We know they're ratings gold, but we just can't stand to watch the American Idol audition episodes, with more delusional, tone-deaf people in costume than genuine talent on display. Don't even get me started on "Pants on the Ground."
But now (finally!) Idol has made its way to Hollywood Week, where the winnowing of the real talent begins. Who are we rooting for to break into the top 24 and beyond? A quintet of locals with pipes of gold. Details are sparse (Idol doesn't allow contestant interviews until the live taping begins, for reasons of confidentiality), but here's what we know about the Houstonians in the mix to be the next Kelly Clarkson.
Anzeo Henderson/Anzeo David
This isn't Anzeo's first time on national television. He appeared on P. Diddy's Making the Band 4 (though not for long, as the first one eliminated) and has opened concerts for Jaheim and Trey Songz.
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Brandi Holmes
A Houston native and the daughter of two preachers, Holmes says she first sang in public at her parents' church.
Megan McCallon
This Baylor grad has been playing the piano since the age of four and guitar since 12, and has released two albums of her own material on iTunes.
Paige Miles
Raised in Naples, Fla., Miles now calls Cypress home. A former cheerleader and community theater vet, Idol rumors and spoiler sites put Miles in the top 24.
Christian Spear
Spear has the heart-tugging backstory that Idol producers love—she was diagnosed with leukemia at 4 years old and went into remission when she was 8—but her talent and confidence in the audition room are what earned her some early-episode screen time.
