Archive for January, 2010
W e have gone from the fantasy land of Orlando, to the LALA land of Los Angeles. I would assume that the hopefuls would be plentiful considering the amount of people trying to make it in LA. Only time will tell, though!
First up is Jim Ranger, a pastor and family man with three kids! He sings an original song called Drive. I thought he was pretty good. The only objection from the judges panel was Miss Levigne, who said that it was tough in this business when you ahve a family. It was really nice to have her opinion as I can imagine that she understands the reality of the industry much more than anyone else on the panel tonight. Despite Avril’s objection, Jim makes it through to Hollywood, and I look forward to seeing him again.
Mary Powers sang Pat Benetar, and I loved this! She already scores high for having chosen this song for the audition. I think her look was cool, even though Simon thought she was cliche. I think if she picks the right songs, she could go far. So I look forward to seeing her (and her precocious daughter) again, as well.
Andrew Garcia sang Sunday Morning, and also has a kid (three for three so far). his parents were in gangs. I thought his voice was kind of cool, too, but not as good as the other two tonight.
Tasha Layton sang Baby Baby Baby by Joss Stone and I really enjoyed her vibe. I’m not sure how far she will go, but at least she seems to be doing something slightly different. My favorite part of the audition, however, is the Katy vs. Kara bitchfight. Kara needs to be put in er place, and I’m glad Katy was arguing with her. Someone needs to be challenging the ridiculous things coming from the judging panel, such as voting for them because of their backstory (“this isn’t a lifetime movie, Kara”). I only hope that Ellen can be equally as bitchy (she won’t) and I vote for Katy to come on the show again in the future.
The last audition featured was from Chris Golightly, and the only thing that Randy can do was start making fun of his name (“Golightly, Chris!) Honestly, the judges are continually adding nothing valid to these critiques! Anyway, I thought Chris was good, and I think he is one of those voices that can grow in the competition. He has a good Justin Guarini-esque look, and we will see how he does in Hollywood.
I know I do this every year, but my frustration with these audition episodes needs to be bitched about. So be forewarned. I hate that they still continue to put on this sham that the “arena” auditions and the “judges” auditions happen on the same day. I hate that they don’t disclose that there are at least four or five auditions before you even hit the judges. And I hate that in an hour-long episode, you can only feature five of 20 singers that make it through to Hollywood.
I am, however, appreciative of the new audition to the AI website of the little interviews of ALL of the Hollywood-bound contestants. That way, I can at least get a feel for everyone that made it, despite lack of screen time (and find out that Rose Flack and Frankie Jordan made it to Hollywood again). At least it is something.
Also, with Simon’s impending departure at the end of this season, I think they should do a clean sweep of the panel ousting Randy, too. I’m not sure what Kara’s situation is contract-wise, but to shake this thing up might be a good thing. Comments that are valuable and substantive would be preferable.
OK, rant over.
And again, my Wednesday blogging will be really late. I am still dealing with the no-DVR situation.
January 27th, 2010
First, sorry this post is so late. I wanted to wait to watch the whole episode rather than catching clips online…just to see if I could see myself at the auditions. Alas, not so much. However, I did see the crazy girl who was standing next to me…they showed her jumping into a pool at the very end.
But anyway, they spend so much time showing filler that we hardly get to see any auditions. Typical. But here are the few good ones that we got.
Seth Rollins – Someone to Watch Over Me – He’s good, but I want to see him sing something else. Maybe he will make it through to the semi-finals, though!
Jermaine Puriffoy – Smile – I like this kid a lot! He will make it far.
Shelby Dressel – Turn Me On by Norah Jones – She was ok, and sang Jazz, but her voice is more country. If she survives hollywood (which is unlikely) she will need to take the country route.
Jay Stone – beat boxed Come Together – HE was ok, but kind of annoying in his beat boxing, and he dissed like Blake Lewis. Not cool, dude. I don’t think he will be making it too far.
There was a montage of three good girls: Janell Wheeler, Britney Starr James, and Kasi Bedford who sang Something to Talk About.
Corneilus – The Pants Ripper. This was so funny! And the splits was quite the impressive move. Yikes! I don’t even remember what he sang, but he was ok. I would like to see him again when I can focus on the singing and not the hole in his pants.
Bernadette and Amanda Disimone – I already hate these girls. Not thtat they will make it far in Hollywood. The novelty factor will send them back to NJ the day after they arrive in Hollywood.
Matt Lawrence – Trouble – He is awesome! I think he will go far. I am very much looking forward to more performances from him.
I think we are halfway through the auditions. And I need to sort out my DVR situation STAT. Because Hollywood week is coming, and as you all know, that is my favorite episode.
See you all next week – I promise I will be more on the ball!
January 22nd, 2010
We visit the windy city tonight. And it makes me hungry for deep dish pizza.
Shanaia is the guest judge. There was a rumor that Shania has been less than eager to clear her songs for idol, so it is interesting that she is so excited to be involved. Perhaps she has since been convinced that the show (sometimes) works!
Katelyn Epperly sang Syrup and Honey by Duffy — I like her a lot, but I hate that they milk the backstory of “my mom left my dad.” I mean, I would rather focus on the voice, you know? But I think she will go far in this competition, actually.
It is weirding me out because the camera is on the opposite side than it normally is, and everything feels backwards. Does this bother anyone else, or is it just me?
Charity Vance – Summertime – I like her because she seems cute and perky, but she is a little too Megan Joy from last season. I have to see her again before I judge!
Angela Martin! She’s back! I am really rooting for this girl. I am slightly disheartened to know that her elimination last season was of her own doing. But I still like her, and with the amount of screen time she was given tonight, clearly the producers do, too. This is her year.
John Park – Not sure what song he sang, but he sounded pretty good. Also, Shania and Kara wanted a piece of that.
Paige Dechausse – Change is Gonna Come. I didn’t really like this girl too much – she will get eaten alive in Hollywood.
Next up was a montage of three singers: Justin Ray, Keith Semple who sang Bryan Adams, (The judges didn’t seem to eager, but I liked him!) and Marcus Jones. All three were pretty good.
It is interesting to note that only 13 made it from Chicago. Tomorrow we are in Orlando, and perhaps you can see me on tv! I have a bad feeling that they didn’t find anyone superb there, either.
January 20th, 2010
Tonight we visit a city that has has a successful past as an idol audition site: Tamyra, Fantasia, Clay and Ruben all auditioned here (I think). Since it is right in the middle of the Idol Belt, it is bound to contain some idol powerhouse voices. Lets see what we’ve got!
Keia Johnson sang “The Titanic Song,” a.k.a. My Heart Will Go On, and had the most unique rendition I have heard from idol. I like her attitude, I like her look, and I’m looking forward to seeing her in Hollywood.
A quick montage of Mariam Lemnouni singing some Miley, Noel Reese singing some Whitney, and Tisha Holland singing some Xtina. Lots of big songs, with lots of big voices. I think all of these girls are going to get lost in the crowd in Hollywood week.
Jermaine Sellers sings a little Joan Osbourne, and does a bunch of vocal gymnastics. Good gymnastics, but an overabundance of them. He has chops though, so we shall see if he can be trained.
Vanessa Wolfe from the boondocks of Tennessee, is like a much more unpolished version of Kellie Pickler. The judges may like her authenticity, but her voice has no chance of surviving in Hollywood unless she gets some training stat.
Mallorie Haley sang “Piece of my Heart” and barring any overabundance of cute female country singers, she is a top 12er. Her vocal was spot on, and I think idol can always find a place for a cute carrie-ish singer.
Next up, we have…Skii Bo Ski. So, yeah. He spelled his own name wrong on his shirt. Great voice, but dude needs to get it together! Seriously!
Bryan Walker, the singing police officer, sand Superstar in the style of Ruuuuuben. And he was fantastic! He should be in for the duration of Hollywood week. And it will be fun to see him get a makeover!!!
Holly Harden, a.k.a. Guitar Girl, gussied herself up for the auditioning occasion. I would take the other unpolished country girl over this annoying in-your-face country any day. But producers will probably keep her around for cannon fodder, a la, Ms. Pickler.
Whelp, that looks like all the golden tickets for tonight. This whole wednesday-night-class thing is going to get old very fast for me. I hate having to watch the show via video clip! I am currently working on a solution to this problem. Until next week kids, peace out.
January 13th, 2010
Is it January already? Is it? It seems like only yesterday we had the Adam/Kris showdown. Well, kids, time to ramp up for another five months of fun. Generally speaking, I loathe the auditions so I am anxiously awaiting Hollywood week.
Tonight we visit Boston, home of baked beans and creme pies…among other things.
Oh, Posh Spice pre-surgery was way cuter.
Per usual, I will only be reviewing the good auditions, not the crazy ones ones. And here’s to hoping they limit the crazy. Because the amount at the judges table is really enough for me.
Maddy Curtis sang Halleluiah by Leonard Cohen. She is a little bit hippy, and pretty cute too. I like her voice.
There were some quick vignettes from three girls–Jennifer Hirsch sang a jazzy version of Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, Claire Fuller sang I’m the one who wants to be with you, and Jess Wolfe sang a song I didn’t recognize with the lyrics “all you need is faith.”
Amadeo Diricco sang Muddy Water, and he is a big personality, which will probably be annoying after awhile. And he might be a nice guy, but he doesn’t have those spot-on vocals. I can’t imagine he makes it too far in this competition.
Another group of vignettes starring Luke Shaffer singing A Girl Like You, and Benjamin Bright singing Send All My Lovin to You. Plus these boys can play guitars, which is always a plus on this show.
Ashley Rodriguez sang If I ain’t got you by Alicia Keys, and was fantastic. She will go far!
Tyler Grady sang Let’s Get It On, and is adorable! He isn’t the best singer, but has a bunch of personality. Plus, he has been in a band, and would probably be great in that capacity.
Mike Davis, who easily impressed Kara, drives “Codzilla,” which looks like fun! He sang Yesterday, and was just ok. But he made it through.
Katie Stevens sang At Last, and is totally adorable. I hope she goes far.
Joshua Blaylock sang God Bless the Broken Road, and I thought he was fantastic! He could be a good country artist. The judges weren’t totally convinced, but I think he could really grow with this competition.
Justin Williams–Wasn’t this guy on last year, and sang in the Hollywood Week “White Chocolate” group with Matt Giraud and Kris? Yep, confirmation after a bit of youtube searching. That was my favorite Hollywood Week moment! Good, I thought he kind of got the shaft because he was about the same caliber as Matt and Kris, so I am rooting for him this year. Go Justin!
Bosa Mora — his parents are from Nigeria and I enjoy him and his family. I think he just needs a little training and he could be great.
Leah Laurenti sings Blue Skies and truthfully, I thought her voice was a bit shrill. I felt like she was yelling, a bit.
Tomorrow we visit Hotlanta. This semester I have a class on Wednesday nights, and since my TiVo is no longer operational (thanks, digital transition) I might not be able to watch. But I will attempt to get video from somewhere, but will not be blogging live. So I will be back later in the week. Until then, adios!
January 12th, 2010
