American Idol Season 9 – The Road to Hollywood

By On 02/03/2010 · 89 Comments · In AI S9 Recaps, AI Season 9, American Idol

REMINDER: NO SPOILERS IN COMMENTS! Thank you :)

Could the producers have jammed more auditions into one episode? It was as if TPTB were lolling around for 3 1/2 weeks, randomly pulling auditions to air, when suddenly they realized we’d come to the end of auditions and they hadn’t even gotten to the good stuff yet. Whoops!

Typically, the Hollywood Rounds happen in November, giving the producers plenty of time to figure out how to engineer the audition rounds to reflect future episodes. This year, Hollywood occurred simultaneously with the first week of auditions.  No wonder these audition episodes have felt so random.

With tonight’s episode featuring the “best of the rest”, we managed to get a pretty decent hour of television. Notables:

We only got a glimpse of Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox, but the little we got made me want to see more.

I’m so happy Lacey Brown is back this year. She’s got an interesting sound and a unique style.

Didi Benami has a big voice, an interesting tone, and great phrasing. Definitely looking forward to more from her.

While Aaron Kelly didn’t impress me personally, I think he’s got the potential to amass a large following. It’ll be interesting to see what happens there.

I can’t tell whether it’s 9 seasons of audition fatigue causing my apathy, or that this year’s audition rounds were really duller than dirt. Either way, I’m glad they’re over, and we can get on to the Hollywood rounds.

The producers seem to want a female winner this year, but other than that, I don’t have a read on how the season is going to roll yet.  Hopefully, the Hollywood Rounds will finally introduce us in a meaningful way to the contestants who are going to count.

Videos and Live Blog after the JUMP…

Ryan promises that the best have been saved for last, on tonight’s “The Road To Hollywood” episode…

General Larry Platt is back. Oh goodie (I am so OVER that f*cking Pants on the Ground). Next, a montage of all the different, remixes, etc. Yada yada.

Jessica Furney – 20 – Warmego, KS – “Footprints in the Sand” – Jessica is back after auditioning with a Janis Joplin song last year. Not only has Jessica spruced up her look, but she goes in for some ass-kissing–she chooses a song…written by Simon? I had no idea (I’ll bet Simon didn’t write a word of that song). Victoria is as surprised as I am. Jessica sings…I was more impressed with her Joplin last year. It’s the song choice that bugs…she actually sounds very good, but generic. No matter, all 4 judges approve, and Jessica is on to Hollywood. – VIDEO

Amanda Shectman – 19 – Roslyn, NY – “Good Morning Heartache” by Gretchen Wilson – Amanda is just a bucketful of funny voices and impressions. And she sings a Gretchen Wilson song like a Broadway musical number. More of an actress than a singer–Amanda has a pretty voice, but nothing remarkable–the judges call her out on her theatricality. Victoria thinks Amanda needs to work on her expression. Kara says, “I think it’s the connection…you need to figure out who you are.” Amanda promises she can get past the actress thing. The judges say yes anyway–even Simon who mocks her OTT mannerisms before saying yes. – VIDEO

Lee Dewyze – 23 – Mount Prospect, IL – “Ain’t No Sunshine”, Crystal Bowersox – “Piece of My Heart” – 23 – Elliston, OH – Very quick montage of two contestants who make it to Hollywood. Lee’s got a soulful rasp, Crystal belts the blues. Both show promise. – VIDEO

Next, a montage of fake outs…

After the break, another montage…this time return hopefuls. Simon hardly remembers any of them–not even Rose Flack from last year, who he said he’d remember, or suntan girl Crystal Bernard from Season 5 (but who would recognize her without her bleach blond hair and deep dark tan?)

Lacey Brown – 23 – Amarillo, TX – “Over the Rainbow” – Last year Lacey was top 50. She was cut sitting in the chairs with Megan Joy. I remember this girl, she’s got a unique tone, and gorgeous phrasing.. I’m glad she’s back. – VIDEO

Stephanie Fisher – “Fever” – Stephanie has tried out for Idol 7 times. She’s also a big Victoria Beckham fan! Some fan…claiming that she’s star struck, she blames Victoria more or less for her crappy singing. but even when Victoria turns around, Stephanie still can’t carry a tune. Simon tells her she has a horrible voice. On the verge of tears, Victoria feels bad and gets up to console her. Even Stephanie’s outfit is terrible. Trying to compliment her without seeming insincere, Victoria awkwardly calls Stephanie’s look “definite”, whatever that means. Kara, feeling bad, or may be trying to change the mood also gives Stephanie a hug. Stephanie, not really interested in what the judges have to say anymore, leaves the room before they have the chance to say no. – VIDEO

Rachel Hubbard- Boerne – TX, “Wrong Again” by the Jonas Brothers, Thaddeus Johnson – Oklahoma City, OK “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton and Genesis Moore – McDonough, GA – “I Told You So” by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis, are all 16 and talented! (Well, that Thaddeus dude was kinda shouty!) – VIDEO

Athletes and Idol–winning is the number one game! As the next two contestants illustrate. Or not.

