American Idol Season 8 – Kansas City Auditions – Recap

It took all of two seconds to see Jason. Yay! Paula looked at least happy to see him.

This is so wrong to allow a song that Simon wrote to be sung. Ashley forgot the words and they put her through approvingly. :nono_tb:

Ashley’s okay I guess. I see her as someone who might make the Semifinals and then choke there.

If it makes that Ashley girl stand out, then I don’t see the big deal. They are fighting to be memorable at this point and I can’t see Simon putting her through if she sucked. Just shows she’s smart IMO.

This is so wrong to allow a song that Simon wrote to be sung. Ashley forgot the words and they put her through approvingly.

Not being a Leona Lewis fan, I don’t know the song, and I didn’t know that Simon wrote it. If he hadn’t corrected her on the lyric, I wouldn’t have known.

All that aside, she actually has a nice voice. To get to Hollywood, that’s gonna work.

Casey Carlson = Mandy Moore

That Casey girl really was just kind of bland vocally to me…the judges must be hearing something totally different.

As far as Ashley goes, her approach to standing out was much better than bikini girl’s last night. Heh, does anyone even remember her real name without looking?

Cool to see all the great Cook promo going on. I hope Archie gets some of that during the SLC auditions.

Leona Lewis girl is not my style, but she recovered well.

Casey the Bubble Tea Maker (?)—I like her.

That was my first time seeing the DC-in-rewind commercial on TV. Awesome.

Von Smith??? WTF? THIS guy made the Top 50?! That’s called yelling with tone and vibrato…not so much singing. Spare me.

Von is annoying me already.

Not a fan of Von either. Everything he just did is pretty much what I dislike in singers.

WTF are these judges on?! Kill me now.

I could not stand Von Smith. What? How did he get through?

I didn’t like Von Smith at ALL. I’m already prepared for him to get on my nerves.

Seeing a commercial for AI during AI has got to be one of the weirdest things.

If they didn’t go to commercial after every one audition, this show could be done in an hour tops. BTW…Michael was pretty good I thought.

Wow, with all the hype I thought Von would be good. Why was he screaming at me? There might be a good voice in there somewhere, but man. Why did none of them tell him to tone it down? LOVE all the DC attention, his mom and stepdad are cute. Jason is gorgeous, can he be on the show again this year please?! I’ve missed him on my tv.

I had heard Von Smith on here and wasn’t too crazy about him. However, I really like his energy and presence. I hope he can reign it in to go the distance!

I said it before and I’ll say it again, I do like Michael Castro’s voice! He has tons of potential…

I wonder if their little sis will audition if AI is still around when she’s old enough. Jackie right?

Michael Castro was awesome. I loved that. I also loved that both Jason and Michael have quirky but different personalities.

I’m not entirely sure that I’m sold on Michael, but if it means I get all that Jasony goodness on my tv again, then I’m good. I got a kick out of Michael calling Jason girly. Awesome.

Michael Castro has the real package including good looking set of buns. :lol_tb:

What was the name of that song during the cry constestants montage after brian hettler?

Too damn many commercials! GRRR! Next time I am recording and watching it back where I can fast forward. Literally, after every single audition, they go to commercial.

Was it Jessica before the commercial? Really liked her! The one taking care of her Grandma.

Man alive. OTR is being murdered this audition day.

Just an FYI MJ, Jessica’s hometown is actually Wamego, Kansas.

I liked Jessica, but I really wish that people realized that volume does not make you sound better. Tone down the yelling please.

I was in the live chat last night, but now I can’t get on… any help?

I thought that the sister they chose to put through was not good at all. What is UP with these judges?! Shit! I mean seriously I’ve only seen like TWO good people so far and they’re crapping their pants with praise over so many of them.

ROFL! Oh and they’re saying this Jamar is too over-the-top but they liked Von Smith?! Well they put him through still.

Man this year of Idol is going SUCK ASS! I may not make it to semifinals if things don’t improve quickly. There has GOT to be more talent than this or has America’s talent well already dried up after 7 seasons?

FINALLY! Danny is AWESOME! Finally someone who can sing well without yelling. Too bad he’s not actually from Kansas City to represent. So far the KC’ers are not impressive at all.

I like Anupe Dogg (Desai)….and considering that Slumdog Millionaire will walk away with the best movie nom, Indians are “in”….and he’s cute….an updated better version of Sanjaye.

What was the sob-story of the guy they kept mentioning? My DVR messed up and I heard his performance but not what the sob story is.

Overall, these are not the “best”, they just seem average to me. Can’t wait until Hollywood week, that’s when it gets good.

His wife died 4 weeks before the audition. I was getting ready to not like him (don’t even want to hear the sob stories). But instead, I think he’s awesome.

Does anybody notice how “stable” Paula seems? Is that because Kara is sitting next to her….I want the old Paula back.

His wife passed away four weeks before the audition. :sad_tb:

So far, he and Anupe are my favorites. Most of the others they’ve put through so far have not been so hot.

Too many commercials! GRRR! Next time I am recording and watching it back where I can fast forward. Literally, after every single audition, they go to commercial.

AI started at 7 here,but I wait until 8 pm to start it. I LOVE tivo. It does take about an hour when you speed through the commercials!

I haven’t seen Von Smith’s audition yet, but I do have to say that because of the spoilers and hearing that someone is good, people like him have a target on their back from the start.

Cool to see all the great Cook promo going on. I hope Archie gets some of that during the SLC auditions.

Amen, but I don ´t think Archie will get the same treatment… and sorry I ´m late for the party folks transmition just started in my country… so far I love the shoes of the crying and screaming black girl … here comes Von Smith, and I already hate him…WTF with all that screaming…

and Jason and Michael Castro and on scream now… and I like more Michael than Jason… or maybe is the song… I really like the song…

ETA.
I think the voice of Von ´s mother sound a little weird in my tv…

Anupe and Asa for me so far. The women seem “OK” no one stands out.

Great big WORD to Danny’s awesomeness. Love his voice. Love love love. Hope he sticks around.

Von Smith frightened me. I’m confused. :ponder_tb:

OMG! I love Asa, I hope he doesn’t fizzle out in Hollywood…and his daughter? I don’t care if she’s used as a pawn in Idol’s world, she’s adorable! She reminded me of Raven-Symone when she was Olivia on the Cosby Show!

My question is this: how come none of the people I’ve particularly liked this episode are on the Top 50 spoiler list?! I hope I’m reading it wrong, lol. It scares me a little that I can’t find so many of them…

(I’d name names here, but I don’t want to spoil for anyone)

I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seen Von Smithà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition yet, but I do have to say that because of the spoilers and hearing that someone is good, people like him have a target on their back from the start.

Trust me, that has NOTHING to do with it AT ALL. He was just way out there and I don’t get his appeal at all. Talk about way over the top.

On another note, I love Asa! I remember hearing about him on our local news. He won a local contest which gave him a pass straight to the judges and he did not disappoint! Amazing voice and great charisma. So far, I am thinking the guys may be owning the girls again this year.

Really like Jessica, Anupe and Asa so far.

ROFL! Oh and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re saying this Jamar is too over-the-top but they liked Von Smith?! Well they put him through still.

That is exactly what I thought. The judges keep talking about being over the top, yet they put through Von , wtf?

From reading these comments it seems no one is liking it so far and yet most of you liked last night’s premier which was the most boring episode ever.

Seems like slim pickins so far in KC. I think Von Smith got through because the judges had already seen his videos. His audition sure isn’t what did it.

So far, I like Michael Castro, Anupe, and Danny Gokey. Danny was the best so far from either night. So nice to see Jason again! Can we have lots of background packages for Michael that show the family?

