Nine thousand American Idol contestants came from New Jersey, Michigan and other parts of the country to audition in Las Vegas, otherwise known as America's "Sin City".

After seeing clowns, Elvis impersonators, "Foot Loose" fanatics, only two dozen "AI 4" hopefuls have been invited to Hollywood.

Kenny Loggins, called "the godfather of movie soundtrack albums," was the evening's guest judge together with veteran judges, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.

The singer songwriter, who three decades ago was teamed with fellow American singer songwriter, Jim Messina, has recorded twenty-six Golden and Platinum albums in his day.

One of my top ten favorite artists of all time, Loggins goes on tour beginning February 11th in Little Rock Arkansas.

Along with some of his golden oldies, he will likely sing a few hits from his latest album, It's About Time featuring country and classic R&B, a piano ballad and rock and roll with tribal rhythms.

During a recent road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I used the opportunity to introduce Kenny Loggins to my kids -- separate from the "Pooh Corner" cds I would play for them as infants.

Proving that Loggins should never be relegated to the "oldies" music bin, "Celebrate Me Home", "Alive" and Loggins and Messina's "Full Sail" and "The Best of Friends" remain part of our repertoire of "currently listened to" albums.

To learn more about the man who has helped define American culture for thirty years through his lyrics and song, go to:

As the culture of America looks to seasoned talent for the next generation of top singers, on Wednesday night we watched seven of twenty-four American Idol IV contestants get the nod from Loggins, Cowell, Abdul and Jackson.

Here is a taste of those who are going to Hollywood from Las Vegas, as well as those who served as entertainment for one night and one night only.

Jeffrey "J.C." Gray, a twenty-four year-old cook at a mini-golf course in Las Vegas, sang Neil Diamond's America. While he sang, his eyes bugged out and his arm movements went through a stabbing motion. After Simon knew J.C. had safely not made it to Hollywood, he asked Mr. Gray, "Do you know where I live in Los Angeles?" When J.C. admitted he did, Simon, in an effort to protect his hide, gave J.C. a "yes" vote.

Christopher Tamura, a twenty-five year-old from Las Vegas came into the audition room with the intention of giving the judges a taste of Vegas, Elvis Presley-style. He attempted to belt out Heartbreak Hotel. The wiggle of his hips and whipping off his glasses was an effort to further impress his audience. Unfortunately, his song and dance didn't sell. Mr. Tamura appeared genuinely surprised when Randy called his singing "bad." Simon sent him on his way back to the Venetian Hotel where he currently works at the front desk.

Joseph Land, a fake twenty-eight year-old from La Mesa, Arizona got the third degree from Simon before singing one note. Clearly, out for a moment of fame, the forty-four year-old was at least allowed to show his talent, or lack thereof on national television.

As Land walked out the door, Kenny Loggins said, "This was more like a deposition than an audition."

Dino Yazzie's brother, Desie Yazzie, a twenty-seven year-old Native American Indian from Kykotsmovi, Arizona tried his best at improving upon his brother's audition in Season Two.

Ryan Seacrest asked:

Will Dezie Yazzie do as bad as Dino Yazzie did?

The answer: "Yes!"

I Have Nothing was his choice of songs.

"I don't want to hurt anymore," Randy Jackson said.

Just when I was about to give up offering Schadenfreude comments to any other "unbelievably bad" contestants that walked through the door, Karl Roberts showed up. The twenty year-old, blue gloved man from Fairfax, Virginia goes down as down right scary.

Trevor Gordon, on the other hand, was extremely convincing as to how excited he was to be there. The Medford, Oregon contestant, bless his heart, was far from exciting. In addition, he could not remember the words to his song.

Then there was "Kermit The Frog," a sixteen year-old, Randall Jason from Las Vegas.

After Valentiin Zamarripa's peformance of Thriller, Simon decided to take a break. Randall through his wig to the floor as Simon walked out. We almost walked out too.

Matthew Falber, a twenty-one year-old upbeat Lion King singer from Casper, Wyoming did nearly everything right. He simply chose the wrong song. Just when we were about to throw in the towel, or the tomatoes at the television, Matthew walked in and finally made our two daughters smile.

Unfortunately, Randy and Kenny didn't see the potential.

Paula was gracious in encouraging Matthew to come back next season. Hopefully, with a different song.

Local entertainers, maids, chefs and other odd sorts auditioned in Nevada. Some came to sing Viva Las Vegas. Some came to just get their five minutes of fame.

Mikalah Gordon, a sixteen year-old from Las Vegas had spot on pitch despite her nail-breaking nervousness.

Randy said: "You were born to do this. And this is what I love. All these people talk about they're too young. I'm with you, man."

Kenny loved the way she worked every judge.

Simon found it refreshing to experience an artist this cool.

Randy said, "100,000% yes."

