Judgement day!

Time to start the final mass cut! 50 people left, only 24 will make it.
A lot of the contestants had not slept well, so there are some tired eyes at breakfast.
But, the judges are still debating their decisions!

Well, finally, at 9AM, they have their final list. Simon is not happy with a lot of the choices.

They like stretching out the agony for the contestants. They have to ride up a long elevator, and then a long walk across a long room to the judges desk. So, here come the cuts!

Ronald Hodge... he has a funny voice! He is sent home.

Nina Shaw - Also a no

Mycale Gutton - No

Lisa Aukerman - No

Carly Smithson - She is getting a lot of airtime. She is really nervous, and she doesn't want to go up. She had also said that this was going to be her final time attempting Idol. She is emotional sitting in front of the judges, and starts crying. Paula is rambling on, and Simon tells Paula to get on with it. Paula keeps rambling, and eventually tells her she made it!

So, we have our first member of the top 24. By the way, they are only taking 12 men and 12 women.

As Carly is leaving, Simon tells Paula that she tortured Carly.

And with one person in, we have our first commercial break!

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And back for some more torture!

Next up....

David Cook... he had a guitar! And now, he has a pink tie! He's in!

So, 1 guy and 1 girl in so far!

Now, highlights of:

Amanda Overmyer... the Janis Joplin wannabe! They like her, so she's in!

Now, a montage of contestants, and what they're thinking... three up

Brandon Green - No

Amanda Hawkins - No

Buck Smith - No

Next up...

David Archuletta... He is small... possibly smaller than Ryan Seacrest!
Simon is explaining things, and being serious... and smiles and says he's through on a unanimous vote!

2 guys and 2 girls in.... Now, another commercial!

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And we're back! One sixth of the final 24 is revealed! And now, I'm having a muscle spasm in my right hand! Ugh! Oh well, keep pressing on!

Next up...

Kristy Lee Cook... Everybody's favourite cage-fighting hottie! :)
She is very nervous, and very cute! Paula is asking her how she feels... Kristy had some troubles in Hollywood... but she is in!

Kristy has made friends with Brooke White, who is apparently the next one up.

Before she even makes it up, she is already breaking down. Crying all the way up the elevator. I hope she makes it. I really like her.
Oh geez... don't drag it out on her! Just break the news already!
The judges are rambling, as usual. Randy says he hates saying this.... but she's going to be seeing a lot more of the judges! She is also in!

Oh geez... this year's Sanjaya is up.
Danny Noreiga - He is in

Jason Castro - In
Luke Menard - In
Alexandrea Lushington - In

Ramiele Mulubay! She is up! Go girl! She is really nervous, and is taking her time getting upstairs.
She is so gorgeous! I love her!
Paula is rambling again, and talking about how she has a big voice.
YES! SHE IS IN!!!!! Well, I have a reason to keep watching now! She is overjoyed! Her parents are overjoyed as well!

Here's the count so far...
5 guys and 6 girls. 13 more places left!

For now, though.... commercials....

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On with the slaughter!

Shaun Barrowes - Out

Lorena Pinot - Out

Drew Poppelreiter - Out

Natasha Block - Also Out

Michael Johns - More screentime for him. He is the Aussie who sang Bohemian Rhapsody.
He is nervous after coming up the elevator.
And more dragging. He is in! And now, all of America is a bundle of problems for him! :)

Syesha Mercado
Her heart is pounding really fast apparently. She had a strong showing in Hollywood.
Paula does a really bad joke on her... What word is in her name? YES! Ha ha, Paula. She is in.

Robbie Carrico - This rocker is in! Simon tried to make it sound like Paula didn't like him, but she did.

And another commercial! Recap the count so far...

7 guys and 7 girls in. 10 left! On with the ads!

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Garrett Haley - In

Kady Alloy - In

Chikezie Eze - In

Amy Davis - In

Alaina Whittaker - In

Jason Yeager - In

Asia'h Epperson - In

David Hernandez - In, but not in a unanimous decision. Simon wasn't the one who liked him, and he said that David would have to work really hard.

Josiah Leming... Everybody's favourite high-school dropout.... well, not mine... I'll admit, I hope he doesn't make it. Don't like him at all. Not exactly the best rolemodel for our youth.
Randy tells him it's a no. Thank goodness. No more fake British accent.

11 guys and 11 girls in. Only two more spots left, and there are only two guys and two girls left in the waiting room. And to build up the suspense, one final commercial!

