We’re only a matter of hours away from Tuesday night’s start of the Idol postseason, so let’s have a little handicapping fun.

Here’s my overall top 10 going into the round of 36, followed by my picks for this week:

OVERALL TOP 10

1. Danny Gokey: Right now, this is his world and the other 35 are merely passing through. Can he deliver a killer performance Tuesday night?

FYI: He enjoys salsa dancing.

2. Jackie Tohn: She is one of two potential superstars from the female division entering the semifinals, but she, too, needs to come out smoking.

FYI: She has an associate’s degree in psychology.

3. Lil Rounds: This is the other possible showstopper among the girls. I don’t think Lil has the potential to deliver a knockout number like Jackie can — but “Li’l” Miss Dynamite might be the steadier of the two.

FYI: She has been singing since she was 3 years old.

4. Adam Lambert: Talent-wise, he’s at least comparable to Gokey, but it will all come down to how he presents himself. I hope he has sense enough to get rid of the black finergnail polish.

FYI: He has been involved in musical theater the past eight years.

5. Jesse Langseth: We really hadn’t seen much of her until the cutdown show … and holy crap, the girl is good! Was this a mirage or not? If not, watch out, world!

FYI: She has an 8-year-old daughter.

6. Taylor Vaifanua: There is a wealth of talent in this participant. I just hope she cuts loose. She has seemed almost too reserved, too polite. America could really fall in love with the girl from Keokuk.

FYI: She stands 6-foot-2 in high heels.

7. Alexis Grace: Each time I see her I like her a little more. I’ll be shocked if she doesn’t advance to the final 12.

FYI: She was a member of the concert choir at the University of Memphis.

8. Jorge Nunez: One of the most engaging contestants, if Jorge can showcase enough versatility he could be this season’s true surprise.

FYI: He is fluent in French.

9. Scott MacIntyre: He’s a lock for the final 12, but after that it might get difficult.

FYI: He attended graduate school in England.

10. Kai Kalama: This one’s just a hunch. I like his voice.

FYI: He can play the ukelele and drums.

On the bubble: Allison Iraheta, Anne Marie Boskovich, Casey Carlson, Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey, Kristen McNamara, Kendall Beard, Stevie Wright, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Michael Sarver, Matt Breitzke, Stephen Fowler.

The jury is still out: Ricky Braddy, Von Smith, Nick Mitchell, Kris Allen, Ju’Not Joyner, Brent Keith, Mishovanna Henson. Janine Vailes, Arianna Asfar, Felicia Barton.

Pack your bags: Tatiana Del Toro, Nathaniel Marshall, Alexander Wagner-Trugman.

TUESDAY’S 12 SEMIFINALISTS

These three should be favored to advance: Danny Gokey, Jackie Tohn, Alexis Grace.

These eight should be very competitive (this is a great group of 12): Michael Sarver, Ricky Braddy, Anoop Desai, Stevie Wright, Brent Keith, Anne Marie Boskovich, Stephen Fowler, Casey Carlson.

This one has ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE: Tatiana Del Toro.

Joanna Pacitti out, Felicia Barton in.

Pacitti, who made Wednesday night’s final 36 cut, has been ruled ineligible. The news came from a Fox Network press release early this morning.

Pacitti had been the center of controversy through much of the early competition because she had already starred on Broadway and had a previous recording deal, but the elimination allegedly stems from a relationship she has had with two members of one of the controlling companies of Idol.

“It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue
in the competition,” stated the Fox press release that announced the show’s full roster of semifinalists.

Barton, 26, is from Virginia Beach, Va., and auditioned in Louisville, Ky. She has received very little air time, but had developed a strong Internet following.

And now the real Idol fun begins.

We survived the auditions and tolerated Hollywood Week. Now, it’s time for the eliminations to start. The field is set — bigger this year at 36, instead of 24 — as we start to slowly work out way to the final 12.

I’m excited. Seriously, I can’t wait for next Tuesday and the first round of 12 semifinalists.

Danny Gokey will enter the round of 36 as the prohibitive favorite, at least in my mind. But each and every year, a star emerges, a surprise that draws us to this show like Jamocha Almond Fudge ice cream does to Baskin-Robbins. David Cook was that unheralded wannabe a year ago.

There will also be serious flameouts from those we considered star material at the outset. Remember Ace Young?

Here are some thoughts following Wednesday night’s cutdown show:

Biggest surprises, in no particular order:

– The “sing-offs”: Who knew this was coming? What a great idea. Idol promised some tweaking this season, and that’s exactly what we’ve received. I was nervous just watching. I can’t imagine what the participants were feeling.

A powerful voice and 16 years old?
Allison Iraheta is a dark horse.

– Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell: I never thought he stood a chance. Did you?

