American Idol 11 – Pittsburgh Auditions – Recap and Videos

By On 01/19/2012 · 95 Comments · In American Idol, American Idol 11, American Idol 11 Recaps

Here’s your American Idol 11 Pittsburgh auditions recap post. I’ll be live blogging tonight at Entertainment Weekly. Do join me there if you’d like! I’ll be back here as soon as the episode ends on the East Coast to post videos, polls and a full recap!

Entertainment Weekly Live Blog

For you chat fans, I also set up a client here if you’d like to gab Idol.

Tonight is MY hometown! So I am REALLY excited.  Auditions are only 1 hour tonight. YAY.

Pittsburgh is the City of Champions, the perfect place to find a superstar, says Ryan Seacrest as he walks across one of the ‘Burg’s many bridges, set against the striking city skyline.  NO I’m not being sarcastic! It really is!

Thirty eight hopefuls make it to Hollywood from the Pittsburgh auditions. So the talent was there!  So much talent, that the producers decided not to showcase even 1 bad audition. Yes, you heard me right.  Pretty sure it’s an Idol first. Every. Single. Hopeful. featured tonight could sing.

Even the lone Idol reject, Shane Bruce, could sing.  Surprisingly, all 3 judges said no to the nervous, but sweet voiced hopeful, who came from a family of coal miners.

Maybe the shock of an all-talent-all-the-time episode is why it felt so…off to me?  I can’t put my finger on it, exactly. The hour felt flat.  Your typical Idol episode usually runs the gamut from the excruciating, to the ridiculous to the average to the OMG WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST SEE.  In Pittsburgh, everyone was good some a little better than others.  Steven and Jennifer had some solid critiques. But, still, more often than not, all 3 judges put a contestant through without any disagreement. I don’t want them to battle it out X Factor style. But, c’mon guys, mix it up a little.  And be a little more discerning. If you have reservations about a contestant–say no.

Having said that. I am NOT going to  complain about the lack of bad talent. I’m totally fine with that. I just wish the hopefuls they chose to highlight weren’t so forgettable.  The singers who made an impression on me were Reed Grimm, who came to the auditions with a sense of humor, and Erica Van Pelt and her deep, arresting alto.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, so when Idol took a minute to poke fun at the accent, I got a little homesick. Yes, we talk funny and love our football.

Heejun Han – Flushing NY – Age 22 – “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton – When Heejun walked into the room, I thought he’s either going to be a William Hung or a Clay Aiken (who was presented as such a geek, he stunned the audience when he finally opened his mouth to sing.)  As it turned out he was more Clay. But I would stop short of calling Heejun a great singer.  He’s solid but not awesome.  The judges over praised him, but I think the bar was set so low, any glimmer of talent coming out of this guy would be considered awesome. Still, he’s got a cute personality. Keeping him around for Hollywood could be good TV.

Reed Grimm – Ellsworth, WI – 26 -  “Family Matters Theme” – Reed Grimm has been featured in a lot of the Idol promos, so the producers obviously like this guy. (Reed pre-Idol preview)  His jazzy vibe instantly brings to mind Casey Abrams. Reed’s challenge is to appear credible without the shtick. For all of Casey’s talent and musicality, he had a hard time impressing Idol audiences with his straight-up talent. I think it’s why he couldn’t advance past 6th place. We’ll see. Reed is charming and talented enough—he could catch on with viewers and be the thing that won’t go away. Like Savannah’s Phillip Phillips, Reed could be good for ratings, but super bad for selling records post Idol.

Aaron Marcellus, Teaneck NJ – 27 , Chase Likens, Point Pleasant, WV -  20 – More 5 second auditions worth noting.

Samantha Novacek – Sutersville, PA – 19 – “We Never Loved At All” by Faith Hill – Samantha brings her sister, who tells us that she’s FAMOUSLY known as Patty the Pittsburgh Planker.  Can I say upfront that planking is incredibly stupid, not to mention a meme that is way past its peak?  Maybe Samantha wanted to do sis a solid by getting her some screen time. Otherwise, Sam is a good enough singer, she didn’t need a gimmick.  Jennifer is pleased with Samantha because she felt “some guts behind the voice” (nicely said, Jlo!)   “Sweet, clever, great notes” said Steven.  “I liked the vibe,” said Randy who compared her to Faith Hill and The Carpenters. Two acts that are so so similar. NOT.  I would say great tone, pretty voice, smart phrasing. She’s a keeper. And, don’t bring your sister to Hollywood. You don’t need her.

