'American Idol' in Chicago: Few diamonds in the thick rough

"We can do better. Yes, we can." Those words were echoing on TV sets around the U.S. on election Tuesday as the Senate welcomed (R) Scott Brown from Massachusetts to the inner D.C. circle. Oh wait, I'm not a political blogger stirring up controversy and debate over such trivial matters like health care in his country, I am an "American Idol" blogger from Seattle. (We do read your comments on Idol Confessions, so keep 'em coming)

I may not be a politics blogger, but I do have the self-appointed credentials to say this: "Chicago, YOU can do better!"

For a city that brought us the likes of Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, the Plain White T's, Fall Out Boy, and R. Kelly, we only saw 13 golden tickets?!?!?!

The many disgruntled Chi-towners highlighted by the AI producers throughout the show have nothing to gripe about, because they blew Tuesday night. Get it? "Blew!" Ha! I kill me!

Highlights:

We only had to sit though 60 minutes of auditions. (I'm stealing money from the Seattle Times on this AI gig. Oh wait, never mind. This is an unpaid experience.)

Once again a diamond in the rough didn't get too much air time. I lead off the talent-highlight portion with a name that shouldn't be forgotten, Keith Semple. He made a brief appearance singing a Bryan Adams song in the final segment. I know there is a lot of chatter about how our next "American Idol" should be a female singer because of the recent draught, but the ladies better look out for Semple and Luke Shaffer from Boston.

UPDATE: Turns out Semple had his ticket revoked by AI producers, reportedly over the Northern Ireland-native's immigration status. See the video for an explanation. That's too bad.

Curly-haired, 19-year-old Katelyn Epperly. First one out of the gate had a sweet and soulful sound. Oh, throw in the fact that she had the look of an Idol to boot. I admit I am a little weary of the voices we hear under the age of 20, so we'll have to see how she'll hold up. She seems to be an old soul which could shatter my immature vocal-cord theory. Bottom line is I like this girl.

Angela Martin. I am a sucker for women who drive fast and sing slow. Very cool to see her making her third trip to Cali on AI. I want to believe, like her family that "the storm is over" for this troubled, talented singer. We could see Miss Martin in the female finale 12 as long as she doesn't get pulled over on the 101 next week by Poncherello. (for readers born after 1983 google "Chips" for that one)

Contestant #34479 Paige DeChausse. I say "Yahtzee for DeChausse." Look out AI fans this girl is for real. Randy got pressured by the ladies to help her advance, but I don't think he's gonna regret it. Her number of #34479 may not be a good roll in Yahtzee. (we would need to put that one in our chance column for 27 points), but I still like her "chances" in Hollywood.

Lowlights:

Ohio = NOhio!!!! OK, I must get this off my chest. As an Ohio native, 26-year-old Amy Lang didn't represent. While the crush-on-Ryan Seacrest montage accompanied by Barry White was hysterical, Amy's self-proclaimed "boob flex" was something left to be desired.

Not ready for prime time. She may have gotten one of the lucky 13 golden tickets from Chicago, but I am not a fan of 16-year-old Charity Vance. She was too Disney in her look and vocal talents. She also seems a little timid, and she may fold under the pressures of Hollywood pairings. I am laying 2-1 odds (can you tell I'm still in Vegas?) that she is featured for forgetting lyrics in future episodes. I say this with no knowledge of what lies ahead. I see only what you see in your warm and cozy AI-watching confines.

Channeling Tiny Tim. Was it just me, or were some of you scared about the morale of U.S. Army troops if Brian "tip toe" Krause is/was helping lift their spirits. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but I think this guy may have taken one too many warm bubble baths.

In closing:

Three Seasons (1, 5 & 9) is enough of Chicago.

Was it me or was Simon Cowell leaning into Shania Twain just a bit. Is he missing the warmth of Paula Abdul like I am?

My mom's male & female picks to click - Keith Semple and Katelyn Epperly.

Loved fellow blogger Patrick Brown's AI rankings this week here on Idol Confessions, but wasn't too happy to see Luke Shaffer in his "won't get past Hollywood" bucket. Warning: Pat also picked his Cougs to finish higher than the Huskies this past football season and (D) Martha Coakley over (R) Brown in the Mass. Senate race.

"Dawg" counter = 3
"Hideous" counter = 0
"Pitchy" counter = 1
"Boob flexes" counter = 8
(They snuck in a different girl doing one after the expert did hers, and then our expert made one more slo-mo flex in the half-hour recap)

The POTG Effect - Before I go, I did an unscientific study while walking up and down the Las Vegas Strip since "Pants on the Ground" swept the nation. I have seen the number of pants pulled up increase by 17 percent. Way to go General Platt! Now if someone could just come up with a jingle for "boob flexing."

Until next time, let your boogie out. Later days.