American Idol 9 visited the Windy City, opening this audition episode with a montage of angry, rejected contestants. It was an auspicious beginning. Shania Twain was the guest judge for this city, a development which seemed to thrill Kara DioGuardi.

The crowds who waited chanted “Yes, We Can,” in honor of Barack Obama, who called the city home until taking up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania in Washington, D.C. Viewers were quickly taken into the story of Katelyn Epperly, a pretty blonde (dyed) with pretty ringlets. Her low, sultry voice quickly proved that there’s more to her than what meets the eye, and Katelyn earned praise from the judges. “I think you have a voice that could sing a hit song, I think,” Shania Twain generously told her. Epperly earned her golden ticket, and the Chicago auditions were well under way.

Amy Lang had tons of personality and a strong desire to meet Ryan Seacrest, who seemed a little freaked out by her flirtation. To start her song, Amy dramatically fell straight to the floor before standing to belt an Aretha Franklin song. Sadly, her vocals were a little sub-par. I loved Amy, but her singing just wasn’t strong enough to win her a chance to go to Hollywood.

Charity Vance was adorable, but her somewhat warbly rendition of “Summertime” wasn’t overly impressive. “Small voice, but very interesting sound,” Randy Jackson observed. Charity did walk out of the room a winner, scoring positive praise across the entire panel.

A montage of odd auditions followed. This collection of clips contained a few real gems, many of which were punctuated by Simon Cowell’s caustic comments. As the hours slipped by, only four Hollywood-bound contestants were found amongst the mass of would-be singers.

Angela Martin went to Hollywood during American Idol 7 and 8, both times while extenuating circumstances were in effect. As she did in the past, Angela sang beautifully for the panel. “You’re just good,” Simon Cowell observed. “Hot vocals,” Randy praised. Angela was given a quick golden ticket, and I’m beginning to wonder if she’s one of this season’s ringers.

Day 1 in Chicago ended strong, as the judges finally found more contenders for the Hollywood round of auditions.

Twelve thousand turned out for the Day 2 auditions, filling the audition room with eager contestants. Curley Newbern kicked the day off with a very high-pitched (and horrible) version of an unrecognizable tune - though his poor audition can’t be blamed on the song. Curley at least made the judges laugh. “Maybe next time,” he smiled good-naturedly at the camera on his way out.

Many negative answers followed, clips of which were turned into a black-and-white montage a la 1920s silent film.

Brian Krause was extremely energetic and absolutely terrifying. His audition was no strange, the judges didn’t know whether to laugh or call security. “No, it’s not a joke, ma’am,” he answered Kara DioGuardi when she queried him. “That was weird,” Randy Jackson was point-blank. “Tiptoe that way,” Kara pointed toward the door, ushering him out. Krause gave an equally odd exit interview, and finally his video package was over. Day 2 was off to a dismally slow start.

Harold Davis was a bit more promising. His delivery was strong and his look pretty fashionable, but his vocals weren’t completely on-point. He was reduced to tears when the panel rejected him, and even Simon’s heart seemed to go out to a him a little. “Chin up,” he offered briskly.

The Chicago doldrums continued, as many more walked away from the judges’ table in disappointment. John Park was ready to turn it all around. He sang in a deep, well-modulated tone that pleased even the meanest ears at the table. John earned a yes from every judge. “Finally!” Seacrest cried as the joy ensued.

Paige Dechausse brought her entire family to her American Idol audition. It was a big event for the group, as Paige nearly died after an asthma attack several years ago. Her pretty voice won her a mixed review from the panel. Simon Cowell immediately gave her a “no,” but both female judges entreated Randy Jackson to give Paige the nod to go to Hollywood. Cowell threw his hands up in dismay when the ladies got their way, and Paige’s family had even more to celebrate when she stepped out of the room holding her ticket in hand.

Three more Hollywood-bound contestants followed her. Thirteen golden tickets walked out of the Chicago auditions out of the thousands who came to sing, but such is the way of reality TV. Tomorrow, the auditions will continue in Orlando.

(Make sure to check out our other American Idol 9 posts.)