Adrian Chandtchi – 17 – Apopka, FL – “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley – Adrian is 6’8. No, he does not play basketball. But he does swim. He loves being called “Blondzilla”. Adrian says of himself, “I am a beautiful man flower, I will keep blossoming until it shows my entire glory and beauty.” Erm, OK. After listening to his teeny-tiny tone-deaf warbling, Kara says, “There is a small schoolboy trapped inside you” Then Simon cracks, “Or else you’ve eaten one”. Lulz. – VIDEO

Michael Lynche – 26 – Astoria, NY – “Unchained Melody” by the Rightous Brothers – Big Mike is the next American Idol because he’s got big guns (no silly, arms!) and a baby on the way. Kara and Kristin Chenoweth giggle during his performance. Maybe they are smitten with his guns. Or find his smooth interpretation of Simon’s favorite tune corny, like I do. Kara calls him a singing teddy bear. Everyone says yes and Big Mike is on his way to Hollywood. – VIDEO

Didi Benami – 22- Hollywood, CA – “Hey Jude” by the Beatles – She’s auditioning in memory of her best friend Rebecca who passed away 4 years ago. (Am I the only one who finds that Death Cab for Cutie song really creepy?) Big voice, interesting tone, great phrasing. This girl’s a winner. Kara asks her if she wants it bad, and she begins crying. The judges comfort her. After, they all say yes. Randy says he’ll give her another chance, Simon gives her a “small” yes (I wonder what was left on the cutting room floor?) – VIDEO

Aaron Kelly – 16 – Sonestown, PA – “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus – Aaron’s parents were poor, and probably drug addicted, although Aaron doesn’t say that. When he was a year old, social services were about to take he and his brother away, when the boys’ aunt and uncle stepped in to adopt them. Thanks to that intervention, Aaron is a happy boy. He chooses the inspirational song “The Climb” and gives it a countrified twist. Aaron’s sweet voice and non-threatening demeanor could attract a lot of younger fans. Simon, who chose “The Climb” for his X Factor winner to record, loved the song choice! Randy thinks his shyness makes him more endearing (the teens and grannies will love him). The entire panel says yes. – VIDEO

Kimberly Bishop – 20 – Altamonte Springs, FL – “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry – Kimberly thinks she should win American Idol because she likes to recycle! She apes Katy Perry’s moves, but her singing could not have been more tuneless. After a very twitchy performance, (which should have given somebody a clue that something wasn’t right) Kara calls her naughty. (Really? I would have called her high) After the panel turns her down, Simon claims he would have said yes (!!) “That was so weird,” says Kara. – VIDEO

Shaddaii Harris – 22 – Arlington, TX – “Fallin’” by Alicia Keyes – Oh dear. This one is a little sad. The build up has mom, who has accompnied Shaddii to her audition, describe how she had a vision of her little girl singing when she was pregnant. “I’ve always told her she has a gift,” says mom. At this point, I’m expecting to be knocked out by this girl. Well, I am, but not in the way I expected. She’s just completely unable to carry a tune, and when the judges tell her she can’t sing, she desperately launches into another tune. But what can you expect when Mama is the delusional one, filling her head with nonsense. – VIDEO

Hope Johnson – 19 – Arlington, TX – “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack – Hope grew up poor, but didn’t know it. “I thought a lot of kids didn’t eat dinner.” says Hope. She’d bring home her lunch to give to her little brother. Hope’s music was her escape. (One last audition, one last sob story…thank Jeebus!) Hope’s got a clear, authentic country voice. Kara finds her tone interesting. Randy likes her innocence. Simon likes her too. Joe Jonas says, “yeah” (the only word in his Idol vocabulary) and Hope is on to Hollywood. – VIDEO

Over 100,000 hopefuls auditioned, but only 181 advanced to Hollywood.

Next week, the Hollywood Round, with new judge, Ellen Degeneres, begins. – VIDEO

 
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  • iluvai

    Oh good– 9 p.m.! I thought I missed something.

  • Tina F

    So, does anyone think this episode will be used to give Pimp Packages to the Top 24 that weren’t featured in any of the other seven audition episodes? It dawned on me last night that they set the Top 24 a couple of weeks ago and therefore had time to put together Pimp Packages for anyone they missed during city auditions, thus this “Best Of” Road to Hollywood opportunity to show everyone. Then no one can complain about their favorite contestant having gotten cheated out of pre-Top 24 screen time a la Jason Castro, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, etc.

  • http://www.gleerpg.com gleeRPG

    I’m still in love with Jessica Furney! I love love loved her last season and I am sooo glad to see her back! And her audition was so awesome. LOVE her voice.

  • Bearcatgrad9912

    Wow! Jessica has really improved and she looks gorgeous! Did she make it to Hollywood last season?

