in Los Angeles so she'll be home--Her mom was happy even though she wasn't there in person

Cody Sheldon-huge horror fan and makes his own horror movies; his voice was enjoyable to listen to; I could see him as the next David Archuleta. He goes to Hollywood. If the singing doesn't work out, I may suggest that Cody should go and make horror flicks in Hollywood.

Alex Wagner Truckman-He looked like a geek but has a good voice. I don't know if he's got something special to go far in the competition. He insulted Simon and made fun of England's national anthem "God Save The Queen". He got through anways

The last contestant has a story that will touch you and inspire everyone. Scott McIntyre was born blind and is vision impaired. He plays piano, writes songs and is quite a good dancer. The fact that he started college at 14 years old surprised me. He is ultra smart..lol. After listening to him sing, I have a feeling that he could be a finalist. This goes to show that you can't let a disability stop you from reaching your dream.

Overall, 39 contestants are heading to the next round.

Next stop, Kansas City, Missouri, home of your reigning champion David Cook

Want more Idol? Go to http://www.americanidol.com