chris sligh

(S06E09) After four long weeks of auditions, we've finally made it to the infamous "Hollywood Round." Ryan tells us that 172 contestants are just five days away from becoming finalists, but "those five days are going to be a nightmare."

It might be a nightmare for the contestants, but at home, we are spared most of the mayhem. In fact, Idol speeds through most of the singing completely and a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff, as well. Where's the emotional build-up? Where's the drama? Where's Simon's nasty comments? Where's the angry outbursts from exhausted rejects pushed to the brink of insanity? I can't get a handle on who's who or who's singing what. Before I blink, people are being sent home.

The rumors about a "curly-haired" boy have been circulating for weeks. According to the Idol judges, this curly-haired boy is "the one to beat" in this year's Idol competition.

And Tuesday night in Birmingham, we met Chris Sligh, a Jack Osbourne doppelganger, with a full head of "Justin Guarini" curls.
Could he be the "chosen one" they speak of?

Are you still impressed with the auditions on American Idol?

Besides the consistently odd behavior by Paula and Simon's unimpressed look paired with his snarky comments, last night's audition process hit a predictable wall with their talent. I am convinced that if you have hair that remotely resembles Justin Guarini's and can kind of sing, you are a shoe in for Hollywood. After all, it's easier for the show to gain credibility by transforming someone who needs a lot of work than to get someone like Carrie Underwood straight off the bat.