I'm one of those people who watches American Idol but always skips the early audition episodes because I find them too cruel and painful. I'm sorry I missed last night's though, and thanks Dan for sharing Leo Marlow's audition! Who knows how he'll fare in Hollywood (he seemed awfully nervous and might have trouble belting it out on a big stage), but the judges definitely went out of their way to make clear that they liked his "openness." Was it just me or were they signaling that they want an out gay contestant?

He's awesome.

Looks like the video has been pulled - but it would be nice to have an out participant in American Idol...as opposed to the closeted punchlines we tend to see.

I was immediately uplifted with his homecoming comments and then when he could sing...WOW!!  I have some hope and excitement this season - finally!!!

 Randy, Simon and Paula - kudos for being so welcoming and encouraging!! (wait, did i just use "kudos"...).

 I've been a watcher of AI since about season 4 (spotty viewing of it before that) and have always felt something missing in who I want to support...maybe this year that will change!!

Kudos, Leo!! (there's that word again...)

 

Peace.

FB

He is cute, but when I heard how much the judges loved him I was like "what?", I did not think he was that good, just very average, and was surprised that they liked him so much.

also, i really don't understand what it was he said, was it a joke? why did he even say that- maybe it's because im not american, but i dont understand what was so special about it.

But yeah, I do think the judges has been a lot nicer this year. I kinda want evil Simon back, even he is very nice this year. wonder why?

I find the auditions very boring to watch this year, maybe Im just so sick of seeing so many bad performances. it's fun when the person who is singing doesn't know how much they suck, but when they come in in costumes and do crazy things it's so obvious that they just wanna be on TV, so I don't like watching that.

Marlow's homecoming queen comment did seem a bit awkward, but it was a nice quick way for him to out himself to the judges (and on national television). Clearly he meant to declare his orientation and the joke, awkward as it was, was probably better than just walking into the room and saying "I'm gay." And yes, the fact that the judges fawned over him far more than his performance probably warranted indicates they were giving him extra bonus points for being out and proud. Good for them.

You missed one of the better audition episodes Ducky. Chris with his happiness exploding everywhere, the homecoming queen and one of the best lines of the series: "I can't wait to get to Hollywood and prove to Simon that I am America's Next Top Model!" Priceless!!

He's definetely got my vote.

Boy can sing!

 

 

I agree that Leo wasn't knock down mind blowing amazing but he was better than a lot of the people that have been showcased on the show and his personality does make up for whatever he's lacking in vocal talents.

KMantoni, I'm sad that I missed most of what seems like a pretty good episode.  I'm dying over the ANTM comment.  High-sterical!