  • will

    So, does anyone think this episode will be used to give Pimp Packages to the Top 24 that weren’t featured in any of the other seven audition episodes?

    I think “Pimp Packages” or maybe “The Pimp Spot” would be a very good title for this episode. If you’re featured among the “”Best of the Best” right before live shows start, you’ve definitely got an advantage over the others.

  • http://www.gleerpg.com gleeRPG

    “Wow! Jessica has really improved and she looks gorgeous! Did she make it to Hollywood last season?”

    Yeah, she made it to Hollywood last season and was cut (though her cut wasn’t shown, I don’t think).

  • gangreen29

    AHhh Crystal was great, I love her!

  • mandabutter

    Not sure if “pimping” tonight will do those contestants any good. Live shows won’t start until March 11th, so that’s a pretty long gap.
    I look forward to seeing Ellen and the Hollywood process next week.
    Oh and Kara needs a better poker face. She totally gives everything away with her “bobbing” before the girl even starts singing. I’m wondering if there’s a big red YES written on her audition notes.

  • will

    Stephanie was not that bad. She didn’t deserve the “you can’t sing” critique from Simon.

  • Bearcatgrad9912

    Jessica was WAY better this year than last.

  • mandabutter

    Also hoping there is more NPH and his critiques in the 2nd half….
    I was completely disappointed in last night’s succesful Denver Golden tickets. Especialy listening to the girls, I was like what the H? I didn’t hear anything greater than just average. They’re hellbent on getting a girl to win! I’m not seeing it yet, I think it’s gonna backfire. We’ll see.
    That girl they just put on doing Carrie “I Told You So” was awful.

    I’m supposed to have confidence in these judges???
    Wow, that girl could have had a spot last yr instead of Megan Joy…she dodged a bullet, she would have been pure canon fodder.

  • Jx223

    I thought Jessica looked and sounded better than she did last year. I also thought that Genesis one of the teenagers they showed had a nice voice.

  • Bearcatgrad9912

    Well I have seen very few even close to decent guys. So unless they’re hiding a whole mess of them somewhere, I don’t see any of them even coming close. The girls are far and away much better from what they have shown. But I do agree that the girl singing I Told You So wasn’t that great.

  • will

    Whaaa? Michael Lynche has NOT been disqualified??!!

    Would they have featured him in this show if he had been?

  • gangreen29

    Wow, I love Didi.

  • gangreen29

    Aaron is going to be one of the most polarizing contestants this season I think….

  • iluvai

    I like Aaron Kelly!

  • iluvai

    Aaron is going to be one of the most polarizing contestants this season I think….

    Seriously, I’m curious why you think that???

    The Katy Perry girl, yikes!

  • Bearcatgrad9912

    Aaron is going to be one of the most polarizing contestants this season I think….

    Yep. Just like Archie. Although he might not be quite as hated as Archie since Archie has a much stronger voice and was a far bigger threat to other favorites.

  • will

    WHY are they showing so many bad auditions on this “we’ve saved the best for last” show? They aren’t even funny or interesting, just bad. I don’t get it.

  • seriously

    Aaron was like Archie, but with a sob story, not as good of voice, and less adorable. Am I being too harsh?

  • gangreen29

    Seriously, I’m curious why you think that???

    He reminds me of archie, but not as good, with an even more awkward personality, but some people at idolforums have been freaking out over him for weeks. I like him, but I just get the vibe he is going to be pushed a few weeks too far and people are going to be increasingly angry over his tween supporters.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Whaaa? Michael Lynche has NOT been disqualified??!!

    It was never anything more than a rumor, picked up by the press, repeated over and over again like a game of telephone.

  • Mark

    Yep. Just like Archie. Although he might not be quite as hated as Archie since Archie can has a much stronger voice and was a far bigger threat to other favorites.

    Actually, I don’t know. Believe me, I’m not the biggest Archie fan at all, but I’m not sure Aaron will draw the same kind of vitriol from me over the season, even if I doubt he’ll be a personal favorite. Really, he might remind me more of the prior X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, who really wasn’t a terribly polarizing (though I might be, obviously, fooled by the song choice). I think it depends on whether the judges basically continue to fairly evaluate him. If they inflate, though, he could be widely hated. But since they want a girl to win, I somehow doubt it. It’ll depend on the performance quality, as well. I’m not sure about the quality of his voice, or assured at all that it’s worse than Archie’s, or that his personality is less endearing- but, again, I’m not a fan.

    ZOMG! Randy just gave a professional, intelligent critique. Holy crap, it’s been, what, at least five seasons? Wow…

  • mandabutter

    I thought I blacked out during Aaron’s audition he was so boring.
    seriously ^^ you’re not being harsh… I don’t really get the Archie comparisons just yet. Hollyweird looks DRAMATIC, cue the don don dons! :)

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Reminder: NO REHASHING OF PRIOR SEASONS PLEASE

  • will

    It was never anything more than a rumor, picked up by the press, repeated over and over again like a game of telephone.