– Stephen Fowler: Talented, yes, but he failed — twice — late in Hollywood Week by forgetting his lyrics. That used to mean an immediate exit.

– Tatiana Del Toro: Let’s be honest, they put her through for one more week of annoyance. She is like a train wreck, and people like to watch train wrecks. I’m not sure which was more disappointing, her getting through or Norman/Nick. At least Norman/Nick seems like someone you’d want to want to come over to your house and play Scrabble with.

– Jesse Langseth: I had not heard her that much until last night. I think she could be top 10 material.

– Allison Iraheta: Another girl I had not heard that much. What a powerful voice, and she’s only 16. A real dark horse to watch.

– Joanna Pacitti: She oozes star power, but like Stephen Fowler, repeatedly forgot her lyrics. She will either blossom before our very eyes or disappear quickly. There will be no middle ground.

– Anoop Desai: Yes, Anoop’s in the house, as Randy reminded us (again). He’s in a tough opening group of 12, but he might be able to snatch that third automatic qualifier spot (see below).

Biggest disappointments

Jamar Rogers didn’t get in, but
Norman Gentle did? That’s a crime.

— Jamar Rogers: I thought he was a lock. The judges blew this one, and blew it badly. This was a crime, considering a few who DID get in (namely, Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell). Was Jamar one of the best 36? Definitely. Could he have made the final 12? Possibly.

– Frankie Jordan: She was good enough to be among the top 36.

– T.K. Hash: Probably should have been given the nod over Stephen Fowler.

– Reggi Beasley: Borderline, but definitely better than Norman/Nick.

No surprise, but was I especially glad they made it:

– Scott MacIntyre: How could you not smile when he found out the answer was “yes”? Hey, I wiped a tear away.

– Danny Gokey: I think he’s the Chosen One.

– Lil Rounds, Alexis Grace: I’m rooting for the moms.

– Jackie Tohn: Right now, the best girl in the competition. I would love to see a Danny Gokey-Jackie Tohn finals.

THE FIRST ROUND OF 12

Each Tuesday for the next three weeks will be a semifinal round of 12. The top three votegetters advance to the finals. At the end of the semifinals, the judges will pick three wild cards to make the final field of 12.

Here’s the first 12 who will perform Tuesday. Nine will go home on Wednesday.

1. Tatiana Del Toro

2. Jackie Tohn

3. Casey Carlson

4. Ricky Braddy

5. Anoop Desai

6. Stephen Fowler

7. Anne Marie Boskovich

8. Michael Sarver

9. Danny Gokey

10. Stevie Wright

11. Alexis Grace

12. Brent Keith

RANKINGS, RANKINGS, RANKINGS!!!

On Monday, watch this space for my top 10 overall going into the semifinals, plus a breakdown of the first round of 12.

The game is officially on!

IDOL THOUGHTS

During a commercial break, I went to the kitchen and got some Frosted Flakes. I noticed disgraced U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps on the box. I better hang on to that one. It will probably be a collector’s item since Kellogg’s deep-sixed Michael following his drug-related indiscretions.

No “Lie to Me” last night with Idol on for two hours. Bummer.

I enjoyed this cutdown show more than any ever. Loved the new format.

Gazing at the initial round of 12 semifinalists, what strikes me most is that it is stronger than at least two of the final round of 12 from recent years.

JUDGES SCORECARD

Simon Cowell: This is the time of the season when Simon gets his game face on. Score: 10.

Paula Abdul: Kudos to Paula. Wednesday was the finest show of the season. She actually added a lot to the telecast. Score: 10.

Kara DioGuardi: Same with Kara. She’s going to be a heavy hitter the rest of the way. Score: 10.

Randy Jackson: I think the Dawg’s best days are to come. I hope. Score: 6.

Final Hollywood Week standings: Simon 35, Paula 31, Kara 28, Randy 18.

Season standings: Simon 100, Kara 81, Paula 69, Randy 57.

JUDGES TITLES

Auditions: Simon

Hollywood Week: Simon

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Dance … I hope you dance.

In every Idol season, there are about a dozen of what we like to call MOMENTS. Normally, they occur in the finals, those individual performances when you get that chill running down the back of your neck and can actually feel how special a particular song is made by one of the Idols.

Remember “Imagine” by David Archuleta and “Hello” by David Cook a year ago? Now you have the picture.

Danny Gokey may have had
the first “moment” of the season.

Surprisingly enough, the first moment of ’09 occurred Tuesday night during Hollywood Week when Danny Gokey sang “I Hope You Dance,” the song that brought country artist Lee Ann Womack to fame nine years ago. It was such an unexpected choice for Gokey that I seriously doubted he could pull it off.

