The talent is fresher, less karaoke-like, imo. That said, I wish they'd let contestants pick songs from a wider variety of works as far as eras- because two weeks of the Beatles has been hard on the ears.
My faves so far:
Amanda (wish she'd get rid of the halloween hair though!) I love her raw, real presentation- minus the hair.. Carly- she is consistent with quality of singing and connecting with her audience, imo.
I think they are the best of the women.
I think Brooke has the best appearance and a great personality but I don't think she's as strong of a singer as the other two. I do think she will be snapped up and made into a star. I think a number from this season will. Including Kristy Lee who I believe should be the next to go.
Of the guys, I like Michael Johns for voice but wish there was more of a connection coming across with his personality. Something that doesn't make me have to look at the Idol site to remember his name and that I like his voice a lot.
David Cook has that typical Seattle band sound. He's very good but I don't think he'll be the next American Idol.
Jason is almost all about appearances. People like him for that and I think he'll be successful but not the next Idol OR the next to go.
Chikezie- great voice, great energy but not enough grabbing with his personality and someone needs to help him with his wardrobe! He looks like Will Smith's nerdy brother on "Fresh Prince Of Bellaire". Syesha is a great singer. But not enough personality coming thru with all this competition. I think. Great great voices!
David Archuleta- talented, I think he'll be among the top three unless he keeps forgetting lines as badly as he did last week and possibly get pushed back further if he continues to present as someone much older than he actually is. Ramiele- cute, young, talented, personable. I think she'll get a contract out of this. Don't know how far she will go though.
I think this is a great season as far as talent goes. I will be interested to see how many become household names from this season other than one-hit wonder singers.
I gotta say, I couldn't stand Taylor Hicks and although I believe Catherine McPhee has a beautiful voice, she comes across so polished her appearance reminded me of children that have been working beauty pageants from babyhood into the teens.
Hated Brooke's outfit (she sorta looked like wife of Sesame Street's "Big Bird")and didn't like her song choice/presentation at all this week. I love her personality and she has a good voice but I don't think she's even in the top five as far as how good she actually sings by comparison.

> I've been watching each night so far and I was wondering if
> anyone else has an opinion on how things are. I have MY
> favorites but I'd like to hear yours...