IDOL WATCH: The Baton Rouge Auditions

Baton Rouge, LA was the next stop for American Idol auditions on tonight's episode. The people of the bayou showed up in the thousands for their chance to be crowned the next American Idol.

First up was Megan Miller. Just three days before her audition she was in an accident. Fortunately for the crutch and leg cast rocking 22 year old, that did not stop her from giving a fantastic first impression. Singing Etta James, Megan gave a great audition adding a little humor by using her crutch as a microphone. The four judges loved her and she was the first contestant from Louisiana to go to Hollywood.

The second contestant of the night was socially awkward Charlie Askew. His parents said that music has been the center of his life, but one may not have thought so based on his odd interview. Singing Queen, the 17 year old was quite surprisingly a good singer. He received four yes's and I cannot wait to see him grow as the season goes on. As Mariah Carey said, he has the ability to shake things up in the competition.

There was a long streak of no's, tears and cursing. Then came 22 year old Paul Jolley. His last name was a good indicator that his voice was indeed very jolly. He sang I won't Let Go by Rascal Flatts. His country voice was enough to impress the judges and send him to Hollywood.

Things turned more south that the location of Louisiana when Christopher Barthel stepped into the audition room. He came equipped with a fierce alter ego "Mushroom" was was named by Nicki. He sang If I had You by Adam Lambert. Let's just say that his "Mushroom" won't be making an appearance in Hollywood.

PhysicIan Calvin Peters,27, was there to redeem Baton Rouge and that he did. Singing Maxwell's Wherever Whenever Whatever Calvin possessed a soft but strong voice. There was no doubt that he got a ticket to Hollywood.

Then started another streak; this time with the female contestants who received unanimous yes's.

Then there was firefighter Dustin Watts who immediately caught the eye of Nicki. Singing a song by Garth Brooks he had the typical male country voice but one can't help liking the 27 year old. With four yes's we will be seeing more of Dustin in Hollywood.

The night concluded with New Orleans born BurNell Taylor who has been singing all his life but was inspired to take it seriously after Hurricane Katrina. He sang Im Here from "The Color Purple." With a pure and smooth tone and a great personality to add, Bernell received a standing ovation from the judges. He was my favorite contestant of the night. Nicki agreed saying that they travel the country to find people like him.

All in all Baton Rouge had a lot of great talent. Thirty five contestants from the city made it to Hollywood. Tune into American Idol next week to see what the people of San Antonio have to offer.

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