American Idol 11 – Savannah Auditions – Recap and Videos

By On 01/18/2012 · 259 Comments · In American Idol, American Idol 11 Recaps

Here’s your American Idol 11 Savannah 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. So you’ve got tons of choices tonight for to engage with you fellow fans on the VERY first night of American Idol 11! I’m excited!

Where were you when it all started?  Home movies of the hopefuls watching American Idol as little kids emphasize the tradition and history behind American Idol. It separates the “gold standard” from the wannabes nipping at their heels.  The kids will be documenting their journeys with personal video cameras, for the first time ever.  It could be interesting or really really boring.

After the intro package, the new Idol intro runs.  I see Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, David Cook, Fantasia, James Durbin, Haley Reinhart, Pia Toscano, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Ruben Studdard. Then the past 3 winners—Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery. The rest are Season 10 contestants managed by 19.

Forty-two singers make it to Savannah from Hollywood.

Still. The opening is CGI space age.

I always appreciate when the judges don’t concentrate on the trainwreck auditions. Tonight’s group were all fairly talented. But none of tonight’s hopefuls were truly buzzworthy.  Well, maybe Ashley Altise and her Joy Hop.

Even Phillip Phillips, who was saved for the pimp spot didn’t knock me out.  If  it were still Season 5 or Season 6 he would have seemed revolutionary. But a boy with a guitar changing up pop songs? Ain’t no big thang any more.

David Leathers, Jr – 17 – “Remember The Rain” by Century 21 – David’s friends call him “Mr. Steal Your Girl”. O rly?  David looks like he’s about 12 years old. And it’s obvious he hasn’t been hit by the puberty stick yet…he sings with an impossibly high falsetto, hitting some really crazy notes.  Randy says he reminds him of a young Michael Jackson. Jlo wants him to sing some MJ, and David pulls “Never Can Say Goodbye” out of his back pocket. The judges shout YES in unison. This kid’s got a sweet tenor, but it remains to be seen if he can handle being pulled out of his comfort zone.  And God forbid his voice begins to change in the middle of the competition…

 Gabi Carrubba  – 16 – North Haven, CT- Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 – Gabi’s a tap dancer. She performed with the diaper brigade!  She’s another kid who has grown up on Idol and is SO excited to meet the gang.  When Gabi enters the audition room she wants a hug from…Nigel Lythgoe! Pretty sure THAT’S never happened before. But of course, she’s a huge SYTYCD fan. Gabi’s got a really nice tone and has a way with a phrase. For a 16 year old, I’m impressed. “You nailed it” says Steven, “It may be your magic moment.” All the judges say yes.

Next it’s a montage of singers who definitely deserve more than 5 seconds. 15 year old, Brianna Faulk, 20 year old Neco Starr and 15 year old Molly Hunt are young, but impressive. Elise Testone is 28 and has one of those whisky soaked voices that you don’t forget.

Jessica Whitley – 19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – In This Song by Charice – Well, she looks normal, doesn’t she? She sings the Anthem and has performed at talent shows too. But when she opens her mouth to sing…she performs like the devil suddenly possessed her. Terrifying guttural sounds come out of that child’s throat.  “Awful,” says Randy.  Steven says her ball isn’t quite going through the net.  Jessica claims to be “dehydrated” rather than “Untalented”.  Undaunted, Jessica is headed to Texas to audition again.  Aw. They compare her vocals to the original version and it’s kinda mean.  She must be cringing with embarrassment tonight.

Shaun Kraisman – 26 – Mt. Pleasant, SC – Oh Girl by the Chi Lites – Dude is under the delusion he looks and sounds like Ryan Seacrest. Other than his hair resembling Ryan’s 2003 do, they don’t sound or look alike. Ryan joins Shaun in the audition room. Ryan seems so fascinated by his so-called doppelganger, I thought maybe the two needed to get a room. Shaun’s shouty singing is better than I was expecting, but that’s not saying much. The judges turn him down. Randy says he would have liked it better if he’d sung it like Ryan Seacrest.

Shannon Magrane – 15 – Tampa FL – Something Got A Hold On Me by Etta James – Another young one. Her dad played baseball for the Cardinals. She’s a volleyball player and at 6 ft tall she reminds me a little of Ayla Brown who used to play B-ball up the street from  me at Boston College. Shannon drags her giant family into the audition room.  Dad asks Steven about the weather in Boston and he says “Hot Humid and Happening….just like your daughter.” REALLY STEVEN? REALLY?  She’s 15.  Shannon’s vocals lack control, but she’s got a nice sweet tone. I’d say come back in a few years. But the judges put her through unanimously.

It’s a montage of terrible, terrible singers!

Amy Brumfield – 24 – Gatlinburg, TN – Super Woman by Alicia Keys – Sob story dead ahead! Here’s something new.  Amy is homeless, but she and her husband live in a tent out in the woods! He works odd jobs to make money and they have an adorable pooch. Amy is super chipper as she shows Seacrest around her humble abode. Look at us! We live in a tent, but we’re still happy.  Yet she’s TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE TENT. Amy’s vocals are solid, raspy, but unremarkable if I’m being honest. “Spirits in the children of the woods snuck into you, and I like that.”  Steven Tyler is at his absolute best when he makes no f*cking sense. Jlo calls her a “hipsie”. They all send her though. “Out of the tent and into Hollywood,” says Steven. Amy asks if she can pitch a tent behind the mansion. Whatever floats your boat, honey.

Joshua Chavis – 23 – Camden SC - I’m Yours by Jason Mraz – Joshua’s biggest dream is to sing the National Anthem at a NASCAR race. Dream big, Joshua, dream big. “I’m going to leave my nerves outside the door with my boyfriend…” Oh awesome. A gay redneck. Yay for busting stereotypes.  They dude’s drawl is so thick (and I suspect put on) that subtitles sure would have come in handy.  Joshua loves him some Jlo. He says his voice has been compared to Chris Daughtry and Brad Paisley, but he sings like a chipmunk that’s being strangled. Not a good thing! The judges say no.  “Your voice just ain’t there, man,” says Steven. Joshua busts out more singing, but Randy stops him. “Terrible,” he says, “No no no no.”  Joshua bursts into tears with his family. Storms out of the building, “Get out of my face with your cameras. STOP FOLLOWING ME.”  And finally…he flips the bird.  American Idol 11 has finally been christened.

Stephanie Renae – 15 – Orange Park FL – Inside Your Heaven by Carrie Underwood – One more Idol baby who can’t believe she’s finally auditioning for the show. Holy crap, she’s singing Carrie and Bo’s horrifying coronation song, “Inside your cooter,”  er, I mean “heaven” That’s an Idol baby for you. Memories of confetti falling on the head of her favorite Idol robs her of the ability to see what a horrible horrible song TPTB forced Carrie to sing. Stephanie has a very forced tone, especially in her upper register. Her tone is unpleasant. Jennifer calls it “nasally”, but thinks a couple of vocal lessons will cure it. Randy, the sensible one, says no. No way is she ready for this, but Steven and Jlo say yes anyway.

Schyler Dixon – 16 – Murfreesboro, TN -  Break Even by The Script – Colton Dixon – 19 – Murfreesboro, TN – Permanent by David Cook – I smell a set up!  Colton and Schyler Dixon auditioned last year. Schyler was cut in Hollywood, but Colton made it all the way to the Top 40, where he was cut. So, am I supposed to believe that he tagged along with his sister to Idol auditions with no intention of singing for the judges? BITCH PLZ. Schyler sings first, and quite frankly, she was better.  She’s got a lovely tone with a pretty lilt. The judges “prod” Colton into singing. His “Permanent” lacks nuance and shading, and I’m just not feeling it dude. The judges put them both through. Randy says Colton has grown more into who he really wants to be.

