American Idol

And … we’re back.

Tonight Ryan Seacrest and the American Idol gang hit Charleston, S.C.

7 p.m.
After the first contestant had to leave the line because his wife’s water broke, Raysharde Henderson enters the room. He thinks he’s Clay Aiken. Of course, he’s not.

“God, it did remind me of Clay Aiken,” Simon said. “… I wouldn’t have been surprised if you would have done a magic trick in between.”

OK, Simon. That definitely was a good one. And I agree.

Deanna Prevatte

Next up is a waitress from Kellie Pickler’s hometown. Deanna Prevatte, 26, has the same silliness as Kellie, but she doesn’t have the pipes — at least not to sing Fancy. But she tried, even though she seemed a bit angry. Enthusiasm was lacking, to say the least.

So, unlike the last three cities, Charleston didn’t get started on a high note — at least not one that was in tune. Back after the commercial …

7:11 p.m.
Here comes a nerdy couple. Guess where they met? The American Idol Web site message boards. Oh, goodness.

Randy Stark and Crystal Ortiz

Randy Stark and Crystal Ortiz probably should keep it to the message boards. Because, they were not good. And Randy probably should stop giving advice on the message boards, as it turns out.

Another couple is up next — this time it’s a brother and sister team. The two are a little outrageous. This is going to be great.

Michelle and Jeffery Lampkin, as it turns out, are really pretty great singers. As a duet, they have something to offer. I’m not sure about solo artists. Together, though, they’re entertaining. Maybe it’s just the enthusiasm. But Jeffery definitely shines.

“Dawg, I thought you were the bomb,” Randy Jackson said. ” … Yes, to Jeffery.”

“I say ‘yes’ to Jeffery, and ‘yes’ to Michelle,” Paula said. And Simon agreed.

“I can’t split you two up,” Simon said.

7:23 p.m.
If they don’t sound bad enough on their own, make them sing a Carrie Underwood song. Yikes.

A captain on her high school dance team, 16-year-old Amy Flynn, is up next. After she’s done preaching abstinence (what’s up with that this season?), Amy takes on Reflections by Christina Aguilera. It’s not perfect, but she does have a sweet, innocent voice in there somewhere.

“I, personally, thought the song was too big for you,” Simon said. “… A lot of people are going to find you annoying, Amy.”

Still, Simon votes “yes.” As does Randy.

7:35 p.m.

London Weidberg

London Weidberg, 24, took care of her father until he died. A professional musician, she put her life and career on hold for her family. Now, she’s singing Billie Holiday to try and win over the judges.

Randy’s not sure it’s the best. Paula liked it. So did Simon, though he thought she was like a million other singers.

Still, it’s “Welcome to Hollywood!” for London.

London was one of 15 contestants to make it through on the first day of auditions in Charleston. Still to come, a baby’s bound to be delivered (they’re really milking that storyline tonight), and more terrible singers. How much longer until Hollywood Week? I’m getting a bit anxious.

DAY 2 — 7:42 p.m.
“I am expecting better today,” Simon said as the judges entered the room.

First up is Air Force pilot Lyndsey Goodman. She already has the military connection going in her favor, but can she sing? She tries with Black Velvet. I’m not sure she’s good enough for Idol. Nor do the judges, which surprised me.

Aretha Codner

She was named after Aretha Franklin, and she claims to be as good as Fantasia. So, why wouldn’t Aretha Codner try to sing some Whitney Houston? Even after messing up the lyrics, she carries on with her audition. It wasn’t good — not as bad as some of the folks entering this room — but it’s not good.

It’s an obvious “no” to Hollywood.

Joshua Boson is worse. His rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s Dreamgirls hit is a disaster. You’re not going to love him.

“I can sing something else,” Joshua proclaims, trying to make a case for himself. “… This show is fake and rigged.”

Of course, the baby is going to make it into the judging room. Even if the military factor didn’t work for Lyndsey, this guy has an almost guaranteed chance of making it before he sings a note. Talk about unfair early exposure.

7:56 p.m.
With the end of Charleston auditions nearing, it’s not looking so good for most of the folks entering the room. They’re mostly exiting without the golden tickets. There are tears. And disappointment.

Oliver Highman

But, as you would expect, Oliver Highman returns to the auditions as a new father. I have been annoyed by this story all night, but I must admit I kind of got chills when Oliver started singing. There are few men in this competition who are memorable. Unfortunately, Oliver isn’t really one of them — no matter how hard the producers pushed his story.

I have to admit I’m shocked he didn’t get through to Hollywood.

Still, somehow, 23 people made it through from Charleston. Next stop, Omaha.

Best of the night: Honestly, there weren’t a lot of memorable auditions from tonight — good or bad. One of the good singers who did stand out was Jeffery Lampkin, who auditioned with his sister Michelle. Still, I don’t think he’s good enough to be the Season 7 winner. From what we saw tonight, I think it’s safe to say the winner likely will not be from the Charleston auditions.

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