This week “American Idol” took us on a tour of San Diego and the ‘friendliest city in America’ Charleston, SC. In both locations, we got a lot more bad singers than good ones. With 10,000 auditioners or more in some locales, it’s not a surprise.

San Diego Highlights:

We loved Perrie Cataldo. This single father of a young son, named Evian (yes, that’s his name) was better than we thought he’d be. The judges adored him and his little boy too.
Awww!

We thought that Samantha Musa was good. We loved how her sister pandered to Simon and said Samantha could only go to Hollywood if she could see more of Simon. (We wonder what Simon’s fiancée, Access Hollywood correspondent Terri Seymour thinks of that?)

Carly Smithson couldn’t compete a few years back due to some problems with her visa. The lovely Irish-born lass has true singing talent and will put most of the competition to shame. She’s one to watch.

San Diego Lows:

We felt for Alberto Hurtado. The sweet and slightly kooky hippie sure has embraced his inner flower child from the long hair to the long nails and the Birkenstocks. He brought in actual paper items that said he was “American Idol’s biggest fan.” Believing that singing is an expression of the soul, Hurtado found out that the judges can be soul-less on occasion, especially the ascerbic Brit, Simon. (We could’ve told him that!)

Blake Boshnack is cursed with having a stage mom who loves “American Idol” more than he does. She said it gives her life meaning. Unfortunately, her son has been rejected more than 11 times by the judges. It’s high time for both of these people to get a new hobby.

Charleston was not much better. In fact, the original capital of South Carolina (1670 – 1789) didn’t have a lot of talent to showcase on the show. Even the recipients of the golden tickets weren’t that great.

Highlights:

London Weidberg put her career on hold when her dad got sick three years ago. She did a throaty rendition of “Good Morning, Heartache.” Simon called it old-fashioned, but Randy and Paula put her through.

Jeffrey Lampkin can sing. We didn’t expect him to be so good considering he wears a tie across his bald forehead. His sister, Michelle, who auditioned with him, was sent to H-wood, too…but only after Simon told Jeffrey to ‘get her in shape’ … vocally, that is.

Dance team captain and virgin – she preaches abstinence to youth - Amy Catherine Flynn tackled the Christina Aguilera song, “Reflection” from the “Mulan” movie soundtrack. She wasn’t lacking confidence. Simon told her she wasn’t as good as she thinks she is and decided to pass on her. (We admit that we agree with him). However, Randy and Paula again offered to let her through to Hollywood.

Are they running a charity or a competition here?

The You’ve Gotta Be Kidding Category:

Raysharde Henderson says he sounds like a “black Clay Aiken.” Simon agrees but tells him that this is not a good thing. Raysharde was very over the top (read: Broadway-style). He should go into musical theater and skip the Idol route.

The lovebirds – Crystal Ortiz and Randy Stark met online at the American Idol message boards. Apparently, Randy tells people how to ace the audition. Unfortunately, we think he’s credibility is shot now because he totally didn’t on the show. Crystal was also a flop, but at least she realized that she might not be as good as her family tells her she is.

Not so for Aretha Codner. Despite being named after the legendary singer – and having the ample bosom of Ms. Franklin, the young lady can’t blow. When faced with the reality, she told the judges they didn’t know what they were talking about.

Mmm-kay.

Next week, it’s on to Omaha, Nebraska. We’re not sure if we can bear any more of this. What about you?