Why was there a commercial for AI during the show itself? That was weird.
Hmmm. Everyone seems mediocre and yet they’re getting yes from all four judges. I think I’ll tune in again during Hollywood week and skip all the meh. Although I’m tempted to watch the SLC episode just to see if Jeff Archuleta gets his own little cameo.

Does anybody notice how à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“stableà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Paula seems? Is that because Kara is sitting next to herà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.I want the old Paula back.

I don’t know what happened, but it’s nice to see her so coherent.

From reading these comments it seems no one is liking it so far and yet most of you liked last nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s premier which was the most boring episode ever.

Nah, I wasn’t impressed last night either. I agree that it was incredibly boring.

Re: Von Smith

I didn’t read anything about him (beyond his name…I don’t know why I was compelled to skim the Top 50 list before knowing ANY of them, but that’s beside the point), so I consider myself pretty unbiased.

What’s being said here is mostly right – he was over the top. I liked him at first because he reminded me of Jason Mraz, but then he started singing and OVERsinging OTR, and he lost me. He may be talented, and he may be sweet, and maybe he’s a great performer, but his audition made me DISlike him more than like him. I was shocked they didn’t at least warn him about toning it down a little. I mean, they’ve acknowledged talent and told people to dial it back for a lot less than what he did. PLUS, as singers, I can’t believe they didn’t maybe caution him about straining his voice to the point where he damages something important.

Eh. Whatever. Castro bit made tonight worth it. :)

I liked the red-headed girl who sang Janis Joplin, Michael Castro, and Lil Rounds.

Tonight this time the guys were definitely more interesting than the girls. Anoop, Asa and Michael Castro for this round.

Lil Rounds was pretty good, but I would say my favorite tonight was by far Danny…that soulful voice just gave me chills.

Tonight was a little better than last night for me. Lil, Danny, Anup, and Asa impressed me.

I do believe that AI is not show casing the best ones yet. They are saving them for another night.

They let a lot of mediocre people through. :/ A lot of over the top singing.

But regoing over all of the auditions tonight I was actually impressed by quite a few. What annoys me is that every time at least one judge says yes, it’s like the contestant HAS to get through.

Nobody really stood out for me tonight.
Michael Castro, Danny, Matt the welder, Lil were all o.k I guess.

I couldn’t be believe how many people they let go to Hollywood that were barely even ‘ok’. And i was surprised at how they were all so on the fence about Michael Castro, I really liked him a lot! He was way better than i was expecting.
I also loved Anoop, Asa and Lil Rounds.
And Vonn was absolutely terrible, i can’t stand him! I think he will drive most everybody crazy.

Does anybody notice how à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“stableà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Paula seems? Is that because Kara is sitting next to herà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.I want the old Paula back.

She’s always stable at the beginning of the season. She even makes some sense in the semis. After that, it’s all downhill…

I thought there were a lot of good auditions tonight. And, my husband thinks the talent will be better/more interesting than last year. Of course, I loved last season, so I disagree.

IMHO, definitely better potential tonight than last night even though there were only what, 26 compared to 37 that went through last night. I’m looking forward to seeing some of those we didn’t see tonight.

Sssllllshooooop! Yup, I was sucked into Danny’s(?) back story, but by, God he’s good! This is the one who lost his wife 4 wks. before auditions.

Also, the last girl was very, very good!

Somehow, I think Simon’s been softened up by family stories…IDK.

It will be interesting to see what happens from here.

One more thing, I have to say something about my family (husband/son). This show truly can be inspirational. My son asked my hubby to teach him about music, so during commercials they were doing some quick mini lessons.

BTW, loved the DC promos!

So i’m watching idol on my dvr right now, the only thing standing out to me at the moment (other than von’s completely over the sop SWOTR) was this comment:

Kara to Von Smith: “I think you have a really big instrument.” bahahahahahahha

ETA: Danny is my favorite so far. fucking awesome. and his sob story is the one in a million that i feel needs to be told. i hope the best for him.

Boys are definitely better tonight in KC.

I loved Asa and Danny the most, but found Anoop quite charming. I’m not jumping out of my seat about them, but so far the best I’ve seen.

I loved Michael Castro by default, but I was a Jason fan….something talented runs through that Castro family!

I was REALLY nervous about Danny’s background story that they had been playing up all episode long. I was like great, here’s another one, but I felt that one was truly sad even if I found the way it was portrayed a bit disingenuous.

I thought Von Smith was so over the top. I’ve seen his youtube. I don’t like being screamed at and that’s exactly what I feel like he does. Yeah, he can sing, but so what?

I don’t remember many of the girls, except Lil Rounds who I don’t care for…I didn’t think she was THAT great.

I did like the girl who sang Janis, but I think I remember mostly her grandmother instead of what she sang.

All in all, these audition rounds have me entertained for a while. It’s like one bad is followed almost immediately by someone good(or maybe not that even) but it’s BETTER. :)

what’s with the brown crack bottle in simons hand?

I liked Danny, Asa, Jessica and Lil, and I sorta liked the banana dude (he amused me at least…I hope that’s what he was going for). I did think they put through a couple mediocre singers, the geography girl (Asia, India?) for one.

I actually liked Ashely – she definitely looks like a star and has more personality than Robo-Leona.

Good lawd, I hated Von’s audition. Talk about over the top! No like.

Anoop is quite charming and kinda cute. Let’s hope he’s not Sanjaya V2.

Danny is amazing and his story would definitely stick with the public. Who the hell chose “How To Save A Life” to play after his auditon?! WTF?!

Michael Castro is a cutie and too funny. I loved Jason back then so I’m attracted to their “I Don’t Care” attitude.

Ah I’m watching this season too, so far! AAGGGHHHH! Anoop was very interesting. He will be fun to watch. I LUV Danny! Wow. Love that voice, man. I want to hear more. And I like the girl who sang Cry Baby. Very cool, great voice and control. They all seem so young. Or maybe I’m gettin’ old….

MOSTLY, I liked the promos and clips about DAVID COOOOOOOK! hee. Cook FTW! Oh wait, he IS win, did win, YAY!

ROFL! Oh and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re saying this Jamar is too over-the-top but they liked Von Smith?! Well they put him through still.

Yeah, what do they say, word to this! I honestly didn’t think Jamar was going to get through…already knew Von was. I do hope they can tone Von down some, because if not he won’t go far. If they can, I’m interested to see what he can do.

I just blocked out Von’s audition. I do NOT enjoy being screamed at.

And we’ve seen a lot of Lil’s on the show, but I liked her. Great control, and I miss having someone on the show with more of a retro vibe.

Wacky hair runs in the Castros, apparently…hot pink, seriously? I did love Michael, otherwise. I’m interested in seeing what else he’s got.

Does anybody notice how à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“stableà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Paula seems? Is that because Kara is sitting next to herà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.I want the old Paula back.

Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s always stable at the beginning of the season. She even makes some sense in the semis. After that, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s all downhillà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

…I hope Paula doesn’t bring Kara downhill with her once the show actually starts.

deleted most, my other comment did get posted.

One last comment, maybe. There is an interesting contrast between Michael Castro and Alex from last night. MC, can hear and hit the notes naturally and Alex had to teach himself to learn music, I think. Having said that, they both have some potential, imho.

Does anyone know what the song is that was being played when Danny went to show his family his golden ticket?

ETA–Never mind. I see the answer now.

Best of the night was definitely Lil Rounds I thought. Von was the biggest disappointment…

Von Smith is so. freaking. annoying. Ugh!!

Finally someone with a real reason to use the name Lil (since her real name is Lillian)

MJ, did India get through?

I didn’t like Von either. I don’t get why they did. In fact, that guy who sang With You was just to fill up the bottom of the curve in Hollywood.

Von Smith is so. freaking. annoying. Ugh!!

