American Idol Season 8 – San Francisco Auditions – Recap

By On 01/20/2009 · 132 Comments · In Uncategorized

Update: Photos and Recap, after the JUMP – I fixed the John Twiford link…

  • Tatiana Del Toro – Age 23 – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Singer/Actress Model -Â   “Never Loved a Man” by Aretha Franklin – YES – VIDEO
  • Dean-Anthony Bradford – Age 27 – Pasadena, CA – Entrepreneur – “Stars” by Simply Red – NO – VIDEO
  • Jesus Valenzula – Age 29 – North Highlands, CA – Fleet Manager – “Nice and Slow” by Usher – YES – VIDEO
  • Dalton Powell   – Age 18 – Manteca, CA – Unemployed – “Ooh Baby Baby” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – NO – VIDEO
  • Akilah Askew-Gholston – Age 26 – Oakland, CA – Aspiring Songwriter – “Make Sweet Love”, Original – NO – VIDEO
  • John Twiford – Age 27 – Sherman Oaks, CA – Music Teacher – “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder – YES – VIDEO (plus Allison and Raquel)
  • Allison Iraheta – Age 16 – Los Angeles, CA – High School Student – “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin – YES
  • Raquel Houghton – Age 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Waitress/Bartender – “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield – YES
  • Annie Murdoch – Age 28 – Novato, CA – Unemployed – “Summertime” – NO – VIDEO
  • Adam Lambert – Age 26 – Hollywood, CA – Stage Actor – “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – YES – VIDEO
  • Kai Kalama – Age 26 – San Clemente, CA – Musician – “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by the Platters – YES – VIDEO

So, what the hell is wrong with San Francisco? A mere 12 contestants advance to Hollywood?   That’s pretty pathetic, if you ask me. Outside of Adam Lambert and Kai Kalama (maybe), the talent on tonight’s episode was dire.   Oh sure, there was a tiny montage of a few promising singers, but it was tough to really assess their talents in such short bites.

And this week we get to see the new gal, Kara, mix it up with Simon.   We knew that was coming, didn’t we?   I love Kara, she’s a big mouthed Italian girl, and as someone who comes from a family of those, I hope the live shows feature her routinely smacking Simon around.   That would be totally awesome.   And maybe while she’s at it, she can can give Randy a sharp elbow when he starts repeating himself.

On with the recap…

Katharine McPhee and William Hung…both found in San Francisco.   And Kara DioGuardi loves San Francisco. No, she really really loves it. Oh look!   A couple of fame-whores got married on line!   I hope chucking the wedding with family and friends was worth the 2 seconds of screen time…

Tatiana Del Toro – Age 23 – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Singer/Actress Model -   “Never Loved a Man” by Aretha Franklin – YES – Holy Mother of God.   This chick is so freaking annoying.   In fact, she’s so annoying, I expect her to make the Top 36, as the producers seem hell-bent on making the show “Big Brother” with singing. Her vocals are average, but her over-the-top antics are just made for TV.   And that laugh? Is so fake. -   VIDEO

Dean-Anthony Bradford – Age 27 – Pasadena, CA – Entrepreneur – “Stars” by Simply Red – NO – Wow, that outfit (“How many sofas do you think had to die to make that coat?” says Ryan).   That hair (he claims “the drapes” are multi-colored as well–TMI!).   The goofy grin (EEP!).   The really bad singing (Yikes!). Dean describes himself as a failed entrepreneur, and that ain’t all. “At least you’re not going to be cold,” says Simon. -   VIDEO

Jesus Valenzula – Age 29 – North Highlands, CA – Fleet Manager – “Nice and Slow” by Usher – Jesus warbles a few bars of Usher, and it’s pretty clear he’s mediocre, but before you know it, his adorable sign-wielding kids are being ushered into the room to the meet the judges (and get a hug from Simon), and after that, how can anyone say no? Well, except for Simon of course. As Jesus won’t be bringing his kids to Hollywood, I suspect he won’t make it past the first day. YES – VIDEO

Dalton Powell   – Age 18 – Manteca, CA – Unemployed – “Ooh Baby Baby,” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – After displaying his teensy-tiny falsetto stylings, Rubiks cube master (25 seconds to solve the puzzle!), Dalton Powell, admits that he’s a fan of the show. “Simon keeps it interesting,” he says. But even appealing to Simon’s vanity can’t move him to say yes to Dalton’s weird, affect-free performance.   It’s a NO. – VIDEO

Next, it’s the “brewing feud” between Simon and Kara!   Kara seems to have no problem telling Simon to STFU.   Good stuff.

Akilah Askew-Gholston – Age 26 – Oakland, CA – Aspiring Songwriter – “Make Sweet Love”, Original – Akilah’s strides into her audition with pages and pages of technical information on the physiology of training a gospel singer (is there such a thing?)   and of course she mispronounces all the big words!   The cynical me says this is all a put on, but whatever.   Akilah and her adorable malapropisms take up entirely too much air time, although telling the judges that she sang from “the wrong rectum” did make me lolz. The “original” song was kind of hilarious too. Akilah’s never-ending chatter even runs Paula out of the room. – NO – VIDEO

Not too short, are the they-go-by-in-a flash auditions of John Twiford, (“Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder) Allison Iraheta (“Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin) and Raquel Houghton (“Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springflield)Â   All three have voices I would have appreciated hearing more of, but since this episode seems to be all about showcasing the losers, we only get brief flashes of their vocal abilities, and the judges putting them through. Oh well. – YES – VIDEO

Annie Murdoch – Age 28 – Novato, CA – Unemployed – “Summertime” – Annie says she “loves to scat like Ella” or, in other words,   “I’m about to assault your eardrums. Get your cats out of the room.”   Annie can’t decide what to sing “Should I butcher sing a Bonnie Raitt song?” But she finally decides, if she’s going to destroy a song, it might as well be a classic. Simon says, “It sounded like you were drunk.” – NO – VIDEO

Adam Lambert – Age 26 – Hollywood, CA – Stage Actor – “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – Finally–the first really good audition of the night comes at the 50 minute mark.   Adam Lambert is an actor who has already been in numerous stage productions.   So much experience, that he’ll be bringing an already-existing fanbase into the competition.   TPTB pony up the dough to set his video package against Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida?”–they are totally pimping this guy.   His audition song, “Bohemian Rhapsody” shows off his mad vocal range and penchant for theatrics.   Indeed, Simon calls him on his theatricality (not for the first, time, I’m sure) but says yes anyway.   Adam gushes to Paula, “I saw you when I was 10,” and it’s a kiss on the hand before he leaves the room with 4 yeses. – YES – VIDEO

Kai Kalama – Age 26 – San Clemente, CA – Musician – “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by the Platters – Tonight’s sob story centers around Kai and his mom, “the only woman in my life right now.” Kai spends his nights working clubs as a musician, and his days taking care of mom, who developed a seizure disorder in the past year.   Kai’s got a baritone that’s like warm honey–very nice.   But the judges think he lacks stage presence.   Hilariously, Simon suggests that Kai watch him on American Idol in order to build confidence.   Even more hilarious is Kara smacking Simon down like an annoying fly when he tries to interrupt her.   Good stuff!   Question is, who takes care of mom if Kai advances? – YES – VIDEO

So, that was pretty lame.   Bring on Louisville…

 
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  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Tatiana Del Toro? OMG! NOOOOOOOOOOO, based on the giggle alone. But, the voice was okay. Just okay.