Amanda Avila, a twenty-three year-old who performs on the outdoor "Treasure Island" pirate ships in Las Vegas, certainly came with "The Look."

Kenny looked mesmerized.

Before her performance, Amanda said:

I don't know if I'm the next American Idol.

All I know is that every time I have watched the show and I see that Season Finale with Fantasia or Ruben or Kelly singing that song to all those people, I want that feeling so bad.

I long for it.

Wearing a choker that spelled out P-I-C-K and a hot pink tank top with M-E in large white letters on it, Amanda came into the audition room to sing I'm Going To Love You Forever. The judges and the audience may very well do just that.

Simon asked, before judging, "Would I be right in saying that if we put you through to the next round a lot of your show girls would be coming down to visit you?"

When Amanda smiled and sayed yes, Simon promptly gave her a "yes" vote while Randy laughed in the background.

Her performance was no laughing matter, however. Just Simon's antics.

Paula let it be known that this was the first time she was not upset with Simon for saying such a thing. Usually Paula gets pulled into the brunt of a joke targeted at a singer with little talent.

Paula told Amanda, "You can sing."

Kenny and Randy echoed Simon and Paula's "yes."

Look for Amanda Avila in Hollywood.

Richard Molfetta went from New Orleans where he performed and was "denied" when he sang with his twin brother J.P.

Richard decided to leave J.P. home in New York and give American Idol one more try -- this time, as a soloist.

The twenty-seven year-old from New Windsor, New York, who is just as handsome as his twin, gave heart and soul to his audition in Las Vegas.

In return, Kenny gave Molfetta kudos and a "yes" vote.

Loggins said, "You have a very strong voice. And a lot of control."

Randy chimed in, "He can definitely sing. But you gotta lose some of the act, man."

Rich was surprised to hear that Randy and Simon thought he was over-acting.

Paula wholeheartedly disagreed with Jackson and Cowell's assessment.

Paula said:

I'm a woman. And you're a man. And we both felt it.

After praising Rich's singing ability, Randy got the voting started by saying, "I say yes!" Paula and Kenny seconded the motion. The fact that Simon's feeling hadn't been swayed by Paula's vehemence didn't matter.

Simon said, "You're through to the next round. Congratulations."

Randy cheered him on. Simon was less expressive. "Whoopee," Simon said.

Whoopee!!, we say.

Emily Neves, a twenty-two year-old Cyndi Lauper-like persona from Houston, Texas with enough energy for the two of them, may have had no intention of spontaneously belting out Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

Fortunately for her, the judges gave her a second chance to calm down a bit and sing something a little less "harsh."

Neves sang pointed lyrics at Simon.

All four judges got a kick out of her sneaking in the final line "you can't see the forest from the trees." Even Simon complimented her for her entertainment value.

Randy called Neves fun and funny. Kenny said "yes" because he wants a chance at hearing her with instruments backing her up.

Paula definitively said, "I love you. I think you are fresh. 'Yes,' obviously."

"You know what that means?" Simon asked her after Randy praised her for her jibing lyrics directed toward Mr. Cowell. "You're through to Hollywood," Simon said with a smirk.

As she walked her energy turned overwhelming emotion.

Sharon Galvez, a twenty-eight year-old show girl mom from Las Vegas, came in to sing Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston. Galvez surprised us all down to the very last note.

Simon said: "Wow!"
Paula said: "You owned it. You did a very nice job."
Randy said: "Paula's right; you brought it on. I was like, 'wow.'"

All four judges voted, "yes."

Jennifer Howard, a twenty-seven year-old homemaker from Ontario, California, came in and gave it her best shot singing Alicia Keys' I Ain't Got You.

Of all the contestants seen thus far, Howard has the greatest potential to end up with the biggest image change, if she loses weight, changes her hairstyle and lloses her glasses.

Simon capped the evening on a high. He told Jennifer, you are a good singer. Giving hope to all the other female-sized versions of Ruben Studdard, he said 'yes.'

Paula told her, "I got goosebumps."

Randy gave Jennifer a 100% yes vote.

Kenny acknowledged her image-issue and the similarity to Ruben and Aretha. That said, he echoed Paula and Randy's "yes."

Randy chimed in, "she's got heart and personality."

We couldn't agree more.

Simon made it unanimous, a rare experience on Wednesday night's show.

He said, "You have four yesses. You're through to the next round."

Saving One of The Best for Last

Mario Vazquez, a twenty-seven year-old New Yorker came in and gave Whatever Happens his best show.

Whatever happens from here, we'll see Mario in Hollywood.

Simon said it all, "In my opinion, one of the best we've had in this competition!"

Along with Mario, twenty-three others left "Sin City" with a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Next week, the judges head to the home of rock 'n' roll.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful "I'm All Right Now; Everybody's Talkin' About Me" living.

~ Jennifer Carolyn King

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