Here we go American Idol series 5 coming to you from San Fransisco.


Thousands turned up at the Cow Palace


Heidi Fairbanks is first up she's from Hawaii. She's singing Opera (why) i thought this was a pop contest - she's now onto pop music. Simon loved the opera hated the pop! Simon say's no, Paula's a yes, Randy is a No she's not going to Hollywood.


Shawn Vasquez is another opera singer (what is it with opera tonight), but at least he isn't singing opera now. I dont know what he is singing but i really don't like it, and neither do the judges. Paula's speechless, Randy says it the loudest audition ever, Simon says one of the worst voices he has ever heard - almost non-human. He's out.


Mid-morning and no one is through yet!!!!


Jose 'Sway' Penala Paula says excellent, Simon say yes, Randy says yes and he's through. He set off a chain of winners.


Lauren Weckerley is through, but we don't see much of her. Then the good had to come to an end and up came ......


Matthew 'Wolfie' Paulson (who likes wolfs)! He can't sing at all - Randy says it was terrible, Simon says it was one of the worst he has heard. He is out. He says the judges can't see the similarities between him and Clay Aitkin!!!!!


John Williams has been in military for 9 years, he has just been discharged and the first thing he does is to come to American Idol. He is being Michael Jackson (why do they do that), I don't like Michael Jackson at the best of times. The judges look confused too. Simon says no, Paula says yes, Randy says the voice is ok but the Jackson stuff is not good - Simon is winding Randy up by saying he is harsh - Randy finally says yes he's going to Hollywood.


Everyone has a vocal coach with them including Katharine McPhee who's mum is her vocal coach. WOW i think she can really, really sing - but what do the judges think? Simon says parts of that was fantastic, Randy says it was wonderful, Paula says that her mum must be very proud. Simon really likes her she is 100% what the competition is about.


Eric Cornforth really, really bad.


Shalica Carlise has quit her job to come to American Idol - you know what they say ' Dont give up the day job'? Well that applies here. 100% NO. Simon is going to try and get her job back for her, he has rang her employer - yes he has done it for her she has a job. See he's really very nice.


Shawna White she is singing well (i think) for a 16 year old, Randy is impressed, Simon says No, Randy says yes, Paula is a yes she is going to Hollywood. The Judges are arguing about her - Simon says she was not his thing and Randy wants to know if his ears are OK.


Marcus Phillips is next he is a 'all terrine entertainer' Simon tries to stop him but Randy and Paula want to hear more (god knows why he is bad). Simon is getting really fed up. Its a no from everybody.


Jayne Santayana is next and she sounds good, Paula says awesome but Simon says the song was way to big for her and he says no, Randy is a yes, Paula is a yes. She is through although she has left a storm in the judging room. Randy wants to know what radio is playing in Simons head.


Over the next auditions they judges opinions are night and day, they are having a tough time arguing over everyone.


Deborah Dawn Tilley is next she is a rock chick. Paula says she is a little bit much but says Yes to her, Randy says the voice didn't blow him away. Simon says she looks like Cher at a fancy dress party and he says No. Simon has had ehough and is leaving, he says Randy and Paula can do it on their own for a while, and hes gone back to his hotel.


Manuel Viramontes is next he drinks shots of hot sauce before he performs and prays to his saint. Once he starts singing he will not shut up Randy is trying to stop him and he will not stop. Paula says no Randy says no as well - he's not through


18 people make it through in total


Come on Las Vegas lets see what you've got ................