Creighton Fraker – Queens, NY – 28 – “Original Song” “Who’s Loving You” by Smokey Robinson – Creighton is a self-described “starving artist” from NYC. He scraped enough dough together for a bus ticket to Pittsburgh. During his 9 hour trip, he wrote a song for the judges.  It’s clever, so it works at getting their attention. Next, he sings “Who’s Loving You” by Smokey Robinson.  Creighton would be the result if Jamiroquai and Justin Timberlake had a baby, says Jennifer. Uhm. No. He oversings.  So many singers don’t understand that less is more.  If he were younger, I’d say give him a few more years. But, at 28 he’s probably set in his ways.  The forced ornamentation makes for unpleasant listening. Randy sorta gets It calling his technique “wild”.  But Randy finds Creighton’s sloppy runs and vocal affectations “intriguing” so he puts him through. 3 yesses (Creighton Fraker pre-Idol Preview)

Eben Franckewitz – Milford OH – 15 – “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers –  Eben sang “Ain’t No Sunshine” as if it were a hymn  he was singing in a church choir—the song was completely scrubbed clean of any longing or passion.  Not the greatest song pick. It would have been better to choose a more youthful number.  With his bowl haircut and angelic face, he’s definitely got the Bieber vibe going on. His mom seemed really nice and supportive. But really? Eben needs to go back to Ohio and finish school.  Unless he’s cool with singing teen pop, he needs to mature before he can tackle songs that call for  big emotions.

Travis Orlando – Bronx, NY – 17 – “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder – It took me a while to dig up Travis from the recesses of my brain.  He auditioned last year with a sob story that actually got worse over the course of the year.  In 2011 he was merely homeless.  Since then, his mom, who was featured in his audition video package, ran off with another guy. So now he’s homeless and momless. He’s quit high school and feels American Idol is his last chance. I’ve always found this kid’s desperation unsettling. He needs to find a realistic path to solving his problems. Nevertheless, he’s got a sweet soulful tone, and deserves to go to Hollywood. Jennifer and Steven think he’s holding back, but give him the thumbs up anyway.  The kid sobbing over his family woes might have had an influence. Ya think. (Last Year’s Audition)

Day 2 – Steven and Randy entertain the waiting hopefuls while they wait for a tardy Jlo. What a Diva!

Erika Van Pelt – 25 – South Kingstown, RI – “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by Carol King –  I was expecting bland from Erika the wedding singer, but was pleasantly surprised to hear her sing with a deep throaty alto. Apart from a few unfortunate runs, (really, the runs. Stop) I liked Erika. Steven couldn’t stop himself from whooping while she sang.  Her old-fashioned look and sound will ultimately hold her back.  I don’t expect her to survive Hollywood. (Erika Van Pelt Pre-Idol Preview)

How much you wanna bet that “comedy sound machine” Steven was playing with during auditions was handed to him that morning by a producer? Whoopie cushions are next.

Shane Bruce – Moundsville, WV – 19 – “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen – Shane is a coal miner, like his dad and his granddad and…you get the picture. He’s proud to work underground and is happy to have a steady job, even if it means eventually dying of black lung disease.  Anyway. The producers have followed him to work, down into the mines, where he serenades his co-workers. He sounds great. Back in the audition room, he nervously sings “Hallelujah” but it’s still pretty solid. Yikes. He thinks the song is originally from Shrek. Sadz. After his performance, he expresses disappointment, “I usually hit that better.”  The judges agree and don’t put him through. It’s baffling, because the trio has advanced many a nervous Nellie with potential.  I’m thinking he was sacrificed for a story arc?  He looked so sad as he walked out of the audition to give his family the bad news. It’s back to the mines. Tragique.

Hallie Day – Baltimore MD – 24 – “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor – Hallie is last up. You guessed it—she’s got a big juicy sob story. At 15, she quit school and moved to NYC to sing in a girl band. When that dream fizzled out, she turned to drugs and eventually tried to kill herself. Life was bleak until her knight in shining armor arrived. She married him–he encouraged her to sing again. And here she is at American Idol. Yay.  She sings a song about telling a guy she can stand on her own two feet. This after telling the judges a man saved her life. Hm.  Hallie’s got a big belty voice.  It remains to be seen if she has charisma too. But the judges think so. Jennifer believes she is looking at a star.