Obviously the guy knows what he is doing. He possesses that unique blue-eyed soul and is blessed with a voice that lies somewhere in between Rod Stewart/Steve Forbert/Bonnie Tyler, and he simply owns the stage. He can make any song an instant classic. Case in point was Anne Marie Boskovich’s rendering of the same “I Hope You Dance” later in the show. Her effort paled in comparison and made us appreciate how special Gokey’s performance had been.

Gokey clearly has established himself as the man to beat this season. Even though we won’t know who reaches the final 36 until tonight, and the final 12 is almost a month away, mark down Danny Gokey to be around this crazy little TV show we call American Idol until late May. We have been singing his praises since his audition, and Tuesday night only cemented his presence in this competition.

Right now, everyone else is fighting for No. 2.

Ten other thoughts about last night:

• Adam Lambert is an exceptional talent, but my gut feeling is he’s not Idol championship material. I’m not saying he won’t be around a long time — I’m still predicting a Lambert vs. Gokey finals — but I still feel like I’m sitting through some theater performance every time he sings. With Gokey, I’m at a concert.

Norman Gentle or whatever your
name is, it’s time for you go to.

• Isn’t it about time to send Norman Gentle home? Enough is enough.

• Scott MacIntire, the almost blind guy from the first week of auditions, finally made another appearance of some length, and he was even better than the first time around. He clearly needs to be at a keyboard. What a great voice and feel he has for a song. The brutal truth, however, is his physical limitations may hurt him as the eliminations continue, but what a great story and inspiring talent.

• Jamar Rogers continues to grow on me. I hope he makes the round of 36. He’s got that aura about him that makes me think we could see a real talent develop over the coming weeks if he survives tonight.

• I was disappointed we didn’t get to see more of Jackie Tohn. As it stands right now, she is definitely top five in the finals material. I still worry about the facial gestures, though.

• Anoop Desai continues to sneak up on us. Anoop Dogg can definitely sing.

• I was glad to see Michael Sarver make another cut. The oil rig worker still reminds me a lot of Josh Gracin, and every competition needs the guy in the white hat.

Don’t you just want to reach out and
smack annoying Tatiana Del Toro?

• Tatiana Del Toro annoys the living heck out of me. I will concede
she has impressed me in Hollywood – a little bit, though let’s not get
carried away — but if she survives beyond the top 36, I want a
Congressional hearing called.

• Jorge Nunez is another guy who is winning me over. I enjoy his sincerity.

• I was sorry to see 16-year-old Leneshe Young axed. If ever there had been a story to root for, it was her. She and her family have been homeless much of her life.

IDOL THOUGHTS

It looks like a star-studded field is lining up for the finals of the American Idols Fan Tournament (see below). I’m hoping for a blog record for votes cast come finals time. The most states and foreign provinces that have ever been represented in a single poll on this site is 25 continental U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. We have never received a vote outside North America. If anyone knows a friend in Mexico or France or Sri Lanka, give ‘em a call — and the Web site address. Friends, we’re talking possible history!

If there would ever be a Mount Rushmpre of Idol, who would be represented. I think Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson would be givens. How about the other two? Hmmmm….

Wasn’t it painful to watch Stephen Fowler forget the words TWICE? Yet he made it through to tonight. Go figure.

Don’t forget about Lil Rounds. She’s been kind of downplayed since her audition, but that girl has some pipes. (Or as Kara likes to say, “chops.”)

CLARKSON, CASTRO MOVE ON TO FINALS

Kelly Clarkson and Jason Castro have advanced from the Paula Regional to the finals of the American Idol Fans Tournament. Balloting began today in the Randy Regional (at right) with the top two votegetters advancing to the finals to join Clarkson, Castro, David Cook and Kellie Pickler. Cook and Pickler advanced from the Simon Regional.

Castro’s narrow victory over Aiken for the second spot in the Paula Regional has to be classified as at least a mild surpriuse. I figured Clarkson and Aiken were virtual locks to advance to the finals. Who knew?

Two more top votegetters from the Kara Regional will eventually complete the Great Eight field. Voting in the AIFT finals is scheduled to begin Feb. 24.

Here’s how the voting looked for the Paula Regional:

Kelly Clarkson, 37.7 percent
Jason Castro, 26.1 percent
Clay Aiken, 24.6 percent
Kimberly Caldwell, 11.6 percent

PAST RESULTS

Simon Regional

David Cook, 38.2 percent
Kellie Pickler, 25.0 percent
Michael Johns, 22.1 percent
Kat McPhee, 14.7 percent

JUDGES SCORECARD

Simon Cowell: Not much from the bombastic Brit on this night. Score: 5.

Paula Abdul: You go, girl. Nutso was practically in charge last night! Score: 9.

