Season 7 – Hollywood Week

By On 02/12/2008 · 130 Comments · In Uncategorized

No screwing around! This year’s two-hour Hollywood episode wastes no time on trips to the beach, hotel antics or synergistic visits to movies Fox will be releasing this summer. Nope, this year we get all the meat, with very little fat, and I’m liking it a lot.

On the first day, Simon tells the assembled crowd of 164, that they’ll be cut down to 50 contestants by the end of the week. Last year, that number was 44, the year before, 40. There are other changes-significant changes to this year’s Hollywood Round. During the initial auditions, during the first two days, some contestants are fast-tracked to Day Four. Others are cut, but get a second chance on Day 3–singing a’capella for the judges. On the fourth day, the fast tracked and the survivors of Day 3 are brought together to audition one last time.

Gone are the group auditions. There’s no big reveal at the end of the episode in the rooms of doom, either. Brand new this year–contestants accompany themselves on instruments if they wish. It definitely adds a new twist to the proceedings.

Ryan explains that many of these kids have grown up watching this show and that they think they know what’s in store for them…

Day One

Ok, there is a lot to cover. I’m going to attempt to make this simple:

Fast-tracked to Day 4:

Brooke White 24, Mesa AZ , Auditioned in Philly – She’s the sweet blond girl who’s never seen an R rated movie (she’s a Mormon). She admits she has problems with confidence. It’s evident as she reacts with shock (this year’s Melinda Doolittle?) to the judges praise. She sings Carol King’s “Beautiful” sitting at an electric piano. She’s got a singer/songwriter thing going that typically does not succeed on Idol. The theme nights could trip her up.

David Hernandez 24, Glendale AZ – Auditioned in San Diego – We haven’t seen this guy yet. He does a slowed up version of Stephen Still’s “Love the One Your With”. He’s got confidence and charisma. If he doesn’t choke, (Brandon Rogers, anyone?) he could go really far. The fan groups are forming as I type this.

Chickezie Eze – 22, Inglewood, CA – We don’t hear him sing again, but we see him emerge triumphant from the auditorium.

Amanda Overmeyer 23, Mullberry, IN – Auditioned in Atlanta – Amanda is the Joplin-like rocker/biker chick. Since her initial audition, she’s been in a terrible car accident and has 12 staples in her head and cracked ribs. Ouch.

She chooses “Light my Fire” from the list. Of course. I think the classic rock fans are gonna love her, but like Simon says, she could become monotonous.

Not Fast-Tracked:

Lorena Pinot 28, Miami, FL – Auditioned in Miami – She’s goes horrendously off key.

Leo Marlow 23, Charlotte, IA auditioned in Omaha – He had a promising audition, but is swallowed up by the big stage, which Simon says will either make or break a potential contestant. It’s true.

Alisha Dixon – Guitar playing angry girl. Simon isn’t impressed.

Michael Sanfilippo 19, South Barrington, IL, Auditioned in Omaha – He barely strums his guitar as he sings. “The guitar doesn’t do you any favors,” says Simon.

Shaun Barrows 27, Spanish Fork, UT – “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel. Shaun is a good keyboard player. Simon says, “It’s more about you bashing away at the keyboards.” Would he have said that to Billy Joel or Elton John?

Jake Mellema 20, Sand Lake MI – “Hooked on a Feeling” – He plays drums and sings–like Ringo, Don Henley, Phil Collins and Karen Carpenter. Seriously. The judges act like it was the weirdest thing they’ve ever seen. Granted, he isn’t very good. But, the drums have nothing to do with it.

Simon warns that forgetting the lyrics means an automatic cut. “Please remember the lyrics,” he says. Some things never change.

Buck Smith 28, Kingsland GA – “Stuck in The Middle with You.” He’s stuck in the middle of the stage, not remembering the words.

Cardin McKinney 20, Nashville, TN – I have no idea what she’s singing, the lyrics are so bungled.

Natashia Blach 29, Fort Collins, CO auditioned in Miami – She just stands there and sings nothing. Except, “Kill Me Now” at the end. Too bad, her initial audition, “At Last” by Etta James, was pretty good.

Ghaleb Emachah 27, Miami FL – Ghaleb flirts with all of the girls. He takes the stage with his guitar and he’s God-awful. He’s flat through the entire song. But then, he should have never been advanced to Hollywood in the first place.The lucky peeps who are fast tracked get to relax. The others have more work to do.

Day Two

Eighty more contestants audition.