 
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Reddit Facebook Twitter Delicious Mixx StumbleUpon Digg
  • Anonymous

    woohoo…go Pittsburgh!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SYFK77IYLRQIVATQ2MJKSW2J7Y Pam

    Yay mj!  Thanks for the recaps and vids in advance.  :)

  • Anonymous

    GO PITTSBURGH!!! Hey look….An Asian male that doesn’t suck. How refreshing. Dude’s adorable too.<3

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AGWO435FL6UN2ICRVTFLWRJZSA Lexie

    I really liked him:))  And everyone but the planker;(

  • Leandro Cardim Da Silva

    WTF?! Are we gonna have this girl planking through all the episodes while her sister is singing?

  • GS61

    I know this is off topic, but I just wanted to tell you my daughter won me tickets on SoJo today to see James on Tues. in AC!
    BEST DAUGHTER IN THE WORLD!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    More PA peeps please. Kay thanks…..

  • Anonymous

    Cute little fellow. Sounds good. 

  • Anonymous

    I’m surprised that they aired footage of the woman who abandoned her kids.

  • Anonymous

    I LOVE Erika. LOVE.

  • Tony

    Wow. Erica was great!

  • Anonymous

    NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!  This guy has earned my eternal enmity with that one song. 

  • Anonymous

    Unpopular opinion, but maybe AI shouldn’t have listened to the critics about cutting out the bad and joke contestants.  Something is missing, if it’s not them, then it’s actual debate over the borderline contestants.  I’m one of the first people to complain about not seeing enough of the people who make the top 24, but one of the best parts of the show has always been the judges disagreeing about certain contestants, and the contestants who are delusional.  

  • Anonymous

    Unpopular opinion, but maybe AI shouldn’t have listened to the critics about cutting out the bad and joke contestants.  Something is missing, if it’s not them, then it’s actual debate over the borderline contestants.  I’m one of the first people to complain about not seeing enough of the people who make the top 24, but one of the best parts of the show has always been the judges disagreeing about certain contestants, and the contestants who are delusional.  

  • Anonymous

    Unpopular opinion, but maybe AI shouldn’t have listened to the critics about cutting out the bad and joke contestants.  Something is missing, if it’s not them, then it’s actual debate over the borderline contestants.  I’m one of the first people to complain about not seeing enough of the people who make the top 24, but one of the best parts of the show has always been the judges disagreeing about certain contestants, and the contestants who are delusional.  

  • luvadamlambert

    the bieber lookalike is sooo cute :) love EVERYONE, more arguing with simon which was interesting. anyway LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad its on again

    basically  American Idol <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

  • Tony

    Holy crap. There wasn’t a single awful singer. I love it

  • Anonymous

    Loved the last girl! Hope she makes it to the voting rounds.

  • Anonymous

    Loved the last girl! Hope she makes it to the voting rounds.

  • http://twitter.com/Sassycatz Sassycatz

    They’ve been listening to you and are showing you the singers that got through. Be careful what you ask for….

  • http://twitter.com/Sassycatz Sassycatz

    They’ve been listening to you and are showing you the singers that got through. Be careful what you ask for….

  • Anonymous

    Unpopular opinion, but maybe AI shouldn’t have
    listened to the critics
    about cutting out the bad and joke contestants.  Something is missing,
    if it’s not them, then it’s actual debate over the borderline
    contestants.

    If this becomes an actual thing fans complain about I am completely done with this schizo fan base. Complaining about something for ten years and then complaining when it goes away? I can’t even…

  • Anonymous

    Unpopular opinion, but maybe AI shouldn’t have
    listened to the critics
    about cutting out the bad and joke contestants.  Something is missing,
    if it’s not them, then it’s actual debate over the borderline
    contestants.

    If this becomes an actual thing fans complain about I am completely done with this schizo fan base. Complaining about something for ten years and then complaining when it goes away? I can’t even…

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AGWO435FL6UN2ICRVTFLWRJZSA Lexie

    It was very strange…I only really watched last year, but is this the first episode without an awful singer before???

  • tomr

    The 15 yo boy has a really good voice.  Other than him, the others were ok but not as good as some from last night.

  • tomr

    The 15 yo boy has a really good voice.  Other than him, the others were ok but not as good as some from last night.

  • tomr

    The 15 yo boy has a really good voice.  Other than him, the others were ok but not as good as some from last night.

  • Trina

    One of the best episodes ever! So much talent! That last girl was incredible.

  • Trina

    One of the best episodes ever! So much talent! That last girl was incredible.

  • Trina

    One of the best episodes ever! So much talent! That last girl was incredible.