Kara DioGuardi: She’s a natural in the holding room when it’s time to award the good — or bad — news. Score: 6.

Randy Jackson: The Dawg came up for air last night. We had an actual Randy sighting. Score: 7.

Hollywood Week standings: Simon 25, Paula 21, Kara 18, Randy 12.

Season standings: Simon 90, Kara 71, Paula 59, Randy 51.

The combination of Bikini Girl and Rose Flack
on the same team turned out to be disastrous.

Bikini Girl, how will I miss thee? Let me count the ways.

And Rose? I feel life is not the same today.

Can someone please pass me a tissue?

Wednesday night was tough for the Big Guy. I saw two of my favorite Idol wannabes eliminated as Hollywood Week continued.

At least Bikini Girl, a.k.a. Katrina Darrell, made us proud as she was pushed out the door. Annoying, conceited, backbiting, bitchy, daring and not lacking backbone, the girl had more personality than any other three contestants put together.

Was Bikini Girl the best singer? Uhhh … no.

Was Bikini Girl the best looking? Ummm … if not, she was close. She has a great nose.

Did Bikini Girl deserve a spot in the final 36? Unquestionably, if for nothing else the buzz factor.

Was Bikini Girl memorable? We’ll still be talking about her come the May final. I would not be afraid to wager that she shows up on title night.

And then there is Rose Flack.

Rose got stuck in a horrible group — with Bikini Girl, no less, which did not help, but Rose did not help herself, either. She spent way too much time whining about the antics of Bikini Girl. Worry about yourself, kid.

Two of Rose’s weaknesses also showed up in the brief clip of her performance. She forgot the words to whatever song it was she was singing, and she also demonstrated her total lack of dancing talent. Rough night for the kid.

Rose has the talent to be in the final 36, but she did not demonstrate it on this night. The judges’ hands were tied. She had to go, but that does not make the decision any easier — for me.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert are my early picks to reach the finals. Both are going to be great fun to watch in the coming weeks.

Arguably the most disappointing cut outside of Bikini Girl and Rose was Emily Wynn-Hughes, who I think was her own worst enemy. She continually overthought what she should sing and how she should sing it. She was a mental train wreck. “My heart is truly broken. This is all I know how to do,” she sobbed afterward.

How in the world did Tatiana Del Toro get through? Let’s get this straight … they cut Bikini Girl and give TDT a pass? Answer me this. Who would you rather watch?

We really need two-hour shows from Hollywood Week. I would love to see more of the groups perform. There are still people alive in the contest that we have never seen. Idol is the greatest show on television, but that does not mean it can’t be even better.

IDOL THOUGHTS

I had to watch Idol on tape delay Wednesday night, and I just hate that. I always feel like you lose the continuity when you fast forward through the commercials. We had a little misfortune at the homestead, forcing us out of the house until mid-evening. A pipe burst in the kitchen that ultimately led to no water, which meant no bathrooms or eating supper at home. The bathroom problem could have been solved, but the idea of waiting for a hot meal did not settle well with the Rotund Stuffer. The family hit the road for a few hours and caught up with Idol late night.

So, did you watch “Lie To Me?” We may have to look at a blog just for that show.

Is it just me or has Ryan Seacrest’s face time been seriously reduced?

JUDGES SCORECARD

Simon Cowell: You know what always amazes me? That every show at least one participant will try and argue with Simon. It’s like arguing with your wife. You can’t win. Even when you win, you don’t win. So why even try? Score: 10.

Kara DioGuardi: None of the other three judges got a chance to say much with the spotlight definitely on Simon, but Kara gets major points for calling Bikini Girl a (bleep). Score: 8

Paula Abdul: “Demonic” Paula was a nice touch. Score: 4.

Randy Jackson: Was he on the show? Score: 2.

Hollywood week standings: Simon 20, Paula 12, Kara 12, Randy 5.

Season standings: Simon 85, Kara 65, Paula 50, Randy 44.

Auditions champion: Simon Cowell.

Rose Flack is one of the singers I’ll be
rooting for when Hollywood Week begins.

It was an August afternoon in 1965. I was 11 years old, and I had just bought a pack of Topps baseball cards for 5 cents inside Ken’s Corner Grocery in Ashland, Ohio.

I stopped when I got outside and opened up that pack the cards and there it was — a Willie Mays. A beautiful Willie Mays card. The Say Hey Kid! After a whole summer of opening packs and getting nothing but a series of Marv Staehle, Jerry Kindall, Sandy Valdespino and other nondescript players, I had struck cardboard gold.

A Willie Mays card in way back then was like an American Idol golden ticket today.