So incredibly agree. He’ll probably make it to semi’s and I hope no further.

He rubs me entirely wrong…and then he opens his mouth and screams at me.

I like the band marching guy..what’s his name? Asa?
And I also like Lil Rounds :)

Long time no post! *waves*

Anyway…here are a few thoughts:

I like Kara. She’s fiesty.

Last night was painfully boring, nothing really memorable except Kara’s “fight” with the Bikini Girl. I hope she disappears really fast.

Tonight was much better. I liked the guy whose wife died, Anoop and Asa. Michael Castro cracked me up. Lil Rounds was good, but she’s more of the same we’ve seen before on Idol.

However, I kinda feel like the backstories are more memorable than the people and voices unfortunately.

The marching band guy is Asa Barnes. And India did get through.

Anoop was absolutely awesome!! Didn’t expect that voice from him and loved his geeky style :-)

Overall, I thought tonight was MUCH better than last night’s yawn-fest. I loved Danny Gokey – he was the first person I was really impressed with this season. Hopefully we get to hear more from him.

Lil Rounds was an excellent singer, but I could easily see myself becoming bored with her. Other than her, I thought Asa might be interesting… that was about it for me. I’m kinda thinking (and hoping) there are some really good people they aren’t showing. Although, really, I should know better than to care about audition rounds. Anyone else remember the buzz around KLC last year? And we all know how that turned out…

I’m glad it’s Idol season again though. The excitement finally hit me tonight!

Casey Carlson = Mandy Moore

I think she also looks like Minka Kelly from Friday Night Lights. I liked her. She’s cute. I liked Ashley, too, and I’m interested in hearing her sing something besides Simon’s song.

I’m on the west coast so I’m just about 30 mins into the show but had to edit this to add that Von SERIOUSLY bugs. Ugh. Not my thing at all.

Golly, Danny Gokey!!!

I. Love. Him.

Backstory or not, he’s awesome!

I love the rasp in his voice, and…he looks like Robert Downey, Jr.

Oh that’s right! Asa and Anoop(sp?). Both good. 4-5 for top 36 from tonight. That’s my prediction. Maybe wrong but wanted to get it in B&W. Heh.

I’ve always liked Paula in spite of her loopy personality. I’m kinda thinking that Kara is giving her confidence. Pauler (tm Smallie?, tm Simon) is an encourager who, for the most part, knows what she’s talking about. I like Kara too!
I do find it interesting that someone said that editing makes a difference in how PA comes across on non-live TV. So now I’m interested to see how the live show goes…

Oh yes, and last yr. I only watched the auditions waiting to get to Hollywood week and beyond. This yr. I’m am so much more interested in them and I only have this site to thank. :)

However, I kinda feel like the backstories are more memorable than the people and voices unfortunately.

It’s going to be funny if by rectifying last year’s problem of little backstory, they go the other extreme which will make AI suffer from too much investment in the story rather than the singer.

Yes Lil is her real name, that is my 1st cousin

I love the rasp in his voice, andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦he looks like Robert Downey, Jr.

Oooh, oohh, I said he looked like RDJ too to my hubby!

I’ve got to get to bed now.

Yes Lil is her real name, that is my 1st cousin

Seriously? She’s your cousin?

I’m hoping that some of the better singers just sang songs that they couldn’t get cleared to air. Perhaps, also, some of the better singers don’t have great backstories which would make the audition episodes pretty boring.

I thought Lil was awesome. Great voice, confident, not over the top, great smile, nice family. There was just something about her I really like.

and loved the guy who lost his wife also.

I liked Danny and Michael Castro. Von is already annoying me.

I enjoyed tonight more than last night. My favorite is Lil so far. She can just flat out sing. So far so good. I would not have put the girl who sang A Thousand Miles through, I would not have put the one who rapped with her sister through, or Von. On second thought I might have asked him to sing something else. The guy who sang With You is interesting, he can sing, but I just don’t think anyone will get behind him. Michael Castro is adorable, so I am gonna give him points just for that. I am not sure I would have put him through.

The guys are really being pushed so far. I like Anoup, Asa, Danny and Jamar. Is it Hollywood week yet?

I know that there is an issue of clearance for songs, but I also wonder why so many of these young singers are auditioning songs decades older than they are. Certainly there are some fresher songs that can be cleared. I mean With You and the Footprints songs are current….

Michael Castro was simply okay, for having started singing 21 days before the audition, or whatever. Bottom line, if he wasn’t the brother of one of my faves from last season, I simply wouldn’t have given him a second listen. We’ll see how he does.

Mia Conley – Kansas City, MO – Age 27 – Janitorial Engineer – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Loving Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Minnie Ripperton – NO

LOL!!!

“God’s gonna gitchu!”

Lil Rounds is good. Really good.

Now, back to watch Danny Gokey again.

Yes Lil is her real name, that is my 1st cousin

Awesome, Ms. Mackey.

Yes she is we are all so proud of her

I loved Asa, Danny, and Lil Rounds. I am interested to see what Anoop can do but I am skeptical that he has the whole package.

Dare I hope? Danny = Elliott 2.0???

Hey, Von Lee Smith. Sam Harris called and wants his Star Search histrionics back.

Lol, Terrie. Von Lee needs a vocal make-under for sure.

I liked M Castro, although I guess the spoilers are saying he’s not making it past Hollywood. Lil Round was good. I thought Asa was freaking adorable. I heart him.

Another show that I enjoyed. May this streak continue. There were a few I didn’t think should go to Hollywood, but from the previews, there was a reason they were sent on.

The judges are doing a good job thus far. Kara seems to be fair and a bit silly. That, I like.

Jason Castro…so good to see him. I know they want Michael to stand apart from him, but he’s not his brother.

EDIT: I meant, he has not won over my heart.

I like the background story and the talent of Lil Rounds.

I am old enough to have seen first-run Star Search during the gloriously heady glory-note days of Sam Harris. Von Smith, sir, you are no Sam Harris.

MCastro isn’t polished or experienced enough to compete on the top-36 level, but clearly those Castro boys were born with an organic sense of musicality that so many lesser would-be singers would kill for. Doesn’t hurt that they are as cute as a puppy’s nose.

Anoop was awesome, but it looks like AI is trying to find a “cool’ geek contestant rather than the kind of geek contestant that gets beat up and stuffed in lockers.

I also liked Matt the welder and Danny.

I thought AI was going to try to be nicer this year. Looks like they just couldn’t resist mocking the mentally challenged…again. See Nicewater, Michael.

Here is a new Castro brothers interview recorded on audition day in KC.

Just as Jason bought a ukulele only a few days before learning how to play it on Over the Rainbow, Michael suddenly decided he could be a singer and, hey, why not audition for AI. Kara called it cockiness and Simon questioned the siblings’ sense of commitment, but I suspect it has to do with their faith and find it refreshingly charming.

Whatever happens, Michael progressed farther than the brothers of David Cook and Fantasia Barrino.

I thought Lil was awesome. Great voice, confident, not over the top, great smile, nice family. There was just something about her I really like.

Lil reminds me a bit of LaToya London. I love her soulful voice.

Von Smith has a voice made for Broadway. LOL!

I thought that the sister they chose to put through was not good at all.

There is a reason India went through. At this point in time, she represents the generation that likes Rap Music (which I don’t). She’s also a good dancer. However, that doesn’t mean she’ll go all the way through. We need to see more.

Danny = Robert Downey Jr. I like him. Yes to Asa and Anupe, which may be why they’re saying the guys are better than the girls.

