The Comet’s very own Idolholic, an industry insider who chooses to remain anonymous, is on the front lines of “American Idol” and reports on the auditions and chooses some early contenders. Portland or St. Louis may be the home to the future winner!

In the final hours of this year’s audition rounds, The Idolholic is pleased to say that a few of the most promising hopefuls for this year’s crown were revealed in Portland, Oregon and St. Louis, Missouri, where another 100 or so passed muster with the judges.

Portland:

Brittany Zeka was outfitted a bit outlandishly, but her Brandy Carlisle cover was pure and honest. Giant-sized Jermaine Jones at 6’8” probably holds the title for tallest contestant ever, but his giant vocal talent is what we will remember more than his height as the competition moves forward. Single mother Brittnee Kellogg (yep, a true Spears-alike) serenaded the judges with Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” in a likely not so glowing tribute to the ex who tried to stand in the way of her career dreams.

Iberian refugee Romeo Diahn’s unique sound and style may completely set him apart (or completely do him in if he cannot adapt it to the needed repertoire). And Naomi Gillies delivered such a passionate version of Steven Tyler’s own “Crying” that it left the judges wanting more, so of course they sent her to Hollywood.

But for The Idolholic’s money, the night belonged to Jessica Phillips, whose back story about her young boyfriend suffering (and surviving due in large part to her caregiving) a tragic stroke, brought tears to our eyes. And then the Beyonce-inspired vocalist simply blew everyone else who came before her away. If her emotional circumstances don’t get the best of her, she could very well be destined for glory this year.

St. Louis:

It seems to be a season singers with a bit more life experience coming to the forefront. In particular, we’ve seen quite a few scorned young women whose dreams were thwarted by broken relationships, and a handful of young men and women whose fathers have set the stage for their attempt at Idol fame and fortune. Single mother Rachelle Lamb brought her little daughter into the audition with her, and promptly and profesionally did Faith Hill proud with a Country gem. Ethan Jones spoke about growing up performing with a drug-addicted father who encouraged him but also set an example that he had to really think twice about. Young Ries Kloeckner, bullied in school until he found friendship and fulfillment in the choir, made Steve Tyler well up with his version of “Lean On Me.”

In the end, The Idolholic would cast his very early votes for two surprising stunners: Johnny Keyser, who has (with all due respects to Simon Cowell...“The X Factor”) the looks, personality and truly soulful voice to maybe go all the way. Or Lauren Gray, a Reese Witherspoon-alike whose showstopping performance of one of current super-talent Adele’s hits left the judges with nothing else to say but we may all soon be talking about her for weeks and months to come.

Next stop…Hollywood!