On Wednesday night, Willie Mays returned to my life in the form of Rose Flack, an amazing 17-year-old singer who stole my heart — and Simon Cowell’s. Rose was the brightest light on an incredible night of Idol auditions in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was, by far, the best show of the season to date. And after Tuesday’s disaster in Jacksonville, Fla., it was more than welcome.

Both of Rose’s parents had died and she was living with her unofficial adopted family, who obviously adored her. Not half as much me, I’m sure, but their feelings were evident.

Rose is a quirky teenager with this great, kinky and straight blonde hair. She possesses an effervescent innocence about her, and she has the kind of voice I absolutely love. Somewhere in her family tree, it will show some day she is a distant relative of Rod Stewart. And when she smiles, it is Carrie Underwood all over again.

Rose sang “I Felt The Earth Move” by legendary Carole King from the equally legendary “Tapestry” album. A perfect choice, I felt. The judges did not agree on the song selection, but they all agreed Rose Flack is something special.

“You’re one I will remember,” Simon said. “There is something about you.”

There is, Simon. There really is.

I’m looking forward more than ever to Hollywood Week. I make no secret about it. I’m rooting for Rose.

Some other observations from Salt Lake City:

Someone with ESP could have told Tara Mathews
that the Goth look doesn’t work.
Neither did her singing.

David Osmond: He’s the 29-year-old son of Alan Osmond. Yes, THOSE Osmonds. And David can sing. And he’s talented. And he’s got the perfect personality for this competition. And he also has multiple sclerosis, which at times has put him in a wheelchair. His father suffers from MS, too. This also was a great, great story and I’m rooting for David Osmond, too. (But I still love Rose Flack.)

Tara Mathews: I just don’t get the Goth look. Too old, I guess … but that’s another story that would give Tara too much space that she doesn’t deserve. Tara said she has ESP. If true, she should have known how much talent she does not possess. Sorry, no sympathy here for someone who repeatedly flips off the Idol cameraman after the judges simply told her the truth. She sucked.

Frankie Jordan: She looked exactly like that pop tramp Amy Winehouse, only without all the baggage. And make no mistake about it, Frankie can sing. And Frankie is going to Hollywood.

Austin Sisneros: He was the senior class president from Riverton, Utah, who sang “When I Look to the Sky” by Train and “It Takes a Village” by Raffi. I had never heard either of those songs and have no idea who Train and Raffi are, but I kind of like Austin. He almost reminded me of a blond-haired David Archuleta. Key word there is “almost.”

Taylor Valfuina: Only 16 and a striking 5-foot-11, she was from Samoa or one of those islands over there. She follows in the footsteps of Jasmine Trias and Ramielle Malubay, and just might have more talent than both of them put together. Hollywood may be tough for the kid, though.

Meghan Corkrey: The most amazing smile and sparkling eyes, and a voice to match. She sang “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and the judges adored it. I can’t say it wowed me, but she has that “it” factor and with a better song choice in Hollywood she could easily be final 36 material. She’s also a recently divorced mother of one, so she’s got a lot going on in her life right now.

IDOL THOUGHTS

Wow! The new Kelly Clarkson song might be her best ever. That was pretty impressive. I wasn’t sure if it was a commercial or one of those Idol vignettes. Either way, major props for K.C.

Don’t you just love those Verizon “dead zone” commercials?

“The Uninvited” will definitely be a movie I will skip.

Did you see the teases for the New York/Puerto Rico auditions? Can’t wait for tonight’s show!

JUDGES SCORECARD

SImon: It is so nice when Simon gets to speak uninterrupted. He had some of his most revealing comments of the season. Score: 9

Kara: A total non-factor in Salt Lake City. I look for a rebound in New York. Score: 3

Paula: You never know what Paula is going to show up wearing. In Salt Lake City, she looked like a grandma. And nothing against grandmas – I’m married to one. But Paula, what the heck? Score: 4

Randy: Nothing memorable, but I’ll give him a “5″ for those boots. Score: 5

Season standings: Simon 55, Kara 45, Paula 34, Randy 31.

TOP 10

From those auditioners we have seen through the first six shows who have received decent air time:

1. Rose Flack, 17. (Salt Lake City audition)

2. Danny Gokey, 28. (Kansas City audition)

3. Adam Lambert, 26. (San Francisco audition)

4. Lil Rounds, 23. (Kansas City)

5. Emily Wynne-Hughes, 21. (Phoenix audition)

6. David Osmond, 29. (Salt Lake City)

7. Scott MacIntire, 22. (Phoenix)

8. Frankie Jordan, 24. (Salt Lake City)

9. Michael Sarver, 27. (Phoenix)

10. Meghan Corkrey, 23. (Salt Lake City)

Honorable mention: Jasmine Murray, 16 (Jacksonville audition); Leneshe Young, 18. (Louisville audition); Anne Marie Boskovich, 23 (Jacksonville); Bikini Girl (Katrina Darrell), 20. (Phoenix) Stevie Wright, 16. (Phoenix); Von Lee Smith, 22. (Kansas City);  Jamar Rogers, 26. (Kansas City); Asa Barnes, 20. (Kansas City);  Kai Kalama, 26. (San Francisco); Taylor Valfuina, 16 (Salt Lake City).

