Red Track Suit Lionel Ritchie Singer

Contestant #4156

One of the episode's best contestants appeared during the All Night Long montage. Number 4156 wore a red track suit and sang, "All night long . . . Umm . . . Oh, what a feeling, when we're dancing on the ceiling — wait, is that the wrong Lionel Ritchie song?"

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Rachel Zevita

Contestant #6008

When we first saw Rachel outside the audition she had rainbow-tinted sunglasses, multi-colored hair band, and pink-and-green braces. In other words, she looked like she had just beaten up Rainbow Brite or Punky Brewster and stolen their clothes.

Rachel first sang a gravely rendition of Jeff Buckley's Eternal Life. The judges heard something they liked but were unhappy with the song choice. She then sang Justin Guarini's Get Here, followed by some opera at Randy's request.

Rachel got a golden ticket and was passed onto Hollywood. Whoever said Rainbow Brite wouldn't make a comeback?

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Christopher Henry

Contestant #8646

Christopher has been told that he resembles George Michael and Simon Cowell. When he walked in, Paula said that they were identical.

Christopher sang Kelly Clarkson's I Never Lived Before Your Love, and he had no problem hitting all the high notes. Simon responded, "The reality is, is that you should be singing in a dress and stilettos."

Randy suggested that he try singing some Barry White for the audition instead.

Paula tried to suggest that Christopher create an act around his strengths. Simon cut her off because it had nothing to do with American Idol, which infuriated Paula.

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Antonio Torres Jr.

Contestant #8913

47 year old Antonio dressed like Frank Sinatra to sing New York, New York.

Antonio's rendition was a quiet half-singing, half-talking. The most distinctive part of the song, however, is that he sang "New Yor, New Yor."

Antonio really missed the boat on that one.

Ryan was then shown in New York City saying, "Ahh, yes. Good ol' New Yor, New Yor."

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Nakia "Little Shirley" Claiborne

Contestant #8312

Before her audition, Nichole Claiborne, a.k.a. Nakia or "Little Shirley" (for Shirley Caesar), was a seemingly limitless supply of energy and infectious excitement.

Nakia said, "Sometimes you gotta keep your composure, you don't want people to think you're crazy" — and then she continued shaking, laughing, and bouncing all over.

Nakia's performance of Martha and the Vandellas' Dancing in the Street was entertaining and had Paula dancing, however when Nakia sang a slow song, the imperfections in her voice were apparent. Once the judges turned her down, Nakia was deflated and came out of the room a complete 180 degrees of her previous self.

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William Van Stone, Jr.

Contestant #?

Billed by Ryan as this year's "Man or Woman?" contestant, William had an androgynous haircut and enough baby fat to conceal his gender.

It didn't help that William chose to sing Selena's Dreaming of You, and just as high.

Simon interrupted William's song and Randy started cracking up. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see more of the judges' comments.

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The Silent Astronaut

Contestant #8527

Initially, we didn't hear Contestant #8527 sing or even talk.

The astronaut walked into the room and Carol Bayer Sager immediately reacted with, "Oh, come on."

Simon continued the thought with, "Oh, for God's sake."

To be fair, the Silent Astronaut did not remain silent. During the All Night Long montage, we hear him sing the title lyrics.

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