  • Anonymous

    I love that they aren’t showing so many awful singers!  I’m really enjoying this season so far, actually.  Does anyone remember the coal miner’s name?

  • Anonymous

    I love that they aren’t showing so many awful singers!  I’m really enjoying this season so far, actually.  Does anyone remember the coal miner’s name?

  • Anonymous

    I love that they aren’t showing so many awful singers!  I’m really enjoying this season so far, actually.  Does anyone remember the coal miner’s name?

  • Anonymous

    If more than one PA peep made it to Hollywood, but just didn’t end up featured tonight then I shall rage. Totally not surprised though. Sad that the only PA singer featured was a girl who has a sister that planks. :/ There were some peeps who were good. Liked Erika and that Asian guy. It’s still too early for me to pick a fave.

  • Anonymous

    If more than one PA peep made it to Hollywood, but just didn’t end up featured tonight then I shall rage. Totally not surprised though. Sad that the only PA singer featured was a girl who has a sister that planks. :/ There were some peeps who were good. Liked Erika and that Asian guy. It’s still too early for me to pick a fave.

  • Anonymous

    If more than one PA peep made it to Hollywood, but just didn’t end up featured tonight then I shall rage. Totally not surprised though. Sad that the only PA singer featured was a girl who has a sister that planks. :/ There were some peeps who were good. Liked Erika and that Asian guy. It’s still too early for me to pick a fave.

  • Anonymous

    I felt so bad for the coal miner guy. That was so sad to me.

  • Anonymous

    I felt so bad for the coal miner guy. That was so sad to me.

  • Anonymous

    I felt so bad for the coal miner guy. That was so sad to me.

  • iani

    AI has started to “grow up” and take more seriously its additions, less of “make-laugh” of itself and more of let’s “talk” more of why we are here for.  Not so much fun this night compared with last one(it has been 1h long though), but some good voices captured in this episode. I like they show now people that are there for the competition “let’s do AI” and less “let’s play as AI”. And I would like the judges be like in their addition-time mood when they go live, they are pretty good when they forget they are live, more loose and relaxed.

  • Anonymous

    Actually, I am so very thankful they have cut those. I absolutely loath those.

  • Leandro Cardim Da Silva

    I was searching of Reed Grimm and I found a band called Shoeless Revolution and they’re really amazing. I don’t give a fck if his vocal isn’t perfect – jsut good. He’s the only person, THE ONLY, who I saw in idol that makes good and original music. If he gets in top 24 or top 13 it will be enough for him and his band receive some spotlight and be recognized for the talent.

  • http://twitter.com/MissGolightly22 No Thanks

    Heejun!  Future K-Pop star!  Papa YG needs to get his hands on him and train him.

  • http://twitter.com/MissGolightly22 No Thanks

    Heejun!  Future K-Pop star!  Papa YG needs to get his hands on him and train him.

  • http://twitter.com/MissGolightly22 No Thanks

    Heejun!  Future K-Pop star!  Papa YG needs to get his hands on him and train him.

  • Anonymous

    Maybe it’s just that not all of those people should have gotten through on a 3 to 0 vote.  I’d like to see some dissension.  

  • http://www.facebook.com/masewallace Mase Wallace

    the korean dude shocked me ,wasn’t expecting that

  • http://www.facebook.com/masewallace Mase Wallace

    something felt missing tonight, can’t put my finger on it, or is it just me

  • http://www.facebook.com/masewallace Mase Wallace

    it feels like x factor ended a couple days ago,not complaining though ,nothing like the mouthwash that is idol to rinse away the bad breath of x factor

  • Leandro Cardim Da Silva

    bad auditions. they’re very mean and staged (we all know they have to face 3 rounds with producers before judge’s audition –  so the the producers just pick the bad singers straight to the judges saying they sang very well), but…they’re god damn funny.

  • Karen C

    I liked the audtions. Not that many really stand out to me, though.   I did like the wedding singer, thought she was good.   I also thought, though that the coal miner kid was better than some of the others that did make it through.

  • Karen C

    I liked the audtions. Not that many really stand out to me, though.   I did like the wedding singer, thought she was good.   I also thought, though that the coal miner kid was better than some of the others that did make it through.

  • Anonymous

    Eben is definitely a heartthrob. Pretty decent voice too! 

    His voice/demeanor reminds me of Greyson Chance, and his maturity and eloquence reminds me of Scotty. Looks like he makes TGM too!