Anoop is a star in the college a cappella “scene.” You MUST hear him sing “She Has No Time” on the CD he made with the UNC Clef Hangers. *melt*

Schmed, I am SO glad I’m not the only one getting an Elliott vibe from Danny. I think Elliott has a better voice than Danny, but there is just something about Danny’s demeanor and voice that remind me of Elliott. (And that is never ever ever a bad thing because Elliott was my favorite S5 contestant.)

Noopdawg!

Von Smith is a dead ringer for Donny Osmond when he was a lot younger. I’m surprised no one has mentioned that yet. Doesn’t anyone else think so? His over the top singing was horrendous, however.

Michael Castro was simply okay, for having started singing 21 days before the audition, or whatever. Bottom line, if he wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the brother of one of my faves from last season, I simply wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have given him a second listen. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll see how he does.

I didn’t buy his line about starting singing only 21 days before auditions. If memory serves, in an interview with Jason Castro during American Idol Extra, when he was voted off last year, it was made known that Michael is quite a singer himself. Michael, Jason, and their uncles would always get together and do a lot of singing during family gatherings. Jason himself said that Michael was a better singer than him.

I, however, was not impressed at all by Michael. I much prefer Jason’s “girly” style, as Michael calls it. LOL!

Liked: The David Cook infomercial part. Matt looks nice. Anoop! OMG did he just walk out of The Big Bang Theory? *heart* Love him after watching the My Love video. Hopefully Simon’s “indulgent nonsense” comment is not really towards him.

Kara about Michael Castro, “I have a secret kind of vibe”. LOL, OL, OL… Is that a gay comment?

ETA: I think he meant he started singing 21 days before Jason’s audition, so they didn’t do it together last season.

Yup, those Castro boys have an unusual and lovely kind of charisma.

Danny’s performance, even more than his backstory, has stuck with me most. He’s got that cool youth pastor kind of vibe. He’s got the total package, and they can let the stylists make him look better than RDJ! ha! I’ll be watching him fer sure!

Much better episode than the opener. I was particularly impressed with Danny, Anoop, Asa and Lil.

Von Smith does have the vocal chops but his audition was so way over the top that he might as well have been singing ‘Over The Rainbow and Into The Next Galaxy’. Considering that the judges put him through with nary a criticism, I was very surprised they were so negative about Andrew Lang. They knocked him for being “theatrical”? Well, what the heck was Von Smith doing then?

Michael Castro was ok but I have my doubts he would have even got past the initial screening by production staff to stand in front of the judges if he weren’t the brother of Jason Castro. Those who say he got a gold ticket while David Cook’s brother didn’t, forget that when Andrew Cook auditioned last year, DC was an unknown entity to the folks in AI.

Did anyone catch the Wizard of Oz poster with the judges heads stuck onto the bodies of the cast? Randy was the Cowardly Lion, Simon was the Tin Man, Paula was the Scarecrow and Kara was Dorothy, all of which seemed like spot-on casting – no courage, no heart, no brain, and a newbie who finds herself lost in a world of crazy people.

I found Von Smith’s audition to be cringeworthy (altho there were hints of a good voice in there behind the screaming). I was shocked when he got good reviews from all the judges which just reinforces my suspicion that they have a list in front of them telling them who is to go through and who are the jokes. :rolleyes_wp:

Granted I think Michael Castro is decent enough, but I do agree he probably wouldn’t have even made it front of the judges if he weren’t Jason’s brother. I mostly just wanted to see Jason again, so I got my wish.

That said, Michael claims he did start singing for real about 20 days before his audition. Meaning, from a blog he wrote last night, that that is when he decided to audition and got himself a few voice lessons and etc. Obviously Michael opened his mouth before that, but probably considered it mostly fooling around. If it is to be believed, the guy has even less experience than Jason. I don’t think he’s ever performed in public.

So my impression is when Jason says he’s heard Mike sing, it was like fooling around in the car stuff. Not actually for real. When they talk about the family getting together and singing, I think it’s mostly the dad and the uncles.

I didn’t read through all the comments, but did anyone else think Von Smith was awful? I couldn’t believe they put him through.

I just loved Danny Gokey, he is the 1st one so far I have been impressed with too.

I thought Lil Rounds deserved to go to Hollywood, but was way over the top.

UNC Clef Hangers(Anoop) – Kiss Kiss, LMAO, this is so my guy.

OMG Anoop! lmao

I am soo rooting for Anoop! And Asa!

My faves so far:
Anoop, Asa, Deanne and Alex..

I dvr’ed this last night and haven’t watched yet but came here to check our Michael Castro’s vid as I knew MJ would have it. :smile1_tb: Thanks MJ! I thought he sounded good and he obviously has talent. I would be surprised if they ever had any intention of putting him further than Hollywood, though. He would start with a pretty fair advantage drawing in many Jason fans. He definitely has charm – just like his big bro.

We’ve only seen two shows, and I’ve already saw 3-4 people who could easily make the top 5.

Brian Hettler (who sang “Think”) was “not right for this competition,” but I couldn’t help but think he could be a kick-ass Elvis impersonator. I was totally expecting him to bust out “It’s Now or Never.”

I loved seeing Jason and Michael. Best part of the night for me. Michael is new to singing in front of people. He was chatting with us online one night and said that he had been busy working on something but it was a secret. I guess it was practicing to try out for Idol.

From what Jason said, while driving around, Michael would sing parts of songs to see if Jason could match what he did. I don’t think Michael was singing whole songs around anyone, not even family.

He plays guitar and uke. As for the uke, he learned on Jason’s uke and then bought his own because it was fun to play.

The last girl was good too. Her hubby is going to be very busy taking care of those adorable three little kids if she makes the show and makes the tour. They seem like a sweet family. I wish her and them well.

I liked Michael Castro. That girl who sang Vanessa Carlton was less than mediocre, and only made it because she was adorable. Von Smith was uber-annoying. That’s all I was able to catch this morning. Thanks for all the clips, MJ– hope they’ll still be around tonight…

I love the rasp in his voice, andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦he looks like Robert Downey, Jr.

My husband immediately made the same RDJr observation. It was the only audition I watched. I was bristling at the setup but then LOOOOOVED his voice.

My favorites were Lil, Danny, and Anoop. I liked Jason’s brother and think his voice has potential but he needs too much work/training for this season. Maybe in the future.

I liked Asa and loved, loved Robert Downey, Jr. I hope AI won’t screw this one up. I want more of these guys.

I will said Danny and his friend I really tear with those two and Danny ´s story… it was to much after that and the OTT performance of Von Smith and Michael Castro, ok don ´t take me wrong I love Jason sense of umor but I didn ´t get the girly part and anything that Michael said, I pretty much zoom out of the episode…

Jim Cantiellos ´s recap from yesterday… I love Jim

Thanks for the videos!
You’re the best.
XOXO

Thanks for posting the videos, mj!

After re-watching some of them, I must say that Danny is the best we’ve seen do far this season. I’m excited!

I’m watching these things in spurts.

Asa’s very…easy on the eyes. I think I saw Kara drool.

His audition reminded me a lot of Season 2′s Corey Clark’s.

Have you guys seen WE HATE IDOL yet (http://wehateidol.com) – From some of your comments, it seems like you guys love to hate the show. I do too! That site has harsh, sarcastic, and honest commentary and photos that I think you guys would enjoy.

I personally find this season so boring. There’s no buzz and nothing to talk about the next day!

Sorry everything is so late. My laptop kept crashing last night, and I wound up rebuilding it…still installing software.

And then dailymotion kept rejecting all the video I tried to upload (rickey was having the same problem). So last night was pretty much an epic fail, as the kids say. :(.

I liked Asa, Anoop and Danny (although I didn’t like any of their audition song choices). That mp3 of Anoop singing Keane is pretty good. I couldn’t even listen to 20 seconds of Von’s audition. Ugh.

