I have to say, I was disappointed by this week's Minneapolis auditions on American Idol. Not that Seattle's auditions were much better (Did you hear that "Red" guy sing?), but at least there were some contestants who stood out out for me in Seattle.

The contestants I love in the competition so far are:

• Rudy Cardenas -- I had to laugh when Rudy Cardenas walked into the audition room. Paula perked up immediately when she checked out the handsome North Hollywood, CA resident. When Rudy, 28, sang Journey's "Open Arms," I was glued to the screen. For some unknown reason, Simon said he should not move on to Hollywood. (Simon must have been counting his millions in his mind when Rudy was performing, because there was no reason to say no to this guy.) Lucky for us, Randy and Paula sent Rudy through to Hollywood.

• Jordan Sparks -- The 16-year-old daughter of former NFL player Jordin Sparks blew me away with her performance of Celine Dion's Because You Loved Me. Because of her look and her age, she reminded me of last season's Lisa Tucker -- but she can outsing Lisa any day. Simon said her performance was a bit cutesy, but all of the judges agreed that she would go far in the competition.

• Sanjaya and Shyamali Malakar -- Many siblings have made it through to the American Idol Hollywood round, but I think there's something special about Lacey, Washington teens Sanjaya and Shyamali Malakar. It's not that they will be the best singers in the competition, but the brother and sister are entertaining and likeable. I can see myself rooting for them.