    But this was a spoiler from Joe’s Place, which has been touted as a very reliable source. Hmmm….

  • shell29

    Aaron does remind me a bit of Archie (just not as good of a singer). A big reason why Archie got the backlash was due to the pimping. If Aaron is heavily pimped, the same could happen to him. That said, I agree that since this is a girl’s year to win (according to the producers) that might not happen.

  • mandabutter

    “ZOMG! Randy just gave a professional, intelligent critique. Holy crap, it’s been, what, at least five seasons? Wow…”

    Maybe he sees his shadow every five yrs and thinks “Whoa, I’m kinda useless. My job might be in jeopardy, music terms music terms…”

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    I liked Aaron.I appreciate didi’s voice and that she’s a waitress in Hollywood.I love when ppl do that-that means they have dedication.hope’s backstory actually almost made my cry.she’s so sweet,and she has a nice voice.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Again. Keep the conversation focused on Season 9 please.

  • Valentin432

    The producers did the right thing to feature a lot of the golden tickets (and some top 24), it was a great episode.

  • Jx223

    This “best of the rest” show wasn’t that good to me. I really only liked Genesis’s voice and I liked Hope’s personality.

    I haven’t really gotten “chills” from any of the contestants I have seen so far, nor am I very excited about any of the contestants I have seen.

    Unlike the way I’ve felt in past seasons when I was instantly drawn to some contestants in their initial auditions. Hollywood week might change that, but I don’t know. So far this season hasn’t shaped up to be an interesting season so far.

  • will

    Not to rehash a prior season, but the only similarity I see between Aaron and Archie is their age. Completely different voices.

  • seriously

    I’m so excited for Ellen “That was, that was dull”. LMAO.

  • shell29

    Mercifully the tired audition episodes are over! I’m ready for Hollywood! Looking forward to seeing what Ellen brings to the table.

  • iluvai

    Thanks everyone for the Aaron/Archie explanation. I kind of get that.

    Sorry about the rehash. I think I inadvertently started that
    with my question.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Comparisons are OK, as long as they’re on topic, but I won’t let the thread devolve into an argument over ancient history.

  • iluvai

    For some reason, I always thought they only give out 100 golden tickets. But then they mentioned that they gave out 181, which seems more like it. There were a lot of golden tickets flying around!

  • movin2thabeet

    So, this is how they filled their TV spots. Fill each city’s audition shows up with woeful back stories and deluded or just plain bad singers, with a couple of golden ticket performances thrown in so as to appear as a real audition show, and save most of the best performances for the last week to build excitement. I don’t care for the formula but its par for the course for the master manipulators otherwise known as AI producers.

    Ce la vie. Bring on Hollywood Week – finally.

    ETA: BTW, anyone know if Rose actually made it to Hollywood this season? Also, I’m pretty sure that Kimberly Bishop was wasted on drugs. It seemed like exceptionally low ball to play her as fodder if so.

  • http://kristentheyellowlab.blogspot.com/ Zsus

    Jessica Furney – didn’t wow me at all. In fact, now, on rewatch of her last season audition, I wonder what I was thinking that I was so upset she was cut.

    Lee Dewyze reminded me of Danny vocally and even a bit looks-wise. He was good.

    I’m meh on Lacey. I like her voice, but there’s something annoying about her delivery.

    I think Aaron is Top 5 at least.

    I kinda really liked Michael Lynch. He’s got a goof voice, but he’s also got that sort of “big lug” personality that might be really entertaining.

    Can’t wait for next week.

  • Miss Chaos

    There are some promises there, now lets see how they do under pressure, and singing different songs. Thats where the good ones rise to the top, and the ones that cant cut it go home. I still havent seen anyone for me to root for, but Hollywood week will sort some of that out. I didnt pick my favorites untll Top 36 or 24 which ever the case maybe.

  • sonyab

    My favorites last night

    Mark Labriola

    Kim Kerbow

    Danielle Hays

    Tori Kelly

    Nicky Nix

    My favorites tonight

    Jessica Furney (she was one of my favorites the last time and she still is now! Welcome back Jessica!)

    Lee Dewyze

    Crystal Bowersox

    Michael Lynch

    Didi Benami

    Aaron Kelly

    I did like Adrian. The tall guy with a woman’s singing voice. :) He was a bit stiff tho. To bad he didn’t make it..

    SIDE NOTE: I LOVE BIKINI BOY!!!!! :)

  • Grammie Kari

    Now, this is more like it! I really enjoyed tonight’s show. Idol delivered in ways not seen in previous weeks. One thing I did notice is that many of the girls remind me of Brooke. For me, this is GOOD!

    There are no major stand-outs, but several enjoyable auditions. Hollywood will influence my opinion, and once the TOP 24 are determined, I’ll be able to pick out a few favorites to support.