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Back from the break.... guys go first

A couple of geeky-looking guys. My money is on Kyle
Colton Berry - He is in
Kyle Ensley - Out
Simon says he would have picked Kyle, and did not agree with the decision to put Colton through.
It appears Colton and Kyle had become best friends in Hollywood, and hated to be paired up against each other.

Finally, the final two girls.
Joanne Borgella - She is in
Carden McKinney - Out

So, that's it! We have our top 24! Next week, we have voting!

Well, after four excrutiating weeks, we are finally in Hollywood, to weed out the weak and undeserving even further! Yay! Let the futility begin!

(Roll opening credits).....

We're in for two full hours tonight. This could get messy! I just hope my girl makes it through!

They show a sign that says "Hollywood Bi"... oh wait, that's "BL" as in boulevard! Boy, was I mistaken!

They say they're upping the ante. Nothing like a poker reference for family entertainment!

They're going to give each of the contestants a couple chances.

First up, is the good girl!
Brooke White
She has never seen a rated R movie!
And she is getting to use a keyboard.
I guess the contestants are allowed to use instruments for the first time ever!
Simon likes her.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

She is through to the final day, for sure!

Lorena Pinot
She is very spunky.
Simon called it uncomfortable, like a drunk mother.

Amy Flynn
They cut the music off on her, and she makes a funny face!

Leo Marlowe
Simon calls it forgettable.

Luckily, they all get second chances!

And off to first commercial break! Even the ads get second chances today!

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We are back! With the stage presence of a flea!

Alisha Dixon
Simon stops her early, and calls it angry girl in bedroom.

Micheal Sanfilipo
He screwed up on his guitar

Alyssa Coco (sp?) - Stopped early

Shaun Barrowes (sp?) - Also stopped early

Jacob Mellela (sp?)
He is doing drums! Simon looks frustrated, though.
Randy calls it just OK
Simon says everything about it was horrible

R: No
P: No
S: No

Man, they're flying through these!

David Hernandez
He is just going to be singing. He was a nervous one in San Diego.
When he started singing, he got a little girl scream from the audience!
He definitely has the charisma, and some talent to go with it.
Paula is dancing now!
Simon loved it, and said he was comfortable up there on stage.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

After the commercials, we got the cassanova coming back!

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Halfway through day 1, they say.
A lot of people are getting "no"s, and they're really harping on how everybody gets a second chance.

Next up, rock n roll nurse!
Amanda Overmyer
She was in a car accident about a week ago, and has 12 staples in her head
I'm trying to think of who she reminds me of... sounds like a rhaspy rock chick, which I guess she is.
Oh yeah, the whole Janis Joplin thing.
Randy loves her, and so does Paula.
Simon is glad she is here, but he says she is getting predictable.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Now, they're harping on the no's again, and Simon had warned against forgetting the words. Too bad!

Buck Smith - forgot the words to "Light My Fire"

Cardin McKinney - don't know what song she's singing, but Simon waves her off

Natashia Blach - just kinda stops in the middle of her song

Oh jeez.... Mr. Cassanova himself! And he is definitely flirting with every single girl in sight!
Ghaleb Emachah
He has an acoustic guitar, and a bit of an accent.
Paula seems to like him. Randy doesn't look as interested.
Is it me, or did he get a lot worse? He is offkey and hoarse sounding!
Simon compares him to a singing waiter... WAIT! I used to be a singing waiter!

R: No
P: No
S: No

54 people didn't make it through the first day so far, but they all get second chances. More to come!

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Day two is here! 80 more contestants get a shot at stardom. Yay!

First up, the highschool dropout who lives out of his car, and slips into British accents.
Josiah Leming
The song he is singing is really weird. He gets really high-pitched at times. And the song is bouncy.
Reminds me of a young Elton John

Randy and Paula are gushing about him.
Simon said this is the one audition he will remember.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

I saw a flash of my girl!

And now, some more flying through, this time with good contestants!

Danny Noreiga - Not bad

Ramiele Malubay - MY GIRL!!!

She is really grooving it up with her song!
Sounds like an old soul singer!
Wish she would have gotten some more airtime!
So pretty! =^-^=



Carly Smithson - she has a blue tongue

Michael Johns - They love him!

And more commercials!

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We're back

David Cook and his guitar
Immediately, he hits an offkey note, but that sounds like the only off note.
He also has a blue tongue! Was somebody passing out blue lollipops backstage?
Randy likes it and so does Paula.
Simon doesn't like it as much.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: No

He had sung Brian Adam's "Everything I Do" That's a popular selection today.
Robbie Carrico, Jessica Brown, Perrie Cataldo, Syesha Mercado, and Colton Berry all chose that song!