Next: New York City and Suan Juan, Puerto Rico

Paula sat on Simon’s lap and then
kissed Kara as part of a weird night.

For a brief moment — or two, or three, or four — I thought I had inadvertently stumbled across one of those “Girls Gone Wild” commercials.

There they were, judges Paula and Kara — half of the Fab Four, no less — embracing and feigning a kiss on Tuesday night’s American Idol audition show from Jacksonville, Fla.

A long kiss, no less.

Yeah, that was kind of uneasy.

I’m still not even sure how it all happened. At some point in the midst of the first 15 minutes of the show, the judges were all babbling incoherently, and all of a sudden Paula leaps on top of Kara … and let the games begin.

“She kissed me,” Kara said. “… She kissed me! I thought Simon would be the first one to try and kiss me.”

Fortunately, the show moved forward, but I’m still scratching my head over that one.

Jacksonville produced a handful of memorable performances but may have been the weakest of the auditions to date. This is the final week of these things, and that’s probably just as well. It’s time to move on to Hollywood where things will get cutthroat.

Some observations from Jax:

Jasmine Murray: She sang Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” one of my favorites from the past year, and she handled herself extremely well. She’s the first Jasmine I can remember on Idol since the woeful Jasmine Trias in 2004. This 16-year-old seems mature well beyond her years, which could bode well for her in Hollywood.

Joshua Ullga: Not too shabby with Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” but I doubt if he has any real staying power in the next round. When I saw his name I started thinking about Dan Uggla, the second baseman for the Florida Marlins, which further reminded me that pitchers and catchers report to spring training in 15 days. I love this time of the year.

Sharon Wilbur: She definitely has THE LOOK, but the voice seemed a bit weak on the Carpenters’ “Superstar.” Whenever I hear that song I think about the late Chris Farley and “Tommy Boy.” I was mildly surprised the judges voted her through.

Hey, George Ramirez: Speak up! We can’t hear
you! (On second thought, just stop singing.)

Anne Marie Boskovich: This 23-year-old from Nashville might be a real sleeper at the next level. I think she’s only scratched the surface. Her rendition of Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” was great.

George Ramirez: We’ll always remember George and his beard. He was the oldest looking 18-year-old I have ever seen. Can’t sing a lick, but he would be great to invite over for a game of Scrabble. He’s a calculus major somewhere.

Naomi Sykes: The poor girl really thought she could sing, so of course when the judges told her the brutal truth, there were tears, and then there was a group hug … and then there was the obligatory talking into the camera and telling us that she knows she can sing and she would continue to pursue her dream. Yada. Yada. Yada. See ya, Naomi.

Darin Darnell: I thought this kid would do very well, judging by all the air time they were giving him. He LOOKED like he would be a great singer and sounded like one during his bantering with Ryan. But as soon as he opened his mouth, it was obvious Darin’s best bet would be as a professional lip-syncher.

Michael Perrelli: Michael LOOKED the part, too. Guitar, bandana, no job, supported by mom and dad. Time to kick this spoiled little creep out on his non-musical behind. The way he treated his mother after failing his audition even upset Ryan Seacrest. I hope the kid comes down with laryngitis. The sad thing is he was not a terrible singer. He just wasn’t great.

T.K. Hash: He sang John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Let’s just say he was no David Archuleta.

Julissa Veloz: She wore a tiara, was Miss Latino Something-or-other and kind of came off as a poor woman’s J-Lo. But she was fun. She’ll get killed in Hollywood, but she’ll be entertaining.

IDOL THOUGHTS

I liked the opening tribute to Journey, featuring footage of Randy Jackson on guitar. I also liked the ending that highlighted Katrina and the Waves’ “Walkin’ On Sunshine.”

Those commercials for the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” intrigue me. I’ve always liked Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston. Remember Barrymore in that movie a couple of years ago, the one Jimmy Fallon was the big Red Sox fan? I loved that movie. (What was the name of it?)

Hmmm … a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial. We really need one of those in Quincy.

If you haven’t seen “Lie To Me,” make sure you watch it Wednesday night after Idol. It is quality television.

