By: Mary Cavaliere

Tonights episode took place in Atlanta, Georgia where talent appeared to be over-flowing. But are we really surprised since this is also where we found Clay Aiken (Season 2), Jennifer Hudson (Season 3), and Fantasia Barrino (Season 3).

The first part of the show was an emotional journey for both contestant and judges, as well as the audience. This very courageous young woman, Asiah Epperson from Joplin, Missouri, found out two days prior while waiting for the Idol audition, that her Dad passed away from a car accident. How this girl managed to keep it all together and walk in with a beautiful smile is beyond me. Paula could not contain her emotional re-action to this story and when she lost it, so did I. But I took a long deep breath and continued watching.

Brooke Helvie from Wellington, Florida was there to prove to Simon that some beauty queens really can sing. Simon was hoping she sang poorly because he found her to be a very annoying personality. But much to his dismay, Brooke had an amazing voice. I'm not a big fan of beauty contests myself, and I don't admire women who enter them, but this young beauty was definitely talented, so off to Hollywood she went.

I was completely captivated by Alexandrea Lushington from Douglasville, Georgia who sang the most unique rendition of My Funny Valentine I've ever heard. Alexandrea brought an entire entourage with her to the audition, including her 93-year old grandmother who didn't want to cry while the cameras were on her.

My all-time favorite for the night, however, was Amanda Overmyer from Mulberry, Indiana. Amanda is a Harley-ridin rocker who works as a nurse during the day. She has a very unique look and a powerful rocker voice. She auditioned with a Janis Joplin song, but her voice reminded me more of the well-known blues guitarist and vocalist Susan Tedeshi. I'm not sure Amanda could ever win Idol, but that's what I love most about A.I. You don't necessarily have to win to be successful after the show is over. Just take a look at the past six seasons and you'll see a number of entertainers who are doing quite well for themselves in spite of their Idol loss.

Season 2 ~ Kimberly Locke and Clay Aiken
Season 3 ~ Jennifer Hudson
Season 4 ~ Constantine Maroulis and Bo Bice
Season 5 ~ Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Katherine McPhee, and Kelli Pickler
Season 6 ~ Blake Lewis

I don't know what it is about Idol that brings out the strangest of characters. Jared Wiley from Louisville, Kentucky opened his mouth and channeled Beverly Sills! It was really kind of eerie. So I'm excited to say that tomorrow night is the last episode before hell week in Hollywood. It might be hell for the contestants, but watching the first eight episodes (the auditions) was hell for the rest of us!

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