American Idol Season 8: Phoenix Audition Recap

Emily Hughes Makes an Impression on the Judges

It's way too early to crown the next David Cook. After all,

American Idol 2009 is all of one show old in its eighth season, but amid the Randy Madden's (the highly sensitive faux rocker who did a horrible rendition of "Living on a Prayer"), and the Tuan Nguyen's (he on the giant afro and no talent) that showed up in Phoenix, there were some gems.

One singer who managed to standout was 16-year-old J. B. Ahfua, a high school student out of Utah. Ahfua was told he had a good voice (but that he needs to loosen up) by Simon Cowell; and when it comes to Idol, does any other opinion really matter? Though to be fair to the show this year, new judge Kara Dioguardi looks like she will be adding some baldly needed balance to the judges panel. Kara for her part seems to be on with most of her critiques, and she is definitely a lot easier to understand than the rambling Paula Abdul.

Two other 16-year-olds who made their way through were Arianna Afsar, who's voice and fresh-faced enthusiasm seems tailor made for the show, and Stevie Wright, a singer with surprisingly good control of her voice.

On the other hand, the show is not for all 16-year-olds. One that did not fair so well was the pink clad Leah Marie Golde who called herself a cross between Hilary Duff and Madonna, but who fell horribly short of being either. At least Leah Marie got to meet her idol Kara Dioguardi in the process, so the trip for her may not have been a total lost.

Then there was Michael Sarver, a roughneck working on an oil rig, who turned out to be one of the more unexpected finds in the desert. With a family to feed, and a high degree of likeability, Sarver can fast become a fan favorite. Sarver was followed by Katrina Darnell (aka "Pink Bikini" girl) who got into a singing cat-fight with new judge Kara Dioguardi, but who sang surprisingly well. Both got their tickets punched to Hollywood.