  • iani

    “something felt missing tonight, can’t put my finger on it, or is it just me”

    Yes, something has changed. In better? I don’t know, the future will tell, but sure, from the bikini girl “look at me” to the tent girl it’s a big gap, and not talking about the soap storyline but the tone ” who cares you have 2 and 1/2 bathrooms, I have a whole woods for me, and I can sing”, put a “brick” to the foundation of the show not a “X”. When there is, we-music industry and you cheappy-AI kind of judgement, it should be more careful how the show sells itself, JMO.

    ETA: “It may be as simple as showing more borderline people, like the coal miner, who don’t make it through.”

    Yes, I am too for light and less of sob/soapy stories of contenders “in or out” the competition, but please “pants on the ground” no more, or the lady who came like 2 years in the row to say some “f” words to Simon. They go through 2 selections before judges, for the God’s sake, why in the world they give passes to those some really bad singers?!

    “Fun” should not miss from these addition-episodes, but one is to do silly, light comic-sequences to cheer up the show , and something else the ones that crossover the limits of comprehension, in “what the heck is that” category!
    Sorry, it might be too long( talking about AI), but this is my first time ever I’ve written about AI-show specifically(started with yesterday) other than some general thoughts/supports of my idol-favorites.

  • Anonymous

    something felt missing tonight, can’t put my finger on it, or is it just me

    This is how I felt.  It may not have been the bad auditions, but something felt off.  I guess they are being more realistic this year, they are acknowledging that Nigel is in the room during the auditions, not that that’s necessary, and as it’s been said, most people now know that the judges round is like the third or fourth round of auditions, so the joke auditions may not work as well as they used to.  I don’t want an episode like the LA one that aired last year, where the whole hour was joke auditions, and people who can’t sing, but something needs to be done to make the hour more engaging. 

    It may be as simple as showing more borderline people, like the coal miner, who don’t make it through.

  • Rachel Tayo

    Mann… I was ready to write off season 11 but then Pittsburgh showed Heejun and Reed one after the other and BAM! I’m hooked. Crappp.

  • Rachel Tayo

    Mann… I was ready to write off season 11 but then Pittsburgh showed Heejun and Reed one after the other and BAM! I’m hooked. Crappp.

  • Rachel Tayo

    Mann… I was ready to write off season 11 but then Pittsburgh showed Heejun and Reed one after the other and BAM! I’m hooked. Crappp.

  • Anonymous

    OMG GS!!!!! WTG!!! What a wonderful daughter!

    I’m still hoping to join you. I haven’t been able to listen to the station as often as I like and keep missing the warning tweets from SoJo to call. Hopefully this weekend. I’ll let you know. Congrats again!!

  • http://twitter.com/HaleysShindig HaleysShindig

    Lol, my thoughts exactly, was nice not to have to be offended for once during an audition show. 

  • http://twitter.com/RKOBlackSwan Black Swan

    The show definitely needs to balance those good/bad/borderline auditions a bit better. There’s no reason to have any of three hog an entire episode. There’s a reason people complained about the bad auditions- too much of them.

    And now, there’s a reason people are complaining about tonight’s episode- none of them. It might sound like a case “just can’t win” but I thought last night’s premiere balanced out the good and bad pretty well so more of that please.

    Otherwise and in terms of talent, this season is looking very promising for being only two audition episodes in.

  • http://twitter.com/RKOBlackSwan Black Swan

    The show definitely needs to balance those good/bad/borderline auditions a bit better. There’s no reason to have any of three hog an entire episode. There’s a reason people complained about the bad auditions- too much of them.

    And now, there’s a reason people are complaining about tonight’s episode- none of them. It might sound like a case “just can’t win” but I thought last night’s premiere balanced out the good and bad pretty well so more of that please.

    Otherwise and in terms of talent, this season is looking very promising for being only two audition episodes in.

  • Anonymous

    I noticed Aaron Sanders, another Season 10 auditioner who made it all the way to the Vegas rounds, made it thru again this year. They only showed a rapid snippet of him tonight, tho. I loved his, Jordan Dorsey’s, and Robbie Rosen’s group performance of Got to Get You Into My Life and was happy he gets another shot.

    I would like to see more male R&B style singers making it thru. Not enough diversity to my liking so far.

  • Anonymous

    I didn’t like Hallie at all.  The tone of her voice was oddly off. I felt like she was yelling at me.  And there is something so blank about her.  She feels…medicated. I get that she has issues, and I wish her well, but I’m not sure I want to watch her on this particular journey.  She is gorgeous though. Right up there with Katharine McPhee for most beautiful contestant ever. 