I just listened to Anoop singing ‘She has No Time’………wow! I hope we hear more from him.

Thanks for pointing out that guy who looks like Robert Downey Jr. I was trying to place who he looked like & couldn’t.

Okay, I just have to say one thing about Anoop. Awesome voice, awesome vocal control, I’m just wondering a little about the body language (no I’m not talking about his clothes), maybe, maybe, a little OTT for a solo artist *ducks*. JMO

Ohhhh Danny, I hope you go far!

Okay, Jim Cantiello is funny. But his comments below are hilarious:

8:13 pm – What in the David Cook? Why are they running an à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  promo during à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idol?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t they know weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re watching already? PS – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Light Onà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  grew on me.

8:25 pm – David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s parents just à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“randomlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  stopped by to chat with Seacrest. Awkward. This season is just a giant promo for David Cook.

Yeah, was surprised to see DC’s mom and his stepdad on AI8. Random and weird. Nice surprise though.

I have to say that I liked Michael Castro. He only just started singing 20 days ago? BWAH. ROTFLMAO. So different from Jason, a lot spunkier and brassy. Loved the “girly” comment. Hee. I hope he makes it to Top 24, just because I’d love to see more with the Brothers Castro. Maybe Jason will bring a Flat Michael sign. Heh.

“What in the David Cook?” LMAO

David Cook has been promoted pretty heavily so far…not that I’m complaining. :wink_ee:

Anoop looks verrrrrrry promising. I love when the auditioners surprise the judges out of their preconceived perceptions. Well, except for Simon. Who cares how he dresses? Isn’t that what the show is for? Don’t even talk to me about David Cook’s clothing choices/hair styles prior to that infamous haircut. C’mon. And, he was miles better than the first two contestants they put through.

Hey MJ. The video of Matt is of Jamar. Can you please fix because I didn’t see Matt’s performance.

Casey Carlson = Mandy Moore

Perhaps, but she doesn’t have near the vocal control that Mandy Moore has. Her phrasing is kind of sloppy.

Von Smith? Reaaally?!? Ugh!

I liked Anoop and Asa. I have to watch the Robert Downey, Jr. guy again. I was told he has an Elliott vibe but I guess I failed to catch it.

ETA: Ooh, yes, I remember now. He’s goood! (I guess I tuned out a little at the backstory portion and didn’t really hear him until near the end of his song.)

Perhaps, but she doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have near the vocal control that Mandy Moore has.

I meant she looked like Mandy Moore. That’s all.

I liked Anoop and Asa.

Anoop, Asa, and Danny Gokey. May the interesting names prevail this season. LOL!

You know the girl that sang “1000 miles?” She has a website–and it’s basically bikini modelling. http://caseycarlson.net/

I admire that she dressed modestly for her audition. I’m guessing that she doesn’t make it through Hollywood if this site is up. (I’m kind of disappointed in her.)

David Cook has been promoted pretty heavily so farà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦not that Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m complaining.

It’s good. I wonder if they’ll even mention that David Archuleta is from Salt Lake City when they show the auditions from there? I guess that the show is all about building the tension regarding who will become THE American Idol, so promoting anyone who didn’t win really doesn’t work for the show.

I wonder if theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll even mention that David Archuleta is from Salt Lake City when they show the auditions from there?

I’m sure they will.

I concur that Von Smith’s audition was over the top. “Over the Rainbow” is one of my favorite songs of all time. I feel strongly that it’s at it’s best when sung straight and simple. I find it a turn off when someone tries to belt it out.

There were some good voices last night, but

FINALLY! Danny is AWESOME! Finally someone who can sing well without yelling. Too bad heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not actually from Kansas City to represent. So far the KCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ers are not impressive at all.

I agree with you and all four judges. I really, really like Danny’s voice so far.

I concur that Von Smithà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition was over the top.

He basically yelled the whole thing and threw in a few flashy runs here and there.

I’ve heard few, if any, rearrangements of the classic that were actually successful, and none of them included full-on belting.

Soul singing has the ability to touch the soul. Sometimes, less is more. I wonder if he realizes that.

ANOOP! Loved him! Folklore majors, FTW!

Also liked Danny (although I could have lived without hearing the tragic details of his wife’s death) and Asa, the Janis Joplin girl and that pretty young thang that sang at the beginning (Casey?).

And whoever said Von Smith is channeling Ryan from HSM: BINGO! (A pale imitation, I might add.)

Pet Peeve: not being truthful, AI.

Ryan said that Lil Rounds was the last audition of the night, but it was daytime through the windows behind the judges when they were commenting on her. And there were plenty of contestants (such as Dennis Brigham) during whose audition the windows showed darkness. Now, unless they started the auditions before dawn, Lil Rounds was not the last one.

Why lie? I don’t get that at all.

Ummmmmm…she was the last audition of our night?

Danny is amazing and his story would definitely stick with the public. Who the hell chose à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“How To Save A Lifeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to play after his auditon?! WTF?!

I just realized why they did that. Because HIS life was being saved by the joy he got from making it through.

I went to school with Anoop! :) A lot of the guys at UNC dress like that…I didn’t really see anything wrong with it. I mean, obviously he will dress differently if he makes it to the big stage, but this was only an audition. His voice is AMAZING!

Going by the negative comments here, I thought Von Smith did something really terrible, but I just had a listen to it, and it’s just how he sings as far as anyone familiar with his YouTube videos is concerned. I thought he did worse on The View with “And I Am Telling You”.

The problem with someone like him is that he probably had very little or no training singing-wise when young, and he grew up singing like that which impressed his family and anyone who heard him when he was a kid. So he got the idea that if he can just sing a note higher or just that bit little louder, or with a bit more runs, people would be even more impressed. He didn’t realised that music doesn’t work like that, and nobody is there to tell him otherwise. (I think Simon made an astute comment about his family loving him sing that way.) I was really appalled when Rosie on the View made a huge fuss and said how wonderful he was when in reality he made a terrible mess of the song. Singing requires a bit of control and restraints, even David Archuleta (who had good training) goes a bit too far sometimes with his runs when singing a song simply would be far more effective.

I hope he learns how to sing properly, and learn it quick. His songs on his MySpace page showed that he has an extraordinary voice and can sing really well, he just needs good coaching. He has this great window of opportunity to show a huge audience his talent and become a great success. If doesn’t learn, he will ruin his voice in no time, and won’t have much of a career apart from being something of a circus act specialising in freakish singing.

Von’s cheeks were puffing out, he was singing so loud (I wish that was an exaggeration, but it’s not). What also bugged the heck out of me what the stumble-start thing he did, because I really suspect that it was a put-on. I think he was going for an Oh-Noes!!!-WOWEE doubletake that would capture the viewers’ sympathy. All it did for me was make me roll my eyes.

I know Von’s in the top-50 (from MJ’s info from Joesplace), and I suspect that AI has plans for him…but I think that ultimately he’s a red herring meant to drum up buzz. Von can sing, but the way he does it will likely prove very, very polarizing.

Von Smith seems to have a really huge voice, and I think that’s one reason he was put through. AI does love big voices. Note that the judges’ positive comments were about his instrument, not his interpretation. Although Kara said he can take risks others can’t … surely no one should take that much license?!

Singing requires a bit of control and restraints, even David Archuleta (who had good training) goes a bit too far sometimes with his runs when singing a song simply would be far more effective.

I disagree that David goes too far, but I guess it is a matter of opinion. I do think that even though Von is over singing and over the top, he has a lot of potential if given the right training and advice. Maybe that is what the judges see in him.

Von Smith scares me, with his “singing”. Didn’t read too many spoilers, thought he was supposed to be a bad audition, after listening to that. Guess not…

you know–the more we go on about Von, the more likely it is that VFTW picks him as their poster boy and he sails through for weeks and weeks.

