I was also thinking cartoon character, very hard to listen to. I think Julianne is an amazing dancer and could not be any cuter. But maybe she should have stuck with the dancing.
Diego's singing is fine but miles away from the beautiful and heartfelt performance Maroulis gave. Listen to the OBCR. Not even sure if he is up to snuff with anyone who has played Drew since Maroulis. But he is young - I think he will do very well in this business. He has a lot going for him.
Though Julianne Hough is a multi-award winning dancer and is a multi-DANCING WITH THE STARS Champion, she also has a successful country singing career. She also won the award for The Academy of Country Music Awards' New Artist of 2009 for her chart topping single: "That Song in My Head"
Many only know Diego Boneta for his television work in the US, but he is a well-respected actor and recording artist in Mexico, having released 2 successful albums that have a charted internationally.
I'm very familiar with Hough's country music, so I suppose I'm already use to her voice. I can see how others would be turned off, but I don't think it's anything all that distracting. Has the same squeaky tone as Spanger on the OBCR.
As for Diego, I already like him more than Maroulis. . .