Lauren Mink- 25 – Winchester, KY – Country Strong by Gwyneth Paltrow – Lauren is a director for a program for adults with disabilities. The producers travel out to her workplace to film, so you know they’re invested in Lauren who has got a nice country twang with just the right amount of heartbreak in her catch. Yeah, she sings this song way better than that poseur, Gwyneth Paltrow.  Jennifer has “goosies” “You’ve got so much passion around the notes,” says Steven.  Randy compares her to Jennifer Nettles. Of course, it’s 3 yeses.

Mawuena Kodjo – 25 -  West Africa/Nashville – I Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts – I seriously have no idea what’s going on here. Mawauna’s accent is so thick, the producers choose to subtitle him.  Is this African dude really a country singer. Erm. No.  He’s so completely out of tune, it’s impossible to take him seriously. He’s convinced he’s a great singer. To prove him wrong, Ryan takes him out in the street to find one person who likes his singing.  This is old, old shtick, by the way.  Finally, they find a family of little girls who, I think, just want to get on TV. Or the producers offered to buy them lunch. Grandpa says, “We think he’s great. We want him to go to Hollywood.” I think your punking us sir!  Dude to Mawuena: “Are you a runner?” Lolz.

Ashley Altise – 28 – Kinston, NC – Come Together by The Beatles – Ashley invented the “joy hop” and it’s about to become the newest sensation. She’s got  FUNK. ENERGY and CONFIDENCE. She’s gonna give Jlo a run for her money.  After Ashley demonstrates the “joy hop” for the judges she launches into a performance of “Come Together” that isn’t half bad. I might even take her seriously if she wasn’t such a nut job. Her performance is like Naima Adedapo gone very very wrong. Nevertheless, Ashley is put through to Hollywood.  She looks like the type who could have a meltdown or two.

W.T. Thompson – 25 – Appomattox VA – Boondocks by Little Big Town – W.T. was a prison guard in Appomattox.  He gave up his job at a federal prison to audition for American Idol. Oh. And his wife is 6 months pregnant AND completely on board with his decision. Yeah. This guy better be crazy talented, right?  Well. No. He’s got the kind of voice that decent but not quite good enough. Steven doesn’t think he’s ready. Jennifer wants to take a chance on him. Randy thinks he’ll get eaten alive…but says yes anyway.  I hope his poor baby doesn’t starve after he gets cut from Hollywood.

Erica Nowak- 28 – Buffalo, NY – Super Duper Love by Josh Stone  – A montage of Steven Tyler kissing and hugging the ladies, including a grandma introduces Erica, who considers the rocker her future ex-husband. When she finally gets to hug him she goes straight for his ass.. But Steven doesn’t seem to mind. “You better sing good,” says Steven.  She’s got an interesting throaty tone, but her phrasing is really weird. “The best moment is when you grabbed my ass,” says Steven.  Randy says no to Hollywood, but yes to a hug. Erica does not grab his ass.

Brittany Kerr- 24 – Charlotte, NC – Spoiled by Joss Stone -  She’s a sexy NBA dancer.  Steven and Randy are ready to say yes immediately But Jlo is not impressed.  Personally, this feels like a set up for a storyline where the guys vote the pretty girl right through, while the girl withholds her vote like a jealous cat. We’ve seen this scenario played out on Idol before. Jennifer says her voice isn’t strong enough. But Brittany is solid, if a little dull. Steven gives her some tips on how to be less boring. But it probably won’t matter if she keeps wearing those crop tops.

In case we forget the people the judges want to pimp, we see a montage of favorites that include Gabi, David, Lauren and a dude we haven’t met yet. Doesn’t he have a name?

Phillip Phillips – 20 – Leesburg, GA – Superstition & Thriller – He must have the most unimaginative parents ever. He works at his dad’s pawn shop. His first song is really shouty. His second, performed with a guitar, is much better. He’s a good guitarist. But, changing up a pop song like “Thriller” with an acoustic guitar? Been there and done that. “It’s like you have electricity going through your body,” says Jennifer. The producers allow him to perform with his guitar at his audition. Unheard of. Now you KNOW the producers want him to advance. But how far? Could you imagine if this guitar playing white boy won Idol?  The producers are going to cut him off at the knees. It’s just a matter of when.

 
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  • Kylee

    The premiere of idol is always like Christmas morning LOL.

  • Anonymous

    I am asking early if anyone has a link for tonight’s broadcast.  Thanks in advance for any help.

  • http://twitter.com/HaleysShindig HaleysShindig

    Hopefully they won’t block it, but its up now. 
    http://tvpc.com/Channel.php?ChannelID=7500

  • Anonymous

    http://tgun.tv/usa/ on fox network.It should be on the second page

  • CarieB

    Quite certain I will be a casual viewer this year.  MJ, I admire your tenacity and commitment.  I’m weary of this show, but I’m sure I’ll watch at least some.  Voting and standing in line for hours to attend rehearsals?  Not so much.  I pass the torch.  ;)

  • María del Carmen Pérez

    Hey.. I don´t live in the US.. can you help me with a link so I can watch the premiere of Idol live tonight? Thanks!

  • Stavros

    LET’S GO FEMALES! Female winner for AI11 PLEASE!
    It’s time.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ann-Freeman/100000029986611 Ann Freeman

    I am ready too mj…….let the show begin!

  • Anonymous

    yes this is exciting!! hope a good female artist is found.. i mean just not only a voice that can copycat but a real musical artist

  • Valentin432

    The judges and producers have all highlighted Savannah as one of the best locations this year.

  • sagi

    I said to myself I wasn’t going to watch this year, but here I am!

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

    So excited!

  • Anonymous

    I’m so sick of Randy already.

  • Valentin432

    Based on the first few minutes:
    1) The producers aren’t mad at Kelly for going on the Voice
    2) They put Lauren, James (maybee someone else?) in place of Daughtry, Adam and JHud on the openning credits.
    3) I got chills

  • Karen C

    I thought I saw Casey in there too

  • GS61

    It was Pia, James, Haley, Casey and Lauren! Nice!

  • Anonymous

    1. There’s no way that kid is 17.
    2. He screams too much.

  • iani

    Girls, forget Bieber!

  • Leandro Cardim Da Silva

    I don’t give a year for this young black guy completely lose these high notes. Actually, it’ll probably be much different in top 24.

  • GS61

    Need to see his birth certificate.

  • Chris

    I’m watching too, but its too easy.  They put a good person first?  So, un Idol like.

  • Trina

    Wow they love them some season 10 peeps! That opening music still gives me chills!

  • Anonymous

    why so many S10 Idols in the open? They shouldn’t be in there instead of the past winners. Scotty, sure. Lauren, maybe. Not the others. Should have Adam, Daughtry, etc instead of Pia, James, Casey

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

    The show is definitely proud of Scotty’s success that’s for sure.  I anticipate an i-tunes bump of some sort.  :)   This kid doesn’t live very far from here.  It will be interesting to see how far he gets.

  • Kylee

    #Americanidol, He’s 17, and Steven Tyler are all trending on twitter. Weren’t we just having a debate during X-Factor that Idol never trends? :)

  • Anonymous

    Ah huh, suck up. lol

  • Valentin432

    Gabi did her homework, she even hugged the powerfull Nigel, girl is in it to win it lol

  • Leandro Cardim Da Silva

    People like to scream in Savannah

  • Trina

    The chance of Pia, James, Lauren, Haley and Casey performing this season just shot up LOL I agree though Adam and Daughtry shouldnt have been removed..JHud can stay away heh.

  • Anonymous

    What was that?