I was mystified by the LACK of advice to Von. Other singers who were put through with reservations, got suggestions from the judges. They seemed to accept Von with no reservations. Very weird. Yes, they emphasized the instrument rather than the interpretation, but they didn’t say anything like, “tone it down,” or “that’s a bit too theatrical,” or “do you have a softer version?”

I can only hope he was put through for negative entertainment value (like the guy who threw himself off the stage last year). If he makes the final group, that could be enough to put me off the show. Or at least turn it off while he’s “performing.”

What also bugged the heck out of me what the stumble-start thing he did, because I really suspect that it was a put-on. I think he was going for an Oh-Noes!!!-WOWEE doubletake that would capture the viewersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ sympathy.

The phlegm (gross, I know!) is real. It’s happened to me more times than I can count. His lack of training was evident in that vigorous throat-clearing. If he keeps that up, he’ll mess up his voice for good.

I’m sure I am jealous because I am a Taylor fan but it kind of got under my skin with all the promo for David Cook. I guess TPTB can do whatever they desire and I am sure there will be several posters that disagree with me but it is a little disconcerting to me at least to see the disparity in promo for the different winners.

The ones that I’ve really liked so far have been Jessica Furney, Ashley Anderson, Arianna, JB, and Anoop.

And, call me crazy, but I also really liked Von. Yeah, he was a bit…loud. But when he did the quieter parts, I found I really, really loved the sound of his voice. I’d really like to hear more from him.

I thought he was going to get a “No” from all the judges, which I thought would have been really sad. So I was glad to see that he was put through.

Jessica Furney and Ashley Anderson both gave me chills.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure I am jealous because I am a Taylor fan but it kind of got under my skin with all the promo for David Cook. I guess TPTB can do whatever they desire and I am sure there will be several posters that disagree with me but it is a little disconcerting to me at least to see the disparity in promo for the different winners.

Contestants who are managed by 19 get better and more promo on AI. That’s one of the drawbacks of deciding not to be managed by 19. I don’t think it’s unfair, it’s just business.

Lil Rounds is really the only one I’ve seen this week that I feel is a lock for the Top 12. I think Jessica Forney might be a dark horse candidate. There is something very genuine about her.

Lil Rounds is really the only one Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen this week that I feel is a lock for the Top 12.

No one should be considered a lock this early on. Remember what Simon said about Sundance Head back in Season 6? I rest my case.

I like Anoop Dawg! I don’t know if it was posted here already but I watched him perform Sexy Love and Kiss Kiss.

He’s pretty impressive, imho.

Has anyone seen Casey’s pictures (and I believe they are real)? The secret Bikini Girl II?

I really like Anoop too! And the videos of him with his acapella group on Youtube = awesome.

Danny and Lil!

Talented and humble. Also liked Asa and Anoof ?sp?????

Now, y’all know Jason was my guy last year — still is !

Michael, not. He is cocky and I’m afraid he’s too cocky. Let his brother’s success on AI go to *his* head.

He started singing 15 minutes ago (in the scheme of things) voice needs alot more work. He’s in over his head and, remember, so was Jason by top 10 and he admitted it !

OK, go ahead — hit me with your best shot !

I just listened to some of Von Smiths video’s on Youtube. Its official, I hate him.

Von Smith, if trained properly, could be great. Someone just needs to beat out of him his bad habits (which include singing/screaming at the top of his lungs just because he can).

Here is an example of him singing in a restrained/controlled manner. I think he sounds wonderful here:

YOUR JOY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XRSRJiltpU

DC was partly highlighted last night because they were in his city.

I did feel that Taylor got shafted, but I hadn’t thought about the 19 connection (thanks MJ). As a fan of both Taylor and David Cook, I’m happy for David and I was sad for Taylor a couple of years ago, but I’m glad Taylor is coming out with his new cd. Nobody should blame David for what happened two years ago with Taylor, though. I’m just sorry that AI arouses such competitive feelings in us (and I cop to it too). I always have to remind myself, when it comes to AI, the competition ends with the last show, and I shouldn’t hold it against any of the Idols for what happens to anyone else.

Someone asked me for a link of David’s bits in this interview this morning (last night for me)..here it is

David Cook bits from Episode 2 (Kansas City) – incl. parentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ interview advert:
http://www.zshare.net/video/541992326908d59c/

I also think that things are different for AI than it was after the phenomenally popular Season 5. Ratings have gone down, particularly in key demographics. Now, they think that they need to do more promo and to try to highlight that there is a real benefit to winning (which means that there is good reason to tune in and to vote).

On a related note, I had thought that it was strange that they showed the DC-in-rewind commercial during an AI episode, but I had forgotten how many people tend to just tune into the auditions. I guess that they’re trying to get those people to stay tuned in?

ETA: Oh, and I saw the Carrie Underwood commercial on CMT the other day. I hadn’t realized that they would show it on a station other than Fox….

I like Danny Gokey the best so far.

And I already hate Von Smith. HATE, I TELL YOU! HATE!

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s obvious that Von Smith is doing the Sam Harris version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Somewhere Over the Rainbow.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I thought it was big but his delivery was so over the top but thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how you get noticed on Idol. The stopping and clearing the throat reminded me of Jennifer Beals in Flashdance when she stops and starts over again. I liked Jessica Furney and Lil Rounds the most but no one really ends up impressing me until the later episodes. I think a lot of the boys are lucky that theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re good looking and have great backstories.

Note that the judgesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ positive comments were about his instrument, not his interpretation. Although Kara said he can take risks others canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ surely no one should take that much license?!

I sort of disagree with many views in that Von Smith knows exactly what he is doing. I believe he’s had vocal training. I mean, why would he appear on The View in 2007? (Although, Whoopi did make fun of him.) I believe this is a manipulation situation.

The judges may feel he is TOP 36 material. Now in Hollywood, for drama, they may take him down with criticism. Von, with his good looks, is heading for Broadway in a year. :wink_wp:

I did feel that Taylor got shafted, also. At least we get to see his picture when the contestants walk in. Uh, he does have the smallest photo, right?

Widz, just a quick thank you from me. You rock!

Have not seen the episode yet, so cannot really say anything, but even just reading that Danny looks like RDJ already makes me like him.

Just wondering why Andrew Cook wasn’t featured at all in this episode. Didn’t he do some work for Fox during the auditions at KC? It would have been nice to see him act all goofy for the camera with some of the contestants. Maybe even with the Castros? I think he’s a character!

^Yeah, I was hoping he would be featured, but I think he worked for the local FOX station/ myfoxkc…

Andrew was at the auditions during the cattle call, which was a few months before the judges rounds. He was not there when the judges and Ryan were (Ryan may have also been at the cattle call, though).
I’m sure the show would have loved it if he tried out again this year, but he chose against it, and I completely understand why.

I hereby call Anoop, the ANOOP-DOG MILLIONAIRE

Gooo Von!

Haters hate away. More attention for Von is a good thing. MJ, of course there wasn’t much finesse there. He didn’t have time to finesse, so he went to the big part. That’s how you get attention – how you get noticed in auditions.

As much as I’m loving the attention, I still have to say wait for a whole performance from someone (where they can explore all the layers of a song and give it a proper interpretation). Then, decide who you like and who you don’t.

Von Smith was a hot mess. I would never have put him through to Hollywood. In fact, my guess is that he made it because he has some buzz. If he continues to sing like that, he won’t make it far if he makes the top 36.

ETA: Are they allowed to play instruments this year during Hollywood and beyond? That could make a big difference for some of these contestants, too.

