By: Mary Cavaliere

The third episode featured auditions in Charleston, South Carolina with guest judge Tyce Diorio. Tyce has both judged and choreographed on the show before and is also a well-known choreographer and dancer who has worked with celebrities such as Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.

I realized tonight that what I enjoy about this show more than American Idol is that most of the contestants are serious dancers with training and this is a skill that really can't be faked.  Idol brings out the bathroom and bedroom singers whereas in a dance competition, the talent is forced to show what they know with regard to technique.  It also seems to me that many more contestants take the show more seriously than Idol contestants do.  That is not to say that there aren't a few odd ducks that cross the path of the judges.  I guess what I'm trying to say is it's not excessive in the way it is on Idol. 

Unfortunately the auditions in Charleston brought out a lot of ignorant, pompous, conceited, and angry young people.  I couldn't wait for the show to move on to another city! 

The second part of the show featured auditions in Washington D.C. with guest judge Dan Karaty.  Dan, who has performed on Broadway himself, has also judged and choreographed on the show before as well.  Thank goodness this city proved to bring a lot more talent to the table than Charleston did. 

The most memorable individual who auditioned was Jason Looney a.k.a. Betty Wallace.  What was that all about?  I have nothing against transvestites, and I doubt the judges do either.  In my opinion, some of them look ten times better than I ever have even on one of my best days.  But this guy was a mockery of the lifestyle and both Nigel and Mary let him have it.  He looked totally shocked by the feedback but they were not pleased with his appearance or his dance effort.  He had on hot pink pants and a black sequined top.  His hair was long and he had make-up on in a way that it appeared he was trying to resemble Marilyn Monroe.  His lips were outlined carefully with lipstick pencil, and he had the drawn-in beauty mark on the side of the cheek, as well as the bright red lipstick.  BUT WHAT WAS WITH THE FREAKIN' BEARD?????????  I don't know if his real name was Jason Looney or not, but as Nigel pointed out, the name surely fit the personality.  It was really painful to watch…..

One thing I can say is I'm glad this show doesn't require brains.  Otherwise the dancer who was cheering about making it through would have been disqualified for spelling Vegas wrong.  V-E-A-G-S.  Huh??????

You can read more of Mary's television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57

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