  • http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=227878099299 CathyMK

    I was surprised at how much I liked Aaron Kelly. He had an interesting tone. Also liked Lee and Lacey. I’m so-so on Michael and Didi, but, if I were a judge, I’d give them another chance in Hollywood. ;)

    I think Casey James and Andrew Garcia are still my favorites so far.

    I noticed one contestant in particular had their face flashed in front of us several more times in the montages. Do I smell a TCO?

    One thing I did notice is that many of the girls remind me of Brooke.

    I think there have been a lot of Meghan Joy types, too. Simon’s eyes light up at every one of them.

  • Mtlfan

    The ones that got more my attention is Didi and Hope.
    I’m glad Hollywood week is starting next week; I got enough of the cities tour auditions

  • AndreaH

    mj, you’re right about Simon not writing a word of “Footprints in the Sand”. He received a songwriting credit because it was his idea to create a song around the poem “Footprints”.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footprints_in_the_Sand_(song)

  • chessguy99

    I liked the flow of the show tonight, more than any other one hour audition show.

  • Bearcatgrad9912

    All I can say is that if they run Hollywood Week like they did last season making nothing more than one big soap opera, then I’m out. I hope they run it like Season 7′s Hollywood Week…that was where I really started getting my favorites. PLEASE FOCUS ON TALENT! NOT DRAMA!

  • Ceddies

    AndreaH, I was just about to post that Simon did write on “Footprints” based on his being shown as one of the writers on my Leona CD cover. However, looks like you ferreted out the real story. Good for you. I didn’t think to question it. I wonder how many times we could have been misled in that way on other songs.

    ETA: maybe that’s not actually misleading since he did come up with the idea.

  • tiger92

    Hollywood week with all the drama is my favorite part! I love to watch all the freaking out and crying. It actually has a purpose. You are not going to make it in the music industry if you are that fragile. And you will probably not do well under the pressure of being in the top 24/12 and so on.
    I called it! I knew they were going to try and find the boy version of Taylor Swift. Sadly, if they found that person he would blow the sales numbers from the last 4 years (except for Daughtry) out of the water. TPTB could have the designated country/crossover boy sing an album full of teen heartbreak songs. :)
    The cute, poor waitress was actually likable. I don’t know about the singing, but she is one of the first ones with a backstory that didn’t annoy me.

  • sonyab

    seriously

    I’m so excited for Ellen “That was, that was dull”. LMAO.

    Hahaha yeah that was great! :) I wonder who is dull. :)

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    I like aaron…

  • Mark

    mj, you’re right about Simon not writing a word of “Footprints in the Sand”. He received a songwriting credit because it was his idea to create a song around the poem “Footprints”.

    Hmm… I don’t know how I feel like that. If I tell someone to write a song about the Bible, do I get songwriting credit for thinking about using the Bible? Hmm.

    Edit: *laughs* I keep going back and forth with myself on the use of the original poem with the song. Let’s just say I don’t think it survived the translation to song, worthy of any kind of credit for suggesting the poem (which has a heavy allegorical context that is missed in the song, and maybe doesn’t even qualify as relevant minus a pretty basic metaphor).

  • cookcricket

    Well, I guess Hope Johnson has a soothing voice because I fell asleep while she was singing. :D (I’m pretty exhausted.) So, I missed the Hollywood montage. :(

    I’m not overly crazy about Aaron at this point, or Mike Lynch. I liked Didi and Crystal, however, not crazy about Lee’s “Ain’t No Sunshine.” I’m going to have to see more of Lacey and Jessica Furney (loved her last yr.), but I’m not sure about this year.

    ETA: I’m pretty sure Simon went a little red while Spice Posh made a big deal about the songwriting credit.

  • will

    ETA: I’m pretty sure Simon went a little red while Spice Posh made a big deal about the songwriting credit.

    Well you notice he didn’t deny that he “wrote” the song.

  • chearts77

    I liked this tonight. They showed some good talent. I really like Didi!! She’s got a soulful/country/folk vibe going on. I can’t wait to see how she does in Hollywood. She has potential!!

  • jammasta

    Megan Joy is friggin’ hot when she looks distressed (when she was sitting on the chair next to Lacey).

    Lovin’ this Lacey Brown girl. And wow, seeing Paula kinda makes me sad :P .

    I really like this episode. Also, they’re sure building up Aaron Kelly to be my mancrush this season. Uhh….. why does that thought excite me?

    Also, I’m incredibly excited for the tour. It’s not even going on until July.

  • cookcricket

    Well you notice he didn’t deny that he “wrote” the song.

    LOL! Now why would he ever go and do a thing like that? We’re talking about Simon here.

  • Bearcatgrad9912

    the teens and grannies will love him

    Where have I heard THAT stereotype before?!

    I am neither teen nor granny and I love him, so there :)

  • jammasta

    Didi looks like a hotter Taylor Swift. But she reminds me of Tommy’s mom in Rugrats because they have the same name. But I love her dress, I love a woman who can pull off a dress. Not literally, of course.

