American Idol

Corn. Cows. And a few good singers? We can hope.

Tonight Ryan Seacrest and his buddies hit the heartland in search of a Nebraskan or two to make American Idol Season 7 worth watching.

7 p.m.
There are 10,000 hopefuls waiting in line, and the corn-fed Nebraska jokes are certain to be a big part of tonight’s episode. Paula Abdul, however, seems to be missing. Her delayed flight means Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson will have to run the show without her … at least for now.

Chris Bernheisel was promised a chance to report live for the Omaha Fox affiliate. But that was a promise made by Simon, so will it really happen? I hope not.

Chris Bernheisel has waited a lifetime for a moment like this. Oh, and he should have waited a few more lifetimes. The first singer in the audition room is a big fan of Kelly Clarkson — he even brought a photo album of pictures with the original American Idol winner. The Fremont, Neb., native has a personality, so they say, but the voice. Please. Make. It. Stop.

7:12 p.m.
Paula still hasn’t arrived, but some other freaks are waiting their turn. And then there’s Jason Rich, a 21-year-old from tiny Stout, Iowa.

His version of Keith Whitley’s biggest hit would be phenomenal — but he can’t remember the lyrics. Nerves are getting the best of this guy, who certainly seems like he would be the ideal candidate for the show. Still, he can’t get past a couple of lines of the song. And I think we all know what that means — hitting the door without the golden ticket. Or not.

Somehow Simon and Randy were willing to give him another show. According to reports earlier this week, he won’t make it farther.

Jason Rich

Finally, Paula has arrived.

7:18 p.m.

Rachael Wicker

Rachael Wicker is a six-time arm-wrestling champion. For her Idol audition, it’s another country song. We are in Omaha, after all. Let’s bring on the stereotypes, why don’t we? Even without Simon’s vote, Rachael makes it to Hollywood Week.

First, though, she arm wrestles Paula. And Paula comments on her soft skin. This is such a bizarre show at times.

7:25 p.m.
From an arm wrestler to a former professional wrestler. OK, the bizarre antics continue. Sarah Whitaker of Council Bluffs, Iowa, may have been a professional wrestler. But a professional singer she never will be. Maybe this is the reason Idol never has been in Omaha before.

After Ryan and Paula trade places — ugh, already — Samantha Sidley takes her turn. She sings Norah Jones’ Don’t Know Why. And, even though she’s a little shy, it’s a pretty good rendition. Of course, the judges and Ryan continue on with their antics while Samantha is left waiting.

But the wait was worth it. Because Samantha is going to Hollywood.

Three more singers walked into the door, and three more people were sent through to Hollywood — Elizabeth Erkert, Denise Jackson and Michael Sanfilippo. Of course, as Elizabeth walks away, she tells the cameras she can’t wait to prove to Simon she can be America’s Next Top Model. Reality TV clearly has taken over the minds of America — even in the cornfields of Nebraska.

Angelica Puente

7:36 p.m.
Angelica Puente moved in with her grandma in Wisconsin after disagreements with her father. The 17-year-old wants to reconnect with her father, who supported her trip to the auditions financially, even though they aren’t talking. Her rendition of Celine Dion’s Power of Love was enough to win over the judges.

After the audition, Ryan calls Angelica’s dad to let him know … She’s going to Hollywood! It’s a sweet story, but Angelica isn’t good enough to top the list of females in the competition. Her nerves never would allow it. Plus, she’s trying way too hard to be Celine Dion.

David Cook

7:46 p.m.
David Cook, a 24-year-old from Tulsa, Okla., was inspired by Chris Daughtry. He feels his voice is strong enough to carry him into the next round. Could he be this year’s resident rocker? Again, I reference a report from earlier this week that suggests maybe David will be gracing out TV screens for a few more months … sorry if I ruined a potential surprise. (Who knew there were spoilers in reality TV?)

7:54 p.m.
Until now, we haven’t seen too many terrible auditions. I guess tonight they decided to pack them into the end of the episode. And, for a second, I thought we maybe would escape the worst Omaha had to offer. But I was wrong.

Leo Marlowe

The final singer of the Omaha auditions was Leo Marlowe from small town Charlotte, Iowa. The openly gay (we can only assume) contestant said, “My mom always said she raised the perfect homecoming queen, too bad it wasn’t one of her daughters.”

Leo sang A Song for You to earn his golden ticket to Hollywood. Could it be the time for Idol to finally embrace an openly gay contestant? Previous contestants have come out after their time on the show — R.J. Helton and Jim Verarros, just to name two — and suggest Idol producers would not let them focus on their sexuality.

“You’re very open, you’re not defensive,” Simon told Leo after his audition.

In all, 19 Omaha contestants were given the chance to hop on a plane to California for Hollywood Week. Tomorrow night, the auditions hit Miami to search for even more Idol hopefuls.

TONIGHT’S ONE TO WATCH: It was a strong night for the guys, including this year’s obvious resident rocker. David Cook, who said he watched Chris Daughtry’s audition the night before his turn in front of the judges, is my favorite from tonight. I think he’s on track to be an audience favorite this season. I’m just not sure how he’ll handle a Motown week or anything country. Only time will tell.

American Idol, David Cook, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Ryan Seacrest