‘American Idol’ Recap: Memphis Auditions

Some of the singers on “American Idol” were packing more than their voices last night. Janita Burkes nearly fell out of her halter-top dress during her audition. Simon Cowell called her a handful. She didn’t make it.

Another guy slowly pulled a handkerchief out of the fly on his pants while he sang.

But the judges loved Sundance Head, the son of Roy Head, who had a hit in 1965. He made it.

As did Sean Michel, who looked a little like a young Fidel Castro in army fatigues, long hair and a beard.

Melinda Doolittle made the cut — she’s the professional backup singer who’s afraid to step up front, but Simon Cowell called her brilliant.

Frank Byers, who came with a squad of cheerleaders and a marching band, didn’t have the same luck. Cowell came out after his audition to tell the band and cheerleaders to shut up.

The judges were not in a forgiving mood with most singers. One reject left the room, tearing off her number and bawling. A lot made obscene gestures at the camera. Cowell told two singers in a row he couldn’t understand a word they sang.

Still, Paula Abdul got a lot of hugs in Memphis, and there were some talented people. Cowell said after one singer that he blew Taylor Hicks out of the park.

Phil Stacey auditioned just hours after his wife gave birth to their third daughter. The judges couldn’t agree on Phil, but he made it.

Tonight’s “Idol” auditions were recorded in New York.