  • Anonymous

    They’re trying to highlight the show more than post-show I guess. I appreciated seeing them there. It slipped much faster than last year though, possibly due to how many they had on there. 

    I thought I saw all the past winners. Or did you mean put into the little flip section?

  • GS61

    Finaly, the first train wreck.

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

    Pretty interesting that the first contestant that goes through is the one that beat Scotty…just to share…I looked that contest up:)  It was put on by two hip hop producers, not to take anything away from David…

    Scotty’s watching and tweeting…”I knew I knew that kid from somewhere:”

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

    Oh, and Scotty has trended on twitter a number of times:)

  • Anonymous

    that last girl scared me :) I hope they don’t show her in the Texas auditions

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

    Can’t get through the show without one.  Heh

  • Anonymous

    in the open. I didn’t see Taylor or Fantasia. And I didn’t see Adam or Chris D.  My live feed buffered, so I may have missed them, although people on my twitter feed didn’t see them either. 
    There shouldn’t be 5 or 6 people from last season in the open — that’s way too many. All the winners should be in the open, no matter what they did after they got off the show

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

    How cute mini Ryan Seacrests.  haha

  • Kylee

    Adam and Chris D didn’t win though.

  • GS61

    Steven is giving me the dirty old (pimp) man vibe.
    (Seriously, WTF is he wearing??)

  • sandrajane

    OMG at Steven saying hot humid and happening to a 15 year old girl right in front of her dad.

  • Karen C

    They should hire that Ryan look alike for the Xfactor host, LOL

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kat-Myers/100001011861766 Kat Myers

    Shannon’s audition is somewhat reminiscent of Lauren’s lol.

  • Anonymous

    can someone buy me a new computer montior? ’cause i just spat water all over it. WTF steven!

  • Valentin432

    Old school and current, very good choice of song. I don’t think the Florida song was a hit when she auditionned so that is fortunate.

  • Anonymous

    I wish they would show some in between people.  Contestants who receive two out of three votes, or someone who the judges have to argue over.  I don’t want to see all the good people, and one person who must have been a plant.

  • Anonymous

    I start watching around the middle.  That way, I get the whole thing watched in a little more than an hour. It’s easier on the nerves. lol

  • Anonymous

    I think she was saying it seemed premature to take out winners and the most successful not winners to replace them with untested Idols. I agree about the winners, but personally I don’t mind season 10 contestants were included. They’re obviously trying to focus on the current batch of kids signed and they were all really talented. 

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

    Whoa.  Scotty just tweeted that the kid didn’t beat him…this was his response to a friend who asked if he beat him…

    Scotty McCreery

    @coachkperry nahh, haha. That was like a semi finals round where only 2 made it outta the group n we were the two.. dudes good tho! #NC

  • Anonymous

    I remember that girls dad. He was a decent pitcher

  • Anonymous

    neither did any of the S10 people in the open, aside from Scotty. And Adam & Chris D are way more successful

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

    Interesting.  Glad to finally get some info from Scotty on that. 

  • Anonymous

    The girl that lives in the tent has a fairly weak voice, but she’ll get through because she lives in a tent.

  • Anonymous

    first sob story of S11, although I have to say she’s got a real good attitude about it. not the strongest voice but an interesting tone to it. and yay for fresh song choice

  • Valentin432

    That girl has soul.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Nah, it’s like comfort food!  LIked Amy Blumfield(?) of Tennessee.

  • Anonymous
  • Anonymous

    I like how Amy Brumsfield doesn’t really treat her story like a sob story.  Obviously, the producers will milk it if they can. But, she is quick to point out that she’s a happy person. Bonus: I liked her voice. 

  • Trina

    I played back the intro in slo-mo and didnt see Taylor. Poor Taylor is always treated like crap.

  • Valentin432

    Inside Your Heaven? Really? First awfull song choice of the year.

  • mmb

    Last year they had all the winners plus Daughtry, Adam and J-HUD. Peeps complained that they added non-winners for the first time. This year they included all the winners plus 6 s10 kids. I’m sure that won’t sit well with peeps either, lol ( I think jamming 6 s10 peeps into the opening is a little excessive, but hey, I guess 19M and XIX wanna highlight their peeps. ). They’ll probably do something different next year. Whatever they do, some will applaud, others will boo. It’s the Idol way!!

  • Anonymous

    Why do they keep using the old graphics. It’s bothering me more than it should.

  • Anonymous

    Interesting info Lexie.
    I just re-watched the reply of David’s audition segment….thought the outfit Scotty wore is the same one when he sang Garth Brooks’ The Dance. Thought Scotty won it but I can be wrong. Oh well.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Hmmm…betw the brother and the sister, I like Schyler better than Colton.

  • Anonymous

    Skyler is better than her brother.

  • Trina

    Woah. Hes kicking ass on Davids song!

    Oh god my twitter timeline is exploding lol

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

    I like Colton’s sister.  Love his rendition of Permanent.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Yeh, but her brother stole the spotlight.  I think the judges were unfair.

  • Anonymous

    nvm

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

    Skyler is jealous of Colton.  But Colton seemed genuinely proud of his sister.  This will end badly.

  • Anonymous

    Skylar was much better than Colton this time.  Colton should have made the top 24 last year.  The clip that they showed of him during the Green Mile episode was amazing.  

  • Anonymous

    Skyler was better than Colton this time, though I appreciate him auditioning with my favorite David Cook song.

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

    Yeah, I see your point.  This was supposed to be her moment.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Oh the commercials are killing me!

  • Anonymous

    Didn’t see Fantasia either in the opening credits.

  • Anonymous

    Enjoyed Colton more. It did see rather unfair though.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    I know they’re in the south, but why do they have so many C&W singers?

  • Anonymous

    Fantasia is in the same panel as Lauren all the way on the right.

  • Anonymous

    this girl who works with disabled people isn’t bad

  • http://twitter.com/Loretta31 Loretta

    Colton is not on the spoiler lists?  WHY?  He is so good.

  • GS61

    Here comes Phillip Phillips, (I just love saying that dumb name.)

  • Karen C

    It was good but it does seem a bit set up to me.   The audition story similar to David and then used his song.

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

    He’s listed as MICHAEL Colton Dixon.

  • http://twitter.com/Loretta31 Loretta

    They are huge stars discovered by AI.  That is a big feather in their cap.

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

    Yeah, I was impressed with her. 

  • Anonymous

    Hmm, I’m not seeing her at all … looked at the Lauren panel. 

  • Anonymous

    Georgia Peaches is playing in the background! Nice placement. 

  • http://twitter.com/Loretta31 Loretta

    Colton was way better than Skylar for me. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Oh no….stop it! my ears!

  • Anonymous

    So three(one’s coming up soon)”cute” guys have pimped in this episode. Idol never learns. lol Though it was nice to see someone sing a Cook song that wasn’t TOML. Colton and Skyler were good, but Skyler reminded me too much of Haley for some reason…

  • Anonymous

    Hmm, I’m not seeing her at all … looked at the Lauren panel.

    https://twitter.com/#!/blkeener/status/159813372873940992/photo/1

  • Anonymous

    Haven’t seen the show yet (am DVRing it) but did I read James and Casey show up in the opening creds but not Daughtry or Adam….or did I dream it. Bizarre! I guess we’ll be seeing lots of S10 folk on Idol this season. ;0

  • Anonymous

    I like Ashlee Altise. I’ll be doing the joy hop in the clubs this weekend.

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

    Thanks for the screencaps of the montage because I missed the first couple minutes or so.

  • Anonymous

    They replaced the non-winners from previous seasons (JHud, Daughtry, and Adam) with contestants from season 10 who are signed (Haley, James, Pia, Casey, and Lauren). I’m betting Stefano wishes he’d announced his signing sooner or he might have made the intro too. 

