Weeks before Season Seven of American Idol started, judges and producers came forward to talk about the show’s new direction. Lackluster record sales and a bit of sag in the ratings last year meant a change had to happen. Instruments will be added this season (at some point), and this year there’s much more focus on the singers instead of celebrity guests. More back story, more tears, more focus on the contestants. So…how’s it working out for Idol this year?

The FOX reality show is consistently winning at the ratings game, though some of this is no doubt due to strike instead of entertainment value. But there is a subtle difference this year in the Idol auditions. Sans celebrity judges, the camera does seem to be finding contestants instead of stars. Early promises before the season started said viewers would see more talent than ever before…perhaps even the best Idol season ever. This week’s auditions ended in Miami (with Atlanta to begin next week). Have viewers already seen the next American Idol?

Sixteen-year-old Julie Dubela, one Miami standout, was convinced it would be her. Scoring a Top 20 finish on American Juniors four years ago, she strutted before the judges wearing a skimpy outfit totally inappropriate for any High School girl and opened her mouth to immediately butcher Janis Joplin. And though her voice soared on American Juniors, she just wasn’t ready for the big stage.

Friends (and totally fun girls) Brittany Wescott and Corliss Smith arrived to do their audition together. Loud and amusing, I was convinced these two entertainers would provide little more than passing fancy - sure they’re funny, but can they sing? I’m happy to report both ladies proved me wrong; each one possessed pipes that would make any mother proud. They each both received golden tickets and made beelines for their favorite judges.  Brittany (who likes “skinny” men) ran straight for Simon Cowell, while Corliss (who likes a bigger guy) half-attacked Randy Jackson. It was the highlight of the entire episode, and I can’t wait to see them when Hollywood week starts Feb. 12.

With only one more week of auditions to go, the Idol stage is being set for new rejections and the narrowing of the contestant pool. Will any early favorites still be around when the Final 24 are set? We’ve got two more weeks to find out.

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