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The beauty of Idol is that Kelly Clarkson didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t exactly show any type of front runner status until she made the Top 10.

I was actually looking for a Kelly/Tamyra final 2 when she sang “Respect.”

Spotting a frontrunner this early is extremely rare, but it can happen.

I had to watch Stevie’s performance this afternoon to remember her.

I hope she makes it, sure. But, right now, she strikes me as boring.

I think Paulaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Kelly Clarkson comment about Stevie was accurate. She looks a bit like her, has a similar vocal tone, and sang the same audition song as Kelly. Should be interesting to see how far she goes.

I think you’re right, IF. It all depends on her. If she grows she could easily end up being a frontrunner by midseason. Everyone loves contestants who seem to bloom before their eyes. The only thing standing in her way is the return to the old format. If she makes the top 36 she better blow everyone away on her semi performance.

Sarah, I hadn’t heard anything so didn’t assume much. Especially after my own experience at an Idol audition. I’m sorry you didn’t make it, but I’m sure it’s for the best. It’s shocking how arbitrary it really is. I know you’ll find success. It certainly didn’t hurt Colbie Callait’s career!

Stevie Wright doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t strike me as a front runner. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be interesting to see her step it up.

The beauty of Idol is that Kelly Clarkson didn’t exactly show any type of front runner status until she made the Top 10. Just ask Simon who didn’t like her at all until then. Stevie could be a blender if she’s not careful, but I think her cheerful personality will help endear her to viewers. I don’t want to get too attached yet though because Hollywood is a whole different stage.

Keepin’ my eye on: Emily, Stevie, Deanna and Alex.

I find it odd that while American Idol is suing a strip club because they have a contest called Stripper Idol but yet they put on a family show a girl in a Bikini.

Am I the only one who thinks that the stripper thing (idol suing them)is a way to get attention and thus more viewers?

Sarah – what were they thinking picking Bikini Girl over you? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d rather see you on there anyday!

For one thing, I didn’t audition in the same city. But whatever. It’s all water under the bridge.

My husband and I were talking about how rigorous idol is, especially at the end and how the intensity and pressure of it all, especially as it gets closer to the end, kind of weeds out many contestants. You wonder how many of these kids could stand what the Davids did at the end and especially on tour- going from city to city, while doing their albums (and David A also doing school 3 hours a day during the season). Looking back, I think MJ could have handled it and probably Syesha and Chakezie (sorry if I spelled it wrong). It will be interesting to watch these new contestants.

I actually thought Emily w/the tats wasn’t that great–not a good singer in spite of her having a good voice, if that makes sense. Odd pitch “choices,” lol.

Hated that they tried to make fun of Lea the Pink Cowgirl. She wasn’t a bad singer, and she didn’t seem like a horrible person or anything. Just an overly bubbly 16-year-old nervous at an audition. Not sure why Simon acted like she was offending him.

Heh, I kinda liked Xray with “Cactus Baby.” At least he was fun to watch.

Of all the Golden-Ticket-ers, I think Stevie was the only one who could potentially make the top-12, though I thought Alex the Geek had a great audition (plus, he was funny! But not in that annoying Chris-Sligh way!).

All in all, an OK start to the season, a little flat, if anything. It will take a few episodes to figure what this season’s storyline is supposed to be.