    Taylor Hicks may be missing as well, which I agree would be unfair.

    ETA: I don’t think Jordin is there either, but I’m not sure.

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

    That poor guy from Africa….

  • BonnieDee

    They played Georgia Peaches!!!  Lauren’s beautiful, rich tone is so much better than anything I’ve heard from these contestants.  Nobody has blown me away yet. 

  • Anonymous

    I know the S10 idols have albums out, but Daughtry has one out now and Adam has a new single out.   Seems odd that they aren’t getting a little promo love from Idol.  :(

  • GS61

    Did you see Jordan? I don’t remember her being there either.

  • Anonymous

    Ashlee Altise was crazy, but the good fun kind. Her voice was nice too, if not spectacular. 

  • iani

    “Georgia Peaches is playing in the background!”

    This song reminds me of Shania Twain’s kind of sound.

  • Anonymous

    Taylor Hicks may be missing as well, which I agree would be unfair.

    Jordin isn’t there either, so it’s not a hit against Taylor.  James and Haley are on two different panels.  I don’t think it’s a big deal, and they might change the opening as we go through the season.

  • Tony

    I know I’m late, but…regarding the opening montage: maybe they’ll throw in memorable idols from other previous seasons into the opening montage of future episodes (like tomorrow will include Clay Aiken, David Archuleta, Katharine McPhee, etc.). Seems kinda weird to throw random season 10ers in there.

  • Anonymous

    This is one time I wouldn’t mind if the BSC wing of the Glambert fan club descended on Nigel to complain.  LOL   I’m ok with OTT behaviour as long is it stays within the idol bubble. 

  • Anonymous

    Ah, man, I must have quickly blinked, cuz on just a plain look, I totally didn’t see Fantasia… or Jordin…. or Taylor for that matter.  Eh… typical undeserved crappy treatment from them.

  • Valentin432

    A whole lot of pimping for Phillip Phillips coming up.

  • Anonymous

    Nice that they used Georgia Peaches. Good promo for Lauren’s single

  • Anonymous

    You’re fast, I was editing to add I didn’t see her either. Lol. I wasn’t saying it was ahit against Taylor specifically, just strange and a little unfair to those past winners. Like I said earlier, I don’t mind the season 10 contestants b/c I think they’re super talented, it just would be nice to make sure all the winners were there as well.

    I agree though that isn’t not a huge deal, overall. It’s just the opening. Also it’s possible we’re still just missing them in the shuffle, it was so quick, and you’re right, it could change.

  • Trina

    Actually yea looking at those caps I dont see Jordin either. WTF did she ever do so wrong?

  • Anonymous

    I don’t read spoilers, prefer not to know. 

    Lot’s of good talent tonight. I’m excited for the season now.

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

    damn, taylor got got burned in the intro, ouch

    he a former winner he has more right to be up there than pia james haley casey and  lauren,and put adam and jordin back too

    in that case where’s clay katherine, and archie?

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

    it’s funny how they ”made” colton audition

  • Anonymous

    Steven Tyler is always great during auditions. I hope he can be as quirky during the live shows, unlike last where he seemed to lose all personality.  

  • Anonymous

    damn, taylor got got burned in the intro, ouch
    ——————
    The montage went by so quickly that I swear I never would have noticed Fantasia… nor Jordin… nor Taylor.  Ridiculous they would eliminate some winners and stick in Durbin and Pia, among others. Whatever.

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

    I can’t get over how much that girl looks like Carrie.  She’s pretty good.

  • GS61

    That girl only went thru because she looks like Carrie Underwood.

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

    not by title, but by acomplishments

  • Anonymous

    That would be very cool to me. I thought they should have had Clay and Archie in the intro last year. 

    The season 10 contestants weren’t random though, it was the ones that were those that were signed sans Stefano (who likely wasn’t signed when they made the intro). But I think we’re all (myself included) making the intro more serious that it really is. Lol. 

  • Valentin432

    They’ve set up that guy just like Lauren or Casey last year. He’ll have a good fanbase at the beginning of the live shows.
    It’s strange that they began to use the pimp spot that way, they didn’t use to do that before season 10.

  • Anonymous

    IIRC didn’t they change up the montages each episode until the Hollywood episodes?  Could be misremembering. 

  • Anonymous

    NBA dancer girl was surprisingly not horrible.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Phillip Phillip — OH MY EARS ARE HURTING.

  • Anonymous

    Philip Philips is okay. Not as great as they hyped him up to be. He’s cute though. :)

    Edit: He’s a much better guitar player than he is a singer.

  • Anonymous

    Outside our bubble here, no one cares who’s on the intro panel.  What’s important is who gets to perform on the show this year.  That’s where it really counts in promo and sales.

  • BonnieDee

    I thought his second song when he played the guitar was very good. 

  • GS61

    Also, the casual viewer will recognize popular contestants from last year, maybe better than ones from many years ago. Not everyone has watched the show from the beginning. I know I haven’t.

  • Anonymous

     That was a great show!!!!

  • BonnieDee

    I think it’s because Interscope is in charge now and they will promote their artists, not artists signed before they took over. 

  • http://twitter.com/Sassycatz Sassycatz

    Phillip Phillips second performance was fabulous. I would worry if I were Nigel. ;-)

  • Karen C

    White.Guy.With.Guitar.Must.Vote..Must.Vote..

    LOL, seriously I thought his Thriller was pretty good

  • BonnieDee

    Georgia Peaches trended on Twitter for a little while.  Nice.

  • http://twitter.com/RonnieDRocks Ronnie D

    It’s still way too soon to tell if they got any diamonds in the rough, but there were some pretty good auditions. I’m happy Idol is back, but I hope it doesn’t turn into a drudgery like it was last season. Is it me, or are southern guys hot lol.

  • Valentin432

    It was Nigel who put him in the pimp spot, he knows the audience that watch teh show and give them what they’re looking for.

  • Trina

    Well thats the thing though. Everyone has their faves and everyone wants their fave to perform on the show..if youre a non-winner and they thought you were important enough to include in the opening, good chance you’ll be saved a performance spot.  The opening should give a good idea whos on TPTB’s radar.

    ETA: WGWG, plaid shirt, switched songs up..theres the winner!

  • Anonymous

    I enjoyed the show tonight, I’m glad Idol is back!

  • http://twitter.com/Loretta31 Loretta

    That Phillip Phillips was outstanding.  Unique take on songs.  Really enjoyed
    him.  IMO he is one to watch.

  • Anonymous

    Thanks for the EW live blog, mj .  That was fun!  

  • http://twitter.com/jonnyboy82 Jon Glass

    We DONT need another LEE. #EpicFail

  • Anonymous

    Yep, I know a lot of people Tivo the show and fast forward the intro and commercials.

  • Anonymous

    Philip Phillips was pretty good, although he’s not really original 

  • sue

    Stop the presses, they better hope the WGWG doesn’t make the top 12 because he may win, lols. :) He was actually pretty good and really cute.

    I really like the Mink girl (the girl that works with disabled people), that was the only segment that made me shed a tear.

    Joy hop girl is fun. The rest are ok, too many youngins! Overall it was a good show.

    Ryan is the BEST host EVAH! That is how it is done Steve Jones. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kat-Myers/100001011861766 Kat Myers

    Except that neither James nor Casey are signed to Interscope.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=195101108 Stefan Wind

    I HATE to say this, but Phillip Phillips is HOT and his Thriller was very good. I might be following/voting for a guy this season…damn hormones. =)

  • Anonymous

    Casey Abrams was signed late also.