  • CathyMK

    Yeah, Simon put Tatiana through based on her personality and looks, not her singing. Do you think that they edited out Paula and Kara’s votes, or did he really not even let them voice their opinions?

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    I thought Paula said yes?

  • http://widyatarina.wordpress.com widz

    OMG. I missed the decision to put her in – NOOOO. Her laugh scares me lol

  • chicksineggz

    What’s with all the mediocre people making it to Hollywood?

  • janerazor

    When I saw Tatiana’s horrible dress, the first thing I thought was that lovely phrase from Project Runway, “Eeeewwww, Becky Home-Ec-y.”

  • http://widyatarina.wordpress.com widz

    ^Bwahahahahha lmao :D

  • bambambam

    Wow. Could be a record setter, an entire episode with no good singers, just bullying from Simon.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Loved Adam Lambert.

    Hate Kara today. You’re not quite there yet, honey.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Me likey Adam Lambert. First time I’m actually really impressed this season.

  • bootslacrosse

    Geez Louise, how many more weeks of this do we have to endure? Seriously tho, some of these auditions are really crappy but make for funny, cringe worthy TV.

  • amnicr

    Adam Lambert was like a breath of fresh air the way this city has been going tonight…. plus, I really love Wicked and the fact that he was in that just gave him extra points. I’m excited to see him in Hollywood.

  • Jolene

    I’ll watch in a couple of days when this airs in my country, but the only contestant I’ve been looking forward to this season is Adam Lambert, so great to know he’s coming up this next episode!

  • chicksineggz

    Wow. What a pointless episode. They only showed maybe two good singers. (Yes, they did have that little montage thing of some of the good singers, but each one got barely got any screen time) And they spent so much time on the bad singers.

  • jnd1221

    I really liked Adam and Kai.

  • meganb

    okay idol, this is why i love you. i know you love putting the inspirational stories at the end and that guy did have a good story but don’t tell me he is the last of the day and then have him running out to a room full of people after his audition. did they all love his story and wanted to wait around? haha. i love this show.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Kai!!!!!

    Only 12 from San Fran??

  • Tracy

    Adam Lambert was the only really good one for me tonight. The rest of the episode was kinda…blah.

  • iloveoliver

    What a pointless show! and boring!!!!!!!!!

  • Jocelin

    This episode blows. The editing and direction remind me of AI Extreme Home Improvement sap but it comes off as manipulative and insincere. No one impressed me, not even the cast member of Wicked who screamed pretentious theater boy. The last audition was pretty good, but that’s it? 59 minutes of meh.

  • americanidolfan102

    This was probably one of the worst audition episodes I’ve ever seen on Idol
    No one stood out to me
    and I know you all are gonna hate me but, I hated Adam I though he was too theatrical.
    Probably the best I saw was the girl who sang Natural Woman, otherwise it was all bleh. :thumbdown_tb: :nono_tb:

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Actually, compared to the Kansas City auditions, no one quite measured up. Adam and Kai were good, but they paled in comparison to last week’s auditions.

  • bambambam

    Really. I mean it.

    They were trying to see how many people are in the bare, total lowest core of viewer, who would watch an episode with NO singing in it?

    Worst. Episode. Ever.

    Ever.

  • http://widyatarina.wordpress.com widz

    WORST. EVER.

    AI, what happened??

  • Duke

    Agree with everyone- probably the worst audition show ever.

    With the exception of the 10 seconds we got from Adam Lambart!- Top 12 i’d say for sure.

    And that girl’s laugh at the end of her audition was Priceless.

  • Jolene

    Wow, so… Not good? LOL

    Guess I’ll just watch Adam’s audition when MJ puts it up and skip the rest.

  • idolbeat

    Allison, the Natural Woman singer, was very good. They stopped her audition rather quickly and said yes. What I heard of her, was great.

  • idolbeat

    Adam was cute, Paula loved him, I think he will be top 12 too.

  • LadyBeBop

    As GwendolynD already stated, only 12 made it through to Hollywood. And they probably showed all 12 gold ticket winners.

    IIRC, there had never been a good audition show from San Francisco. I’m surprised they allowed a full hour for the SF auditions. They probably should have put these auditions next week. Aren’t they showing four cities over a two day period? SF should have been one of those cities.

  • kozisedso

    I’m so happy!!!!!…………that it’s over.

  • t2

    Only one I’m interested from tonight is John Twiford. This was a definite screechfest. Adam Lambert comes in second place. The rest of the bunch, including the ones they sent through come from the school of screech. Yech.

  • cookcricket

    After tonight I was ready for Hollywood to start. Hopefully tom. night will be better.

    Adam was good, but wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be.

    I liked Kai. I guess he needs a personality though?

    Tatiana, NO, NO, NO!!!!

  • bigjr6633

    Forgive me people, but Adam wasn’t that good. I swear Adam is just another Von, the only reason Adam really didn’t get into it tonight is because Simon cut him off, thank God. Now don’t hate me people, but most of the people who auditioned in Kansas City were better than Adam.

    Yes, this episode was pointless. They could’ve showned this in 30 minutes and it still wouldn’t matter. Tomorrow’s episode doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better, I willing the bet money on it that their only going to show 2 good people.

    Bring on Hollywood Week already!!!

  • sanrio76

    I thought Adam was cute, and good voice but not sure of this style of singing. Can’t tell with just Bohemian Rhapsody. Kai was interesting. He picked a great song. I love that song, he sang it well but again not sure about the style. The rest were boring/awful.

  • Grammie Kari

    It was a weak episode, to be sure. At this point, I see Adam heading for Top 12. I also really liked Kai and wondered if he really is that nice. It seemed the people waiting for him were excited that he got the gold ticket.