Last up, the future president, who mistakenly got roomed up with a couple girls! Hah!
Well, at least, he is becoming a hit with the ladies!
Kyle Ensley
Very showtuney... Simon called it abysmal, and walks off the set.

Well, that's it for this group... next up, last chance for the "No" contestants!

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Day three! Do or die day!
48 have a free pass to the final day
116, though, are in sudden death mode!

The people are grouped up in groups of about 10 or 12, and each only get a few seconds to sing acapella to impress the judges.

GROUP 1

Suzanne Toon - not sure what the judges will think
Perrie Cataldo - breaks out some R&B

David Slopes and Paul Anthony Daniel are the only ones from the first group to make it to the next day.


GROUP 2

Amy Flynn - she is the preacher of abstinence, and a dance team girl! And she makes funny faces. And has a vocal coach with her! Kinda looks like the coach is controlling her a bit, though.
Kind of a plain voice, singing "Love Will Bring You Back"... I'm not sure..

Amy Flynn and one other guy step forward.... they get sent home.


GROUP 3 - Not sure who all is in that group, but that entire group goes.

GROUP 4 - Don't see the numbers in each row, but some make it, some don't.

And now, commercials.

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Back with more cuts.

Anthony Sanders, Alicia (No Last Name), Alisha Vixen, and several others are in the next group.

Now, they're just showing mass cuts, including another entire group that gets the axe.

In the final group, Kristy Lee Cook, which if I'm not mistaken, is the girl who sold her horse to get to audition. She is also the kickboxer and cage fighter!

Also in the final group is Jeffrey Lampkin, who auditioned with his sister. His sister was already cut. He's a big boy, and sings a song about food! :)

One more... Angela Martin - she is the one who had the daughter with a disease... can't remember the name of it. Her father was also just killed.

AJ (NLN), Angela Martin and Alicia (NLN) step forward, and go home. So, out of the three featured contestants, Jeffrey and Kristy Lee are on to the next day. Jeffrey is ecstatic, and shouting hallelujah!

Up next, the final cut!

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Hey, a commercial with Kimmie Meissner!

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Day Four has come! The contestants are tired, and were up late practicing with the band.

Hey! Another shot with my girl, Ramiele!

Each contestant get a chance with the band and three background singers.

First up, David Archuletta. He had gotten all yes's the first day, including an "incredible" from Simon.
He's taking on a different Brian Adams song - Heaven
He's pretty good. Not much stage presense, but good smooth voice.
Randy calls it the bomb!
Paula thinks he's a gem.
Simon thinks he has a lot going for him.
He's very happy with those comments!

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Kyle Ensley
He singing "You Raise Me Up"
He's not dancing around as much as last time, but a little more controlled than last time.
Randy likes him.
Paula thinks it's safe.
Simon also likes him

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Jeffrey Lampkin
A little pitchy singing "A Whole New World"
Not sure how the judges voted, but I think he was sent home.

Joey Catalano
He started off the day with a migrane.
And it shows... he's really off.
He is voted off, and sent home.

Syesha Mercado
She is speaking using paper cards, because she is saving her voice.
Not too bad, although still a bit hoarse.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

And sounds like her voice is gone again!

Michael Johns
Australian for Idol!
Oh geez... he's doing Bohemian Rhapsody
So far, so good.... wonder if he'll do the Gallileo's!
Nope, they don't let him get that far... good audition, though!

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes - Best audition of the day, according to Simon!

And now, a short musical interlude.... wait, just a commercial....

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And back.... man, I hope that was the last commercial.

Next up, the tattooed Irish girl!
She had some problems with her voice, and it turned out she was allergic to her dog.

Carly Smithson
She has a deep voice. Suits her, though.
Paula is getting into her performance of "How Do I Get You Alone"
All the judges say that was a good song choice.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Asia'h Epperson
She is sporting a sleeveless belly... sweater.... interesting.
She is a cutie! Very good voice, too.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Brooke Helvie
She is the beauty pageant contestant, who Simon thought was annoying.
And she's singing Simon's favourite song, Unchained Melody!
Not a great performance. When she hit the high note, Simon stopped her.
She is campaigning for votes

R: No
P: No
S: Yes

And she is totally upset and rejected.

Josiah Leming is last up, and his practice with the band didn't go so well.
The vocal coach offered help, but don't know if he took her up on the offer.
When he auditions, he asks the band to leave. Probably because he couldn't get through a rehearsal.
He sings his rendition of "Stand By Me"
It was not good at all, and the judges agree.
He breaks down on stage in tears.
The judges are willing to judge him on his past performance.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Now, for sure, the final commercials! Next up, the absolute most final cut for the top 24!