  • Anonymous

    I liked Phillip x2 best. Yeah I know, I know – WGWG.  But he and the little kid at the beginning were definitely the best. 

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

    The chat was nice too.  I enjoyed that as well.  As much as we may hate seeing the bad auditions lumped in with the good ones, tonight was a great way to start season 11.  I think, for the most part it was one of the more enjoyable audition shows I’ve seen at the beginning of a season.

  • Anonymous

     ETA: WGWG, plaid shirt, switched songs up..theres the winner!

    LOL, too true.  It all went by in kind of blur, so I don’t remember much.  I know I like Colten’s sister better than I like him.  And, I also know that I need to find some camo stretch pants and learn the joyhop!

  • Anonymous

    They didn’t change the opening montage but the did change out the winner’s panels in the audition room.

  • Anonymous

    His Thriller was good, but he needs to do a better job of picking songs that fit his voice.  The first song showcased his weaknesses.

  • Anonymous

    lol…this is true. A younger, less hot baby, but still…

    RT @JerseyJodiF: If Kris Allen & Ryan Star had a baby, it would be Philip Philips. 

    ETA – he had one of the better auditions tonight but he was a bit all over the place vocally on both songs. And we’ve seen lots of people switch up songs by doing them acoustically, so it isn’t as unique as it would have been 3, 4 seasons ago.

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

    ryan seacrest impersonator guy,x factor’s new host thats how it’s done steve jones,

    ” IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER”
    that’s how it’s done

  • GS61

    Agree, He’s even a junior. Did you notice his Dad was Phillip Phillips, Sr. lol

  • Anonymous

    Phillip Squared did a fun Thriller cover, but that first song was seriously shouty.  He fits the bill for what the voters seem to love, but I have a sneaky suspicion he might flame out early.  

  • Anonymous

    My favorites from tonight: Phillip Phillips, Schyler Dixon, Colton Dixon, and David Leathers Jr.

  • Anonymous

    I thought maybe it was b/c Casey was singed by Concord Music Group, which is related (distributed) by UMG, and Stefano’s company is not, but Wind-Up isn’t related either. Huh. Maybe b/c Casey’s announcement was sooner? 

    Otherwise I’m unsure why ship Jacob as he finished higher than Casey or Pia, except that they’re signed and he’s not. Signing is the only commonality between them (other than talent, of course, but all of season 10 was talented).

    ETA: Lol. I’m looking too much into it still. It was probably that they just liked those contestants and put them in the intro. I’m okay with that, I just also like trying to decipher things too :)

  • BonnieDee

    Yep, there goes that theory.  :)

  • BonnieDee

    He is very good looking.

  • BonnieDee

    I like Colton a lot, but his little sister actually looked upset and not very happy for him, so that kind of turned me off of her. 

  • BonnieDee

    Phillip Squared!  Love it!

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

    I shall refer to Phillip Phillips as P2 from now on and I shall hate him until he’s off my TV screen.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_S3ZGXZCUE2YYOS7QV6QSTKM4SA buffynut2001

    “why so many S10 Idols in the open? They shouldn’t be in there instead of the past winners. Scotty, sure. Lauren, maybe. Not the others. Should have Adam, Daughtry, etc instead of Pia, James, Casey ”    

    ***
    OMG! Seriously!! Some of them don’t even have their albums out yet! LOL!

  • moonz

    American Idol was good tonight. Nice start to Season 11. Saw a few I liked. Gabrielle, Lauren and Phillip. They stood out to me. Gonna end up with a bunch of favorites after all the auditions I expect haha. 

    ETA I forgot the kid who sang David Cook’s Permanent. I think his name is Colton. Yeah he was excellent.

    Gonna watch the videos when MJ puts them up.

  • bbf546

    Please Please Please…. no more country acts… Too much of somthing is bad. And having too Many Country idols is Not a good thing…

  • Anonymous

    Phillip Squared did a fun Thriller cover, but that first song was seriously shouty.  He fits the bill for what the voters seem to love, but I have a sneaky suspicion he might flame out early.  

    I have a feeling that they put him in the spotlight, and let him play the guitar, because he will flame out early.

  • Anonymous

    Here we go again.  The only one I replayed was the WGWG.

  • Anonymous

    Great opening show tonight!!
    I wonder if they have new staff choosing the footage and doing editing?! It seems to me better than any audition episode of last year; more personal and lively.

    some good contestant there. Love the little black guy at the beginning. Philip is good too but artistically a bit OT which makes him less appealing to me

  • tomr

    Much potential tonight…just didn’t like the pimping of the first guy because he really wasn’t that good.  Some of the girls were especially promising.

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

    i know right, in that case, they should put william hung up there,lol j/k

  • http://twitter.com/tinawinabina Tinawina

    I enjoyed that. So much fun tonight!

  • Anonymous

    I loved the girls you showed videos of.  Gabi, Shannon, and Amy.  I can’t stand that damn kid.  Pretty voice, but it already started to grate on my nerves.  I enjoyed the show tonight though.  Watched with all my kids, that hasn’t happened in ages.

  • Listening

    Whaaaat Phillip Phillips got to play his guitar during the audition rounds that’s never happened before right? Is this a new tweak Idol is getting or was he just getting special treatment. This guy is definitely making it to the top 24 b/c they showed him playing his guitar for auditions never happened before and they let him sing 2 songs.

    I thought his first song was okay kind of forced though. And for his second song Thriller I was more impressed by his guitar playing than his voice. Though I will concede his vocals were much better than during the first song it was nice. I was kind of interested in the arrangement of Thriller it was different.

    Now my overall opinion of the show Hmm I think the judges raved too much on contestants they were overly impressed by people who were just good. Only 2 people stick out to me after watching the show Colton b/c I vaguely remember him from last year and I think I thought he was good. Oh and he sang a David Cook song and being a fan of David that caught my attention. I thought his voice was good but he struggled w/ the song a lot in the beginning i’m guessing b/c he was nervous and put on the spot but at the end he got into it and showed potential. The other contestant was Phillip Phillips partially b/c he was last but he did have a nice voice, he’s creative and a great guitar player.

    Oh and the show seemed funnier than usual not them bringing out the awful contestants that claim to believe they can sing. That actually annoyed me b/c you knew they were purposefully trying to sing bad and I’m just not in the mood to be strung along. I like the scripted comedy the producers put in like the music around the girl who was obsessed w/ Steven Tyler.

  • iani

    That was a very good episode, great editing, good contestants, pretty faces, funny moments but not being over the top, less tears, optimistic thoughts, great musical choices, judges doing good jobs…Love it!

  • GS61

    My local Fox station news is showing a recap of tonight’s premiere. Guess what clip they showed?
    That’s right -Phillip Phillips!

  • Anonymous

    I’m so glad American Idol is back.  It just shows me why none of the other reality singing competition shows can keep my interest.  Idol is still the best to me.  Hooray for the start of another season!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Salley-Johnson/100003380231108 Salley Johnson

    Daughtry & Adam are with Sony.  Interscope has the S10 kids

  • Anonymous

    The judges were really good tonight and Jlo seems like a truly nice person.  

  • http://twitter.com/ScottyHaleyFan Maria Romeo

    umm this isn’t a full recap.

  • Anonymous

    It’s so funny when you know enough about the show to realize when they are pimping somebody or stuff is totally set up (Colton). Obviously, the first and the last guys (Phillip phillip) are in till top 24 or close. Sometimes they will pimp somebody all the way through till the Green Mile and then pull the rug out.

    I don’t recall anyone actually auditioning with their guitar or other instrument. Casey brought a recorder–but didn’t do the audition song with it. Of course–u can’t sing and play recorder at the same time–Duh!

    I can’t say I loved anyone tonight–but sometimes it’s hard to tell from the first audition.