My favorite part of the Kansas City episode was the use of Black and White Town by the Doves during the long opening sequence, including Jason Castro’s reunion hug with Pauler. To see my favorite AI7 contestant again — finally! — and simultaneously hear one of my favorite songs of recent years fomented my frustration with the unrealized potential of American Idol.

Since seasons 4 and 5, the AI crew has become more tolerant of genres beyond pop, country and R&B, but they still don’t especially care to support indie artists like Jason. Ultimately, they treated Jason like a waste of their time and precious space that they clearly preferred to allocate to Carly Smithson, for example. Their concession to modern rock is to promote a top 40 type of alt-ish rocker like Daughtry or Cookie, whose talent I believe is larger than that narrowly defined genre.

Most of the talent on display during the first four hours of AI8 auditions could, quite frankly, fit just as easily in seasons 1 through 3. I hope they are saving this year’s Jasons and Cookies for Hollywood week because I for one am not ready to regress.

ETA: Are they allowed to play instruments this year during Hollywood and beyond? That could make a big difference for some of these contestants, too.

I think so. The Hollywood commercials showed people playing instruments.

waffle Fox KC put some videos of Andrew on their website from the summer auditions. There are some on you tube. They’re great!
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

Okay, I have to say something about Von Smith again. I was completely turned off from him with watching some vids from the spoilers. I am definitely NOT a fan of OTT. However, even after watching his audition for a second time here, there is something that has drawn me to him. I can’t figure it out.

I think part of it is the raw talent that needs to be reined in. I didn’t feel as if he was shouting, but just showing his big vocals. (To me the question is, can he still sound good with small vocals.) I didn’t like the runs so much, just the raw talent and his energy. I am very interested to see him in Hollywood. I hope with some coaching he is able to reign himself in and not do so many runs. In fact, I’d like to be able to see what he can do without the runs. However, I’m not so sure we’ll see him sans runs in Hollywood.

I also loved the shot of him joyfully running/dancing across the street at the end.

And then, perhaps I’m just a poor sucker drawn in by the show….

I also think he may be a classic example of ADHD. Hmmm…

I think that Jessica was my favorite of the night, but I also liked Noop, Lil and Asa. My ears are still recovering from Von’s assault……. I’m sure that VFTW will work overtime to keep him afloat. It was nice to see Jason again…I hope he puts out a record soon!

Widz, thanks for the DC bits!

You’re welcome, Jolene & May! :)

Watched Danny’s audition again, just to make sure I wasn’t trippin over his backstory. Yup, I still like him bunches. Not only is his voice all kinds of wonderful, he’s got loads of personality.

Anoop Desai (former member of the accapella group, Clef Hangers):

As soloist – “Angel of Mine”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHRoZherdM

As soloist – “My Love”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvHZl5WKT_E

As soloist – “I’ll Make Love to You”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQZsEMjYZAc

As soloist – “Buy U a Drank/Do It”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_on7EOG8yk

As soloist – “Kiss Kiss”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5O1O06m14s

As soloist – “The Only One For Me”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1-SIzlBF9Y

As soloist – “Sexy Love”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCSlXm_8bhk

As soloist – “Crazy Love”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvUgZDg_oDA

As soloist – “Crazy Train”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=askHNe7Dwms

Thanks mj for the reminder about 19 management. Are all the winners managed by 19 except Taylor? Wasn’t Kellie managed by 19 at first but she switched later? (that would explain her less than prominent picture on this year’s backdrop of AI) Was Taylor the only one who did not sign with 19 upon the show’s completion?

Most of the talent on display during the first four hours of AI8 auditions could, quite frankly, fit just as easily in seasons 1 through 3

I thought the same thing. We’ve been shown a lot of old-school AI meat-n-potatoes singers with big ol’ pipes–Von Smith being practically a caricature of what people think of when they think “Typical American Idol Singer” (in the vein of Sam Harris, the winner of the first season of Star Search waaaaay back in 1983).

Makes me wonder if this season’s storyline will be some kind of old-school/new-school showdown? Eh, too early to tell.

I did not watch season 1 at all but from what I read I gathered this about Kelly.When the season ended kelley rebelled and switched to the Firm for management, then last year she switched again. I do not know if Jordan is managed by them or not.

Don’t know how many preliminary “sings” an auditioner goes through before they meet the big “4″, but if anyone can decide someone’s future on 30 seconds of nervous singing they have an ear few mortals possess.

No conspiracy theory here, just saying that I feel the judges have been given a big heads up from another team of outside judges before the big audition.

If AI was truly a fair competition, instead of “made for TV” fare, the big four wouldn’t even have back story cards at the final judging.

I’m reserving my opinions until I actually hear somone sing, even if its only 90 seconds of a song. I think it is silly to make my decision based on someone’s life instead of their abilities. I want an “idol” who stirs up my soul when they sing!

Kelly didn’t leave 19Evil until a few years after she won. She left around the same time Clay Aiken did. She switched to The Firm. Then last year with all of the “My December” drama she dumped The Firm and switched to Reba McIntyre’s husband as her manager. She’s still with him now.

Jordin Sparks parted with 19E at the end of last year. We’re told it was a mutual decision.

Oh and Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee are the only winner and runner up that didn’t sign with 19E once the show ended. Taylor went with The Firm and McPhee went with another management group.

19E opted for Daughtry and Pickler I believe.

Von Smith – Greenwood, MO – Age 22 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Student – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Over the Rainbowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – YES – Ok, whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the deal with Von Smith? His singing is ridiculously over-the-top and utterly without finesse. Yet, the judges really like him, without reservation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Powerful,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says Kara. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I thought the vocals were pretty goodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I was impressed.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says Randy. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I like youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦you have a good voice,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says Simon. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Absolutely yes,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says Paula. Did I walk into an alterna-universe? I thought that was horrible. Seriously, I am not looking forward to the dude screaming at me from my TV in the next couple of weeks.

YouTube sensation = built-in fanbase = potential voters = a huge viewing audience = no-matter-how-your-auditon-goes-you’re-still-going-to-Hollywood.

I haven’t made a decision based on 30 seconds of listening. I’ve heard it all.

He’s free to try and change my mind.

snuffles -thanks memory is going down the tubes.Why bother I’ll Leave the AI facts to others .

Off topic-Friday Night Lights is on tonight (friday)

Off-topic:

I’m watching 30 Rock right now..and had to pause when Tina Fey said “We’ve got to fight the power..fight The Powers That Be!” LMAO

Thanks for the clips and recaps, MJ! This makes it so much easier for me to keep track of everyone. Despite TPTB’s attempts to clamp down on Internet clips (HUGE mistake, IMO), without something like this, there’d be very little chance I’d actually tune in later this season.

I really like Jessica Furney. I love her voice, her temperament, and I gotta be honest, her backstory. She seems so even-keeled and mature beyond her years, despite what looks to be a tough domestic situation. No tears, no asking for pity, just matter-of-fact: I take care of her, but she takes care of me too. SOB, I’m such a sucker for these Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights types (disclosure: I read the TWOP recap before watching the clip, so I didn’t make the Saracen connection on my own). I’m also rooting for Asa and Anoop, and Lil Rounds. Good voices and again, something about their demeanor I can get behind. That Michael Nicewonder bit was painful and ugly to watch. I really think producers misestimated, thinking they found comedy gold with a white William Hung, but nope, this guy clearly had a pathology, and this was cruel and not at all funny. Shame on you AI

Oh yeah, the skinny cheerleader with Andrew Lang was a total ringer for a young Maggie Gyllenhaal, no? Sorry, random, but I just had to get that out–it was bothering me and it took me forever to figure out who she resembled.

Jessica and Danny (RDJ) are my favs right now. I can’t wait to see them in Hollywood to see if this continues to hold true. Now, I have to back and watch them once again.

I think a lot of the boys are lucky that theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re good looking and have great backstories.