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Finally back! Ugh... I'm sick of sitting on this couch!
They are doing a montage of contestants and their reactions and performances.

The judges are deliberating on the top 24. They're showing flashes of contestants, while the judges are discussing the contestants. A lot of arguing by the judges! The results? That's all tomorrow!

(Editor's note: Sorry this was delayed so long... I was hoping to get Episode 6 up before this one, but my VCR is not working, and #6 is on tape, so I'll have to get to that one later.)

Last audition round! I think this is a best of/worst of episode. And this is going to be especially tough on me, because there is sound, but the screen is completely black!

First up,

Luke Reader
The fact that there is no picture just makes it sound that much worse! Because that's all you can pick up on!
And he sounded bad initially, and then went crazy!

Now, some guy who is singing very nasally... ugh, this is horrible! Sounds like a sheep!

Next up,

Amy Davis
She is in it for her family's future. She comes from a poor family.
Wait... they said she was part Japanese??? Oh please, black screen.... go away!!!
She's average singing at best... very plain sounding.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Tiffany McCampbell
She's a church choir girl that was told by the Holy Spirit to audition.
And she's singing a gospel song... well, it's more like screaming a gospel song.
She said God gave her her voice... Simon asks if God has a return policy!

And a commercial break in pure blackness!

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They're apparently doing a montage of couples... not sure what's going on. They mention a love triangle! Ok, there is a girl with two boyfriends. And it sounds like they're twins!

Chris and Corey Lane
One is doing beat-boxing, and the other is rapping an original... big no-no there!
He keeps saying "Here we go..." Well, get on with it!
Simon calls it amateurish. Even Paula is ripping them!

R: No
P: No
S: No

Their girlfriend is shocked!

Next up, Ashley! She has a puppy apparently. I think she may be the girlfriend, although I'm not sure.
Simon says he is stealing her dog. She says if she gets to Hollywood, she'll give him anything he wants!
Simon calls her performance excrutiating! And he also claims the dog is trying to run out of the room!
They say the dog can go to Hollywood.
Her "boyfriends" are insulting her left and right, as well, behind her back. Real winners there!

Carden McKinney (sp?)
From Nashville, a server at a fondue restaurant!
She has a really nice voice... kinda bluesy, but definitely crossover-capable
Simon calls it theatrical.
Paula calls it a mature voice.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: No

And there was much rejoicing.

Next up, commercials!!!

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And back! Back in black!

Next up, a plus-sized model!

Joanne Worjella? Didn't catch the last name that well. Wish I had a visual to work with!
She had sung the national anthem at the Madison Square Garden! That's impressive!
I don't know what to make of her voice... seemed controlled at times, and then went to some screaming.
Paula likes her voice.
Randy thinks she can sing, although Simon doesn't seem impressed!

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: No

And we have picture finally!

Alesha Stelzl
Ugh... she looks like a blonde version of one of my ex-girlfriends! Scary...
She sounds like a chipmunk!
Simon asks where she took training, and says that her instructor just lost his job.
He also says the audition was dreadful.
Paula is coming to her defense, and saying that she could have a pretty voice.
Paula and Randy say she should sing some Dolly Parton.
She doesn't know any Dolly Parton songs, so Simon tells her to go learn a Dolly song and come back.

And while she is learning a new song, we're going to commercial!


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She's back with "Islands in the Stream"

And I still think she sings like a chipmunk!

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Doesn't want a part of this vote

Simon admits that the other two were right, and that wasn't the end he wanted.


Brandi Gregorie
She is dancing, which is the cardinal rule of things you DON'T do in an audition.

Charles Randy Leviner
Very vulgar... and bad singing.

Joshua Moreland a.k.a. Jay Smoove
He thinks he's big stuff... and brought the glitter to prove it!
Simon calls it catchy
He then says that there are probably dogs gathered outside.

R: No
P: No
S: No

Now, the cleaning crew is out to clean up the glitter that Mr. Smoove dropped.
The judges call Ryan in to help sweep up, but he insists that he doesn't want to get in the way of the cleaning girl doing her job.
Simon asks if the cameras are still rolling, and when told yes, proceeds to help the girl, and apologize for Ryan being so rude. Once he's told the cameras are off, though, he tells her that it's all hers! :)

And to make sure the finances are nice and clean, here are some commercials!

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We start off with Simon being mad. Now, he's just messing up names. He screws up a lot.

Next up, a contestant from last year... didn't get to Hollywood last time.

