The phenomenon continues on AI Season 7

Despite the change of local network to air it and the buzz that judge Simon Cowell, undoubtedly the most popular figure in the show, would hang up his judging hat, American Idol (AI) had a successful pilot airing for its seventh season, this time on Q-11.

As in the past six seasons, AI 7 did not disappoint and allowed fans to experience the trademark hilarity of its initial auditions across the US. On board the judging table are Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon, with host Ryan Seacrest.

Tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the US auditioned for a shot at stardom and the much- coveted chance to become the next American Idol, following in the enviable footsteps of past winners-turned-music superstars Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks.

The hit reality singing competition empowers viewers to discover America’s next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted American Idol title. Auditions started in July last year at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California and moved across the US to discover talents that will make their way to Hollywood for the weekly live airing of the singing contest.

AI 7 had a two-night premiere on Jan. 16 and 17 on Q-11. The first show saw hopefuls from Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center, singing their way to get the golden ticket to Hollywood. The second part took viewers to the Texas Stadium in Dallas, hometown of the first American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson.

Other audition venues in the succeeding episodes are Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska; Georgia Dome in Atlanta; North Charleston Coliseum in South Carolina; and the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

One unforgettable talent in the Texas audition was Renaldo Lapuz, who is Filipino based in Reno, Nevada. He came in full white matador regalia for his audition, complete with a silver cape and a fluffy hat that had Simon’s name emblazoned on it. Lapuz knocked the judges off their feet. Even if he didn’t make it to Hollywood, he had his 15 minutes of fame, literally, when he was given considerable exposure on the show.

He rendered his amusing original composition, We’re Brothers Forever, that even had Paula, Randy and Ryan singing beside him in the refrain. “Entertaining,” was Simon’s comment after Lapuz’s audition. The acid-tongue Simon even jested, “I have a horrible prediction. I believe your song will become a hit. I actually like you, but it’s a no.” Lapuz got a hug from Simon and was nonetheless very thankful for the chance given to him to sing on the show.

Whether or not Lapuz will be another William Hung still remains to be seen. But Lapuz has undoubtedly became an overnight sensation. After his American Idol audition was aired, the video has been uploaded on YouTube which yielded millions of hits and he has  had his own website (renaldolapuz.com) which had visitors from 57 different countries. His composition has also turned into a popular ringtone, he has had a Wikipedia entry, has been interviewed on Fox TV and We’re Brothers Forever shirts are now being sold.

According to Lapuz’s website, We’re Brothers Forever became a cover only within hours, as it was performed by Eliot Bronson of Brilliant Inventions.

It is perhaps still too early to spot for any possible winner after only two episodes. Even Simon said there can’t be any clear winner at this point. But judging from the first two episodes, there have been talents who clearly stood out. For this season, contestants will be allowed to play music instruments during their performances.

The winner of American Idol will bag a singing contract and cash prizes, plus the chance to join the American Idol All-Star show, which will feature all the previous seven winners of the popular singing competition.

In April, GMA 7, the sister network of Q-11, will also air Pinoy Idol, the local version of the reality talent search.