"Idol" is finally dispensing with all the "tension" among judges and focused mostly on the talent. And there was plenty to choose from.

Over two hours, we heard 15 singers who made it to Hollywood and only a few losers.

In San Antonio for the first time in six years, the producers featured eight of the singers who moved on in one hour. (I don't recall if they gave a total number who made it through.)

In Long Beach, we heard seven of the 49 who got a golden ticket.

If spoilers are to believed, three of the ones we heard tonight land in the top 40.

Two more Georgia contestants - Micah Johnson and Matheus Fernandes - were highlighted as well.

Vincent Powell, Austin, 29 ("Rock Me Baby" B.B. King) A past auditioner who almost made it to the semfinals, he  returns with a very soulful voice and a great atttiude. "Thank you Jesus!" Randy said. "You bring so much joy to this room," Nicki said. She suggests he goes gospel. "Your voice is the type that gives you chills." He's off to Hollywood again. He might make it to the top 40 this time.

Derek and David Bacerott, San Antonio, 21, 24. ("Let Me Love You" Ne-Yo) Enthusiastically horrible harmonies from two bros.  They didn't like to hear critiques, which is classic old "Idol."  Poor attitudes, which makes good TV if you're still into this type of thing.

Savannah Votion, San Antonio, 24 ("At Last" Etta James) - She does a very faithful version of this classic with a little bit of grit and a big sound, too. Very sweet. "You seem like a real natural performer," Randy said. "You have life in your voice," Keith said. "It sounds so organic," Nicki said.

Ricky Jo Garcia, Alice, TX ("And I'm Telling You I"m Not Going" Jennifer Holliday) - Sloppy.

Cristabel Clack, San Antonio, 29, worship leader ("If I Ain't Got You" Alicia Keys) - She doesn't have the best voice but she has a real unique style and provides interesting breaks in the song. "I loved you put your own little runs at the end of the phrases," Keith said. "You're a real singer," Mariah said. "I know you, I get you, I love you."

Ann Difani,  23, Fayetteville, Ark., graduate student  ("Stronger" Faith Hill) She was Miss University of Arkansas and her husband nominated her to go before the judges.  Randy Jackson came to a football game to make the announcement.  "Idol" always like to have a strong female country singer. Ann has potential. Pretty, enchanting voice.

Victoria Acosta, 20, San Antonio, mariachi singer ("Big Girls Don't Cry" Fergie + some mariachi song) - She has an impressively sexy voice, especially her lower tones. The cavalcade of good female singers keep on coming. "I kept waiting for one more thing. I felt a bit disconnected," Keith said. They liked her singing Spanish better.

Then they do a string of "bandits" who were plain criminal: Stefan Jones ("exceeding pitch limit"), Ongela Clark-Falkquay ("Possession of illegal explosives" with "Firework" ), Carolyn Jackson ("Unlawful impersonation of Beyonce") "There's always Auto-tune," Nicki notes.

Papa Peachez, Jackson, Miss, 19,  (original song) - It's way too mannered for "Idol."  "I think that you are a superstar," Nicki said. "Loved the song. Loved that you wrote it."  "Very theatrical that I can't find you in it," Keith said. "I see you as a quirky kind of artist," Mariah said. "If you can get really serious and have serious vocal lessons, you could have something," Randy said. Randy and Keith say no. Nicki said he's special and unique. Mariah is the tie breaker, a "small yes." Randy is the tie-breaker here. "He's heard me plead for you," Nicki said. She convinces Randy to change his mind. He goes through. (Simon would have held his ground.)

Sanni M'Mairura,  16, Pearland, TX, student ("Who's Loving You" Michael Jackson) - A youtfhful R&B singer with charm and good looks. Smiles all around. "Candy canes, whipped cream, rainbows and sunny skies," Nicki said. "Your runs were pretty. All your riffs ended right. You really really have a great, well orchestrated audition." "You weren't trying to sound like Michael," Randy said. "I like your mix of confidence and humility," Keith said.

Adam Sanders, 19 San Antonio, student ("I'd Rather Go Blind" - Beyonce) - He comes in modestly but once he opens his mouth, it's a go. Wow! This man can blow! He really has it. "You shocked all of us, dawg," Randy said.

HOUR TWO

We are now on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif. The opening singers face just Keith and Randy.

Shubha Vedula, Mt. Pleasant, Mi., 17 ("Somebody's Got a Hold On Me" Christina Aguilera) - She brings verve and dedication to the altar of Christina. Adorable.

Mariah arrives late.

Brian Martinez ("You'll Be In Your Heart" Phil Collins) - Two words: tone deaf.

Matt Farmer, Phoenix, 26 ("A Change is Gonna Come" Sam Cooke)  - Inspirational story #1. He served overseas in Iraq and a bomb exploded. He experienced traumatic brain injury (a severe concussion). The meds made him sterile yet he managed to impregnate his wife. A miracle! "She saved my life by coming into this world," he said of his daughter Cadence. He's okay. Not someone I'd necessarily remember vocally once we get to Hollywood. "I love the thick tone, Gavin DeGraw in the back of your voice," Keith said.

Nicki is back from the American Music Awards later in the day.

Stephanie Sanson, Los Angeles, 16, student ("Set Fire to the Rain" Adele) - She does a death metal version. A complete joke.

Jessiah Baer, Hollister, Calif., 16, student ("Settle Down" Kimbra) -  A fire alarm goes off during her audition, which wasn't half bad. Nigel is seen telling everyone to leave. Eventually, they get back and she starts. She is cute and sings cute, too. "I loved it within seconds of you starting," Keith said. "You're really talented for 16," Randy said. "A very mature confidence," Nicki said.

A string of bad singers pop up and pass through.

Sob story alert: Micah Johnson, Morrow, GA, 24, U.S. Navy, ("Chicken Fried' Zac Brown Band) He recently had tonsils removed and now has a speech impediment when the doctor hit a nerve. Our local boy from Morrow takes a Georgia country rock band and despite the speech impediment, he can sing with style and joy.  "The biggest fake out I've ever had," Randy said. "It was your spirit," Mariah said.

Rachel Hale, Prescott, Ark. 21, student ("People Get Ready" The Impressions) - Lovely, soulful tone. "A little Wyonna Judd-ish," Keith said. "I thought you sound like someone who is already established. You didn't try to do too much," Nicki said. "She has to be the happiest contestant we've ever had," Randy said.

Sob story alert: Briana Oakley, Antioch, Ca 16, student ("Up to the Mountain, Patty Griffin) She had been on a "Most Talented" show and became a target of bullies, who forced her to eat lunch in the bathroom. She was scared. Eventually, she switched schools and is now better. She brings a gospel/R&B style that is mesmerizing. "Your control, your range, your light, your cool hair, it all worked for me," Keith said. "You are poised and ready for this moment," Nicki said. "I want you to see that right now." (I can't imagine what the bullies who are watching this are saying.)

Sob story alert again: Matheus Fernandes, Atlanta, 21 ("A Change Is Gonna Come" Sam Cooke)  He was another target of bullying for being short. But he is very positive. He moved to Los Angeles for Oxygen's "The Glee Project" a year ago and stuck around. Oddly, they didn't reference that on the show despite the connections to Fox's "Glee." I guess they wanted to highlight his underdog status and saying he was on another reality competition show wouldn't help that.   He has great tone and a deep determination to succeed. He cries when Nicki compliments him. "To me, you're 10 feet tall," Randy said.