    I am beginning to understand why they feel the guys are better than the girls. Then again, how many good female singers did they turn away prior to the judges audition?

  • Jolene

    Just watched Adam’s audition (thanks MJ!) and he was good, but did not blow me away. Probably for the best though, since he was a main threat to my “don’t get invested in AI8″ plan.
    He’s good and he’ll probably make Top 12, but I don’t think he’s gonna win, unless he tones himself down ALOT. And that just wouldn’t be him.
    Same goes for Von, BTW, only Adam’s cuter and more charismatic than him (based on what little we’ve seen).

  • sunchick

    Adam is adorable, I love his voice, and I got to hear him sing Queen which confirmed my original impression.. he DOES sound like Tony Vincent. Interesting that they already set up a storyline arc for him. Can he leave his theater roots behind and impress Simon, or will the theater roots be his downfall? Or, orrr, is there a third possibility… can theatricality actually turn out to be a good thing? (Randy set that up…”I think that might actually be what we need now.”) Dum dum dum…tune in Season 8 to find out.

    The rest of the show…zzzzz.

  • cheese

    I guess I picked a good night to not watch the show. I caught Kai’s audition – he seemed sort of promising-ish. I watched the video of Adam – he definitely has a great voice, but it’s not the type of voice that I go crazy over and not the singing style I’m into at all. Hopefully, he’ll at least be entertaining. (Little cheese was all “look, it’s a cuter David Cook!” I might have to show her that Crazy video, lol)

  • catdog

    First thing I thought of when Adam showed up – David Cook. But when he opened his mouth, he was not – but I like him. And I just knew Simon would say he was too theatrical. He’s so obvious. Maybe this time around, theatrical will be “cool.”

  • sunchick

    Cheese, LOL. Adam is no Cook, and vice versa. Which is a good thing on both counts. Something tells me Adam wouldn’t mind infamous lime green spandex matador pants so much. :lol_tb: This could be fun.

  • SpenserJ

    Kai was interesting. He picked a great song. I love that song, he sang it well but again not sure about the style.

    I thought he was quite good. And, I too love that song.

    I’m undecided on Adam. He definitely has a nice voice, and he seems like a polite guy, but I got a pretty heavy musical theatre vibe from his as well. Then again, he sang a theatrical rock band’s most theatrical song. So, I think I’ll reserve judgement on him until I hear him sing something a little more low key.

    I like Kara. She’s got spunk. Plus, she’s responsible for a direct reduction in asshat Jackson’s speaking time, and that’s all good with me.

  • primeminister

    Why does Kara and Paula love Adam so much? I didn’t get it. His performance style (facial expression, etc.) reminded me a little of…..Constantine. (Blechhh, excuse me while I wash out my mouth.)

    Also, Kai was OK. Kind of weird that they played “I Can Only Imagine” during his segment.

  • http://widyatarina.wordpress.com widz

    I don’t have any faves tonight..although Adam is cute! LOL

  • CathyMK

    I liked Adam and Kai too. Kai seemed like he could be this year’s Jason, only better at interviews. They even played Iz’s version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow during his intro. He had a nice rich tone to his voice.

    I wasn’t sure if I’d like Adam’s personality after watching his Youtubes. In those, he seemed like he could be over the top, even though I thought he was talented and fun. I thought he did really well with the judges tonight though- confident and self-possessed, but not outrageous. And Simon’s a bit disingenuous with his “theatrical” complaints. There have been plenty of theatrical rock stars, like Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, or David Bowie.

    Hope there’s more talent tomorrow night. Back to watching the Inauguration Ball.

  • background_noise

    Long-time reader here, first time poster. Just had to drop in and put in a good word for Adam Lambert. Yes, he’s quite theatrical, but, honey, tonight was nothing! LOL Check out his cabaret performances on youtube. Don’t know if AI is quite ready for him. I hope so! Nothing like some gorgeous gay goth to stir things up. LOL And maybe it’s just me, but he reminds me slightly of a young Ewan McGregor, maybe from the Velvet Goldmine days.

  • earthy

    Besides Adam and Kai this was one hour wasted for me.

    I can’t remember a worse audition episode ever.

  • Lys

    I was pretty much underwhelmed by everybody tonight… including Adam. For some reason, his tone irked me… Or maybe by that point, I had simply gone deaf from all the bad auditions.

  • hypertwink

    I like Kai but I have to admit that my liking him is caught up in him being such a nice guy and a great son. Also, I agree with Simon that he isn’t showing a star factor as of yet. I like Adam. Primeminister said that he reminds him of Constantine — I kinda agree but with a better voice and without the smarm and the ugly.

    Also, my gaydar is pinging but amusingly, it’s with Kai.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    The thing about Adam is that he’s coming into this with a huge fanbase. That could make all the difference, should they decide to watch and/or vote.

  • Fender

    Hey, sounds like I didn’t miss much tonight! A good time to have a conflict, I suppose… I watched the vids MJ posted, and… eh… I wasn’t really impressed. Kai has some potential, and if pressed, I guess Raquel didn’t offend my years. Overall, though, I wasn’t feelin it. 10,000 people auditioned and they could only find TWELVE good enough for Hollywood? Yikes.

    And Adam Lambert… from everything I had read about him I expected to like him a lot, but I didn’t particularly care for him. I was expecting “rocker” though, and he definitely is not. Not even in the slightest. It was straight up musical theater. Don’t get me wrong, he has a good voice, it’s just not my cup of tea. I hope TBTB don’t try to portray him as this season’s “rocker.” That has Robbie Carrico-style failure written all over it.

  • primeminister

    Primeminister said that he reminds him of Constantine à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  I kinda agree but with a better voice and without the smarm and the ugly.

    Thanks. (I’m female.) And I agree with you. I’ll give Adam the edge over the contestant from S4 who shall not be mentioned. Adam could grow on me if and only if he 1) washes his hair regularly, 2) doesn’t do the faux rocker thing, and 3) doesn’t try to rape the camera with his disgusting eyes (actually, Adam has pretty eyes). C’est tout.

  • catdog

    That has Robbie Carrico-style failure written all over it.

    At least Adam doesn’t wear a wig!!!! LOL

  • hypertwink

    Thanks. (Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m female).

    Sorry about the gender reassignment, primeminister. :biggrin_wp:

    And about being branded as a rocker, I think that by Simon saying he was theatrical, will actually help mold viewer opinion about Adam. And as Randy said, maybe, it’s time for someone like him. Maybe, maybe not…but I want Adam to get a chance to ask that question of America.

