At some point in every American Idol season the wife will get around to watching and it’s usually when the show hits the Top 12 or Top 10. And that’s her cue to proclaim: “If (fill in the blank) doesn’t win I’m never watching this show again!”

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Idol Chatter had a moment like that Thursday during the showing of Idol’s audition stop in Baton Rouge, La. It was a little different in that IC didn’t go so far as to proclaim that 19-year old Bernell Taylor needs to win the competition for my continued interest in the show, but I must say based on what I saw Thursday he just has to wind up in the Top 5 come May.
Taylor, from New Orleans, along with his family lost everything to Katrina and then relocated to Baton Rouge. He sang “I’m Here” from the Color Purple and did it not only with a solid voice but also with a conviction that soared over everyone else on the show Thursday.

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Just remember the name.

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There were 35 golden tickets to Hollywood passed out Thursday night and some of the other names to remember: Charlie Askew, Maddie Assel, Michelle Montezeri and Paul Jolley.

Next week’s show moves on to San Antonio and then Long Beach.