  • Anonymous

    I think it was a pretty emotional night !! i really like Heejun Reed and Hallie specially :) , Eben and Travis are so cute and Travis stories tonight was kind of  sad :( ….. and i felt so bad too for the coal miner kid, i guess he was nervous for real :(

  • Anonymous

    Anyone who refers to Hallelujah as “that song from Shrek” should automatically be sent straight home, go not pass Go do not collect $200 (or go to Hollywood)

  • Anonymous

    Ha, ha ….aw i found that funny and i was totally lost when he said so lol . :) ….. but his segment was actually sad. :(

  • Tera2

    Not really impressed with most of these.  Didnt care for little Eben or Reed Grimm.  I only liked Creighton Fraker who sang original song and “who is loving you”.  He has a very good voice, but not seeing star quality.  Samantha Novacek with planking sister also has a good voice similar to country singer Faith Hill like Randy said – she has potential, but I’m not wowed.

    The coal miner boy was amusing and likable, but he should get an education and just sing to family, friends and co-workers.  He’s not gonna get better – Randy was just being nice encouraging him to come back.  And that Travis Orlando boy from last season seemed improved, but will likely get cut again or not make top 12.  He should go back to high school and graduate, and then go to one of those music recording schools that takes like 2 yrs, so he can have something to do in the music industry working in recording studios or something behind the scenes.

    Anyway, I prefer that they aren’t showing much of the joke auditions cause they annoy me.  But its been replaced by average singers that are over-praised who will eventually be cut before top 24 obviously, and I’d rather watch these average ones than bad awful singers who just wanna be on TV.  The general public who arent hardcore idol fans and singing show fans like most of us probably like those joke auditions though.

  • Anonymous

    I thought it was a good episode. Again, it’s hard to be completely “wowed” by a 30 second audition that is acapella in a small room. I think people easily forget that. I think a lot of people appreciated the lack of joke auditions-myself included.

  • Anonymous

    The 19 year old from West VA. was really good.

  • Anonymous

    Hooray for good daughters – and James Durbin!

    And this little mention about Season 11 Auditions – the good and the bad…..

    “There’s not too many that rival William Hung in the cringe department or
    exude rock perfection like James Durbin………”

    http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/946313/american-idol-the-good-bad-and-just-plain-tone-deaf

  • Anonymous

    I liked that 15 year old, too. Good voice, cute guy, nice job with “Ain’t No Sunshine”

  • Kylee

    This thread seems very quiet tonight. Should that make us worry? Or did a lot of people just migrate to the EW thread?

  • Kylee

    Yeah, I agree with your recap that it didn’t feel quite “right.” I think we just aren’t used to the lack of drama and bad singers! Normally we have delusional people who the judges laugh at. It was a good episode, but in a way didn’t feel like idol.

  • Anonymous

    I am NOT going to  complain about the lack of bad talent. I’m totally fine with that. I just wish the hopefuls they chose to highlight weren’t so forgettable.

    If everyone is special, then no one is :P
    I felt underwhelmed with this episode too…

  • Anonymous

    Watching the boy from OH driving into Pittsburgh with his family got me homesick.  Just seeing the sign for Pittsburgh/Monroeville was hard.  Then the shot coming out of the tunnel was a toughie too that showed downtown Pittsburgh.  MJ, do you really think we have a funny accent?  lol.  I never thought so, just a few “different”  Pittsburgher words.  Definitely the City of Champions.  woot!

  • Anonymous

    Wow.. only 55 comments?? Doesn’t seem like a usual Idol episode thread..lol. I wonder if that means that REALLY less people are invested in this show.. And if it is, well that was fast. Talk about fickle audiences.

    And isn’t Phillips phillip and Reed grim kinda in the same lane musically? I don’t think producers will put both through. One is definitely gonna get cut and one will go all the way to Top 12.

  • fuzzywuzzy

    Tonight’s episode was OK, nothing special, IMO.  I’m not missing the ridiculing of delusional contestants, but I’m feeling that too many “OK, nothing special” singers are being put through to Hollywood. 

