Who's been watching the new season of American Idol? This girl, of course. I gotta say, if you thought you'd skip out this year because Simon is no longer a part of the show... you're missing out. It's 10x better. Who am I lovin' so far?

1) Tim Halperin

Reminds me of Jon Mclaughlin. He really impressed me last night when he sang the "Something" duet with Julie on the keyboard. I looked up a few of his original songs and was even more impressed! I know we've already had a bunch of "White Guy's With Guitars" win lately, but he plays piano. It's totally different. :)

2) Casey Abrams

An upright bass? Are you kidding me?!? This guy is awesome. I have loved everything he's done on the show so far. And he has a great little personality too. We've been missing a lot of charisma in some of the past seasons, but this guy seems to have it.

3) Lauren Alaina

So, I don't usually like to say this... but FIFTEEN YEARS OLD. That's how young this girl is. And I know I mentioned in my last AI review that she wasn't my particular favorite yet, but she sang a great song (the one she should've auditioned with first!) and she has been consistently good, without getting annoyingly overconfident. Very mature, for fifteen. :)

4) Paul McDonald

He's got a cool, unique voice. And I love that he sang an original song for his final solo audition. Shows that he's a package artist and ready to sell records right now. I'm excited to hear him sing more.

5) Scotty McCreery

"Baby, lock them doors and turn the lights down low..." I hum this tune all the time since hearing him sing this! It gets stuck in my head. He has a great, country voice. He's still one of my favorites from the auditions. I hope he can sing some other stuff well too. :)

Honestly, there are a few more that I have my eye on. I'm telling you... this season is good. Let's hope the nerves (and sickness!) don't overcome the contestants and they can give us a good show!

If you're watching... who are your favorites?

Last night the show featured auditions from Nashville, TN. So of course we were bound to hear some of the most talented voices in the country, right? Wrong. At least in my opinion. I thought last night's show was kinda disappointing, to be honest. In fact, I felt so unfulfilled that I went back and re-watched some of my favorite auditions from New Orleans and Milwaukee. I didn't think there were any potential winners in last night's show... Except one.

Rob Bolin. (You thought I was going to say Lauren Alaina, didn't you??) I LOVED his voice! He was the first guy that sang with his ex-girlfriend, Chelsea Oak. And while both got through to Hollywood, I felt that he was the much stronger vocalist. Reminds me a little of one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Ray Lamontagne. If it doesn't work out for him (the show and the relationship), I do hope that he finds another gal to sing harmony with - he could definitely be in a folk/country duo.

Like I said, not many impressed me last night - including the already-frontrunner, Lauren Alaina. I guess the commercials (and the call from one of my friends, before I'd even watched it!) spoiled it for me. I was expecting to be blown away... and I guess, I was just kinda impressed. In fact, I thought her little "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" duet with Steven Tyler was more impressive than her audition! She has the personality of Jordin Sparks and a young Kelly Clarkson... but, whether she'll just be another Diana Degarmo or the next Carrie Underwood is yet to be seen. I'm rooting for her though. I really want a girl to win this season and so far, she's the best bet for it.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know below!

I'm excited about the 10th season of American Idol! So far, this season is shaping up to be a good one! I was hesitant about watching it without Simon, but I feel like it'll be a good change to have some actual artists in the judging panel... instead of everyone hanging onto Simon's every word. If he didn't like someone, chances were that most people at home wouldn't either. I also kinda like the fact that the show's been changed to Wednesday and Thursday nights. Every Wed. we have a little AI party at our place after church, and it's always a lot more fun watching it with other people. We don't get to watch it live, since we get out so late - but DVR is great and no commercials are even better! This also means the results shows will be aired on Thursday nights. And who goes anywhere on a Thursday night? Now I'll be home to watch the results shows live... instead of having someone text me who got voted off before I get to watch it myself!

Thanks for working this out for me, Idol.

I thought I'd put my American Idol watching to good use here on the blog... and do a mini-recap of the shows. And by mini, I mean I'll post my favorites of the night. Just in case any one cares. :)

Thia Megia

This girl blew me away with that powerful voice of hers! She also seems like she's very mature and could handle the music business and all it brings. I hope she goes far.

Scott McCreery

WOW! Can't believe how good this kid can sing! 16?! No way. No way. No way. He looks and sounds like he could be from here in Dothan with that southern drawl. I don't just hope... I know he's going to go far.

Jerome Bell

Ok, I'm torn. I loved his voice... but I also liked Jordan Dorsey from last Thursday night and they are very similar in style. But, we'll see. He is definitely good.

Chris Medina

Well, who isn't talking about this guy today? His story brought literal tears to my eyes... and I found myself already rooting for him before he even sang. I have a feeling I'm not alone. His voice did not disappoint. He's not much of the showman, but if he plays an instrument I could see this guy winning.

What about you guys? Did you watch? If so, who were your favorites?