  • Garnetstar

    Yeah Adam didn’t blow me away talent wise with his audition. Although it seemed he was just warming up and wasn’t able to cut loose before he was cut off by Simon. And I have predicted he will win. He’s definitely a CO at this point with the edit he got. Yeah I don’t think he should go the rock direction. I actually see him as a male Lady GaGa or Xinta. That seems to be his true self. And I mean that in a good way I think that kind of male artist is lacking and he could be marketed as a David Bowieesq, Elton John theatrical artist.

  • IdolFanatic

    Wow, that was an hour of my life that I’ll never get back damnit!

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Well, I missed it. I am having a hard time getting excited about the auditions. I’ll be home tomorrow and in chat, though. MJ, thanks for the vids. I’ll check them out tomorrow.

  • JOJOSIE

    I like Adam, of course I happen to like different as Taylor and Cook have been my two favorite Idols so far. They were both different and original so I say go Adam. He’s definitely to 10.

  • stelladallas

    I wish we could have heard more than just a few seconds of Adam singing! How could the judges even tell if they liked him or not based on just a few seconds of Bohemian Rhapsody, no less. Luckily I had already heard Adam from youtube (thanks, MJ!) and knew that I liked him. Plus he is oh so cute! But sometimes the big stage of AI can change people,or change my mind, so we’ll see.

  • cookcricket

    Also, Kai was OK. Kind of weird that they played à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Can Only Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  during his segment.

    Just wondering, why was it weird? I love this song BTW.

    Hmmm, just a little speculation on Adam since some peeps are discussing what type of genre Adam will best fit into. Perhaps with his theatrical background, he doesn’t know himself…

    Of the vids I saw of him my fav was “Dust in the Wind”.

  • sue

    Tatiana’s laugh is so funny! I was laughing my arse off, for realzzzz……..lols…
    Call me crazy but I kind of like her and when she put on the strong Spanish accent in the beginning…hhahhaaahaa.. Adam was good and the rest are just ok. So far I like Adam and Anoop, the rest is just meh….

  • erinnthered

    I was kinda disappointed in Adam’s audition. Maybe it’s because he was so restrained. I love the youtube vids of him, so I’m really looking forward to him letting loose in the voting rounds…assuming he gets there. Has there ever been a true Glam Rock contestant on AI before? I would love him to tackle some T-Rex or Bowie. The Queen could have been promising, but there wasn’t nearly enough of it.

    Oh, Tatiana del Toro…is it bad that I want her to stay in for the entertainment value? I mean, that’s a special kind of delusion right there. It’s so sad that if she had more self awareness – and self esteem – she could probably be moderately successful.

  • movin2thabeet

    Well, I did see on Adam’s Myspace page that his FAVE film is Velvet Goldmine. When you catch his videos and pics, it’s pretty clear that film is a strong influence on him.

  • LostInSanity

    I think the audience is being played based on what we saw of Adam’s audition. And I think Simon is being very clever here. He was going in the old too Broadway direction yet even Kara expressed shock that Simon voted yes. And Randy’s comment about how maybe America is ready for this seemed pretty contrived since we know that Adam is also very much a rocker.

    My first thought when I saw Adam was Robbie Williams, who Simon adores. Robbie is very over the top, great voice, bigger than life personality. If Adam is the chosen one, they would want to hide that fact lest all the drama of the show be drained in the first couple of weeks. We shall see.

  • abbysee

    I feel like a kid in the middle of a long car trip. Are we there yet?

    Not really loving anyone too much. Maybe Kai and Adam a little, but not much else.

  • http://everyopinion.blogspot.com Terrie

    Hollywood week will give Tatiana a bigger platform for her, er, talents. Otherwise, she would just be another annoying audition clip on the AI8 highlights DVD.

    Akilah is like the Ebonic plague.

    Simon is too funny and, for him, pretty chipper.

    Kara has auditionitis — already? It took Simon until season 5 to get that grumpy.

    Obviously, Kai is supposed to remind us of Jason because of the hair. Who wouldn’t like a sweet, soulful mama’s boy (see Yamin, Elliott)?

    I am more intrigued by Adam than any other AI8 contestant so far. He has the chops and theatricality to pull off Bowie/Peter Murphy/Freddie Mercury if so inclined — or he could attempt Nickelback and flame out like Constantine. The potential for unprecedented disaster with Adam or Von Lee Smith could be a ratings boon.

  • AZIdolFan

    Wow, San Fran was boring. I couldn’t believe Tatiana. She really thinks she is good. It was sad. Adam was good but not great. He was cute. I like Kai hopefully he will work on the stage presence. Don’t remember much else.

  • sma11ie

    No wonder this was only an hour– and thank goodness, the people were terrible, except maybe Kai and Adam. Bet they’re not going back to San Francisco anytime soon. Phoenix and Kansas City were WAY better in terms of talent. I think the next one I’m watching is SLC, since that one’s supposed to be pretty good.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    LMAO, I called our good friends, the Lambert’s tonight (who have a son named Adam) and implored them to watch. They are not of the freakish nature over this show as I am. I loved, loved, loved him. He will have a challenge FO SHO on theme nights (Dolly Parton anyone?) but I think he’s fun as hell.

  • janerazor

    There have been plenty of theatrical rock stars, like Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, or David Bowie.

    I can see Adam going for a neo-70s glam rock kind of thing…I don’t know if that is a marketable act right now, however I dig that kind of thing.

  • movin2thabeet

    Just finished watching the show and I agree with y’all that the show had little to redeem it. Kai seems like he has a good voice that could be very moving. I completely don’t see any connection to Jason though. If folks are basing that on his hair, well, please. There’s a lot more to people than their hair. Seems like Kai has been performing for awhile, unlike Jason, and seems to take music pretty seriously.

    I noticed that Adam played it pretty straight, not surprisingly. For those who have not yet seen him live at the theatre or seen any of his videos or pics (which would be most of the viewing audience), they only got a small slice about what the guys all about. I have the impression that Adam loves to play with personas so he can keep things pretty lively if he gets on the show. We’ve never seen anyone like him before. Again, Constantine? Only if you’re lumping him in that box because he’s a guy who embraces his sexual magnetism and knows how to play to the camera. That quality is also one that can make for a pretty hot rock star. I’m not sure America is ready for him, especially when he gets a chance to strut his more sexual, androgynous side, but I can’t wait to find out.

    I also noticed that once again, they sent alot of folks through who got near zero face time. It does signal to me that AI would rather spend valuable camera time on making fun of people instead of letting us hear real singers. What’s new, right?

  • Diana

    I liked Adam — totally agree with the Ewan McGregor comparison. Thought he could’ve picked a more original song. BR has been done to death on Idol.