    Also, I’ve learned from past seasons that the audition rounds can be very misleading, with the contestants wowing with a couple of songs that they have rehearsed to perfection, only to fall apart when challenged with singing different songs in Hollywood, so I tend to not get excited about anyone until later in the culling process.  I’m pretty jaded now.  Maybe, that’s why the judges are putting through so many people?  lol 

    Considering the others that they put through, I thought that Shane (the coal miner) should have been put through, even though his thinking that Hallelujah came from Shrek was an unintentionally funny moment.  I also felt uncomfortable with how desperate Travis was to make it through and wish that his real life didn’t seem so hopeless.  Eben is way too young, even though he seems mature, and should come back in a few years.  So far, I’ve not liked the contestants who have been in the pimp spot on both shows.

  • Anonymous

    Omg. That korean dude was totally.Hilarious. HOLLYYWOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!

  • Banished

    Did seems a little less fun tonight, but I honestly believe Nigel is listening to the fans. Everyone complained when there was so little footage from people that actually make it through.. If you look at the spoilers nearly all of those they show make it to the top 42, or at least 60. Last year they had one show dedicated to the crazies, which they will probably do this year as well. The ratings may drop during the auditions though because there is a large crowd, my teenage sons for one, who ONLY watch to see the trainwrecks!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AGWO435FL6UN2ICRVTFLWRJZSA Lexie

    Seems like most people were over at the Entertainment Weekly thread…

  • Anonymous

    I think this episode may have been less entertaining than you would expect from an hour of all at least half decent instead of the gamut from fabulous to dreadful, because in every audition the judges were admiring or encouraging.
    I find their reactions to the bad (not necessarily joke) auditions entertaining – the eye rolling, struggling to keep a straight face, choking on drinks, scathing comments (not so-much in the post-Simon days though), and so on.
    Although it’s great to see so many people who make it further, the auditions are not just about the start of the winner’s journey. As long as there aren’t crass or heartless setups from the producers, I think it’s good to see people being told ‘no’ as well as ‘yes’. It’s good to have something to contrast with the good singers.

  • Anonymous

    If everyone is special, then no one is :P
    I felt underwhelmed with this episode too…

    That’s why they need to show a good balance of good, middle of the road, and bad singers.  The comparison will make the good singers look better than they really are.  

  • Anonymous

    I’m totally in agreement about not missing the joke acts. I always thought it was a waste of time when thousands of good singers are turned away to make room for that. I don’t miss the deluded singers either, those are even more tragic because they really don’t know that they can’t sing and are put through just to be mocked by the Powers That Be. On the other hand, my daughter misses the bad acts. 

    I do think they put through a few too many unready singers or borderline ones who aren’t going to make it past Hollywood so maybe the judges should exercise some restraint.

    Anyway, i missed Heejun the first time and he does have a nice voice and good personality.

    I also like Reed Grimm but I wonder if maybe he’s trying a little to hard to be hip and unconventional for a show like this. We’ll see.

    Travis Orlando… I remember him from last season and feel bad for him. I understand why the judges threw him a bone and sent him through but he needs work and I think Hollywood will be the end of the line for him. I agree, MJ, about his desperation being uncomfortable.

    The girls made more of an impression. I like Erika although agree about the damn runs. Ugh.

    I liked Hollie’s voice but didn’t love the song choice. I think she has an interesting voice but an even more interesting look – kind of like a 1940s Hollywood starlet.

  • Kirsten

    So much talent, that the producers decided not to showcase even 1 bad
    audition. Yes, you heard me right.  Pretty sure it’s an Idol first.
    Every. Single. Hopeful. featured tonight could sing.

    You are right. I didn’t even notice that. That’s kind of fun. I really enjoyed all the  talent on display.

    I guess they do  have to increase the tension of the show a bit more. If everybody is going to go through, then it’s just a documentary. I do kind of like that the one guy who didn’t make it could sing. He wasn’t terrible. I would like to see more of the marginal singers. You could see why they were put through and they would be on the bubble of going through. Then, we could be given the reasons why they are not quite ready. I think that’s better than mocking singers who should never have been put through in the first place.

    Even though I enjoyed all the talent, I think the only keeper is Reed. He took a really fresh take on a song that was fresh itself. Lots of fun. He also has scads of personality in his face and eyes. The problem is that he shares enough with P^2 that having both of them in the competition would be a little redundant (unless they plan to stack the boys with same-y type guys hoping they will kill off each other and leave the girls to sale through, but that didn’t work with Country last year). If anybody is reading this and making a decision, I like Reed 10 times better than Phillip Phillips II.