Well as MJ pointed out, Danny Gokey needed no backstory. His talent speaks for itself. Though I’m sure the story helped him standout in the cattle call audition where tons of great singers are turned away.

My only concern for Danny is that if he continues to advance and they beat his backstory into the ground, that might actually turn off some would-be fans. His story is incredibly sad, but the way they presented it, and his very real and raw, fresh emotion was almost too much to take in. My roommate thought he almost seemed to be overdoing the crying thing for the cameras. I doubt that but unfortunately some may think so.

Jessica Furney could be like Adele

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjQJz_8rQkY&feature=related

Since Simon can’t see potential unless it mimicks an already successful artist.

IdolFanatic, I see what you’re saying. I hope once Hollywood week starts he’ll be further removed from the raw pain, though I’m sure one never completely gets over something like that and it will still be somewhat recent (less than a yr.).

I remember thinking that once they cut to the audition that they must have given him plenty of time to collect himself.

I do hope AI won’t run it into the ground, but I’m sure they will…

Oh yeah, this is re: Danny.

Yes, it’s true that was taped in late summer and Hollywood Week is usually taped in the fall and now it’s been even more time. Hopefully if he stays in, they will allow him to focus on the competition and quit asking him about his grief. This could be a nice distraction for him in a way if they allow him some space from talking about it on camera every time he’s shown. I do agree that he seemed much more collected in the audition room which was good to see.

Oh, hope I’m not late to the party.

Von’s audition was one of the worst things I’ve lisented to in my entire life. What kind of song assassination was that? Of course the judges passed him cause they already knew who he was and had listened to other stuff by him. Simon would never be fine with something like that. Poor song. And I saw Australia two days ago… way to ruin the song man.
I think he’ll annoy many people, I just can’t see him wining. But He’ll probably go far and I just can’t stand him already.

The interview part with Jason’t brother was so fake, trying to be like Jason. Were we supposed to buy that? He sang ok.

I was not really excited with anyone this episode, I really liked 2 people in the last one but this one was just fine.
Anoop and Asa (hottie!) were my favorites. I actually liked Annop’s outfit. Nice look on him.Lots of soul stuff this season… looks like that.

I watched the second night and I was surprised by the mediocre performances that they put through to Hollywood. I thought Jason’s brother was cute though.

On Jessica Furney, I immediately thought of Matt Saracen when they showed her talking to her grandmother in that tiny house. How old is she and how long has she been without her parents? I hope she’s not a teen taking care of her supposed guardian ‘cuz a fictional Matt Saracen is sad enough. I wasn’t really a fan of her Janis Joplin performance but I hope she’s got other things going for her vocally.

i liked Danny Gorkhey. didnt expect to like anybody but he is nice :D

and I thought i had walked into an alternative universe with Von’ audition too. I didn’t get it at all.

Jessica’s 20. I got the sense that she had chosen to take care of her Grandma so she wouldn’t have to go to a Nursing Home.

^^ That’s also my impression as well, so not quite as sad as the Saracen situation, but still, you have to make a lot of sacrifices to take on something like that. I like her cuz she kind of reminds me of Kelly (not vocally though), and seems tough. Anyway, so excited for season 3 of FNL, haha!

I really like the new commercials and and the Cook promo they did during the KC show. Regardless though, they’ll never convince anyone that you HAVE to win this show to succeed. Cook would’ve had the same success with or without the title. The finale was just of a formality.

I haven’t read all the replies so forgive me if this was already said. When I saw Von Smith auditioning, I remembered him from Rosie O’Donnell bringing him on The View. She had seen him on YouTube and I guess he had become somewhat of a sensation there. The thought crossed my mind that they might have passed him through to appeal to YouTubers. YouTubers in their minds equating to younger viewers? Possible? I can’t imagine why they would pass him based on his audition!

davidlove Jan 16th, 2009 at 3:07 am

Watched Dannyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition again, just to make sure I wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t trippin over his backstory. Yup, I still like him bunches. Not only is his voice all kinds of wonderful, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got loads of personality.

Me, too, plus Danny’s got sweetness, soulfulness, sensitivity, oodles of heart, and a non-threatening handsomeness that recalls Robert Downey Jr. I can understand why he reminds some of the ultimate AI sweetie pie, Elliott Yamin.

His backstory hits close to home and I was bawlin’ like the yellow-haired man-child who got rejected by Simon “Legree” Cowell. I think the crew asked him intentionally about his wife because they are all about milking the drama and you couldn’t miss his teary reaction in HDTV. Since he eschewed any tendency to self-pity in his audition clip, I doubt that he is trying to exploit his heartbreak.

That he is the praise and worship leader at two Wisconsin churches is the Nutella icing on the brownie for me.

I sort of disagree with many views in that Von Smith knows exactly what he is doing. I believe heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s had vocal training. I mean, why would he appear on The View in 2007? (Although, Whoopi did make fun of him.) I believe this is a manipulation situation.

This week on The View, they showed a clip of Von’s singing when Rosie introduced him in 2007. Whoopi was not impressed and implied that he was constipated.

YouTube sensation = built-in fanbase = potential voters = a huge viewing audience = no-matter-how-your-auditon-goes-youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re-still-going-to-Hollywood.

I think you have this right on the money, Gwen. Also, because he did mess up on the audition, people are talking about him. Is this planned? Hmmm…

re: Danny, the X Factor loves contestants with sob stories and milks them even more than AI. Some past X Factor contestants have claimed that they were told to talk about certain things on camera if they wanted to go on in the competition. Check out Niki Evans or Daniel Evans vids … I doubt that they would bring this stuff up so often unless they had to.

Am I the only one who thought that India looks so fun? I never care about personalities so much, but this girl is oozing with personality. No idea if she can sing, but I hope we see more of her, just for amusement value. Maybe in the heavily advertised Hollywood rounds.

AI has seemed to make a choice to exploit Danny. I hope they don’t pound it into the ground. Anyone would be raw with emotion after losing their spouse only four weeks earlier. He wants to remember his wife and do this for her. This can give him some purpose in life to move forward. If AI exploits the situation, that’s on AI, not on Danny. He seems (at least at this point) to have the chops to go far!

smallie, I agree, Jessica seems like one who can tough out about anything! This only causes her to appeal more to me.

Unfortunately, Danny Gokey’s “backstory” is already causing some backlash.

Check out the video from EW’s Idolatry.

Kristen: “I don’t know what kind of f*cking lunatic goes on American Idol 30 days after his wife dies and cries in a completely insane, theatrical way to the producers.”

^^^^I kind of agree with Kristen.
However, it’s hard to predict how someone will deal with their grief, so I’ll wait to see how things play out.

Thanks poporange for the info- if I understand you correctly Taylor was never given the opportunity to sign with 19. They picked Pickler and Daughtry instead. I always thought it was Taylor’s choice. Under that scenario all the handwringing from Taylor fans as to whether he made a wise choice is irrelevant. Back to Season 8

Yeah I watched Idolatry (which I love!) this morning from the headlines. I was about to register to make a defense for Danny, but saw several others did. Thanks prime!!!!

Unfortunately Kristen’s response will only make it worse for those on the fence about this to start with. 1) She’s never walked in his shoes, and 2) she of all people should know how AI edits these things to milk it to the nth degree.

Finally, and I’m projecting here: For all we know his wife may have requested that he do this regardless of what happened…we just don’t know the whole story…

Thanks poporange for the info- if I understand you correctly Taylor was never given the opportunity to sign with 19. They picked Pickler and Daughtry instead.

There were rumors to that effect, but never proven.

Also, other runners-up not managed by 19 out of the gate: David Archuleta, Bo Bice and Diana DeGarmo.

anoop desai is love:)

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