Aspen: "When You Got It, Share It"

Since I was watching this on tape, I was able to take a closer look at the opening credits and I discovered something interesting…

In years past, the opening credits have showed all of the winners and some notables like Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert. But this year, the credits only show eight winners and an interesting selection of contestants from last season…

The first shot is Kelly Clarkson (Season 1), Ruben Studdard (Season 2), Carrie Underwood (Season 4) and David Cook (Season 7). Carrie then morphs into Haley Reinhart, Ruben morphs into James Durbin and David morphs into Casey Abrams. The camera then pans to Fantasia (Season 3). Fantasia then quickly morphs into Lauren Alaina. The next shot is Lee DeWyze (Season 9), Scotty McCreery (Season 10) and Kris Allen (Season 8).

If you’re keeping track, the winners that are not shown are Taylor Hicks (Season 5) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6). It’s interesting that the powers-that-be chose to show Lee over Jordin, since Jordin is still somewhat relevant and Lee has already been dropped from his label. If I was “Idol,” I would want to forget that Lee’s season even happened…

As for why all the pictures of the contestants from last season, I’m not sure. Maybe they think people will remember them more than the others. But it’s interesting they get showcased when 19 didn’t sign either James or Casey and Haley’s album has not been released yet…

For the record, both Jordin and Taylor are featured in the artwork on the audition sets….

Now let’s get back to the auditions. Here are some of my thoughts on Aspen…

I’m not sure that Jenni Schick could have picked a better audition song than Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker.” It perfectly matched her personality. And I love how she admitted she despises her kindergarten students playing the recorder…

I LOVED Devan Jones, who I think was singing The Script’s “The Man Who Would Not Move.” If I’m right, it was a great take on a great song that should’ve gotten a little more chart love…

Keep your eye on Mathenee Treco. His R&B take on “Hey Jude” was pretty interesting…

I have to compliment the producers’ choice of “Skyscraper” to play during Shelby Tweten’s (“Temporary Home”) Hollywood moment. No doubt the young woman diagnosed as bipolar can totally relate to the song’s message…

I loved the girl who did “Stand By Me” complete with beatboxing…

So who is JLo always looking at off to the side during the auditions? Is it a producer? Is it an assistant? Sometimes it looks like she’s seeking their approval before she decides something…

You guys know the auditions make me a little uncomfortable and one of the big reasons why is when talented singers nearly blow their auditions with stupid stuff. That’s what Angie Zeiderman did with her whole “When You Got It, Share It” performance. She clearly has a good voice and she should’ve just showed it. Of course, if she hadn’t done the whole song and dance, she never would have gotten on TV, so I guess she couldn’t win there…

People like Magic Cyclops also make me uncomfortable because I hate contestants who are just there to get on TV. I will say he could possibly make an excellent Neil Diamond impersonator…

It looked like Aspen was producing a lot of talent, but only 31 made it through to Hollywood…

Next up, Houston, Texas…