    I started watching late and missed Heejun’s audition, but people raved so much about it, I went and watched the clip here. Usually, it’s hard to live up to fan generated expectations, but Heejun managed it. He’s a total charmer with a very smooth voice. My only reservation is that he sang a Michael Bolton song. That dude gives me hives. I hope that Heejun isn’t planing on being a Bolton-like singer, so I’ll wait to be a fan until I hear more from him.

    The third person I liked tonight was Samantha. She had a beautiful tone to her voice.

    Maybe Samantha wanted to do sis a solid by getting her some screen time.
    Otherwise, Sam is a good enough singer, she didn’t need a gimmick.

    I totally disagree. Her sister got her the screen time. She didn’t need the gimmick, but how many times have good singers never made it past the original screeners or even if they got before the judges, we just saw their golden ticket?  Getting early screen time can help you survive those early voting rounds. It was a pretty good use of gimmick because she herself isn’t doing it, so she can still be taken seriously.  She should lose the gimmick now, but here sister did get a golden ticket. I wonder what the story is there?

    Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers – Eben sang “Ain’t No Sunshine” as if it were a hymn he was singing in a church choir—the song was completely scrubbed clean of any longing or passion.

    That’s probably because he was prepped for the audition by his church choir leader. In his intro, he was shown practicing with somebody in a room that looked very churchy. Maybe if he got away from his “vocal coach” he might be able to put some life into it. That audition was weird because it just seemed over-practiced. There wasn’t an ounce of originality in it. He won’t be able to do that in the competition (not enough time). He had an okay voice and probably should have waited a few years (or just been that great singer in his church choir), but maybe they want some tweens watching this year.

  • Anonymous

    my teenage son and hubby only watch for the trainwrecks too…..guess they won’t be watching this year.

  • Ringo

    Meh.  I am intrigued by Erika Van Pelt’s voice and blue eyed soul vibe, and Adele-esque vibe and even enjoyed her runs.  I like Reed Grimm’s confidence, background and solid voice are also attractive.  Plus, what a wonderful name.  I think that Creighton is interesting too.  But to me, the rest are just real good karaoke singers with pleasant voices and nothing that would make you sit up and take notice (Hejun is the poster child for this meme). 

  • Tess

    Didn’t watch live TV, again, guess I’m one of the 5 million that have abandoned the show, so far, not because I don’t still love Idol but there are just too many ways to catch up so it isn’t that important to catch the original broadcast.

    That being said, I’ve watched the vids above and am probably one of the few that miss the having the good, the bad, and the ugly filling the screen.  I agree that unless I see the whole gamut of what is out there it kind of makes the auditions seem pretty bland ’cause there just isn’t any “instant” comparison to be made.  Besides, I find that AI really begins in Hollywood (for the singers) and that the auditions are just a fun way to present how absurd Americana can be.  I’m not one of those that complain about my eventual fav not getting the early screen time and I don’t fall into the meme that America makes its choice from the second they see someone on the auditions.  First impressions are not always the best impressions, for me.  

  • fuzzywuzzy

    On Live with Kelly, they just showed a clip of Eben’s audition and Kelly said that her daughter said, “Mom, he’s the next Justin Bieber!”  I think that this is why Eben was put through.  lol

  • Anonymous

    I didn’t watch idol in season 9, and no one’s video’s grabbed my attention, so I got those hours of my life back, read a few good books, hung out on pinterest, wasn’t going to watch Idol last year and Haley’s video’s on here hooked me in.  I wasn’t going to watch this year, and now Reed Grimm’s video just hooked me in.  Damn you MJ.  :)

  • fuzzywuzzy

    wrong thread

  • Anonymous

    They are saying Yes way to much. Some of the people are not that great and they seem that they want to convince us they are great. Not rooting for anyone yet though Last night the judges were way over the top to the point they weren’t genuine. And Why is IdolONFOX still down. Its Friday. Bad time upgrade your system. Every Idol fan looks at that board. I do miss Simon and Paula.

  • Hazehel

    That was the most tedious audition episode I have ever seen.  Nigel, if you are reading this, you are making a big mistake with the show.

  • http://twitter.com/Miztig Miz

    I felt bad for Travis and how desperate he is with his situation. I think he needs to get in touch with another homeless teen who is looking for her ticket out of poverty. Her ‘ticket’ is through education and a tremendous attitude.

    Samantha Garvey was featured on Ellen yesterday. http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2012/01/samantha_garveys_incredible_story_0119.php

  • luvadamlambert

    Wht sucks is that AI is gone down so much in popularity that now its an embarrassment to mention it to my friends, or anyone for that matter.I mean I don’t give a damn, but still…