JUDGES SCORECARD

SImon: Some of the spark seemed missing tonight, and did you see that T-shirt he was wearing? When he stood up, I thought he had borrowed it from Josiah the homeless kid from last year. The man makes a gazillion dollars a year, at least wear a decent shirt on national television. Score: 7

Kara: She was never the same after Paula kissed her. Score: 5

Paula: Let’s see, she kissed Kara, walked out of the room once because she felt she was being ignored … yep, the old Paula is slowly, but surely returning. Score: 4

Randy: The Dawg was acceptable. He seemed a little more upbeat than most shows to date. Score: 6

TOP 10

From those auditioners we have seen through the first five shows who have received decent air time:

1. Danny Gokey, 28, Milwaukee, Wis., music teacher. (Kansas City audition)

2. Adam Lambert, 26, Hollywood, Calif., stage actor/singer. (San Francisco audition)

3. Lil Rounds, 23, Memphis, Tenn., customer service rep. (Kansas City)

4. Emily Wynne-Hughes, 21, Los Angeles, Calif., singer. (Phoenix audition)

5. Scott MacIntire, 22, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Phoenix)

6. Michael Sarver, 27, Jasper, Texas. (Phoenix)

7. Jasmine Murray, 16, Starkville, Miss. (Jacksonville audition)

8. Leneshe Young, 18, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Louisville audition)

9. Anne Marie Boskovich, 23, Nashville, Tenn. (Jacksonville)

10. Bikini Girl (Katrina Darrell), 20, Chino Hills, Calif., model. (Phoenix)

Honorable mention: Stevie Wright, 16, Phelen, Calif., student. (Phoenix); Von Lee Smith, 22, Greenwood, Mo., student. (Kansas City);  Jamar Rogers, 26, Milwaukee, Wis., bartender. (Kansas City); Asa Barnes, 20, Kansas City, Mo., band director. (Kansas City);  Kai Kalama, 26, San Clemente, Calif., musician. (San Francisco)

Next: Salt Lake City, Utah.

I had my turn.

Now it's time to introduce the American Idol Fans Tournament. You will pick the all-time No. 1 Idol over the course of a five-week period. Here's how it will work.

The top eight male and females from the recent Top 50 Idols Project that appeared over a two-month period in this space were seeded Nos. 1-8 and divided evenly into four "regional" tournaments, much like the NCAA basketball tournament.

Each week for the next four weeks, you will vote for your favorite in each of the regionals by making your choice in the poll on the right side of this blog. The top two vote-getters from each of the four regionals will advance to the championship round.

To add a little spice to the event, I have named each of the four regionals after one of the Idol judges. Here's how the tournament will unfold, beginning today:

Week 1

The Simon Regional: David Cook, Michael Johns, Kellie Pickler, Kat McPhee.

Week 2:

The Paula Regional: Clay Aiken, Jason Castro, Kelly Clarkson, Kimberly Caldwell.

Week 3:

The Randy Regional: Ruben Studdard, David Archuleta, Fantasia, Brooke White.

Week 4:

The Kara Regional: Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood, Mandisa.

Week 5:

Top two finishers from each of the four regionals compete for the AIFT title.

Ohio has given the world some extraordinary gifts. Most notably, the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and … well, me.

Wednesday night’s Idol auditions from Louisville, Ky., saw two more added to that list.

One of the best prospects and one of the absolute worst both hailed from Ohio, and both were memorable.

First, the good:

Leneshe Young: This 18-year-old from Cincinnati with the heartbreaking story of growing up homeless had an outlook on life I would like to instill into some of my friends. Her story was touching enough, but then she began to sing — an original composition, no less – and her face simply lit up the television set. She reminded me of last year’s story about Josiah, the homeless troubadour who advanced to Hollywood, only to be cut before the round of 24. I think a better fate awaits young Leneshe, who also earned a golden ticket if you had not already guessed. “You are what we need,” said Randy, easily his most poignant contribution to the season so far.

Now, the bad:

Tiffany Shed: I’m not sure if Ohio can disown her and send her to Michigan or not, but what an arrogant little bleached blonde with a weird left ear. She began by offering an incredibly awful rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” which she followed up with by copping a major attitude with the judges. It was obvious to see how she became so delusional — her parents. They had her convinced she was the next Beyonce. Simon may have never been so accurate when he described her as a “donkey” in a field of thoroughbreds. The auditions were at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Either he was being cute, or he was simply calling her an ass. Tiffany may have been even more annoying than the unforgettable Tatiana Del Toro from the previous night. (I said maybe. I need to think about that one a little more.)

Oh, and her left ear. Did you notice it was growing straight out? That might have had something to do with her being completely tone deaf.