    I really didn’t recognize this song very much. And I mean that in the best way possible. I loved it, she made it her own. Amazing phrasing, she just screams “MARRY ME” “I’m unique and a great singer” to me.

  • jammasta

    ….I think Aaron IS my mancrush right now, and I’m a 20 year old man. I’m far from a teen and a granny, I don’t even like the teenybopper crowd save David Archuleta, Joe McElderry, and the iCarly people. Really like this guy, liked his phrasing, liked the way he did that. He actually made me like that song more.

    I do see the David Archuleta comparisons, and he was my mancrush. They even share the accidental nipple shot on a tight blue shirt! Now THAT’S a coincidence!

    And once again, I’m regretting asking for an uncomfortable backstory + rejection or just something freaky and uncomfortable. Congratulations universe, now I know to invest in an athletic cup before I start messing with you again. Shaddaii was just too uncomfortable.

    Excited for:
    Angela Martin
    Aaron Kelly
    Tyler Grady
    Jermaine Sellers
    Casey James
    Michelle Delamor
    Erica Rhodes
    Mallorie Haley
    Janell Wheeler
    Michael Lynche
    Didi Benami

  • tierbee

    I really didn’t recognize this song very much. And I mean that in the best way possible. I loved it, she made it her own. Amazing phrasing, she just screams “MARRY ME” “I’m unique and a great singer” to me.

    OK, I just got home, I’m tired, bad week – and that cracked me up. So thank you for that. I really liked Didi too, she has a lot of potential. Hmm, I haven’t found my crush yet, boy or girl. Will keep watching…

    I’m glad we’re through the auditions, now on to Hollywood which is kinda fun in a trainwrecky way. And looking forward to Ellen, who I think is all kinds of awesome.

  • Valentin432

    Amanda Shectman reminded me of Tatiana Del Toro but I actually like her.
    That makes me freak out a little bit.

    I think this is going to be a good season, I like a lot of the people who have been put through and it seems there’s a mix of coffeehouse, jazz club with some strong Rnb singers too.

  • houstonrufus23

    I actually didn’t watch this week. Last week reminded me why I tend to skip the audition rounds. Glad Hollywood week is next week. I hope it stays focused on the talent. The drama and goofball sideshows are just not for me.

  • justjude

    I feel quite sure Aaron will become the Tween “Darling”! As well, he will conquer all women who are currently fecund hormone factories. I think I’m skeered……of the young tender boys that steal the hearts and brains of girls,women, and some of the males who get caught up in the mancrush slot. Gonna be a bumpy ride for those of us who Hope to
    support primarily the best talent….male or (female….one can hope for
    a great girl ), but I will try to be Totally impartial ?
    Gads there were some good voices tonight. My attention was caught by Lacey, Didi,and Crystle!! Some of the guys were pretty good to, but except for Aaron, less appealing for me.

  • houstonrufus23

    Just went and watched Didi’s vid. Wow! Like her. She reminds of Brooke White in the way she carries herself. Seems to carry her heart on her sleeve, which I find endearing but could trip her up if she’s not careful. Definitely loved her sound, though. Definitely.

  • ozarka

    Regarding Aaron Kelly, Simon commented, “I think the mums will like you.” Randy said, “I love the fact that you’re 16, you’re shy, and that voice comes out of somebody that shy, which is cooler to me and more endearing.” And Kara said, “He’s adorable.” It sure seems they are building up this guy as the next David Archuleta. It’s almost as if TPTB stamped the words “The Next David Archuleta” on their notes.

    Even Jim Cantiello says he is the country version of David Archuleta. He called him “Countreleta”… haha! Check out Jambajim’s vlog sharing his thoughts on last night’s show…

    http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/478714/the-last-batch-of-american-idol-auditions-actually-kind-of-awesome.jhtml

    We didn’t really get to see too much of his singing. I think they edited much of it out to make room for the back story so I can’t really judge how his singing compares to David’s. I do see the possible teen/tween and “mum” appeal, but David definitely beats him out in the adorableness category by a country mile (as Simon would say).

  • t2

    And still, even after watching last night, the only audition I still remember is Sunday Morning guy.

    And Hey Jude girl — I primarily remember her because her sob story was the same Anoop’s, although Anoop chose not to share. Yeah, this annoyed me a lot about Hey Jude girl, but girl can sing.

    And yeah, I refuse to learn their names until the top 12…

  • TwigLA

    You know it’s bad when you can’t remember if you saw the whole show or fell asleep during it. Watching the videos here, I realize I was awake.

    Didi’s voice reminded me of Megan Joy, and Aaron’s reminded me of Daughtry. I really liked Hope. What an appropriate name for her. I have no comments on the rest.

    Looking forward to the Hollywood rounds. Maybe someone will jump out at me.