  • Anonymous

    Best of the night: Phillip, Colton, Schyler and David. Mad they didn’t show Chelsea Sorrell’s audition.

  • Anonymous

    David Leathers – HIT PUBERTY. Geez. He’s just as much 17 as Scotty was 16 when he auditioned, except he was 12 and Scotty was probably 35. I think he might get cut in Hollywood. Potential, so he should’ve waited a few years.

    Gaby Carrubba – Huh. Nice voice, but nothing too special.

    Shannon Magrane – Like David Leathers, she is lying about her age. She’s gotta be like 20. Holy crap (I don’t think either of them are really lying, by the way). Like a sports person so I thought it’s cool that her dad was a World Series pitcher (LOL at Steven Tyler). I see some potential here.

    Amy Brumfield – She kinda has a Crystal Bowersox look thing going on. Her voice isn’t bad, either.

    Philip Phillips – First of all, WORST NAME EVER (AND he’s a JUNIOR? WTF). Second of all, that was an awesome version of Thriller. Third, he has some glaring issues that bug me. His high notes are a bit strainy and he kinda sounds like he has molasses dripping out of his mouth when he sings them. Also, he looked a bit awkward singing without the guitar with the weird movements he did. But based on Thriller, I don’t care if he’s a WGWG, that was pretty cool. For some reason I think he has no shot in hell of winning even if he is a WGWG :P.

    I have to say, however, that the guitar playing was kind of unfair. I vaguely (and probably incorrectly) remember the judges specifically telling Jackie Tohn to put her guitar down while she auditioned. It might have been someone else, but I definitely remember them telling a contestant “No instruments” or something to that degree.

  • http://twitter.com/poiqe debbie poiqe

    georgia peaches was like #50 on itunes chart, and now its at #38. I thought it was pretty awesome that they played it on the show :)

  • Leandro Cardim Da Silva

    No rockers. Didn’t like it.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_S3ZGXZCUE2YYOS7QV6QSTKM4SA buffynut2001

    “Daughtry & Adam are with Sony. Interscope has the S10 kids”
    ***

    Doesn’t matter. They are all with 19R. 
     I guess Nigel just wants to capitalize on a great season and remind people about last year!

  • Anonymous

    Ha, ha of course most of the S10 Idols are with the new label. Or at least not with the old one.  Now it makes perfect sense. I enjoyed seeing Lee’s face tonight. Never thought I’d ever see him again on Idol. ;)

    And whatever bad thing Taylor did,  they still haven’t forgotten!

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

    This is true.  Since when are they allowed to play an instrument during the first audition? And why is P2 getting special treatment?

  • Anonymous

    I saw Taylor once to the side of Randy (on his right when looking at television screen).  His picture was on the wall by the window.

  • Valentin432

    That’s what you call manufacturing a moment. The producers heard his version, they thought it was good enough to get some buzz going for the premiere and used it even tough it broke a rule.

  • Anonymous

    It probably wasn’t anything bad… it was probably that he didn’t want to be or do what they wanted from him.  Maybe he had a mind of his own?  Just a thought.

  • GreenHippo

    I was not going to watch this, but after all the great comments here, I might just go and watch it after all and not hit the delete button.

  • Anonymous

    If you think that’s crazy check out Emily Osment from Hannah Montana. That girl looks exactly like Carrie Underwood. What even weirder is Carrie and Emily share the same birthday.

  • Anonymous

    are you talking about the country iTunes chart? because it was in the mid-200s (247 I think) this morning and is currently at #166

  • Anonymous

    Hmmmm, I don’t mind a bit they removed Jennifer, Daughtry, and Adam to add the Season 10 standouts – but I hate that they removed two WINNERS (Season 5 Taylor Hicks and Season 6 Jordin Sparks) to do so.

  • Anonymous

    My Cook fan twitter stream erupted when Colton broke into David Cook’s “Permanent”.  Colton put his own spin on that song, the fan reviews I saw were mixed.  That song has special meaning, so it took a lot of guts for Colton to tackle it.  (We’ve noticed that the song had a bump on iTunes Pop chart.)

    For those not around during Season 7, that song was written about David Cook’s brother, who died 3 weeks before Cook performed it live at the Season 8 Finale.  Its sales after the Finale were donated to ABC2.  If you want to compare Colton’s version to Cook’s, here it is.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2ey0RFOUe8&feature=youtu.be

  • Anonymous

    Hmmmm, I don’t mind a bit they removed Jennifer, Daughtry, and Adam to add the Season 10 standouts – but I hate that they removed two WINNERS (Season 5 Taylor Hicks and Season 6 Jordin Sparks) to do so.

    The odd thing about this is that James and Haley appear twice, which is interesting.   They could have given those two extra spots to Taylor and Jordin.

  • Anonymous

    Except that neither James nor Casey are signed to Interscope.

    But they were two of the most popular and entertaining of the season.

  • Anonymous

    Colton’s audition didn’t seem as good as his songs last year. There were some parts of it that I couldn’t understand.

    I feel like Colton was going to audition in the first place. I’m not usually cynical like that, but it seemed like he was acting and not doing very well at it. Nevertheless, he was pretty good last year so I hope he goes farther this year!

  • Anonymous

    I feel bad for Colton Dixon’s sister. It seems to me that the judges hurried listening to the sister, just so that they can listen to Colton. Personally, I don’t see / hear anything special with Colton’s voice. She was happy to get away from his shadow, auditioning alone, and they won’t let her. Boo.

  • Jean Richard

    Reply to Lexie:

    That poor guy from Africa

    Agree…sure wasn’t impressed when they showed Scotty after the guy said he liked him and then they played “Rhinestone Cowboy”  What the h#ll?? Up to their old tricks again.

  • Anonymous

    I didn’t watch tonight, so all I could go by with the opening montage was the clips that showed which idols were pictured. I thought maybe from looking at the different clips showing James and Haley in 2 of the clips (wasn’t Casey also in 2 clips?) that they just hadn’t morphed into someone else yet. I know last year Adam morphed into Taylor (Taylor was the one I was looking for which is why I knew that! LOL)

  • Anonymous

    My opinion on why they are showing the S10 Idols pictures is that they are just trying to capitalize on what was a very successful season for them last year.  Ratings were up, the tour sold way more tickets than the previous year, the winner has been very successful so far and so many of them have been signed to record deals.  It’s all about the bottom line for Nigel, and I’m sure he’s hoping to have another season like he did last year.  It seems that they showed pictures of everyone that caused a lot of buzz last year – the Idols that had everyone talking.

  • Anonymous

    Good show tonight. Hoping for more contestants in their twenties. Lots of potential. Still waiting to be blown away.

  • Anonymous

    I believe that’s the numbers for the album,  GP was at 50ish this morning now at 35.

  • Anonymous

    They didn’t show them twice in the shuffle part. The person who posted caps just had two images of both b/c the screen pans and Pia and Fantasia aren’t on the same “screen” but are on the same “row.” The shuffle as it pans so Pia moves off the screen, Fantasia moves on, and very quickly shuffles to Lauren. 

    ETA: I’m not sure about anywhere else in the intro, the person who had video only captured the shuffle.

  • Anonymous

    I love Brittany Kerr. As Steven Tyler said, and I paraphrase because I don’t remember the exact wording, “You look like you’d be great in…. on the dance floor.”

  • Anonymous

    I believe Colton auditioned with a song from Cook last year, or maybe he sang one of his songs during one of the final rounds. Colton must be a big David Cook fan.

  • Anonymous

    Damn, Phillip Phillips’s chest forest is negatively distracting X_X.

    I missed Steven Tyler. Not feeling anyone yet. I have to say, the bad auditions weren’t nearly as painful as they have been previously.

