Wednesday night's episode of American Idol contained a notable lack of weirdos. Austin, Texas surprised even the judges, who didn't expect to have a seemingly endless streak of contestants getting the golden ticket to Hollywood.
In this season's previous auditions, the contestant with the best sob story -- albeit with talent -- was saved for last. But for the Austin auditions, it's likely one began to wonder if the Idol producers decided to take a different route.
19-year-old Casey Abrams, a Seth Rogen lookalike, appeared to be a relaxingly dorky kid with big dreams that may or may not match his talent. However, he thoroughly impressed the judges, singing "Fraggle Rock" by Ray Charles.
This singer was really impressive, soulfully belting out the tune and providing a chill, happy vibe. He also brought along a melodica, which he joyfully played for the judges at the end of his audition.
Courtney Penry was another surprisingly good singer. The 17-year-old is obsessed with Ryan Seacrest, clearly eyeing him throughout her audition and proving to be incapable of keeping her giddiness to herself.
She even burst out in tears and declared that Seacrest is the "sexiest man alive. I will marry him someday. Hopefully I won't make a fool of myself." She performed "Stay" by Sugarland, and all three judges let her through to Hollywood.
John Wayne Schulz was another noticeable contestant. His name, "John Wayne," said it all -- he was charming, charismatic, and caring toward his parents. His mom is a cancer survivor, and when she was sick, he promised her he would try out for Idol . Schulz sang a rendition of Brooks & Dunn's "Believe." His mom was brought in to the room, crying and telling the judges, "I have a feeling he won't disappoint you guys!"
Jacqueline Dunfold & Nick Fink provided another charming presence, but it was all a bit annoying. The couple met while in community college and have since been inseparable. The camera showed them prancing through grassy fields with sparkling eyes.
The 21-year-old Dunfold almost squealed, "Nick is me in boy form...not that I'm in love with myself!" During her audition, the 19-year-old Fink couldn't stop smiling or keep his eyes off of his girlfriend. As Randy suggested, it's apparent that their each other's biggest fans. But the judges also ended up as fans, after listening to Dunfold sing Duffy's "Mercy" and Fink perform a rendition of Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning."
Country girl Janelle Arthur also provided more talent. Her pre-audition tape depicted her going on about how not all country people are "bumpkins with no teeth." However, the camera then shows her and her large family sitting on an open patio playing country-tinged music. The 20-year-old pleased the judges, who loved her sophistication while singing Duffy's "Syrup & Honey."
The most outrageous award goes to Mikalene Ipson, a.k.a. "Armadillo Girl." She came into the audition room dressed in an armadillo costume, because that's what she does as her job. Of course, the judges were distracted and just could not take her seriously, despite the fact that the girl has her own MySpace page featuring her songs.
Next up in auditions: Los Angeles.
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