  • ggdoorsfan

    lol, i’m of the mind to sorta take that as simon and tptb’s way of paying a weird, circular kind of compliment… two seasons out, and they’re looking for ”another” archuleta…. so many past idols they could have singled out to use by some of these auditioners as ”the search for the next”, lol… idol never ceases to amaze, but all i can see that is similar is their age at the time they appeared on the show… they gotta do what they gotta do to get those ratings, but i’m more than happy with the authentic archuleta. good look to kelly, and the rest of this year’s batch of aspirants.

  • Kirsten

    I would be very surprised if Aaron doesn’t make the tour.

    What is with Simon and his small yes for Didi? She’s a Megan Joy who can sing. If Megan Joy can be a wild-card pick, Didi should be a massive “Y” yes.

    I liked Hope and Jessica Furney. I didn’t like anybody from that montage of 16 year olds.

  • TwigLA

    AndreaH
    02/03/2010 at 10:47 pm
    mj, you’re right about Simon not writing a word of “Footprints in the Sand”. He received a songwriting credit because it was his idea to create a song around the poem “Footprints”.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footprints_in_the_Sand_(song)

    I’m really glad others have noted the rather liberal use of ‘writing credit’ Simon … as well as the other writers got for this song.

    When I was in my teens (very long ago) I was heavily into poetry, both reading and writing. It’s how I discovered Leonard Cohen (grats on the Grammy!), Bob Dylan, Robert Frost and many others. I had read at least a variation of this poem and it really stuck in my brain.

    I hope people out there aren’t thinking Simon is some closet poet or amazing song writer … or :::gasp::: humble.

  • TwigLA

    What is with Simon and his small yes for Didi? She’s a Megan Joy who can sing. If Megan Joy can be a wild-card pick, Didi should be a massive “Y” yes.

    It seems we’re on the same wavelength, Kirsten.

  • sonyab

    jammasta

    ….I think Aaron IS my mancrush right now, and I’m a 20 year old man.

    Careful! He is 16. :) And yes he is adorable. :) Damn why does he have to be 16?!?!!? Ah well I like his singing. :)

  • jammasta

    I dunno if he really seems that shy. Also, his special skill from the Hollywood interview is “I can burp really loud.” umm. If I HAD to be a gas person, I’d be a fart guy. Burps smell worse and sound worse. Although I don’t mind a bit of toilet humor at times.

    He seems really tanned. Maybe he’s an outdoorsy type? But his skin kinda looks like caramel and makes me really hungry for a caramel apple.

    I’m so glad Didi Benami is over 18 so I can crush on her without feeling like a pedophile (Aaron is just a mancrush, despite the number of mancrushes I have I’m not really attracted to men). And Allison turns 18 in April! Exciting! Not that I’m gonna pursue her like a creeper or think inappropriate things. Wow, I am saying a lot of things…..

    But in all seriousness, those two were my favorites last night. Aaron chose a song I don’t like very much and made me like it. His voice is surprisingly low too. I still appreciate Didi for doing that to Hey Jude. One of my favorite Beatles songs, and I think she took a great risk that paid off with her audition. If I were to flip the channel to AI when she was singing, I would’ve thought “I know these lyrics” but she did a lot to it so I would’ve said “what sing is this?”

    I’m not looking forward to Hollywood that much. Groups and drama are way overrated. Groups are not the worst thing ever, they DID give us White Chocolate which was totally amazing, but the drama was so bleepin annoying. It made me HATE Nate Marshall and the black girl in his group.

    I’m surprised I’m not the only one excited to see Ellen call someone dull. And although I don’t know if she has musical talent, I think she was a great move. I’ve always felt that the judges could benefit from an “everyperson.”

  • http://www.noahsarkworkshop.com/tammyluebrecht_s9189 tammyinohio

    From last night’s show, my favorites were Didi, Aaron, and Lee. The only thing about Aaron that weirds me out a bit is he reminds me of David A. all over again. A cute little shy kid with a manly voice inside a body that looks like it belongs to a 10yr old. Yep, the little girls are gonna love him!!

  • SpenserJ

    Hollywood week with all the drama is my favorite part! I love to watch all the freaking out and crying. It actually has a purpose. You are not going to make it in the music industry if you are that fragile.

    In my house, we LOVE Hollywood week. I want to see some crying, some catfights, group members throwing each other under the proverbial bus, and my personal favorite – the oversleep and miss the bus from the hotel to the audition :) . I am also always kind of fond of one of AI’s favorite stereotypes – the sheltered mid-westerner who’s never seen the Ocean or been on a plane. What could be better than seeing a chicken farmer frolicking in the surf for the first time LOL.

    As for last night, I saw a handful of people that I’m interested in seeing again. I actually thought Lacey was quite good. No doubt that Amanda will annoy the hell out of me by episode 1. But, I’m sure I’ll get some mileage out of unmercifully mocking her horrid fashion sense. Amanda – you picked the worst dress you could have ever worn on national TV, and those huge, distracting tan lines? Oh no you didn’t.

