American Idol

The end is nearing. It’s almost time for the good part of American Idol to begin. But first, another stop on the audition trail — this time in Miami.

7 p.m.
There are more than 10,000 hopefuls lined up waiting to get their shot in front of the judges. It’s possible the Season 7 winner could be waiting in the sea of people. Will it be Shannon McGough? Her parents own a meat market, and she’s won several regional Idol competitions.

In front of the judges, she sings a Janis Joplin number. And by sing, I mean scream. And whine. And make really bizarre sounds. How in the world did she ever win anything other than maybe a meat-cutting competition? We’re off to a terrible start.

Robbie Carrico

Robbie Carrico is a former boy bander. Of course, he looks more Nickelback than N’Sync these days. His voice? It’s pretty good, actually. It looks like there could be another resident rocker — maybe this season’s Bo Bice.

With the support of Randy, Paula and Simon, it’s off to Hollywood for Robbie. And, if you want a spoiler, check this out.

7:13 p.m.
As far as the guys are concerned, after Robbie, it’s a string of nothing but “no, no, no.”

Will Ghaleb Emachah turn things around? I don’t think this Venezuelan has what it takes to be the American Idol. In fact, I don’t think he could even be positively entertaining if I were drunk — the state of mind Simon said it would take to enjoy Ghaleb.

Somehow, though, Randy is giving him a “yes.” It’s “no” from Simon … and Paula … of course she sends him through to Hollywood. It’s just the accent that’s holding him back, they say. Um, I guess I’ll have to agree to disagree.

Corliss Smith

Next up is the boy-crazy duo of Corliss Smith and Brittany Wescott.

Corliss chooses a jazz number, which she sings to Randy. It’s really entertaining, actually. She’s got a big, strong voice. She has something a little different to offer than the pop or country standards we’ve been hearing

Brittany has a decent voice, too. She sings to Simon, but I don’t think it’s as good as what Corliss brings to the table. Still, these two have some charm and talent that’s above what many other contestants bring into the room.

Simon gives them both a thumbs up. It’s two “yes” votes from Paula, and an additional pair of “yes” votes from Randy. So, you’ll be seeing these ladies in Hollywood.

7:26 p.m.
Suzanne Toon, a 21-year-old single mother, hopes to bring singing back into her life. After a three-year break, she stands in front of Randy, Paula and Simon putting her heart into what she hopes will turn things around for her daughter. She certainly has a strong voice, but I don’t think she stands out enough in this crowd.

Ramiele Malubay

Ramiele Malubay, on the other hand, does have what it takes. Her rendition of Natural Woman is not only one-of-a-kind, but it is shocking that such a big voice is coming from a small girl. Simon says, “no,” but Randy and Paula send her through. I hate to say it (OK, not really), but I think Simon may be wrong.

Syesha Mercado

7:37 p.m.
It’s day 2 in Miami, and there are plenty of people ready to get things going. First up is Syesha Mercado. Her father struggled with drug abuse, a story not so unfamiliar to many other contestants from this show.

Her song choice is another Aretha Franklin tune. And much like Ramiele, Syesha has a set of pipes that are worth hearing. In fact, she’s a bit more promising.

“I think she’s one of the best we’ve seen in Florida,” Randy said. And I agree. Fortunately, so did Simon and Paula … so … we’ll be seeing her again.

Natashia Blach also will be getting more TV time. It’s on to Hollywood for Natashia, too. And deservedly so.

Ilsy Lorena Pinot

Ilsy Lorena Pinot gets similar treatment after singing a Rhianna hit. It was an interesting song choice, which was probably what helped her out. It looks like this year, once again, will feature a great batch of female singers. As far as the males, Omaha produced the best thus far — at least from what we’ve seen up to this point.

7:45 p.m.
Follow up all those phenomenal female singers with several male singers who would get kicked out of a drunken night of open-mic karaoke. It’s not good. At all. Seriously, dawg.

“I’m tempted to say come back in a dress,” Simon said to one contestant. (I guess you can forget about what I was saying earlier today.)

After all that, top 20 finalist from American Juniors Julie Dubela enters the room hoping for another chance on reality TV with Ryan Seacrest. Her version of Me and Bobby McGee just doesn’t cut it. It’s a little too cheesy and over the top. And her outfit? Do I really need to start talking about clothes, already?

It’s “no” to Julie. But Simon does suggest she has a possible chance for a strong acting career. And the flashback footage to American Juniors actually is quite good. What happened to her 12-year-old voice? She certainly has, er, had vocal talent at some point.

7:56 p.m.
With only one contestant left, it’s clearly obvious Miami will end on a low note. Comedian Brandon Black hoped his singing would impress the judges more than his jokes. Of course, his singing was a complete joke, too. His white suit and the entire gig is just ridiculous. But he got some TV time, which clearly was what he wanted. So, good for you, Brandon. Mission accomplished. I guess.

Even though Brandon didn’t make it, there were 17 golden tickets to Hollywood handed out at the Florida auditions.

BEST OF THE NIGHT: There were several good contestants tonight, especially considering the string of female powerhouses — Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado and Ilsy Lorena Pinot — and judging by speculation of the Top 24, we’ll be seeing at least a couple of these ladies through several more weeks. And that’s a good thing. So, who’s my favorite from tonight? That has to be Syesha, a Nadia Turner (and I’m not just talking the hair) type contestant. She certainly should do well.

American Idol, Syesha Mercado, Ramiele Malubay, Ilsy Lorena Pinot, Robbie Carrico, Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell