Troubled Hollywood

Our weeks of auditions weren’t as long as in years past, but still, it’s hard to remember back three weeks ago to when these auditions first started. Who are we looking for on Tuesday? Who have we already seen that we hope makes it? Since I’m having a hard time remembering, I thought I’d make up a cheat sheet of the people we know made it through, and what we know about them so far.

Emily Wynne-Hughes, 21, Los Angeles. She had piercings and tattoos. She was bad at everything in school, so saw performing as her only choice. She’s a singer in an all girl rock ‘n roll band, and is ready to ditch them all if she makes it. She sang Barracuda, and Simon liked her because she was different, Paula thought she was top five, and Kara thought she was serious. Randy liked her dedication. There were articles in TMZ about her showing her butt and also working in the tattoo parlor where Britney Spears went right after she shaved her head.

J.B. Ahfua, 16, Taylorsville, Utah. He had a really pretty voice, but didn’t seem exciting enough, although the younger fans will like him. Simon liked his voice, but wants him to loosen up. All four voted yes, and he started crying outside the audition room saying it could change his family, as they’re really struggling.

Arianna Afsr, 16, San Diego. She started singing at 6 dong karaoke and has begun her own foundation, Adopt-A-Grandfriend, with teens that entertain at a senior ccenter. She sang Put Your Records On, and Simon thought she had a good voice with Paula agreeing and telling her she was stunning and that the song was right for her. Kara liked her and thought she was cute as a button. Randy liked the break in her voice with the falsetto.

Stevie Wright, 16, Phelan, California. She got her name from Stevie Nicks and wanted to be bubbly to show her personality. Oddly, she sang At Last, definitely not bubbly. Kara was saying wow at points, Paula thought she had nice control, and Simon wanted her to be more selfish. Randy thought she was born with it. Simon wanted to see her grow some teeth, and Paula saw Kelly Clarkson strength in her.

Jeremy Michael Sarver, 28, Jasper, Texas, a roughneck. He’s away from his wife and kids for seven days straight on the job, and this could make a difference for his family’s future. He sang Thank You with a country/R&B sound. When Randy closed his eyes, he though MIchael sounded good, but didn’t like his look. Kara agreed, as did Paula, while Simon recognized his likability.

Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell, 20, Chino Hills, California, a model. She loved Ryan and had already picked out their children’s names. She wanted to make out if she got picked. Simon called her smart for auditioining in a bikini, as she sang Vision of Love. Simon said yes, upsetting Kara, and Randy agreed with the Brit. Katrina and Kara got into a singing match. Katrina kissed Ryan out by a pool, then jumped in, with him going in after her.

Brianna Quijada, 22, Tempe, Arizaona, a college student. She danced while she was waiting and said “Oh my gosh!” when she walked in front of the judges. San sang Let’s Hear It For the Boy. Simon was sure her personality was what got her in there, and Kara noted that that wasn’t a bad thing. Brianna had also prepared to sing Band of Gold and Killing Me Softly, and Paula asked for some of the latter. She called Simon “Simie.” Randy and Kara voted no, and Paula and Simon voted yes.

Deanna Brown, Louisville, Kentucky. She sang Sitting On the Dock of the Bay. Randy and Kara liked her, with Kara noting she thinks she’d remember Deanna’s voice on the radio. Paula agreed and thougth she was beautiful with great presence. Simon wondered if she tried to get into the business before, and she said she did, but just didn’t step into the right opportunity. Ryan acted like her family when she came out and called her mom for her.

Cody Sheldon, 17, Detroit. He reminded me of Danny Noriega without the edge. He always loved music, because he likes to captivate people. One of his friends offered to be his crying girl in the audience. He enjoys making horror films. He sang Wonderful World, and Kara called it surprising, thinking his voice and look didn’t add up.

Alex Wagner Trugman, 19, Studio City, California. He had answered Abkhazia, Zimbabwe, and Canada to Simon’s question of what countries he thought he’d be popular in. He taught himself to sing in his closet, but got sick because of a lot of mold in there. He missed a Spanish test to audition and mentioned he’d get a B for nothing if he didn’t get through. He sang Baby Come to Me, asking Randy to sing along on the chorus. Randy and Paula thought it worked, but Simon disagreed, prompting Alex to offer to sing God Save the Queen. Randy likened him to Joe Cocker while Simon though possibly a Cocker Spaniel. Alex told him it would be a good joke if it made sense. He got three yeses and a no from Simon.

Scott MacIntyre, 23, Scottsdale, Arizona, a singer/songwriter. He was born almost completely blind. He grew up playing the piano classicaly, and doesn’t let his eyesight hold him back, as he also skis and ballroom dances. He wants to be an inspiration to other people. Kara was impressed he entered college at 14 and also studied in London. He sang And So I Goes. Simon called him cool, Paula liked his voice in the softer tones, and Kara thought he was courageous to sing without his instrument.

Ashley Anderson, 20, Clarksburg, New Jersey. She sang Footprints In the Sand, cowritten by Simon, yet called it by the wrong name. He joked it was the best song he’d heard the whole time. Kara told her she had some chops, and she got four yeses. Ashley admitted to Ryan she planned purposely to stack the deck by picking the song written by Simon.

K.C. Carlson, 20, Minneapolis, Minnesota, a bubble tea maker. She sang A Thousand Miles and seemed very Disney-esque. Simon liked her and Paula agreed. Kara saw the whole package. With four yeses, she made it through.

Von Smith, 22, Greenwood, Missouri. He admitted to having a strange range and that he attempts things most guys wouldn’t. He wasn’t afraid to be who he is and hoped they don’t pick him apart too much. He sang Over the Rainbow and blasted the song. Randy thought he definitely has a voice and can sing, and Simon agreed, betting his family loves it when he sings like that. Paula voted absolutely yes, and Kara thought he had a good instrument where he could take risks that others couldn’t.

Michael Castro, 20, Rockwell, Texas. Jason’s brother has punked out dyed red hair in the front, and his smile is all Castro. He thought he and Jason were different, because Jason is more girly with that emotional thing he does. Michael just started singing twenty days before his audition. He sang Love For the Girl. Paula admitted it wasn’t bad for just starting out, and Simon called it “goodish,” but admitted he’s never really sure with the Castros if they’re really into it or not. Kara liked that he was sort of a ballsy dude, because of the secret vibe about him. He got four yeses.

Matt Breitzke, 27, Bixby, Oklahoma, a welder. He’s always wanted to sing for a living, but once he became a family man, married with a son, he put all that on hiatus for a day job. His wife, a fan of the show, encouraged him to try out. He sang Ain’t No Sunshine, with a great blues riff to it. Randy thought he might be just a cool bar singer, but Kara disagreed, thinking he had natural talent. Paula agreed with Kara, liking the control of his vibrato. Simon liked his heart and ambition. Randy voted no, and everyone else voted yes.

Jessica Furney, 19, Wamego, Kansas. She called her hometown the capitol of Wizard of Oz. She lives with and takes care of her 93-year-old grandmother who told the camera she was taking her crazy pill. If there were anything she wanted in her life, it would be do music for a living. She sang Cry Baby with great power. Simon liked her and thought she stood out, and Randy thought she was a natural. It was a great birthday present for her that all four voted her through.

India Morrison, 22, Kansas City. She auditioned with her sister,  Asia McCain. They both sang a rap song, an original called Cookie, that they dedicated to Randy. India was the second to sing indiidually. Simon liked her, and Kara liked both her and her sister. Oddly, Asia pointed out they weren’t twins, which was obvious. Asia cried for her sister after she got through, saying she just came to support her sister. Simon called her a nice lady, wanting a sister like that.

Jamar Rogers, 26, MIlwaukee, Wisconsin. He sang California Dreaming. Paula told him he could sing, but it got too loud and went off pitch. Kara thought it was a bit overdone, while Randy also thought it was over the top with the facial movements.

Danny Gokey, 28, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a church music teacher. He’s Jamar’s best friend. It was an emotional sacrifice to audition, as his wife had just passed away four weeks previous, and they used to perform together.The doctors told him there was nothing they could do for her. He told them to do whatever it would take and prayed. He wanted people to see who she was through him. He sang I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Paula liked him, saying she didn’t expect that out of him. Kara called herself a fan, thinking he had a lot of heart and soul. Simon really liked him as well, and Randy thought he was one of the best they had seen. He pounded fists with the judges, then told his wife it was for her.

Anoop Desai, 21, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He did his undergraduate thesis on southern culture, focusing on BBQ. He sang Thank You very soulfully, and was dressed in a button down shirt, khaki shorts, and sandals. Paula told him she didn’t expect that out of him, while Randy thought he had some crazy vocals. Simon thought it was a geeky look, like he just came out of a meeting with Bill Gates or something. Randy voted yes if they could hook him up with a wardrobe.

Asa Barnes, 28, Kansas City, Missouri, a band director at a middle school. He wants his students to have a good experience they’ll carry through the rest of their lives. He’s also a father, which he called the most important thing to him. He plays his drums while his little girl played on her own little drum set. He sang The Way You Make Me Feel. Simon liked him, but didn’t understand why he did a song like that. Asa told him he liked it. Paula told him when people sing Michael Jackson, it’s usually a disaster; that wasn’t.

Dennis Brigham, 19, Glen Carbon, Illinois. He had a dream about Simon where he called him the best they saw all day. He started with a backflip, then mentioned his dream. He sang With You. Simon said he was a bit crazy and didn’t get it, as Dennis launched into another song. Simon voted no, but the others yes.

Lil Rounds, 23, Memphis, Tennessee, a customer service rep. She has three children, and they’re trying to recover from the tornado that ripped up their apartment. She sang All I Do. Kara really liked her, and Paula loved the audition, thinking Lil has it going on, one of the best she’d heard. She wanted Lil to tell whoever told her to stop dreaming to go kiss her little behind. Simon thought she was fantastic and liked the retro classy think she had, calling her a singer’s singer. Randy thought she was a mixture of Fantasia and Mary J. Blige. Kara thought she was one of the best to walk through there.

Tatiana Del Toro, 23, San Juan, Puerto Rico. She saw a psychic before auditioning who said she’d make the top 12. She had a very annoying laugh. Simon thought the press picture of her was quite naughty. She sang Never Loved a Man, which Simon thought she shouldn’t have done. Kara commented about the outlandish dress she was wearing. Tatiana pleaded with her hands over her heart. Simon didn’t like she was trying to copy others, but Paula thought she’d color things up. Randy thought the problem was she wanted to be R&B.

Jésus Valenzula, 29, North Highlands, California, a fleet manager. He watches the show with his kids every year, and they wanted him to audition. He sang Nice & Slow. Simon told him it won’t work, and he won’t win. Kara and Paula didn’t think he had a bad voice. Jésus brought his kids in, and then sang Unchained Melody. Simon still said no, but the others now said yes.

John Twiford, 27, Sherman Oaks, California, a music teacher. He sang Overjoyed.

Allison Iraheta, 16, Los Angeles. She sang Natural Woman.

Raquel Houghton, 28, Los Angeles, a waitress and bartender. She sang Son of a Preacher Man.

Adam Lambert, 26, Hollywood. He’s currently on stage in Wicked, and has been singing since he was 10. His parents put him in musical theater because he was hyperactive. He sang Bohemian Rhapsody, changing the melody a little. Paula thought he was good and one of the most diverse. Simon called him theatrical, and Kara said if he’s good, they should put him through. Randy thought he was good and that it was probably time for someone like him. He admitted seeing Paula perform when he was 10.

Kai Kalama, 26, San Clemente, California. He plays music at night and takes care of his mom with a seizure disorder during the day. He’s not even dating anyone because of taking care of his mom, which makes it hard for her to know he makes so many sacrifices for her. He wants to make sure she’s always taken care of. He sang Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. Simon thought he had a good voice, but had the personality of a ship singer. Paula thought he could work on that, while Kara thought he was cute, but needed to stand out. Simon told him to watch him on American Idol to learn confidence.

Joanna Pacitti, 23, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother wanted her to go in and kick ass. Joanna moved to L.A. on her own at 16 and thinks it forced her to grow up really fast. She’s lost confidence lately. Kara recognized her as someone who was signed before to a record deal, leading to many fans getting upset by this. She sang We Belong. Kara liked her, and Randy encouraged her to jump out at them.

Brent Keith Smith, 28, Blanchester, Ohio, a traveling musician. He sang Can’t Get Enough. Paula was surprised he had it in him. Simon thought it was ridiculous, thinking he should have sang a more emotional song and thinking this was “busker-ish.” Kara and Simon got into a fight over him.

Matt Giraud, 23, Kalamazoo, Michigan, a dueling piano player. He started playing four years ago. He sang I Don’t Wanna Be. Paula liked his different tone, as did Kara. He reminded Simon of Elliott Yamin, but he didn’t think Matt believed in himself. Matt got four yeses.

Alexis Grace, 20, Memphis, Tennessee, a stay-at-home mom. Growing up for her was a lot of fun, as it included a lot of music. She had her little girl when she was 19, and she and the baby’s father want to get married, but he’s in military school right now. She sang Got to Feel Good. Paula wants to see her work on stage presence, and Simon thought she had a recognizable face. Kara liked her on voice alone and advised her to not wear pink. She wanted her to dirty herself, going home and making love to her fiance.

Kris Allen, 23, Conway Arkansas, a Business Major.

Felicia Barton, 26, Virginia Beach, Virginia, a bar singer/mom.

Ryan Johnson, 27, Cincinnati, Ohio, a railroad worker.

Shera Lawrence, 23, Bowling Green, Kentucky, an orthopedic office assistant.

Leneshe Young, 18, Cincinnati, Ohio, a college student. She was with her single mom who raised Leneshe and her siblings in and out of shelters. Her mom doesn’t even remember anymore what it’s like to not struggle. Leneshe was very confident walking in for her audition. She sang a song she wrote herself. Simon loved her, thinking the audition was quirky and fun. Paula loved her lyrics, and Randy thought it was hot. Kara thought she was cute and original.

Joshua Ulloa, 22, Beverly Hills, Florida, a tile layer. He compared himself looks-wise to Guarini, then sang Let’s Get It On, adding in sound effects. Randy giggled and enjoyed it. Simon told him that in parts it was good, but other parts it was corny and gimmicky, as he compared it to Inspector Gadget. Randy thought it was at least entertaining.

Sharon Wilbur, 25, Jacksonville, Florida, a non-profit administrator. She brought her Shih-tzu dog in with her, who spent the audition on Simon’s lap while Sharon sang Superstar. Kara thought she was doing Britney voice affectations, and Paula thought the dog was bored. Simon and Randy both said yes, as Kara and Paula pretended to make out, then said yes as well.

Julissa Veloz, 19, Orlando, Florida, a sales associate. A Miss Florida Latina USA, she wants to be the first Latin-American Idol. She was wearing a beauty queen sash that said Candidaia, candidate in Spanish. She sang I Have Nothing. Simon didn’t like it and her throaty laugh bugged him. Kara was on the edge of her seat, and Paula felt forgotten about at the four judge table. She and Julissa walked off together, making kissing noises backstage, and when they came back, Julissa had four yeses.

Jasmine Murray, 16, Starkville, Mississippi. Her sisters and mom came to the audition with her. She sang Big Girls Don’t Cry. Simon told her she was cute, commercial, and a very good singer, and Paula agreed. All four judges said yes.

Anne Marie Boskovich, 22, Nashville, Tennessee, a waitress/nanny. She was in awe to be sitting in front of Kara. She sang a little of one of Kara’s songs, and Simon told her he didn’t know what the problems was with her. Randy thought she had a great voice and natural talent, but didn’t see herself as a star. Simon told her to leave and come back as a different person. When she came back she was wearing different makeup and different shoes. She sang Bubbly. Randy thought she had a really good voice and that the whole thing was trying to get the star persona out.

T.K. Hash, 23, Concord, North Carolina, an administrator. He auditioned last year and didn’t make it. He sang Imagine, putting lots of interesting runs into it. Paula told him he could definitely sing and sounded even better this year. Randy agreed, but thought it may have been too over the top. Paula thought he was inspired by David Archuleta. All four voted him through.

David Osmond, 29, Provo, Utah. He’s the son of Alan, Donny and Marie’s older brother, and grew up watching footage of his famous family. His dad has MS now and admits that’s why he gave up the music business. It was heartbreaking as he started to cry, noting his son now has it as well. David is currently in remission and out of the wheelchair. He sang Something Within Me, and Paula mentioned being concerned he was singing a song by a group and not a solo artist. It was hard for Kara to tell with all the runs, and Simon told him being contemporary would be a mistake.

Frankie Jordan, 24, Hollywood, a stay-at-home mom. She wants to do the show now that she’s had her baby and told Randy it’s her true passion. She sang You Know I’m No Good, but seemed to copy Amy Winehouse too much. Simon thought she had a good voice and a cute face. Paula agreed about the voice, and everyone said yes.

Megan Corkrey, 23, Sandy, Utah, a font designer and mother. She recently decided to get a divorce. She cried a lot but her little boy helped her through it, helping her heal. The auditions coming up just after the divorce seemed like a crossroads in her life. She sang Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine. Randy thought there might be something there. Paula bordered on loving her. Simon called it one of his favorite auditions, because she was different. He knew he’d remember this one. Kara thought she had a glow about her and an incredible face.

Austin Sisneros, 17, Riverton, Utah, a senior class president. He wanted to audition to inspire people to follow they dreams. He sang When I Look to the Sky. Randy thought he was okay, and thought it a weird song choice. Austin then sang his other song choice, a song by Raffi. Simon called it the worst song so far, but Randy thought he did have a voice, just weird song choices. Kara thought he had a nice face, and Paula agreed. He got four yeses.

Taylor Vaifanua, 16, Hurricane, Utah. She and her family just moved back from Samoa. She’s 5′11 and called the guys in the U.S. really short, reminding Randy of Jordin Sparks. She sang Joyful, Joyful and impressed Kara, who also saw her practicing in the bathroom. Paula liked her tone, and Randy thought it was one of the best vocals he had heard this season. Everyone said yes.

Rose Flack, 17, Rathdrum, Idaho. Her dad died when she was 13, and her mom a few years later. She now lives with her best friend’s family. She wishes her parents were here to see her excel. She sang I Feel the Earth Move. Paula told her she had a beautiful face and a beautiful aura, but her vocals needed work. Simon didn’t think it was the best song choice, but admitted there was something about her he loved. Randy liked her cool vibe. She got four yeses.

Jorge Nuñez, 20, Carolina, Puerto Rico, a college student. He thinks he has what it takes because he sings with his heart and thinks he’ll rock America with his voice. He sang My Way. Paula asked how he sang in English, and he then sang What a Wonderful World. Kara liked his voice, but felt the Spanish song a little more, hearing pronunciation issues in the English version. Simon pointed out if they minded that, they should have gone to Omaha. Paula thought he had the power of Marc Anthony.

Melinda Camille, 21, Stratford, Connecticut, unemployed. She felt like she had a message for the rest of the world, as humanity is taking a shift right now. She wanted to uplift humanity to a place of love and positivity. She gets happy while dancing naked in her room. Simon wondered if her wanting to join a nudist colony was how she would give people happiness, then told her to imagine Randy naked. She sang Feeling Good. Randy liked the voice, but thought she fell of the melody a bit. Kara liked her, comparing her to a vitamin boost. She got four yeses.

Jackie Tohn, 27, Silver Lake, California. She started in the music business when she was little, as her dad played piano and she sang. He then told her to take up an instrument,, because a lot of people could sing, and gave her a guitar. She walked in with her guitar, but didn’t play it. She sang I’m Yours, and Simon asked to hear her normal singing voice. Paula liked that she was unpredictable and surprising. Randy liked her raspy tone, as did Kara. As Jackie asked for their advice, a large screen behind the judges fell down, and Simon told her to not ask who she should be.

Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle, 27, Brookfield, Connecticut. He was dressed very flashy and Simon told him he hated comedy, so he discarded the glasses and headband, then launched into And I’m Telling You. Simon told him he promised not to make it funny, and he then told Simon he hurt him where you get kicked sometimes, which prompted Simon to mention he thought he would have liked it. Norman fought back with, “You mean the way you like it when Seacrest does it?” Simon told him that was funny. Norman then sang Amazing Grace and was good, then stood up and got nutty again. Paula and Kara loved him and begged Randy to say yes, and he did.

Ashley Hollister, 21, Hasbrouch Heights, New Jersey, a hair salon receptionist.

Kenny Hoffpauer, 16, Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Kendall Beard, 23, Austin, Texas, a college student.

Monique Garcia Torres, 16, San Juan. She brought her 9-year-old brother with her. He asked Paula where Simon was, then brought the judges a present, a shell that had broken. Simon took an immediate shine to him and asked if his sister was any Good. The brother thought they’d love her. She sang You Can’t Hurry Love and I Turn to You. Simon would have liked to hear her sing more in her range. Kara wished she had her brother’s confidence. Randy and Kara voted no, and Paula voted yes. After pouting at the brother, Simon put Monique through.

Patricia Lewis Roman, 20, Cacuas, Puerto Rico, a local singer. She brought her whole family with her, providing good memories, as this was where her parents were married. She sang I Wanna Love Somebody, and Simon didn’t think it was good enough, yet noted it was a hard song to sing. Kara knew she could sing and gave her thirty seconds of another song to change their minds, and she sang a Spanish song, getting her through, as her family gathered up their own band and celebrated through the building.

Photos courtesy of Fox

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We knew that all along, though, didn’t we? We knew Simon had a heart and that when push came to shove, he wouldn’t be out and out mean to anyone. It seems like every year we see a little more of that heart than the year before. This year, he’s nearly unrecognizable, save for a few cutdowns here and there. It’s like when he stood up to hug Renaldo Lapuz last year as he sang that he and Simon were brothers forever, that some of that love and good fellowship rubbed off on Simon.

Tonight, it was Simon that was putting people through and the other judges putting their foot down. Even with the very first contestant, Adeola Adegoke, Simon reached out to her. Upon hearing that she had turned in her resignation as a bank teller just to audition, Simon insisted on helping her get her job back. She insisted on continuing to sing, but once she finally resigned to leaving, Simon did call her boss and told her that Adeola was fantastic, and that she really needed her job back. It worked.

With Jackie Tohn, Simon gave her a few chances where he normally would have just rejected her straight out. After her first song, I’m Yours, didn’t come off too well, Simon advised her to sign a song in her normal voice. She did, and it came off much better. When Kara DioGuardi told Jackie she couldn’t wait to see what she’d do next, Jackie asked their advice on what type of thing she should do. Simon, after a huge screen came down and nearly lopped off all the judges’ heads in a very ominous move, told Jackie she should never ask who she should be, as it gives the worst impression. Yet, he put her through.

Very surprising was when Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle, came in with one of those comedy routines that Simon hates. He was very bothered by it, but he laughed when Norman cracked a joke with a certain implication of Simon and Ryan Seacrest’s sexuality. Simon told him that was funny. He didn’t vote him through, but the others did. In years past I would have thought Simon would have kicked the guy to the curb after the crack about his sexuality. I thought only Ryan was allowed to make those types of jokes about him.

It was with 16-year-old Monique Garcia Torres where Simon just couldn’t hold back his heart. She brought her little brother with her into the audition, and Simon was quite enchanted with him. He asked the little brother, Christopher, if his sister was any good before listening to her. Simon kept smiling at Christopher throughout. Once Randy and Kara rejected her, and Paula voted yes, Simon looked over at Christopher with a pout, put Monique through, and told her to thank her little brother.

Just in case you’re still not convinced the guy with the big ego also has a big heart, look at the picture here to the right. This puppy wasn’t dumped in his lap. He nearly begged to hold it.

Photo courtesy of Fox

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What I can’t get out of my head, especially after last night’s American Idol auditions in Salt Lake City, Utah, is what is happening to all the guys’ auditions? Kara DioGuardi mentioned in an interview at the beginning of the season that she thought it was going to be another guys year on the show, with them seeming to have more talent, but the past two weeks, we’re not really seeing them go through. We’re seeing the gals. And sometimes the guys that seem to have talent either aren’t getting through or are barely getting through.

Last night, it seemed like Austin Sisneros had to pull teeth to get that golden ticket. This was a cute clean-cut kid with a good voice. The girls would go ga-ga over him. (Am I dating myself with the term ga-ga? It was either that or “ape shit”) Granted, I’m still hung up on my Jon Peter-Lewis affection, but here was a guy that reminded me of him, plus seemed to be even more commercial without that joked about “pen salesman” look. Did he pick odd songs? Yeah, I mean Raffi? But he sounded amazing. It seemed like they were almost not going to let this kid through.

The night before, Michael Perrelli didn’t make it. Again, he was a good-looking kid, and many have been comparing him to Josiah Leming from last season. Josiah wrote his own songs, and had a great spirit about him. He had many fans just from the auditions and Hollywood rounds. He nearly made it, but the judges cut him just before the semi-finals. Michael seemed to have nearly the same talent, and sang a great Third Eye Blind song. I was really enjoying it, and they didn’t even give him a chance in Hollywood to prove himself.

The question is, is it alternative music or is guys in general? Is it guys that sing alternative music? Last night we saw four gals and two guys get through. The other guy that got through is an Osmond, Alan’s son David, so that explains that. The four girls sang classic rock, an old spiritual, a jazz song, and an Amy Winehouse song. Now why do they like Amy Winehouse on girls, but not alternative rock on guys?

Tuesday night, ironically, we had the same ratio; four girls to just two guys were shown going to Hollywood. The gals sing two pop tunes, Whitney Houston, and a Carpenters tune. The guys sing Marvin Gaye and John Lennon.

Do we not say every year we are sick of hearing Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, and the like? Some guys come in challenging that, singing a little more contemporary, and either aren’t allowed through or are scrutinized way more than someone coming in singing Superstar. I would much rather hear something a little different and newer, than I Have Nothing, Superstar, Let’s Get It On, and Imagine … again!

It seems maybe it’s not just the guys, that it’s the music. The judges say they don’t want the same old tired music either, but that’s what they let through.

Photo courtesy of Fox

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It just can’t be said enough, how this different pace of the American Idol audtiions is making it just that much better. Instead of turning off our TVs when the show is over and rolling our eyes or laughing in hysterics, we’re smiling. That’s the best way to leave us. It may not have us talking endlessly at the water cooler the next day about it, but I think in the end, it will be better for the show.

When I try to think of the bad auditions, I know there were a few, but I can only remember one off the top of my head, and that’s George Ramirez, the physics major. He sang low and monotone and really was pretty much socially inept, almost to the point you could hear crickets while he stood around waiting for someone to tell him to get moving. And all he could see in his life in eleven years is a simple house with nice marble floors? At least get Pergo. Nice AND simple.

The bad auditions are flooding back to me now. How could I have forgotten Naomi Sykes who claimed she could hit Mariah Carey’s high noes, as well as the big one in Minnie Ripperton’s Lovin’ You. It’s such a kiss of death, as once someone has to tell you how good they are, that usually means they’re not. If they’re telling you they can hit the high notes, they can’t. It wasn’t that, though, that made it a bad audition. It was her bringing her friend in to sit on Randy’s lap, and then being so jumpy that Kara had to ask her if she had ants in her pants. I instant replayed that part three or four times. It just made me giggle. Read more »

Yeah, I know there is some important celebrity gossip going on this week that I’m missing out on, such as Steven Tyler entering rehab (I thought he and the rest of the band had stopped all that years ago?) and boy band creator Lou Pearlman being sent to prison for money swindling, but it’s just hard to ignore the phenomenon that is American Idol.

There were some major fashion statements last night that just need to be discussed. ZZ Top and David Cook were singing Sharp Dressed Man, and no one is ever more smartly dressed than them, both the ZZs and Cook. Lil Archie was sure trying, but watching him sing, wearing a pair of jeans with the chain hanging out, I just shook my head at him saying, “What are you doing? You aren’t a Dude!”

Of course, we have to mention Randy Jackson. Despite the fact that Ryan Seacrest mentioned Randy dressing for Valentine’s Day, every single person that has mentioned it this morning has said he looked just like Captain Kangaroo. Normally, Randy is a sharp dressed man, so what was with that? He and Paula matched well, so maybe that’s what he was going for. Originally I was taken a little back at the bustline in her dress, but then I thought, hey, she’s two years older than me, and if she can look good in a dress like that, more power to her. Read more »

Apparently it doesn’t pay to makes promises to your audience, then have machinations behind the scenes to make sure it carries out as promised.

American Idol makes a habit of having one big elimination a season, from Chris Daughtry to Jennifer Hudson. But this season, they just couldn’t seem to hold on to the talent that had the bigger personalities. They promised us more personalities this season, but then gave these personalities tough themes to work with, ending in early dismissals of many that were thought to be serious final four, if not final two contenders.

Chikezie was pegged to go home early in the semi-finals, but then came on strong, especially during the Beatles weeks. Just when we were all falling in love with his style, he left. Michael Johns was an extremely handsome and personable transplanted Aussie, and while he struggled in the early weeks as well, he really came on strong. Just at the point we were making final two whispers, he got voted out. Despite Carly Smithson being repeatedly told she was the best female voice there, she was voted out before two of the weaker ones.

Then last week happened. Jason Castro, after continually being beaten down by the show, seemed to quit trying and just phoned his performance in. No one could blame him after being forced to sing Memory from Cats and receiving a critique from Paula Abdul before he even sang the song. Voters didn’t have a choice but to vote him out after that.

For whatever reason it all happened, it doesn’t seem to matter. The fans are speaking up … in the only way Fox will listen, by not tuning in. While American Idol is still number one and number two in the Nielsens, the Tuesday final three performance show, without Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, or Chikezie, posted its lost audience in five years. They can say all they want that we’re the ones that voted these people out, but if people are getting upset enough to not watch, then the public isn’t being represented.

Fox is noticing, but I’m not sure they realize it’s in the way that Nigel Lythgoe and his judges wanted to feed the two Davids down our throat. They’re already promising changes for next season, finally agreeing to go back to a thirty minute format for the results show. Apparently we can only take so many “creatively chosen” viewer questions and only so much of cheesy group numbers that force a rocker to do hideous disco dancing.

You’re on the right track, Fox. Keep going. You have many more things to change before you put the show back to the way we like it, back to the way it was when we, the viewers, made it number one.

Photos Courtesy of americanidol.com

For more information on American Idol, see SirLinksalot: American Idol.

I should have been thinking all night about how great the final three performances were last night on American Idol, but instead I was thinking about who they are and their current (past?) occupations. Ryan Seacrest started it by announcing the final three at the beginning as a high school student, an actress, and a bartender. There just doesn’t seem to be anything stunning about that to me, but he must have announced it for a reason.

Let’s break it all down.

David Archuleta is 17 and technically a high school student, but does he still go to school? I mean, I’m sure the guy is studying, and surely he’s had a tutor while on American Idol, but before that, was he walking in the doors of his neighborhood high school in Utah, or was the prior Star Search contestant always being tutored while he looked for his next big break? He just doesn’t seem like a kid to me. Then again, neither did Jordin Sparks. For a show that promised us at the beginning of the season that we’d get to know the contestants much better, we really didn’t. Who is he? What does he like to do? I’ve only seen the guy singing. Read more »

Yeah, I know, I really should be writing some celebrity gossip this morning. Some days there isn’t much, but today, we have jurors thinking Uma was being less than honest, Star calling out Babs, Amy being arrested, and talk of Charlotte teaching Adam the Facts of Life (that would be Mrs. Garrett and Mr. Sandler) in a love scene, but today, all I can think of is Jason Castro.

Jason, I’ve been a faithful viewer of American Idol for seven seasons, and I’ve been writing about it for four. I started writing about it after the last dismissal of a contestant that had me this upset, when Jon Peter Lewis left in season three. Like you, Jon, was truly an individual and a one-of-a-kind performer. He was just out there doing his thing, to steal a phrase from Randy Jackson.

Still, in all these years, I have never seen American Idol chew someone up and spit them out the way they did to you this season. They needed you this season. You brought something different to the show, something we hadn’t seen before. You brought a different vibe to the show. At first it was just a different type of fun, but once you sang Hallelujah, we saw there was something there behind what seemed like indifference earlier. You let your feelings come through in that, and it was something we weren’t really seeing in the other performers at all. Read more »

This week should have been a lot better than it was. Neil Diamond, People! While others were more excited over Beatles or Mariah Carey it was Neil Diamond music that I was waiting to hear. I grew up on it, as my mom was a huge fan. By the time I was an adult, I found myself at one of his concerts. It’s a comfort to me.

Yet, here I was this week listening to Idol after Idol not do Neil’s music justice. I just didn’t get it. It should have been a great week. They could have all found something in that song catalog to sing. David Cook did the best, yet found music that wasn’t widely known as Neil’s, so maybe he made the best choices. Most of us didn’t have that much to compare it to.

There’s a magic that David has when he changes songs to fit him, whether it’s his original arrangement or not. It just works. Yet, when others make changes to the arrangements, they fall short. I don’t know who it was that advised David Archuleta to change Sweet Caroline the way he did, but that was just miserable. He murdered a classic that is a singalong anthem of sorts. Thankfully he was able to redeem himself with America. And Simon called him on it. Read more »

I think tonight was pretty deliberate of The Powers That Be at American Idol. After they surprisingly lost yet another guy last week in Michael Johns, well before his time, leaving them with just three guys, and four girls whom many think have lesser talent to the remaining guys, they’re stuck with a pre-planned Mariah Carey week. And it’s well-known that the first performer every night is in a very vulnerable position, while the last position is the most charmed, as that’s the one people are left with. So let’s examine the order and what we are left with.

Our lead off man tonight is David Archuleta. In the most vulnerable position is the guy that is widely known to be leading the contest. For one, you can tell by the fangirl screams in the audience, and for another, he’s damn good for a 17-year-old kid. If there was a guy on the show this week that could pull off Mariah it would be him, both in vocal and sappiness. He did pull it off, save for a major crack at one point. The show knew no matter where they put this kid, he’d be safe, so they left him in the most vulnerable position of all.

Next up was Carly Smithson. In the second most vulnerable position is the female that has the most powerful voice there, yet she keeps landing in the bottom three. They show us Carly talking about missing Michael Johns, seemingly just so we can connect her to the guy we miss. The judges want to keep making comparisons between her and Kelly Clarkson, which I understand a little, yet also think there isn’t a comparison. Tonight, she took on a song that Kelly sang in season one, with so much power and emotion, Without You. Here’s Kelly’s version … you tell me if it compares. Read more »