TV's "Biggest Show" went to New Orleans to find potential American Idol talent this past summer. Thousands auditioned for a ticket to Hollywood. On Tuesday, January 25th 2005, nearly 30 million people tuned in to the third audition show of the season after 21,000 thousand tried out in Washington D.C. and and thousands gave it a shot in St. Louis.

According to Nielsen Media Research, 27.7 million viewers watched the New Orleans auditions which garnered a 12.0 rating/31 share in the adults 18-49 demographic. Go American Idol!

From Judge, Randy Jackson's home state of Louisiana, only sixteen people got at least three of the four judges votes -- the lowest number through to the next round, thus far.

Nine thousand people gave it a try; four thousand more than last season.

Tuesday night's guest judge was Israeli-born Gene Simmons from KISS.

Over the years, KISS served 50 million American rock demonic-loving fans in the '70s.

Now, a few decades later, the wild singer has become an author, an actor, a television series producer, a magazine publisher and an entrepreneur.

Simmons appeared more mature, a bit less "peculiar" and wearing significantly less make-up than during his hey-day of sold-out popmetal performances. He also kept his tongue in his mouth throughout the entire audition.

In New Orleans, the "longest tongue" in entertainment, joined "the sharpest tongue", Simon Cowell -- along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

In New Orleans, there appeared to be more contestants out for a few minutes of fame than on a real mission to show their talent.

On Tuesday night, the American Idol IV producers highlighted more people who did not receive the golden ticket to Hollywood.

Here are the brief profiles of six contestants who 5 of the 27.7 million viewers got a kick out of despite not making it, along with six American Idol IV hopefuls who are on their way to Hollywood.

Daron Beck from San Antonio, Texas was hoping that especially Gene Simmons would like him. He started out singing Delilah by Tom Jones followed by I Put A Spell On You.

Gene's first reaction: "You're killing me."
Simon said: "You'd be good in a strange, obscure cabaret club."

Gene praised him for being "peculiar" just as he is. However, this praise did not equal a "yes" vote.

Robert Solomon, a twenty-six year-old from Macon, Georgia is a "Rejectionist Projectionist" who has lots of time to belt it out when he's by himself. Robert was quickly rejected by all.

Leroy Wells, a twenty-two year-old incomprehensible "hyper dude" from Grand Bay, Alabama came into the auditions with an entourage and a hip-hopping stomping bop. Wearing shorts and a Bronx jersey, chanting "Can You Dig It?" and attempting to sing (ODB) Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Got Your Money" followed by James Brown's "I Feel Good." Wells got three of the judges rockin' during his performance. You can guess who was not impressed. Virtually nothing Leroy said was understandable.

Simon asked, "In America, do you have a button that puts sub-titles up? I don't understand a word he's saying."

Flashing his golden teeth, Leroy was not crushed to hear he was not on his way to Hollywood for his singing talent. He was just glad to get his few minutes of fame on tv. "I couldn't let Simon put me on tv" he said after he left the audition room. Of course, in order to understand this, the producers had to put sub-titles up.

According to Alabama tv stations and the New York Post this week, Wells ended up watching his few minutes of fame on American Idol from a prison cell.

The indecipherable contestant evidently has a long rap sheet. Before Tuesday's show, he was tossed into Mobile Metro Jail after failing to appear in court on charges he shot someone in the hip earlier this month. Despite his assault, gun and drug charges, Wells was allowed by the authorities to watch himself on American Idol.

Simon, and you thought the "stabbing guy" was cause for concern.

Algua Isaac from Texas thought singing Jingle Bells would give him the golden ticket.

Sundeep Achreja, a twenty-eight year-old accountant from Metairie, Louisiana was told to stick to accounting. His rendition of Eye of The Tiger was "interesting" Gene Simmons said. Paula asked him if he's ever watched their show. Simon asked whether he has listened with the volume up.

Rich & J.P. Molfetta, twenty-seven year-old identical twins from New Windsor, New York gave it their all. Rich gave more of a solo performance than J.P. did. When they were stopped, Paula asked for more.

Randy was willing to put them both through. Gene called them "very talented" but gave them a no. Paula said, "yes and yes." Paula couldn't believe it when Simon decided to go with Gene.

Simon said, "I don't think individually you're good enough" - despite the fact both of them already have two recording contracts.

Ryan said, after giving them an extensive opportunity to vent, "I think we'll see the Molfetta brothers again." And that we would ... the following evening.

David Brown, a nineteen year-old from New Orleans, was there "following his heart."

Randy jumped in immediately to praise Brown's talent. He said, "The best I have heard since we've been doing this the fourth season."

Simon said: "100% yes."
Paula said: "You're a star. I loved everything about you."
Randy said: "You blew it out."
Gene said: "It looks like you've got a unanimous. You're going to Hollywood."

Later in the show, host Ryan Seacrest took us into the New Testament Baptist Bible Center where David was singing with members of his church. With tears in his eyes, David Brown told the community of believers, "I made it to the next level of American Idol. I'm going to Hollywood."

Brown will have many believing in him once he gets to Hollywood.

Lindsey Cardinale, a nineteen year-old from Louisiana sang Standing Right Next To Me. The beautiful teenager dressed in a pink and black camisole and black pants.

Gene said: "I like her a lot."
Paula said: "You have a very interesting voice. Your hypnotic. You're pure."
Simon said she was one of the best they had seen that day.

Michael Liuzzza, who grew up in the heart and soul of New Orleans' French Quarter, was raised by singing, entertaining parents.

Michael chose to sing Louis Armstrong's rendition of Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?

Out to "give some good love" given all the evil in the world, the twenty-two year-old was praised by Paula, Gene and Randy. Gene compared his singing to the good ol' tunes of Rosemary Clooney." While Gene really liked him, he gave Michael a "no" vote. Randy gave him a 100% "yes." Simon was inclined to vote with Gene. However, he decided to give him one more chance.

You can bet Michael's parents are proud!

Jeffrey Johnson, a twenty-seven year-old youth minister who leads praise and worship in Dallas, Texas sang In The Still of The Night (one of Simon's favorites). Before coming into the audition room, he prayed with a dozen or so fellow contestants.

Gene told him he could be convincing as a country artist. Even though Gene led Jeffrey and the audience to believe he would get his vote, when it came down to it, he gave a simple "no."

Paula, however said "yes," and encouraged him to find his direction.

Simon thought he would be loved by many.

Lamar & Jamar Jefferson, twenty-three year-old twins from DeSoto, Texas came in wearing matching caps and singing their way into their introduction.

After their audition Simon said: "You are people we would remember. I say, we take both of them." The other judges agreed!

All in all, there seemed to be a lot of soul in New Orleans despite the few that received tickets to Hollywood.

We just wish George Huff would have auditioned again. Now that's an American Idol contestant worth cheering for! Who do you suppose will be New Orleans' Gentle George Huff of 2005?

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "vicarious and not so vicarious but fun to watch" living.

~ Jennifer Carolyn King

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