American Idol

Some people just have IT. It's hard to quantify, but, like pornography, you know it when you see it. On the Charleston auditions of American Idol season 7, we saw some people who have IT.

But not a lot. Of the 23 singers who made it to Hollywood, we only saw four, and two of those were siblings who performed in a single audition. For the most part, it was a dull episode of American Idol full of mediocre people. There were no amazingly awful people, just a lot of pointless filler.

One of the highlights had to be the pure entertainment of Amy Flynn, the 16-year-old abstinence lover. Not only was her purity and youthful exuberance a breath of fresh air, but she's also a cheerleader. She's the kind of girl who you can imagine text messaging her friends, then use the phrase “LOL” in real life. Also, she used the word “whatevs” during her audition. While Simon Cowell was right that some people will absolutely hate her, my ironic love of cheesy teen girl stereotypes was all smiles.

The king and queen of energy, however, were siblings Jeffery and Michelle Lampkin. Watching them was like watching an outrageous block party, two people going wild and crazy with fun. Jeffery may have the girth of Ruben Studdard, but he brought the energy by the truckload. It's hard not to have a smile on your face while watching someone so full of life (and probably cake).

Sure, there was the somewhat downer of London Weidberg, who couldn't help but talk about her deceased father, but lets sweep that under the rug. Sob stories are a dime a dozen, but I'll take fun-loving, energetic people over them every time.

Who Will Make the Top 24?

With only four people to choose from, this column segment is feeling a bit useless. Much as I may love Jeffery, I have to give it up to Amy Flynn. Young, sweet and pure, that's what America wants, and that's what I believe the judges will give us.


-John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image courtesy of FOX)