I haven't watched "American Idol" in a very long time (I'm talking William Hung era), but man, does it make me feel better about my own singing abilities. There are a lot of good things about Texas, but I didn't think that the Lone Star State had that strong of a showing overall in this year's auditions. But you have to get through the bottom of the barrel to reach the top.

First up was Fong Vu, 25, from Houston, Texas. He claimed that somewhere inside he had the soul of a female pop artist, but he better call and get his money back from Ms. Cleo on that one. None of the judges were impressed, and I wasn't either. I wasn't sure at first if this was a serious attempt or not, but he seemed actually disappointed when he didn't get to pass on. Sorry man, but you just didn't have it.

Kristine Osorio, 28, a divorced mother facing her first and last time she would be able to audition, pulled off what I thought was the best singing of the night. Instead of paying her divorce lawyer she used the money for the place ticket to audition, and it just may work out for her. She got three yesses to continue, singing Adele's "One and Only."

Alejandro Cazares, 26, of Houston, Texas, started his time by asking the judges if he could have the power to bring revolution to the world, but he didn't bring anything near revolutionary to the musical-talent-required portion of the show. Sure, his revolution antics made him interesting, but blah. He sang "Looking Up" by Paramore, if you want to call it singing. His voice was bad, not revolutionary. I couldn't help but feel a little bad; the poor guy got down on one knee and was begging for the chance to go another round. He had the personality at least, and assured the world he would be back next year and that the revolution wasn't over. Sorry to say, for him, I think it is.

The first guy who broke through the round, Cortez Shaw, 20, Texas, is a warehouse worker and college student. He sang Adele's "Someone Like You" and put a strong enough showing to garner three yes votes. He had a few stand-out moments in the song that suggested that he could really break through, so he may be one to watch.

Julie I-missed-her-last-name got the comic relief award for the night, channeling George Costanza's stretchy pants. Her stretchy pants were almost louder than her singing, though I would bet that had to have that microphoned somehow. If not, those were some loud-ass pants.

Last up was Ramiro Garcia, from Houston Texas, a church-worship leader and something of a wild card. Ramiro was born without ears, and doctors never expected him to learn to hear or speak. So I was surprised by what he was able to produce. His back story was warming, and surely influenced his audition selection, "Amazing Grace." Risky song, and he started off a little wobbly, but ended up pulling off three yesses to the next round. As with Shaw, Garcia had a several moments of sprit, or soul, or what have you, that if he channels that going forward, may pull off some good performances.

All in all though, I thought the crowd seemed a little thin. For Texas I would expect a few more country types to come through, and while there were some standout moments, nobody seemed to shout out at me.