    Couldn’t believe the judges were even remotely hesitant about Kai. So what if he wasn’t an over-the-top performer? Voice was the best I’ve heard on Idol in a long time. Loved the song choice. He’s original, refreshing.

    I’m not at all sold on Kara. Yeah, she’s got spunk, but has she added one original thought to the process so far? I haven’t seen any evidence that she is even qualified to be judging these contestants.

  • milajoy

    like Adam, of course I happen to like different as Taylor and Cook have been my two favorite Idols so far. They were both different and original so I say go Adam. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s definitely to 10.

    I picked Taylor and Cook to win from day one. And I’m picking Adam.

  • Diana

    I agree milajoy. He’s got flair. He may have that certain something.

  • Tatiana

    For me Kara is just stealing air time from Paula and Randy, and even sometimes Simon. In the end, because they have to accommodate four opinions, we get to hear hardly any complete opinions from anyone, and I haven’t been able to get a good sense of what each judge really thinks about the contestants. I think next year there will be only 3 judges again if this continues….but not sure who they will send home!

  • gingerly

    I didn’t watch tonight. I guess after last week, I was not all that excited for AI auditions. I must say that San Francisco, my hometown, totally disappointed me. How can Kansas City be better than your former awesomeness? Yeah well tonight (based on MJ’s videos for which I thank you profusely) San Francisco sucked. I actually liked Tatiana (sans her annoying laugh) best. Adam looks to me to be Von Smith minus the screaming. Neither did it for me. I guess I just prefer an interesting voice to an ott one every day. I did find Adam preferable to Von, but neither impresses me. I’m not ever impressed by a voice (nobody can control what voice they get), but I am with what they do with it. Adam didn’t impress me in the least with that.

  • CathyMK

    Kai seems like he has a good voice that could be very moving. I completely donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see any connection to Jason though. If folks are basing that on his hair, well, please. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a lot more to people than their hair. Seems like Kai has been performing for awhile, unlike Jason, and seems to take music pretty seriously.

    While the hair is an obvious comparison, it seems like Jason and Kai are both sweet guys who are close to their families, and who didn’t necessarily have a lot of experience singing in public pre-Idol. Do we have any information about Kai’s performing experience? They didn’t talk about it on the air tonight (or I missed it). So, we don’t know how long he’s ben performing or how seriously he takes his music. And, we don’t completely know how seriously Jason takes his music either, if we’re just going by AI. His air time was clearly edited to portray him a certain way, even though he’s actually a pretty intelligent guy, and someone who was in a band for years before AI (I know he was drumming instead of singing, but that’s still music).

  • abbysee

    Akilah is like the Ebonic plague

    Now that’s just plain funny!

  • Niall

    I think Kai has potential so I hope to see a bit of him in Hollywood. Adam is still my guy so far; I think with his stage experience he’ll be able to deal with just learning songs rather than having to cope with stage fright or seeming small and uncharismatic like what happens when the stage swallows up other competitors. I’d like to see him cut loose a bit more, like he did in his Youtube videos, but the country probably isn’t ready for an openly gay, flamboyant, glam boi so it would be in his best interests to manipulate the audience for awhile to get the teen girl vote as long as possible (if he makes it to the voting rounds).

  • Dlynne

    Here’s a video of Adam singing One Republic’s Come Home this past New Year’s Eve. I think it’s probably a good representation of him singing something current. I’m not making any judgement but I do think people will love him or hate him. He’ll be at once very entertaining and quite controversial.

    As an aside, I did giggle when Kara asked him if he thought he was the next American Idol – his answer was a David Cook deja vu moment for sure.

    ETA: I pray I never have to hear Tatiana’s laugh again.

  • hypertwink

    the country probably isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t ready for an openly gay, flamboyant, glam boi

    So Adam’s officially out then?

  • hardkandy

    I don’t care if he’s gay or not… I looooove Adam. OMG, that voice! As of the moment he is my official AI8 favorite. Of course I have to wait for the auditions to finish and for the Hollywood week to really decide who I’m gonna be rooting for but right now I am definitely on the Lambert train!

  • geekygirl

    I think I’ll give this show a miss after reading the reviews, I enjoyed some of the clips. Curious about Adam, I looked at his myspace. It was too short a clip of BR to make a judgement, there must have been more. Impressive stuff of him singing Crazy. He is theatrical and he has a great voice. I will watch this one.

  • hypertwink

    I do…because I’m going to like him even more if he’s gay. But I have to say that I’m worried for him because this show hasn’t been really kind to gay/gay-ish contestants. Ain’t that right, Danny? Clay? Sanjaya?

  • WestiesRule

    Is it me or are these audition episodes awful? I’m finding them painful to watch. It’s like I’m possessed. I have never missed an episode of Idol so I feel compelled to watch. There is some potentially good talent but I am so over the shrill wannabees they keep showing.

  • elisad

    What a sad episode. I think Kai is the best but even he didn’t impress me at all.

    Oh, I hate sob stories. To quote someone brilliant @ SS.

    WTF? Ugh, he’s gonna sob story his way through the competition.

    “My CHILD DIED OF FOOD POISONING!”
    *Top 80*
    “I had to work 24 hour shifts because my wife sucks!”
    *Top 40*
    “I got AIDS because I wuz RAPED by Latino gangbangers!”
    *Top 24*
    “I’m ILLEGAL because the mean government won’t give me a green card!”
    *Mexico*

  • idoladdict07

    nice vids!^^
    so happy we have you to upl0ad them for us.. :clap_tb:
    keep it up!
    anyway, the link to j0hn twif0rd’s audition is err0neous.
    just wanted to let you know. :smile_wp:

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    How could the judges even tell if they liked him or not based on just a few seconds of Bohemian Rhapsody, no less.

    Well, usually, what they actually show on the aired episode is only a portion of the audition. The contestants usually sing at least two songs when they’re auditioning in front of the judges. I had a friend audition in season 4 and make it to the top 75, and he sang four in his audition. So, it just depends – partially on song clearance, partially on backstory, partially on whether or not they want to highlight the contestant.

    For some idea of what people who don’t keep up with spoilers and such might think – a casual viewer friend of mine said to me last night that to her, Adam was like a boring Jonas Brothers/Zac Efron hybrid. So I sent her his youtube link. She hasn’t responded yet. ;) That’s interesting though – I think she’d probably like his flamboyant side, but she didn’t see that on the show, and won’t unless she watches the videos. So I’ll definitely be curious to see how Adam plays the game. I like him, and definitely think he’ll at least be top 12, but it’s going to take walking a fine line of being outgoing and open but not being too OTT.

