Oh that's interesting....I didn't know Colbie C had once auditioned for AI. Thanks, Abby, for googling that.

M2B - I think you are right about how they cast each season. Not sure how much I agree with the tactic, but it's obviously working since all of us are still watching 8 years later lol.

Kelly really did set the bar high, though, right out of the gate. Call it luck or just excellent timing, but I think it's going to be hard to find another contestant with the same combination she has (likeability, talent, passion for career). Abby, I'm completely with you about Kelly almost NOT making it through.