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American Idol Season 8 Highlights

(12 Photos)

Jacki Garfinkel on Aug 18, 2009 at 2:41PM

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Michael Becker and Frank Micelotta / FOX

Lea Marie, Norman Gentle &Tatiana Del Toro

Idol always features crazy auditions, but there were three standouts this season—Lea Marie Golde, Norman Gentle and Tatiana Del Toro. Lea Marie, 16, arrived in a pink cowgirl outfit, raved about her love for Kara, presented her three-ring binder filled with original songs and sang so off-key that Simon described her audition as "really annoying." Norman, aka Nick Mitchell, broke the cardinal rule and arrived in a costume—a shiny shirt, khaki shorts, large glasses and a sweat band—and yet his comedy allowed him to advance a few more rounds. And then there was Tatiana, the most over-the-top, annoying, wacky, tear-filled contestant in Idol history. Fans have never before been so glad to see a contestant go.