IDOL WATCH: The New Orleans Auditions!

Last night's season ten premiere of American Idol dominated primetime television as only American Idol can. But will 2011 treat the series as well as the last seven years have? Can the show maintain its appeal sans Simon Cowell? Well, if last night's ratings are any indication, yes and no. While Idol ratings surpassed all other major networks combined ( including Idol alum Paula Abdul's Live to Dance), last night's 26.2 million viewers were down 17 percent from last year's almost 30 million. So Idol still achieved outstanding numbers, but they didn't quite hold up to those of past seasons.

On tonight's episode, Idol took a trip to the deep south and made a stop in New Orleans.  All in all, the hour long episode featured a lot of unexpected talent. Let me explain.

As a faithful Idol follower for the past nine seasons I've picked up on a pattern concerning American Idol's initial auditions. It's no secret- the auditionees that make it on to Idol's first episodes are usually polar opposites- either super phenomenal or super atrocious. Very rarely do 'so-so' contestants make it to television.  That being said, it usually doesn't take a genius to figure out which is which before a contestant even opens his or her mouth. If they walk into the audition room wearing a witch's cape, a full gorilla suit, or a picture of Jennifer Lopez plastered to their chest, it usually isn't a good sign. Typically, I'm a pro at being able to identify the good from the not so good before a note comes out of their mouths, but not so much when it came to the singers of New Orleans. This is why New Orleans took me my surprise.

My prime example: Brett Loewenstern. The Carrot-topped high school student described himself as being a "red apple in a bunch of green apples." With his unique wardrobe and quirky personality, I quickly had him pegged as being in the 'super atrocious' category. But when the 16 year old busted out an awesome 'Bohemian Rhapsody' he quickly earned praise from the judges. I was baffled- but happily so.

Another prime example was Jovany Barretto. When the foreigner immediately revealed his intentions of stripping for JLo, call me crazy, but I wasn't expecting him to show off any significant vocal talent. Wow, was I wrong yet again! When he finished his belty ballad, Randy and Steven joined him in taking off their shirts for Ms. Lopez. It was certainly the funniest moment of the night.

Other noteworthy performers included JC Badeaux and Jacquelyn Dupree.  Dupree brought a likeable twang to "I'll Stand by You" and even delivered some high school memorabilia to Louisiana native Randy Jackson (including his high school football coach!) Fifteen year old Badeaux whipped out a beautiful version of Otis Redding's "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay." Here's to hoping that his voice doesn't drop before Hollywood week!

It seems that "Proud Mary" might become season ten's kiss of death.  For two nights in a row viewers have had to endure less than perfect renditions of the song. Tonight the unfortunate victim was the super sweet Alex Attardo, who gave it his all, but failed to impress the judges.

At the end of the New Orleans auditions, 37 people won tickets to the Hollywood round. Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday when the auditions hit Milwakee.

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment , a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appeared on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini, Jordin Sparks, Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.