American Idol Season 11 kicked off in Savannah, Georgia and Fox began the auditions episodes on Tuesday, with a series of clips from participants who were only five to seven years old when Season 1 champion Kelly Clarkson sparked their dream to be the next 'Idol.'

The second episode of the latest season showed 'Idol' hopefuls in Pittsburgh, which was described on AI as the city of champions.

Tens of thousands of young Americans were again lined up for a chance to show their singing prowess in a few seconds before judges Randy Jackson, Stevie Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Several participants caught the judges and viewers' attention (in a good way) and they may actually stand a chance in making it to this year's Top 12 if YouTube hits, popular blogs and comments on different social media could be considered in making a very early prediction.

Of course there are several other 'golden ticket' getters who did not have much air time, so they have the AI producers to blame if they lost votes early on in the game because those with airtime already won the hearts of some avid 'Idol' audience.

David Leathers, Jr. 17, from North Carolina was the first to perform before the judges. He has a vocal tone and a natural African-American skin that made Randy say he was just like a 'young Michael.' JLo even asked him to sing another song, a Michael Jackson title. He got a good exposure being the first auditionee for the season. This kid looks much younger than his age, but innocence is way past him judging from how proud he is to be called 'Mr. Steal Your Girl,' a name purportedly given to him by his friends. His voice is definitely of good quality, but this kid does not really register adorable cuteness on screen. Interestingly, he said he beat last year's AI champion McCreery in a singing competition before the latter joined AI. But could he get as many votes as Scott did? First, could he make it through Hollywood?

Viewers also have to consider the Hollywood challenges that often result in the elimination of some very promising contenders either because their strategy was not good enough or lack of social skills took the better of them in duets or group presentations.

Colton Dixon, 19, from Tennessee, was called in by the judges when his sister showed up for another attempt at getting through an 'Idol' audition. The judges insisted they remember the siblings from last season and they refused to let Colton, who supposedly came only to accompany his sister, miss this year's auditions. He got a golden ticket this time around, while skipping the show's conventional queue from registrations, etc. Aside from showing pretty much the right emotion while singing, the guy does have a good voice matched with a David Cook vibe. His sister got in, too, but she did not show as much promise as he did. Colton could make it through Hollywood if he shows more confidence and let himself loose a bit more.

Ashlee Altise, 28, from North Carolina, the hyper-enthusiastic girl who made up the joy hop dance. AI host Ryan Seacrest asked her before her audition, "Why will (the judges) put you through?" She said her "punk, energy and confidence" would shine through, and she proved herself right when she performed. Sans any drama, she had the judges with her cool display of talent. There is a question, though, on how she would fare in a variety of music genre. But that will be seen if she made it through Hollywood.

The Top Contenders

Lauren Mink, 25, from Kentucky, gave an outstanding country song performance, matched with an inspiring job that could attract voters. She works as a program director for an organization taking care of people with disabilities. Getting airtime early on in the competition could work well for her, especially since fans of last year's winner, country singer Scott McCreery, were probably tuned in, looking out for another country champion. If she could work on more upbeat pop songs too, this young lady could sing all the way through Hollywood and into 'Idol' live performances for viewers' votes.

Phillip Phillips, 20, from Georgia, capped the first episode of AI11 with an impressive cover of Michael Jackson's thriller. He reminded the audience of previous contestants who made it far by their outstanding covers, such as David Cook; as well as some one-hit wonder like Andrew Garcia. He could either follow one of their trails, or create a whole new one of his own. The camera likes his presence, even if (or perhaps because) he was wearing a simple plaid shirt, washed up jeans and - flip flops. A video clip of his audition has so far gathered half a million views less than a week after the season's first 'Idol' broadcast. There is almost no doubt Phillip will enjoy more air time on AI.

Hallie Day, 24, from Maryland, closed the second episode featuring Pittsburgh auditions. A former member of a failed all-girls pop group, who got into drugs and wound up making a serious attempt at ending her life, Hallie is a character that media will watch closely. She better get used to it, because if she played the Hollywood rounds right, she could make it really far into the competition with her powerful vocals and her vote-getting life story.

AI Season 11 premiere was seen by 21.6 million people, according to an AdAge report. The figure was down 18% from the previous year, marking the biggest drop in 'Idol' numbers, ever.