    Dylnne, there’s no link in your post.

  • Jolene

    OK, so just reading this thread, Adam Lambert is a definite early favorite and possibly a TCO. It’s strange, there were other auditions I liked better than his (Stevie Wright and… OK, just Stevie) but I think he is the one I’m rooting for the most right now, simply because he looks like he’s gonna be fun and good entertainment.

    Should be interesting to see how he plays the game, and if he plays to win. He could burn out quickly or he could go all the way – but as others said, AI is a conservative show and he’d have to be very selective in what he shows the audience in order to make it.
    I see plenty of controversies in his future. Should be fun.

  • RemusL

    I’m of two minds about this episode. On the one hand, I wasn’t too impressed by the talent shown. Only Adam Lambert stood out and I already knew about him from previous spoilers. OTOH, I *was* strangely entertained by the bizarre girl who researched everything on the internet except how to properly pronounce words. Also providing amusement for me was Tatiana with the annoying laugh and Miss American Idol aspirations. I’m not overly upset she made it through because I thought her voice was decent but wow, what an annoying personality. Humility, thy name is not Tatiana. And that laugh came across as fake as her smile. Hollywood week should be interesting.

  • Hazehel

    So Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s officially out then?

    Adam doesn’t look like the Clay Aiken kind of performer who’d worry about people thinking he might be gay, and may consider the question of whether he is out or not is something not worth the bother of an answer. He might be gay, or he might not be, or he might just be playing gay, no one in his world really cares (although I have to say someone who favorited John Galliano and Alexander McQueen’s fashion show footage on YouTube can’t be all that straight).

    I think Danny Noriega with his in-your-face flaming queen persona put off a lot more people than Adam ever will. Adam looks to be in the fine tradition of colourful entertainers and people love them. So no, I don’t think his sexuality is something that’ll bother a lot of people apart from those of the extremist bigotry crowd.

  • Lera

    Well I picked up something last night during the show. First off I remember reading somewhere about this year AI wants more drama hence the camera at the house and following the contestant back stage, then I remember reading something about Simon saying how he would like more contestants arguing back (something like that). Then the kicker, last night I heard them say “That’s what we are looking for this year, DRAMA”

    So I think they are looking for a contestant that would not necessarly make it top on the charts but rather hollywood and theather area. This year isn’t going to be about finding the best to make a record and become a pop star but rather a FILM/Theater Star.

    AI wants someone who will win Golden Globe awards etc.

    That’s how I see it.

    Anyone see Adam pre idol with all that makeup on? Freak Show if you ask me. His voice won’t carry him, it will be the drama/theater that will.

    Bad season and I think this will be the last season too! We are watching the Death of American Idol.

  • sma11ie

    Kara needs to have her own opinion if she’s going to justify her existence. She keeps voting with Randy and Paula just so they can stick it to Simon, but they’re sending through mediocre people. Why not make your vote count and actually vote no if someone’s not good enough. I was disappointed with her this episode.

  • BootStar

    Worst episode EVER! This is the season they’re going to spend more time highlighting the talent?

    I hate all these sob stories too. Who the hell doesn’t have a sob story or two to tell? I know I do, LOL. If they make it to the top 12, then, yes, by all means, share some background on them, but don’t exploit them or their horrible life experiences. They should make it based on talent and potential alone. This is why I hate reality shows. AI is the only one I watch because it’s a “singing competition.” Yeah, right.

    For the record, I liked Adam a lot. Not sure what I would have thought without all the spoiler info, but he came across polished and professional and exuded confidence. Kinda like another contestant last season with similar stylings.

  • Dr. Tracey

    Was it sing your socks off night last night? If over singing was a genre i’d put the majority of last nights bunch in it. I can’t wait to see how Tatiana interacts with the other contestants, that should be worth watching LOL
    The most entertaining one last night if you can call it that was Akilah, she was too funny I loved listening to her sing ‘acapellie’.
    Adam Lambert did absolutely nothing for me, the only one who I thought i’d like to here more of was Kai Kalama, I liked his voice, the whole story line brought Elliott to mind, if that’s what the the producers wanted it worked.

  • minzhi

    Like everyone else, I thought the episode tonight was really boring. Nobody impressed me, not even Adam and Kai. I don’t quite agree with the Ewan McGregor comparisons, as I’m a huge Ewan fan, and he is nothing like him. haha.

    This is still rather early, some of them only shine later on. So we’ll see. Last season, we witnessed how David Cook improved as the show goes along. Early favorites do not necessary win. So we really have to wait and see.

    Also, honestly speaking, this season is not all that impressive. Except for the episode at Kansas which stands out, the other auditions are really sub-standard. Not sure if we are going to find someone like David Cook or David Archuleta which really brought the show back to some credibility.

    Still early to tell, but no way I’m gonna be as devoted as last year. Haaa I even set up Gizmo just to vote for David Cook, and took leave just to watch the finals at home. However, I hope they do find at least a good singer to win this year. And I hate to say this, but I echo Simon’s opinion of a guy winning. :)

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Akilah is like the Ebonic plague

    :lol_tb:

    She reinvented so many words….

    Kara has auditionitis à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  already? It took Simon until season 5 to get that grumpy.

    I really just wanted her to shut it last night. She got on my nerves, and that’s saying a lot.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/iamthepurplewalrus purplesmile

    I liked Kai. :)

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    What WERE they thinkin with the editing of that show last night? Not their best but from someone who never watches these early audition shows except for a glance if they happen to have been on, I am not worried about the talent out there. Since discovering MJS after Jasons SOTR last year I thought I would watch these in order to blog and I realize that these auditions with their tiny snippet of a song from each person that gets thru is no indicator on ANY of them really. I will wait until I see them really bring on, well, at least a minute 30 or something like that? Geesh I swear I didnt realize how great Jason or Cook were until halfway thru the show last year and look how far they made it?

  • Hazehel

    The auditions don’t tell us anything about who will win or indeed who will be turn out to be great. I can’t say that I like David Cook (or indeed David Archuleta) during the audition rounds. You only see how good they can be later. My favorites from the Season 7 audition didn’t make it to the top 24 (Colton Swon and Cardin Lee McKinney, and I really wonder why when poorer performers went through). It’s just something 10-20 seconds of singing, sometimes less, hard to judge really.

  • Buderschnookie

    I was kinda disappointed in Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition. Maybe ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s because he was so restrained. I love the youtube vids of him, so Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m really looking forward to him letting loose in the voting roundsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦assuming he gets there. Has there ever been a true Glam Rock contestant on AI before? I would love him to tackle some T-Rex or Bowie. The Queen could have been promising, but there wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t nearly enough of it.

