There were many moments on last night’s episode when I laughed out loud, wondering “what is UP with these people?”- but seeing Zachary, the man-or-woman audition, just made me sad.

The show’s highlights were, as usual, the good auditions: the golden hearted rocker Chris Daughtry, Rochelle Elaine Dye’s “Chain Of Fools”, and the very very hot Ace Young.

Ah, the very first episode at last! Some thoughts on the Chicago Auditions:

1. Both sets of twins rocked- but I liked the first set much better.

2. Simon was delightfully cruel, Randy was clueless, and Paula was nuts. Nothing, apparently, has changed among our judges.

3. Among the two “crooners”, I preferred the one with the ricebowl haircut.

4. Will “Crazy Dave” really talk to the animals for Randy? Who are “the” animals, anyway?

I’ll have more after tonight’s episode… in the meantime, check out Rickey’s recaps and clips or the short but sweet mini-recap at TWP.

Apparently, names from Season 5’s Top 24 Contestants have been leaked. According to the Idol Newsblog, here are some of the contestants we can expect to see:

Ace Young
Ace has opened for Brian McKnight and New Edition, he is a white rnb male. He has long hair and has done some modelling.

Bobby Bullard
This guy could go far, great soulful voice, experienced, like a “young Luther”. (Vandross, we presume.

Jose Penala
Their “tip to win”- great voice and range and good image and tone.

*Update: We have the official list of this season’s Top 24 contestants!.