There were plenty of other highlights from what may have been the best overall airing so far this season. This was a show that definitely needed to go two hours:

Rebecca Garcia, left: She was interesting, because she had the words to
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood written on a wrap on her arm in
case she forgot the lyrics. It was reminiscent of Patriots quarterback
Tom Brady or Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who both have their team’s
plays on wrist wraps. Rebecca’s audition was actually rather sad,
because Kara made fun of her, thinking it was all in jest. It wasn’t.
Rebecca was simply that terrible. At least Kara apologized and admitted
she made a huge error. But the bottom line was Rebecca could not sing a
lick.

Mark Mudd: Unbelievable, another unique contestant. He sang — and the term is used loosely — George Jones’ “White Lightning.” Paula thought he was threatening the judges after a unanimous “no” vote, but that was Paula being Paula. Obviously, the woman forgot her meds that day. Mark was just a good ol’ boy who had fallen off the turnip truck. He said he was 25, but he looked 45 and sang like he was 65.

Ross Plavsic: Ross may have been the highlight of the show with his attempted rendition of “Cara Mia” by Jay and the Americans, one of my all-time favorite oldies. Ross was beyond terrible, but he was mighty entertaining. Paula about had another meltdown when Ross came over and drank some of her Coke through her straw (after he was invited to do so, mind you). He said the air was dry and it was affecting his vocals. Ross, take it from me, the dry air was the least of your worries. Ross knew Chinese, too, which failed to impress Simon or anyone else. Ross was harmless, but I think he had been dropped on his head as a small child.

Aaron Williamson: Maybe the loudest contestant in Idol history. Aaron provided a screaming, foot-stomping rendition of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, which was kind of strange in its own right. And no, Aaron is not going to Hollywood.

Alexis Grace: She was another happy story. The 20-year-old is raising a toddler alone while the little girl’s dad is completing some sort of basic training for one of the branches of the armed forces. She surprised everyone when her rather diminutive frame was able to belt out “Dr. Feelgood” by Aretha Franklin. She’s Hollywood bound.

IDOL THOUGHTS

I’m really going to have to watch this “Lie To Me” series. I really enjoy Tim Roth as an actor, and the whole being-able-to-tell-if-people-are-lying-or-not thing intrigues me.

Oh great, Steve Martin has another movie out: Pink Panther 2. The last time Steve Martin was funny was 1977.

I still love those “Bones” commercials.

The Coke Zero advertisements need to be stopped. Now.

I’m not sure about this “Ink Heart” movie, but Robert Downey Jr. is in it, and anything he touches of late turns to gold.

JUDGES SCORECARD

A pretty good night overall for the Fab Four. Paula left her hat at home, and Kara threatened to become a problem. Simon’s going to knock her on her rear end before the year’s over.

Simon: The “donkey” comment alone earns a perfect grade: Score: 10.

Kara: She was bothering me a little tonight, but she’s still a breath of fresh air. She needs to use some different product on her hair, though. Score: 9.

Paula: She actually had great hair in one of the segments. The parted in the middle look really worked, and again for the exception of a few uneasy moments, she has been reading the instructions on the side of all those bottles of prescription meds. This looks like it could be a comeback year for the queen of quirk. Score: 7.

Randy: As I’m typing this I just noticed there’s a dog hair in the glass of Caffeine Free Diet Mountain Dew I was drinking. Yechhhh. Anyway, Randy was a little above average for Randy. Honestly, he could have skipped the first four shows and I don’t think anyone would have noticed. Score: 6.

Season standings

Simon 39, Kara 37, Paula 26, Randy 18. (Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time for comebacks. We’ll be doing this in stages — auditions, Hollywood Week, semifinals, etc. There will be segment champions and an overall winner.)

TOP 10

From those auditioners we have seen through the first four shows who have received decent air time:

1. Danny Gokey, 28, Milwaukee, Wis., music teacher. (Kansas City audition)

2. Adam Lambert, 26, Hollywood, Calif., stage actor/singer. (San Francisco audition)

3. Lil Rounds, 23, Memphis, Tenn., customer service rep. (Kansas City)

4. Emily Wynne-Hughes, 21, Los Angeles, Calif., singer. (Phoenix audition)

5. Scott MacIntire, 22, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Phoenix)

6. Michael Sarver, 27, Jasper, Texas. (Phoenix)

7. Leneshe Young, 18, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Louisville audition)

8. Bikini Girl (Katrina Darrell), 20, Chino Hills, Calif., model. (Phoenix)

9. Stevie Wright, 16, Phelen, Calif., student. (Phoenix)

10. Von Lee Smith, 22, Greenwood, Mo., student. (Kansas City)

Honorable mention: Jamar Rogers, 26, Milwaukee, Wis., bartender. (Kansas City); Asa Barnes, 20, Kansas City, Mo., band director. (Kansas City);  Kai Kalama, 26, San Clemente, Calif., musician. (San Francisco)

Next: Jacksonville, Fla.