    Speaking as one of the biggest Bolan fans likely still living, I agree.
    But I also feel that if Adam really wants to do well on AI he is going to have to show that he can reel himself in as well cut loose. He can’t go out in full blown glam for every song because there is too divergent a demographic to appeal to. He’s going to have to demonstrate some versatility- get the glams on board with drama, get the Mom’s with straight rock, some pop for the tweens, etc. Sort of collect a new segment of fan base and expand his numbers every week which is what I felt Cook did.

    But I liked him far better than Von, hands down. Von was just annoying to me, and represented everything I see wrong with current vocalists. I want a pure singer who occasionally embellishes, not an melisma freak who never sings straight up.

    I liked Kai as well, but if taking care of his Mother is so time consuming, how is going to Hollywood and being on the show even feasible?

    Argh- stupid audition shows anyway. Two nights of this is more than enough IMO- let’s get to some contenders.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    I like dark horses. Hopefully, it’s someone we don’t even suspect at this point. Otherwise, I’ll be bored out of my mind.

  • hicksaholic

    When are the auditions over with?

  • betsy

    could you please fix the video for John Twiford? Tatiana’s video is on his link instead of his…thanks!

  • sma11ie

    MJ, I’m pretty sure the Coldplay song was Viva la Vida?

  • JudyOhio

    Got this from idol chatter…..the other Deepak, John Twiford…it isn’t his audition, but the guy is good!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pm-VqdPojI&eurl=http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    ^Hmmmmm…I’ll not underestimate John Twiford.

    I really, really love their harmony, but his voice is very prominent.

  • elisad

    Yeah I like him too.

  • janerazor

    I like dark horses. Hopefully, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s someone we donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even suspect at this point. Otherwise, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be bored out of my mind.

    But with this top-36 format, how many potential dark horses will be lost because they sort of fall into the middle performanc-wise during the semis?

    I thought Raquel Houghton sounded terrible. Actually, most everyone was terrible in this episode except maybe Adam and Kai. I don’t see Kai going beyond Hollywood, and I think TPTB have plans for Adam. TCO? Maybe. Perhaps they are setting up some lesser-greater dynamic between Von and Adam, similar to the lesser-greater dynamic last season between Robbie Carrico and Cook, to make sure Adam gets into the top-12.

  • CathyMK

    So I think they are looking for a contestant that would not necessarly make it top on the charts but rather hollywood and theather area. This year isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to be about finding the best to make a record and become a pop star but rather a FILM/Theater Star.

    Hmmm, this is an interesting thought. Last year’s winner redeemed them for Daughtry’s early boot, maybe this year they’re going to go for a Jennifer Hudson type as one of the genres? Von and Adam would both fit that type. I do think it would have to be someone they thought could sell records as well as act, but there are a certain number of artist’s who are already able to do that. Having your recording artist in a movie makes $ for management, and is free promo for their music as well. That’s got to be attractive to 19E in this time of reduced music sales.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    But with this top-36 format, how many potential dark horses will be lost because they sort of fall into the middle performanc-wise during the semis?

    I don’t know, but I’ll watch, and if I’m so inspired, I’ll vote. Hopefully, others feel the same way, and efforts pay off. Heh. If not, then oh well.

    I’d call LaToya London a dark horse. Prior to the performance that landed her on the map, there was plenty of Season 3 buzz, and none of it was about her. But somehow, that performance of “All By Myself” stuck in my mind, made people pick up their phones, and got her where she needed to go.

    It’ll be interesting to see how lesser-known the contestants utilize the limited exposure to their advantage. It could be their one big chance. Making it count could make a huge difference.

  • JudyOhio

    Was the John Twiford audition even shown? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I just fixed the John Twiford link.

    The audition was really short.

    I know the name of that Coldplay song. LOL. Brainfart!

  • J.S.G.

    Thanks MJ..
    So why would they not expnad on these three auditions instead of focussing on..

    - note after note of mediocrity
    - the fake conflict btwn Kara and Simon

    Is this show deliberately trying to shoot itself in the foot?

  • tierbee

    My 5 year old son has decided to watch Idol with me… except that was too boring for him. Hehe.

  • JudyOhio

    Thanks for the video fix MJ. He might be a dark horse.

  • SpenserJ

    It could be their one big chance. Making it count could make a huge difference.

    I actually like the fact that they have to make it count every time they get on the stage. That makes good TV. It’s like football. No one cares if you had a perfect season if you get your ass kicked in the Super Bowl. That element exists in any kind of televised competition. No one cares how well you can sing in the shower, it’s how you perform on the big stage that counts.

    For me, whether they have a top 12, 36, or 125, it’s all the same. When you reduce a group of 50,000 people down to one of those numbers, all of them should arguably talented. And, the ones who come out and give a less than stellar performance ARE the ones who deserve to go home. Regardless of whether they have a “better” voice than someone else. If they couldn’t seal the deal when they had their chance, why give them a few more weeks to correct that?

    I of course am somewhat heartless. I don’t care about the dark horses who don’t make it out of Hollywood. I don’t care about the super-talented kids who never make it past the producers. Mostly because, I don’t know them, but also because not everyone deserves to be rich and famous. There are thousands of exceptionally talented people in the world who have no one to sing to but their mom at her birthday party.

    Part of the fun of a televised competition to me is seeing the ones who thrive on the pressure and give it their best shot every single time they get the chance. If you can’t do your absolute best in your 90 seconds on a nationally televised show, then this probably isn’t the route you should take to start your career.

  • JudyOhio

    ^^^ When I refered to a “dark horse”, I meant not having much face time or backstory time. Therefore, the audience not really seeing or hearing all that much.

  • hypertwink

    “American Idol” sends a “theatrical” contestant to Hollywood

    I like how AfterElton frames Adam’s gay-ishness as well as raises issues of AI’s homophobia.

  • sidewalk

    But with this top-36 format, how many potential dark horses will be lost because they sort of fall into the middle performanc-wise during the semis?

    See, this is what scares me too. From what I understand, the top 3 vote getters make it through, right? Which means if someone has a bad night the first night…they won’t get through, and maybe won’t be brought for the wildcard round.
    I don’t think David Cook would have gotten through if it worked this was last season. Maybe if he’d been brought back for the wildcard, but I don’t think there’s anyway he would have been put through based on “Happy Together”. I just don’t like so many people being cut based on a single performance.

  • janerazor

    I actually like the fact that they have to make it count every time they get on the stage. That makes good TV. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like football.

