America's best singers... really?

American Idol is one of my favorite shows of all time. Well, it comes right underneath "The Office." I just love seeing talented singers progress through the audition process and wind up performing live in front of millions. However, yesterday as I was watching 12 of the top 36 singers in America I was completely let down. The talent was no good! Supposedly American Idol travels around to many different cities around the U.S. to find America's best singers. Thousands upon thousands of hopefuls audition in each city. The winners from the cities travel to Hollywood where about 120 singers try-out hoping to make in the top 36 by the end of the week. The bad ones are weeded out and this week was the first week to watch the 36 best singers in America audition for that one highly acclaimed spot as the American Idol.

As I watched and listened last night I was utterly disgusted. Not at the bad singers but at the show for allowing such horrible singers to make it through to the top 36! Something has gone completely wrong with the audition process! I know that there are thousands of singers who try out but never make it into the judges room because they are weeded out before hand. And I am also certain that hundreds of these are much better than the talent of last night. It almost seems to me that if you don't have a sappy story or an outrageous gimmick you will never make it! Where can I watch a competition where people are solely judged on their voices and performance abilities?!?! Anyone?

One guy I am excited about is Danny Gokey, who is a Church Music Director but has an outstanding voice and was by far the best performer last night.

Are you watching American Idol this year?
Who's your favorite?
Who do you want to see go home?