    I liked Didi as well. As with some of the rest of you, I could have done without the teenage montage.

  • Merry

    We’ve been so bored with auditions that we didn’t even watch this week. Next year we’ll not waste the time and will pick up with Hollywood week.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    Well this almost teen(5days until I’m 13!!) thinks aaron’s cute

  • sonyab

    luvadamlambert

    Well this almost teen(5days until I’m 13!!) thinks aaron’s cute

    You do? :) Awesome! :) And YAY you are gonna be 13!! Happy birthday! :)

  • seattle_girl

    Thank heavens – I finally got my first glimmer of anticipation this season! Didi was the first one that I got that sense of excitement about. And then Lee and Crystal cemented it for me. Whew! I was getting worried.

  • JOJOSIE

    When I see looks are mentioned before singing talent I get skeered. Mostly I’m not into the very young, but I’m sure TPTB want them to attract some younger viewers. Only one teen has won and she is my least favorite Idol. Thinking back how old was Tasia when she won? Maybe I’m getting too old for this show, but I seem to be addicted to it now. Hurray up Hollywood week.

  • jammasta

    Well this almost teen(5days until I’m 13!!) thinks aaron’s cute

    I swore you were like…. 16. Well, have a happy birthday!

    Fantasia was 19 when she won. Jordin Sparks is probably my least favorite Idol, too, but I tend to really like the teen crowd. I DID like Jordin Sparks in her season, but I also loved Paris Bennett, David Archuleta, Allison Iraheta (although she’s the only one of the three who wasn’t my favorite that season), Stevie Wright (before she sang You Belong With Me), and now there’s Katie Stevens and Aaron Kelly. I predict both to make the tour based on their youth appeal and they’re both pretty good singers, so I think they could make it through Hollywood. I would certainly not be disappointed!

    I already have visions of an ideal top 12. Trying to balance it out, I’d put Janell Wheeler, Michelle Delamor, Ashley Rodriguez, Angela Martin, Katie Stevens, and Mallorie Haley. For the guys, I’d put Aaron Kelly, Jermaine Sellers, John Park, Ben Honeycutt, Casey James, and Tyler Grady. I hope I didn’t exclude someone that I liked and am forgetting. Casey and Janell would probably be the ones to not make the tour in my ideal vision, but I’m not so sure. From then on, I think any one of the 10 could be a good winner, though I’m pretty sure Michelle, Ashley, and Angela is kinda an overload of R&B. I like R&B, but them 3 and Jermaine will kinda be an overload.

  • karenc

    All I can say is that if they run Hollywood Week like they did last season making nothing more than one big soap opera, then I’m out. I hope they run it like Season 7’s Hollywood Week…that was where I really started getting my favorites. PLEASE FOCUS ON TALENT! NOT DRAMA!

    I like it better when they focus on talent too. In Season 7, they didn’t have the group round, and that causes a lot of the drama during Hollywood week. I believe they had an additional solo round, and I liked it better too. We do get some good performances during the group rounds, but sometimes it hurts someone more than it helps if they get into a bad group.

  • karenc

    I liked quite a few that were on last night. Liked Lee Deweze, he kind of reminded me of a cross between Kris Allen and David Cook, I liked his arrangement of Aint no Sunshine. I also liked Didi Benami, Lacey Brown and Crystal Bowersox, all did good arrangements. THis was the most I liked from a show all year.

    I still though don’t have a clear favorite or favorites going into Hollywood week like I did the past couple of years. Even though I ended up liking others after Hollywood week, and even liked them better than the ones that were a favorite going into Hollywood, I had more of a favorite at this stage than I do this year. It will be interesting to me to see if this changes as the season goes on.

  • nlkt

    i really like aaron kelly. i was impressed with his youtube videos before. he has the potential to be a countrified david archuleta. i also like lacey and didi. lacey is this year’s megan joy.

    there was so little wow factor in this year’s audition round. the ones i remembered were jermaine, katie, luke, mallorie, andrew, the dominatrix, the prison guy, and the tourette guy.

  • chessguy99

    One thing I can say about the audition phase of season 9; they learned their lesson about using the pimp hammer early and often. I don’t think they have overly pimped any one contestant thus far. But, they may fall back to their old ways come Hollywood Week.

  • karenc

    One thing I can say about the audition phase of season 9; they learned their lesson about using the pimp hammer early and often. I don’t think they have overly pimped any one contestant thus far. But, they may fall back to their old ways come Hollywood Week

    I wonder if this is because Hollywood week and the top 24 picks weren’t done before the audition shows began to air, usually this is done a couple of months before. What they showed must have been mostly edited before Hollywood week even occured. They can’t really pimp anyone if they don’t know if they are even going to make the top 24.

    I have heard that 181 people made it through to Hollywood, is that a lower than normal number? I always thought it was a lot more than that.