    For me, that analogy would make more sense if AI were a level playing field, but shenanigans a-plenty assure that it is not. Pre-semis exposure, performance order in the semis, and being able to clear a preferred song will be huge. I doubt Cook would have won his night with “Happy Together” (a performance I did like, but was sort of lost in the shuffle).

    So I believe that Kai (if he makes it to top-36) will have an advantage over Twiford (if he makes it), since all we are getting is one performance and a backstory.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    I actually like the fact that they have to make it count every time they get on the stage.

    Of course. But, in this instance, I meant making it count to get into the Top 12, since that’s the format this season.

    When I refered to a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“dark horseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , I meant not having much face time or backstory time. Therefore, the audience not really seeing or hearing all that much.

    Yeah, that’s also my definition of a dark horse. In this game, without the early exposure, making it count can make all the difference, and even then, nothing is guaranteed.

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care about the dark horses who donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make it out of Hollywood. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care about the super-talented kids who never make it past the producers.

    These people don’t matter once the singing game actually starts. As a matter of fact, they are soon forgotten, if we ever see them in the first place.

    So I believe that Kai (if he makes it to top-36) will have an advantage over Twiford (if he makes it), since all we are getting is one performance and a backstory.

    Exactly.

  • sunchick

    Perhaps they are setting up some lesser-greater dynamic between Von and Adam, similar to the lesser-greater dynamic last season between Robbie Carrico and Cook, to make sure Adam gets into the top-12.

    *nods* Evil geniuses think alike. Von is the Adam buffer? Or maybe if it’s not that calculated, I can still envision a Michael/Cookie situation where they are jussst similar enough that if one goes first in a shock boot the other will pick up the votes.

    I doubt Cook would have won his night with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Happy Togetherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (a performance I did like, but was sort of lost in the shuffle).

    This is true. I am one of the people who can say he had me at Happy Together, and not Hello, but I think I’m in the minority.

  • SpenserJ

    I understand what you guys meant in your original posts. Apologies if I misrepresented that somehow.

    I guess my analogy only works for me, because like GwendolynD said – the people who go home early usually fail to make an impression on me. (I can only understand the audition recaps when MJ puts their pictures next to their names – if it’s just their names, I have no idea who they are!).

    I understand all of the shenanigans and how screen time and backstories can influence these things. That is the nature of this beast. I’m just okay with that part of it too. I just like the idea of alledged canon fodder coming out and making the world take notice (sort of like Jason last year).

    The stakes for their first performance will surely be higher with this format, and the decisions they make about their first performance will be crucial. And sometimes, with things like song clearance, etc. luck will not be on their side. Some talented people WILL go home before what I may perceive as their “time”. I’m just saying that I can live with that.

    I understand that a lot of people feel differently and that the new format is an unwelcome change to most. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything, just offering up a different opinion.

  • Dlynne

    Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a video of Adam singing One Republicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Come Home this past New Yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Eve. I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably a good representation of him singing something current. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not making any judgement but I do think people will love him or hate him. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be at once very entertaining and quite controversial.

    Sorry! Here’s the link:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoOcEzCRS_M

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    OH – Sigh – this is bringing me down, maybe I shouldnt have started watching the audition shows this year? I know me though, good or bad “I Love This Cheesy Show” and will continue to watch it until the bitter end – I am just tooooo curious to see how it all will play out.

  • SpenserJ

    Oh darn, and I forgot to mention that that Akilah person was my very favorite TV nutjob of the week. Seriously, her anatomy diagrams and “interesting” pronunciations of various body parts were the highlight of the show to me. The way she pronounced Trachea literally made me laugh out loud.

  • Seachange

    I find Adam Lambert very cute, but I am not a fan of high-register singing (even if very powerful). I was not impressed with his range, because he never left the high register (at least in the audition and the few clips I saw).

    I like Kai much better. Has the talent, but also plenty of room to improve during the show, in both vocal technique and appearance. I think he will be more interesting. Adam is already very polished and well-formed. There were two or three people last week similar to Kai in this respect. But then again, as discussed above, the new format might not be kind to this type of contestant.

    Whichever way it goes, I agree that nothing is obvious yet, and our favorites will probably change as the show goes on. And that makes it entertaining.

    I think the manipulation so far is for the sake of the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“realityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  bits they plan to include in the show. Simon telling one girl last week to be mean in order to compete, their letting through people with personality rather than talent — it seems to me that they’re setting up the backstage catfights. Booooo!

  • SpenserJ

    I know me though, good or bad à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Love This Cheesy Showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and will continue to watch it until the bitter end – I am just tooooo curious to see how it all will play out.

    You know you’re not the only one. They could make the contestants do card tricks in between songs and I’d still watch. I’m a competitive reality TV whore, and the cheesier the better.

  • sma11ie

    Haha, I’m loving these Adam Lambert/David Cook comparisons. I didn’t realize it at first, but they have very similar audition looks. Of course, post-audition David Cook turned out to be not at all whatever he was trying to sell himself as with his fauxhawk/pink-hair/argyle ensemble, and pre-audition Adam Lambert appears to be much more OTT and less restrained than his audition here, but if you take away all that context and look just at the auditions, the vibe is oddly similar.

    Hee, anyways, I like Adam Lambert. Jacob the TWOP recapper wrote a hilarious description of him, which always helps.

  • oceana

    So far, I like Adam and Kai. That’s all I’ve got so far. :)

  • MaryS-NJ

    I admit it. I’m a sap for nice men who take care of their ailing Moms. Kai is adorable and has what sounds like might be a nice voice. He’s also easy on the eyes.

    Adam Lambert is a pretty boy and looks like he’s been around Hollywood for a while. I wasn’t blown away by his voice but he can definitely sing. I’m sure he’ll go far in this competition.

    Tatiana del Toro – is… not lacking in self-confidence – far exceeding her talent. Wow, annoying – but she’s got a colorful personality and will probably stick around longer than is healthy for anyone.

    I think Jesus Valenzuela has a nice smile. The kids are cute too. Too bad he’s got a mediocre voice.

  • leome

    So far, I think Adam is the only contestant that has shown to have some star quality. There have been people with good voices, but who lack the rest. Adam seems to have it all. I didn’t like all that much the way he sang BR, too high, just didn’t do it for me. But I liked him, he was a natural, and I liked the voice. The way he was pimped he’s obviously making the top 36 and I can see him as someone who can get enough votes for top 12. Can’t wait to see more of him.

    The episode was boring. They passed two people that just should not be there, the dad and the first girl with the annoying laugh.
    The last one was kinda goodish too. I wonder if the episode was that bad so we’d remember Adam better. Like I said, I liked him. But sometimes the pimpage is just too much.