Chikezie Eze

He is tackling some Luther Vandross. And he definitely has a good voice.

R: ?
P: ?
S: ?

They didn't show the results, but he made it through!

And final commercial break of the night.... I think...

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Final contestant of the day, another contestant from last year.

Danny Noriega

He reminds me way too much of Sanjaya... although not Indian... kinda effeminate, and a big lisp. Eek....
And he's through... ugh.

Now, a recap!!! Yay!!!
Auditions are finally over. Now, a big final montage of just highlights of this season.
Next week, Hollywood week!

(Editor's note: Sorry this was delayed so long... I was hoping to get Episode 6 up before this one, but my VCR is not working, and #6 is on tape, so I'll have to get to that one later.)

Here we are in sunny Mylanta... I mean, Atlanta!
Well, the little kid at the beginning pronounced it "Elanta"
This is Ryan's hometown, and his parents show up. His parents like the spinning rims that this one guy has... around his neck!
Ok, on with the contestants!

Josh Jones
He is a glass worker!
And he's tackling a Queen song...
Started off kinda shaky... not really feeling his voice.
The judges say his eyes are looking... demonic
So, he tries again... and his eyes go off again!
The judges tell him to turn around.
So, he turns around... starts singing, and turns and face the judges again!
They tell him to stay turned around.
Then he starts dancing!
Simon calls it karaoke!

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: No

And we got our first commercial break of the day!

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And we're back in Hotlanta... and some girls brought a fire extinguisher!
Next up....
JP something.... didn't catch his last name.
His face looks really fake! He sat two seats in front of Carrie Underwood.... he hopes the star quality rubs off!
Well... at least he's on key! That's about it, though.
He's not through.

Now, they run a montage of Paula not being able to say No.

Asia Epperson
She's from an apparently poor family.
While she was on her way to audition, her father was in a car accident and passed away.
She is singing a song in memory of her father... "How Do I Live Without You"
She sounds like she would have a good voice, but it's cracking a bit, probably from her emotion.
Simon likes her, and said she did a good job
Paula does too.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Paula is now crying... very touching.

Speaking of touching.... commercials!

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Back in Atlanta... and they're playing up the whole "Georgia Peach" thing. Next up, they have a beauty pageant contestant.

Brooke Helvie
the judges start off by having her pose in various beauty pageant poses.
Her voice isn't too bad...
Simon says she is pretty good. She says she loves Simon.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

Boy, she has a high pitched squeal! Like a Georgia peach, she squeals like a pig!
Simon says, after she leaves, she may be the most annoying person he's ever met.

Now, we have a montage of bad singers singing Fergie's "Glamorous"... the judges don't feel so glamourous now...

And speaking of glamourous.... more commercials! Including makeup commercials!

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Back to Bilanta... I mean... whatever...
They're talking about attitude... and show the next contestant!

Eva Miller
And she's dancing while singing.... and falls over!
Oh please, get her off stage! Reminds me of a bad stripper!
After they make her stop, she admits her undying love for Simon.
She's holding back tears as the judges are trying to break the bad news to her.
Simon hugs her for comfort.

R: No
P: No
S: No

She rips up her

Alexandrea Lushington
Her grandmother is here, and she is 93!
I like her hat!
She is only 16 years old. And a pretty good singer to boot!

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

And after commercials, even more attitude!

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And we're back in.... oh, I give up....

We start
Michael Gregory
Chris Lars, who is wearing a skirt!
Jared Wiley... the chin... sounds like Tiny Tim!

Nathan Hite
He said he would have some witty retorts for Simon if he acted up.
He asks how much he is allowed to move around. This could be bad.
He is just horrible... way off key on his song.
Simon calls it a "bedroom audition"... Nathan has his witty retort ready, but Simon fires right back!

Amanda Overmyer
Harley Chick! Dyed hair and everything!
She has a very strong, blues rocker voice!
The judges love her, and say she's the female Chris Daughtry

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

And now, the final commercial!

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Almost the end of the day. They are making it sound like a ton of people are coming out of Atlanta.

Finally, a high school dropout who is living out of his car. Great role model for our nation's troubled youth.

Josiah Leming
He wrote his own song for the audition. Usually a bad sign. Writing your own song is a big no-no.
He sounds British when he sings! I'm not that big of a fan. Sounds like he is forcing his vocal rolls.
Paula likes him. Randy thinks he's more of a band guy.

R: Yes
P: Yes
S: Yes

As he is saying thanks, he slips into a British accent again.
Simon says "The British are taking over!"

20 total from Atlanta.

Next up, Hollywood! Just auditions, not the Hollywood round!