The TV Zone

The auditions - which seemed to go on forever and ever and ever - ended last night, but I was intrigued (again) by what seems to be the continuation of a trend gripping this edition. For want of a better term (and I will try and cook one up one of these days), it's the advent of the Semi-Pro (or Highly Polished) Who Already Has an Established Fanbase. I was struck by two worthies last night, both of whom certainly deserved to advance, but both of whom have unique qualifications that make 'em stand out from the rest.

The first is Cardin Lee McKinney, the Nashville waitress (I believe) who has a sizable Internet following (already!) and who's even posted herself about being featured in some USA Today story from January (though I couldn't locate.) I thought she was good; Simon seemed non-plussed; she's attractive, poised, and looks like someone who's done this before. And almost certainly has! (Not that there's anything wrong with that, which there isn't..) But you've got to check out her Myspace profile, easily attainable after a simple Google search. I do believe this is the most amazing Myspace profile I've ever seen - more like a highly polished promotion that should help when voting begins.

Next up and even more intriguing: JoAnn Borgella (who's name was either mis-spelled on the screen bumper, or who has changed her spelling.) She was the young woman from Hoboken; Paula said she seemed to have had issues with weight control.

Bingo, Paula! How astute. Not only has Joanne - the spelling on the Web - had problems but she even won Miss F.A.T. (or whatever it was called) on that Mo'Nique reality contest on Oxygen (not that I've ever seen it, mind you...) She's also a plus-size model and aspiring actress. Check out her website. I also have reason to believe Joanne comes from the Island, and when I found out where, you will be the first to know...

Anything wrong with any of this? You know - aspiring actors and singers, and astute designers of Myspace profiles? Of course not...You've gotta get a leg-up on the comp anyway you can...more power to both of 'em. I just find it intriguing that "Idol" never tells anyone about the full (or fuller) story behind contestants in these early rounds. I wonder why...