Reality Rocks

American Idol, The Day After: Chicago Auditions Dish

By | Reality Rocks – Fri, Jan 18, 2013 5:47 PM EST

Last night, "American Idol" headed to Chicago, and the show found a lot more promising talent there than it did during its disappointing, judge-centric premiere episode. Yes, there was still WAY too much bickering and bitchiness, but at least this was a move in the right direction. From the emotionally stirring auditions by shy stutterer Lazaro Arbos and anorexia survivor Mariah Pulice, to the standout performances by country girls MacKenzie Wasner and Brandy Neelley and quirky girls Kez Ban, Stephanie Schimel, and Isabelle Parell, there was much to get excited about. And so today, my "The Day After" co-host Matt Whitfield and I are feeling much more optimistic about the future of Season 12 than we did yesterday.

What did you think of last night's "Idol" auditions? Who was your favorite contestant? And do you think "Idol" is back on track? Feel free to chime in with your own thoughts in the comments section below.

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