  • Stavros

    Quick comments on the opening theme: I like how they incorporated Pia, James, Haley, Casey, and Lauren: all singers hoping to further their careers.  HOWEVER, anybody notice that Taylor was missing (not a surprise) and JORDIN SPARKS also was missing from the credits!? I’d say Jordin is Idol’s third most successful winner, behind Kelly and Carrie. That’s odd…

  • Anonymous

    Okay.  Thanks for clearing that up.

  • Anonymous

    It is unfair that P2 can play the instrument ( is there a rule this year that it is forbidden in the audition ?). I’m sure it is the producer’s choice, but still unfair.

    Funny that JLo said “no” to Britanny Kerr. I don’t care if she will only last less than a week in Hollywood, she deserves to go there based on that audition.

    Really love the vibes of AI audition >>>> X-Factor. Unless I’m mistaken, not once did I hear that the winner will get a million dollar contract, it is all dream, dream and more achieving your dreams.

  • Anonymous

    No problem :) I studied it probably a little too closely looking for Jordin earlier. Lol. 

  • Kirsten

    My standouts for the night were Shannon and Lauren. I loved Shannon’s voice and think she added some nice texture to the song. I think she could really grow in the competition.

    Lauren was just beautiful. So often, people come into these auditions and belt the crap out of the song. Like they are singing to the back row of a stadium. Lauren understands nuance and that everything doesn’t need to be set to 11 all the time. Save the 11 for emphasis.

    I also liked Gabi. Ashley was fun. I remember Colton from last year. I didn’t think his audition was all that great, but he wasn’t planning on audition. I want to hear more from him.

    On the one hand, I loved Phillip’s arrangement of “Thriller”. On the other hand, I was deeply vexed that he was allowed an instrument when nobody else was. That’s a long standing rule of the auditions. I didn’t think his voice was all that great and the body language was too OTT. I really hope he doesn’t make the voting rounds because he annoys me.

    Steven and JLo had some great constructive criticism. Randy was just going for the sound bites and the reaction shots. He was useless. He needs to be replaced next year.

  • Anonymous

    I thought it was a good first episode. It’s always hard to tell who will be a star based on an acapella audition in a small room that is 30 seconds. So far, I think David, Shannon, Elise, Phillip, and Lauren Mink showed the most potential. Colton, Schyler, and Gabi were also good too. It looks like we are in for a potentially good season! I also liked that there were less bad auditions.

  • Anonymous

    At least they gave Taylor’s standup a prominent place next to Randy and we saw him in every shot of the judges tonight, just about.  No biggie, but hey….!

  • Valentin432

    With all the debate about the opening credits, I just noticed that there was just one winner who didn’t get Ryan shouting her name in the first scene.
    That was … Carrie Underwood.

  • Anonymous

    Casey Abrams played his instrument for his audition also.

  • Kirsten

    Is it me, or did Stephanie remind anybody else of “Sam” (Jennette McCurdy) from iCarly?

  • Ringo

    Watching the videos, it all looks like a lot of fodder to me.  Not seeing many strong voices, the kind that hold up over the course of the show.  Last year, almost all of the final 13 had strong voices (Casey an exception, but he had musicality; Naima had dance and jazz background)  My new theory — strong, distinctive voices are what helps a contestant to go far.  Even the young Mr. Leathers sounded weak and pitchy (or are my ears getting fuzzy?).

  • Kirsten

    “Casey Abrams played his instrument for his audition also”

    He played it before his auditions out in front of the hotel/convention center/whatever and after his audition (after they had said “Yes”). He did not play it for his audition. And it’s not an instrument you can play at the same time as you sing.

  • Kylee

    Interviews with all the Savannah contestants are up :)

    http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/road_to_hollywood/

  • Anonymous

    “On the one hand, I loved Phillip’s arrangement of “Thriller”. On the
    other hand, I was deeply vexed that he was allowed an instrument when
    nobody else was. That’s a long standing rule of the auditions. I didn’t
    think his voice was all that great and the body language was too OTT. I
    really hope he doesn’t make the voting rounds because he annoys me.”

    Exactly, except I’m probably a little more approving than you are :P.

  • Anonymous

    Now why did Ashlee Altise (Joy Hop girl) come on TV looking crazy. She has a totally different image in these videos:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytJjHTygiUQ
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnNPYmWm77M
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8xAzgGkrmI 

  • Dlynne

    I was prepared to fast-forward through most of the show but it was a lot better than I expected. While there weren’t any stand-out performances, there are several I’m looking forward to seeing again.

    Lauren has a beautiful tone and Shannon performed well even if I didn’t really like her song choice.

    I would also like to see more of Colton and Phillip. Phillip does remind me of Taylor Hicks, which could be a good thing…or not. Personally, I like them both.

    They did put through too many 15-year-olds for my taste, but I am looking forward to the season.

  • Kylee

    But none of tonight’s hopefuls were truly buzzworthy.

    I saw that you also mentioned it was “underwhelming.” It concerned me at first, I was thinking “Oh no, it doesn’t have MJ’s stamp of approval!” So I decided to look back at other season’s premieres to see what you said for those and here is what I saw:

    Season 10 premiere, MJ quotes:

    However, I was not bowled over by any of the talent tonight…..Nobody really knocked me over.

    Season 8:

    Having said all that, I not jumping with joy over the talent so far. No one has really caught my attention yet.

    Season 7:

    However, there were no stand-out auditions that left me wanting more.
    Maybe tomorrow night’s Dallas episode will be a little more exciting…

    And interesting enough, S9 had the best feedback:

    A pretty good show tonight–I’m proud to say, as a Bostonian.

    So, since you aren’t overly impressed with the premiere, that might mean the season will be good! :)

  • Mateja Praznik

    Regarding the new intro montage, it’s clear that they mostly tried to stick in all AI contestants that are managed by 19 or Red Light Management.

    Adam and Daughtry left 19M this past year, so they are gone. Jennifer Hudson wasn’t managed by 19M in the first place, so they removed her too. Taylor Hicks is not tied to 19 in any way anymore. Jordin Sparks still records for 19R, but that’s it. It’s the same with Fantasia, but I guess obviously they found a place for her.

    Seeing Durbin and Abrams in the intro makes me sick, but hey, it’s not like I can bring myself to watch this show from the beginning to end. I will watch a few clips here  every once in a while. So, what are the standouts from this episode? Leave out all WGWGs, country singers, folk singers, etc.

  • Anonymous

    I don’t watch the show, but I understand there would be debate about the opening.  As far as Adam is concerned it’s not surprise since he is not on 19 anymore, and the fact that they took out also Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson makes me not give it an ounce of thought since it’s obviously not about merit or whatever.

    Anyways, I post a question if it’s ok.  Wasn’t there going to be an episode about the 10 year history of the show?  Wasn’t that supposed to be the opening?  Or it was before the auditions but not very long?  Thankyou. :)

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    AI is like comfort food.  Good show.  The contestants are super competitive, they were all very good.  

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Ashlee = Fantasia 2.0?  Lotsa personality and outspokenness.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Dude, we haven’t even gotten to Hollywood yet!  What are you talking about????

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    Nobody knows nothing until the final 20 are chosen.  That’s why you watch it because of the cuts.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    I hope Phillip Phillip bombs out because we don’t need another WGWG winner.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_X5MFW5AZRKGSJZ4YII2TZUSJCM SallyinChicago

    I agree about Colton’s sister.  That was unfair, just unfair.  He didn’t want to audition.

  • http://twitter.com/KariannHart Kariann Hart

    Gabi is a very talented dancer.  I wonder if she tried out for SYTYCD?  That would make sense as to why she would hug Nigel.  I liked her a lot.  Lauren Mink is a doll.  What a great aura she has.  I also like Amy!

