Why Is "American Idol" Contestant Robert Hatcher So Happy?

You'd think Robert Hatcher of Westwood would be pretty bummed after "American Idol" didn't show his audition last night on Fox. All we saw of him was jumping up and down outside the door, after his audition, with his golden ticket to the Hollywood round in his hand. It aired about 50 minutes into the show. He was on screen for all of maybe 5 seconds. (The same thing happened to Forest Park's Kenny Mathis two years ago, who made it to Hollywood with hardly being seen on the audition shows.)
We saw more of actor Josh Hutcherson -- the teen-ager from Union, Ky. -- in the commercial for "Bridge to Terabithia" than we did of Hatcher. But Hatcher is happy to be seen on TV, and to be going to Hollywood.
Here's the email I just got from him:
"I'm not upset at all. I'm so grateful for the part that they did show. I am very appreciative of my local news station (Fox 19) as well. I loved the show last night, and I feel so humble from my experience in Alabama, and I can't wait for the world to see the upcoming shows. I haven't heard anything from anyone at Fox about the "Rest of the Best" show, but I would be very excited if they showed me. I'm just so grateful right now about everything that is happening."
There's still a chance we'll see Hatcher audition. "American Idol" publicists told me today that the "Rest of the Best" show next Wednesday (9-10 p.m. Feb. 7, Ch 19 & 45) will be "unseen footage, so all new auditioners." Maybe we'll see Hatcher singing -- and dancing with Paula Abdul -- next week?
Idol Thoughts
Where was Paula for the second half of the show last night? That was never explained.
You've gotta agree: Simon has been nastier this year than ever before. You getting tired of him? Is his act wearing out?
Another observation: Last night's show confirms what I hear from "American Idol" auditioners. Remember how empty the arena hallways were for most of the Ryan Seacrest interviews? That's because Paula, Randy and Simon aren't there for the big cattle calls, when thousands show up (even though the editing makes it look that way). They come to town later, after the applicants have sung several times for producers. That's what I hear.