Ellen + Hollywood Week + Lots of Surprises from the Contestants!

One hundred and eighty-one hopefuls met in Hollywood last night at the Kodak theater. In the first few minutes we meet Ellen and she is super sweet and funny. She seems to not waver from her true personality for the show and I love that. Along with Randy, Kara, and Simon, the first day of Hollywood rounds begin. This year the contestants were put into groups of 8 and were given the opportunity to sing acapella or with an instrument. Many chose instruments and many more did not. My favorite performances of the night definitely came from those with instruments. In just a few minutes the in and outs began. I've listed below what I took away from the show as far as who's in and who's out for the next rounds.

Katie Stevens - In
Skiiboski - Out
Vanessa Wolf - Out
Andrew Garcia -In ( Loved his cover of Paula Abdul's Straight Up. Paula would've gone crazy )
Cornelius Edwards - Out
Janelle Wheeler - In
Haeley Vaughn - In (Very surprised by her voice and I like it!)
Toddrick Hall - In
Ashley Rodriguez - In
Jay Stone - Out
Justin Williams - Out
Tim Urban - In
Maddie Curtis - Out
Casey James - In ( Bluesy & adorable. What more can you ask for? He reminded me of Jonny Lang but will he be able to sing in a group and do all the other songs in later rounds)
Michael Lynche - In
Barney Dominatrix Erica Rhodes - Out
Didi Benami - In ( loved the song Terrified that she sang. She is definitely different. Kind of reminds me of last year's Brook White but with stronger vocals)
Crystal Bowersox - In
Lilly Scott - In
Lacey Brown - In
Mary Powers - In
Paige Dechausse - Out
Amanda & Bernadette Desimone - Out

Overall, I was surprised in both good and bad ways. I was hoping Vanessa Wolf would've been better but OMG she was awful.I felt so bad for her. And what about Justin Williams? Just take a moment and watch anything of him on Youtube. He is one talented guy. Yet the very weak singer Tim Urban got through?? Are they going for the younger guys this year regardless of talent to boost viewings?

My favorites of the night were Andrew Garcia, Michael Lynche, Didi Benami, Haeley Vaughn, and Casey James. I didn't see my fave, John Park, so I'm hoping he's showcased in tonight's Hollywood rounds.

Who was your favorite last night? Are you liking Ellen as the new judge?

Ellen Degeneras To Be The New Judge On American Idol!

A couple days ago we learned the Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul as the new judge on American Idol season 9. Honestly I wish they were getting rid of Kara rather than Paula.

Also, Ellen said in an interview that she would not be mean. Good for her! I'm sure she will be funny which goes great with what American Idol has become in the past few seasons. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how she does on the new season coming in January 2010.

Do you think Ellen will be a good American Idol judge?


Other Links to read more about Ellen becoming a part of AI:

DeGeneres says she'll be honest but kind. We'd expect no less!

Ellen DeGeneres Joining American Idol as 4th Judge.

Josiah Leming on the Ellen DeGeneres Show

Josiah Leming, possibly the most popular ousted American Idol contestant ever performed on the Ellen DeGeneras Show today.

His performance was amazing. He totally deserves a recording contract.

Click here to see the video. The link will take you to the Ellen site where you can watch the interview with Josiah, watch him sing the song he wrote, and you get to see what Ellen gifts him with!!!

To listen to more of Josiah's music and to learn more about him visit his Myspace page.

www.myspace.com/josiahleming/