    I did feel sorry for Skylar Colton.  When it was announced they both were going through, they didn’t hug each other like many siblings would.  Too bad…

  • mmb

    Is it true that neither Taylor nor Jordin is in opening credits?? They moved so fast I couldn’t process it all other than to note they included half of the s10 folks. I can understand ( sort of I guess) removing the more famous non winners in favor of the newbies. But really, they shouldn’t have excluded Taylor and Jordin ( and I dont usually care about the winner/nonwinner who deserves what bs). That’s just a snub.

  • Cindy Allen

    I think she has something….would be surprised if she did not make Top 24.

  • Cindy Allen

    This girl has something…I believe she will make Top 24.

  • fuzzywuzzy

    I don’t like how they snubbed Daughtry, Adam, JHud, Jordin and Taylor in the opening montage, especially Jordin and Taylor, because they were winners.  Also, it’s far too premature to have James, Haley, Casey and Pia included in the montage.  And if they are including all those signed from S10, where’s Stefano?  Not a great start.

  • Anonymous

    They mentioned all the winners in Ryan’s intro.  They went from the most recent to Kelly.

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

    Okay, hundreds of articles are writing about David Leathers beating Scotty…even though Scotty says that’s not true…I hope someone with better investigative skills than I does some digging;)

  • Karen C

    I was just thinking it was interesting what they did in the beginning of the show, when they spoke about the 10 years of the show, and how some of the contestants wanting to be on the show for that long, it really sets it up that the reason the contestants are doing the show is the show itself in addition to the dream being  a singer. 

  • fuzzywuzzy

    Except for me, it was far from “a moment” (and I had not watched the spoiler videos).

  • fuzzywuzzy

    All of the winners should be there, but if this indicates a new “trend”, then next year, all of the extra S10 people should be replaced by S11 people who are signed.  lol

  • fuzzywuzzy

    On the one hand, I loved Phillip’s arrangement of “Thriller”. On the
    other hand, I was deeply vexed that he was allowed an instrument when
    nobody else was. That’s a long standing rule of the auditions. I didn’t
    think his voice was all that great and the body language was too OTT. I
    really hope he doesn’t make the voting rounds because he annoys me.

    I wasn’t impressed by P2, and clearly the producers are already pimping him big time.  He’s quirky, but not in a good way, IMO.  If he gets through to the voting rounds, he’ll probably win though.  lol

  • BonnieDee

    Yes, it is now at #33 on Country Itunes. 

  • http://twitter.com/AussieSonya23 Sonya Dunn

    Didn’t like David much – felt he had a very high opinion of himself. Watch his body language when he claimed he beat Scotty – kids lying!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rich-Hahn/100002843507445 Rich Hahn

    Couldn’t stand listening to Jennifer or Randy after the way they treated Haley last season, so turned it off after 30 minutes.  Pretty obvious they say what they are told to say.  Will just come here to see video’s and skip the comments.

  • fuzzywuzzy

    The Schyler/Colton Dixon co-auditioning was so contrived and totally set up.  Schyler was better than Colton and should have auditioned separately, then brought in Colton (since the judges/producers were obviously intent on him auditioning).  lol

  • hcpoirot

    savannah episode is okay. the talents can sing but like MJ say, nobody really excited me. maybe few of them can prove me wrong in Hollywood round.

  • Wendy Nichols

    Don’t know for sure, but the tent couple looked like they were living at Skidaway Island state park in Sav. (have spent lots of time there with son’s Scout troop). I did like her voice, and the tall Magrane girl, and Philip Phillips (one of the auditioners actually from GA).  But Steven needs to quit with the remarks–Mr. Magrane gave him a look like, “Keep away from my daughter!”

  • Ringo

    Girl, I am not “so in the moment” that I cannot see beyond these auditions.  Having watched Idol for many years, I get a little bored at this stage where we see a lot of ok singers that you surmise may go far (and some fall in love with) only to see them fall apart or disappear well before the finals.  And I wonder why this phenomenon.  It’s kind of like thinking, only out loud, in writing.  You know?

  • fuzzywuzzy

    At this stage, I find it really hard to tell who is really good vs. just having honed their audition songs to perfection.  These early audition rounds are used to start the pimping of certain contestants early.  lol

  • Anonymous

    Or… if they don’t do what they’re told! LOL

  • Jean Richard

    He didn’t beat Scotty at Clayton Idol (which is what was inferred) – Scotty won that one.  He did beat him on a contest called Rip the Hallways. 

    Too bad this is the lead story on most of the articles…not good publicity for Scotty and it sure didn’t give him any “bumps” on his singles or album.  Not sure what is going on there…first  up, a kid who beat him, then a guy who obviously can’t sing a lick saying he picked Scotty to win and they they play Glen Campbell singing Rhinestone Cowboy in the background…are they still trying to thrown him under a bus?   

  • durbfan

    Opening montage:

    While I do think Taylor & Jordin should have been included I am very happy to see AI give the S10 contestants some recognition and for good reason. The S10 contestants were some of the most talented in Idol history and they are the reason Idol is on top again after the train wreck that was S9. No offense to Chris D, JHud & Adam, but the show has given them plenty of exposure so they don’t need it as much. So why put the spotlight on these debuting artists for a change instead?

  • Anonymous

    Am I the only one who felt like Shannon Magrane was kind of going for the Lauren Alaina audition of season 11, bringing her family in etc?

  • luvadamlambert

    I CAN’T BELIEVE I MISSED IT BECAUSE OF HOMEWORK UGH
    I only saw the first two minutes-they were AMAZING I love the new angle

    I can *never* find a fault with this show

  • luvadamlambert

    Can’t wait for tonight :)

  • http://twitter.com/4everkrjeannie Laura Walton

    I have this unexplained need to protect Scotty (and I think you do too!) as if he was my own son!!  Anyway, I interpret the “I beat Scotty…” thing as something AI wanted to capitalize on in order to pimp this young man.  Really saying that Scotty is a popular winner and maybe this young man will be the next AI.  Or letting this young man create a somewhat amusing storyline?  And according to a post on Fans of Scotty, he did beat Scotty in some minor contest.  As for the guy that couldn’t sing country, he was only saying he loves country and when he saw Scotty on AI last year he was hoping Scotty would win.  The Rhinestone Cowboy thing was a dig at that guy not Scotty.  Scotty is selling well don’t you think and maybe got a slight bump – hard to tell with the dismal January sales.  He’s doing super and making fans after each concert he is doing with BP.  AI was probably stunned that Scotty has done so well so they couldn’t possibly be trying to thrown this adorable young man under any bus now - I do a happy face but I don’t know how!!  Remember – SHDC.

  • sdmama

    I thought both of the were good, but Colton has his very striking “look” going for him.  Nobody looks like him. Schyler is pretty but so did many other girls, and she maybe lost in the pile. 

  • Tera2

    I haven’t really watched this whole episode that I taped, but I saw Brittany Kerr and Phillips singing while it was on. I was surprised Jennifer immediately said no to Brittany when most they give tickets aren’t even good.  Brittany showed potential and sang the song well.  And she can dance and is pretty like Carrie Underwood.  Idol needs those with star quality like that.  She’s not gonna be the best singer in the competition but she certainly is a better singer than Brittany Spears, and deserve to make it to Hollywood rounds and see if she does well enough there.  She already has the total package to be a pop star at least.

     Phillip Phillips is an over singer and his soul and melody was all over the place, and that was kind of frustrating and annoying.  He was over praised.  I will wait for Hollywood rounds to see the stand outs before I get invested in any of them.