The American Idol machine stopped in Atlanta, the very last city on the tour, perhaps in hopes of finding another Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken or Jennifer Hudson. Instead, they found singers like Alexandrea Lushington, Amanda Overmyer and Brooke Helvie - and I have a strong feeling we’re going to see much more of at least one of these girls.

Sixteen-year-old Alexandrea brought her 93-year-old grandmother along for the audition, then wowed judges with a soulful, sultry version of My Funny Valentine. I fell in love with both Alexandrea and her grandmother, who admonished her: “Don’t let me cry, because they’re taking pictures.” Hollywood-bound Alexandrea has got the voice to continue; next week audiences will find out if she’s got the chops.

Motorcycle riding Amanda Overmyer blew me away with her raspy, strong sound. She’s got the look, she’s got the voice, she’s got a whole lot of edge - and I really, really hope she makes it through the grueling Hollywood week. Keep your eye on this one - I’ve got that feeling we’re seeing a star in the making.

Eighteen-year-old Brooke Helvie is the girl that everyone hates in High School. Blonde, trim, and possessed of a thousand-watt smile, young Brooke is a beauty queen (I know, it’s sickening). As a pageant girl, she wanted to prove to Simon Cowell that he should no longer call performances “pageanty.” She sang a Jackson Five tune well enough to get her golden ticket, but as soon as the door shut behind her Simon echoed my own thoughts by calling her annoying. Totally. She even accepted roses from her dad when she left the audition room and poked fun at herself during a camera interview for saying “do do.”

Josiah Leming had one of the more tear-jerking backstories of the evening, unabashedly showing the cameras his home. It’s a small car that’s obviously seen better days, piled with his meager worldly possessions. And it’s terribly sad. Thankfully, Josiah has a clear, strong voice - enough to get him to Hollywood, and enough to get him in a hotel room for a few days at least. Someone give this poor man a job.

The audition episodes are all but over, with only the compilation “Best of the Rest” Wednesday episode remaining. Next, it’s on to Hollywood Week where dreams will be made and shattered.

(You can find all the American Idol 7 posts here.)