American Idol

When it comes to the early auditions, there are plenty of things the annoy me. And a few that please me. After watching tonight’s episode, I’ve realized the things that annoy me often go with the wannabes who never stand a chance of making it to Hollywood.

On the contrary, the pleasurable moments often are tied to those who get the golden tickets. Here are five things that annoy me (and the contestants who made them annoying):

Brandon Groves gives it another try.

1. Bad costumes
Brandon Groves sang “I Shot the Sheriff” last season. He was wearing a police uniform. This year he came to the auditions with “God Bless America” in his Uncle Sam-inspired gear. What’s coming next year? “An Indian chief,” Paula suggested.

2. Singers who compare themselves to the greatest
Jennifer Chapton claimed she had been compared to Mariah, as in Mariah Carey. You know, the superstar diva. Apparently, according to Jennifer, she also is known as “The Hotness.” Um, excuse me? I can’t even to being to explain the issues with this girl. I guess delusional for starters.

Darwin Reedy, who wrote a novella inspired by Simon.

3. People who can’t take “no” for an answer (and don’t wear a bra)
There are plenty, but Darwin Reedy may have been my favorite from the Seattle auditions. The 27-year-old prepared “Don’t Cha” — yes, the Pussycat Dolls hit — to present to the judges. After hearing “No. No. No,” Reedy wanted another try. She began singing “Sweet Home Alabama” as the judges were trying to explain she just wasn’t right for the show. Why do contestants think singing over the judges talking will help their case?

4. When bad clothes happen to bad dancers
Melissa Carlene Stavros enters the room with some kind of pink netting covering her sleeves and legs. After admitting, “I’ve got a big booty. I’m fluffy,” Randy prompts Stavros to shake her groove thang by starting to sing the lyrics to “Baby Got Back.” Stavros takes it from there and, who am I kidding? I actually enjoy that kind of humility.

5. Excuses
It happens often that singers walk into the room and immediately announce they have been sick. Why not just say a dog ate your voicebox? But Amy Salgado is certain a drink of water will help her rendition of “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera. Of course, it doesn’t. Why can’t people just take “no” for an answer?

And the five things that make me happy (and the contestants tied to them, too):

1. When dads cry
After an impressive beatbox performance, Blake Lewis sang “Crazy” by Seal. He makes it through and leaves the room with a golden ticket. Waiting outside is his dad who, after hearing the news, starts to tear up. Does anyone remember Katharine McPhee’s dad? Yeah, Lewis is on his way to first runner-up for sure.

Shyamali Malakar

2. Siblings who audition
Shyamali Malakar was first. Her brother, Sanjaya was next. Both made it through, but the judges (at least Simon) had a definite favorite. “(You’re) a lot better than your sister,” Simon said. “She has the stage presence, and you have the voice.”

3. When Simon is wrong
Rudy Cardenas was the last singer to audition on the first day in Seattle. He walked in and performed “Open Arms” by Journey. And he’s good. Really good. So, did they save the best for last? Simon answers with a quick “no,” but Paula and Randy send him through. Does anyone remember Taylor Hicks’ audition?

4. When Randy is right
Jordin Sparks, 16, of Glendale, Ariz., sings “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion. “Everything was perfect,” Randy said. Enough said.

The third time was a charm for Thomas Daniels.

5. Persistence (and a little bit of confidence)
After sleeping behind trashcans, Thomas Daniels, 21, entered the room with his big hair and enough confidence to make you think he would fall flat on his face. In fact, I almost wanted him to fail. That was until I realized it was his third time auditioning for “Idol.” As it turned out, Daniels was good. So, maybe, confidence is key.

COMING TOMORROW:
I’ll be bringing my update from Season 3 contestant Jon Peter Lewis.