Fast tracked:

Josiah Leming 18, Morristown, NJ – Auditioned in Atlanta – “Grace Kelly” by Mika – I still love this kid. He sits behind the keyboards and just goes off into another world when he performs. He’s not the best vocalist, but he’s unique. The judges adore him. I hope he moves out of his car and into a real home when this is all over.

Danny Noriega 17, Azusa, CA – “When I Need You” – Still with the wacky tics, but this performance is better than his audition. Danny is one to watch.

Ramielle Maulbay 19, Miramar, FL – Auditioned in Miami – “Til You Come Back to Me” by Aretha Franklin. She’s also much better than here than her initial audition. The Pinoys will have talent to choose…

Carly Smithson , Los Angeles- Auditioned in San Diego – “When I Need You” – Carly Hennessy Smithson, back for another chance after 1. A failed major label debut. 2. Her visa not clearing after she successfully auditioned Season 5. Now she’s married and has a green card. She’s pretty good, but overrated. Her semi-professional status and negative initial buzz could hurt her. The judges love her. Paula tells the other contestants they should be scared of her.

Michael Johns 28, Los Angeles, CA auditioned in San Diego – “Light my Fire” – This guy has really got–something. I couldn’t care less if he’s a song stealer, he’s compelling. I love the raspy, mature quality of his voice. He makes the other rockers seem like boylets. He’s very comfortable performing on stage.

David Cook 25, Blue Springs, MO auditioned in Omaha – “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams – He plays guitar. He’s got a good range and nice phrasing. The comparisons to Daughtry the producers keep shoving down our throats could bite him in the ass. Simon doesn’t like him, but Paula and Randy fast track him.

Robbie Carrico – “Everying I do” Robbie and David Cook are interchangeable.

Colton Berry 17, Staunton, VA. He’s got a pleasant enough voice. I smell cannon fodder.

Not fast tracked:

Jessica Brown 24 Longview, TX auditioned in Dallas. - Jessica is the former crack-ho. I thought she sounded pretty good, but she’s cut.

Perrie Cataldo 27, Phoenix AZ – Auditioned in San Diego – He’s the single father with an arrest record and a dead wife. His little boy is adorable. He’s got a decent voice, but a corny presentation.

Syesha Marcado 20, Miami, FL – auditioned in Miami – Syesha hasn’t had a good audition yet. There’s lots of screaming on the top notes. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt in Hollywood–she’s losing her voice.

Kyle Ensley 21 – Auditioned in Dallas – “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” – If he coulda pulled it off, this could have been cheesy fun. But alas, his singing is not good. Simon hated it. Just to poke Simon, Paula starts one of her long winded critiques about “amazing spirit” and what not. Simon leaves in disgust. It’s pretty funny. Kyle is an appealing dorkster. If he makes it through, he could be the next Sanjaya.

Day 3

The 48 “fast-tracked” auditioners get to hang out. The other 116 have to audition again.

Last year, there were shocking boots in the first 5 minutes of the Hollywood episode. This year it takes 3 days to get to the serious slashing and burning.

Here’s the drill: Ten contestants are lined up in a row. They each sing a’cappella.

As in prior Hollywood Rounds, the judges ask people to move to the front, and cut either the front or back line.

Suzanne Toon 21, Clearwater FL auditioned in Miami. She’s a single mother who gave up her dreams of a singing career when she got pregnant at 17. Perrie Cataldo, is the single dad. They are both cut.

Amy Flynn 16, Knoxville, TN auditioned in Charleston, SC – “Love Will Bring You Back”. She’s the annoying teen dance captain who teaches abstinence in her spare time. She has a voice coach with her who was a Hollywood contestant during Season 4. Amy sings a song she’s never heard before, and it shows. She’s cut.

Kayla Hatfield 24 Campbell TX auditioned in Dallas – She’s the girl who was maimed in an accident. Angelica Puente 17, Kenosha, WI auditioned in Omaha, was on the outs with her dad. Both are cut. Matt Sato, the contestant from last year with Mommy issues is cut.

Kristy Lee Cook 23, Selma OR, auditioned in Philly. She got cut in the first round, but is back singing what got her through in the first place, “Amazing Grace”. Can she sing anything else?

She advances.

Jeffrey Lampkin 24, Newberry SC auditioned in Charleston SC- his sister Michelle Lampkin was eliminated in the morning. Angela Martin, 26 Chicago, IL, auditioned in Philly. She has a sick daughter with Rhett’s syndrome. To make matters worse, her father was recently killed.

Jeffrey is put through, Angela is sent home.

One-hundred people are cut on Day 3.

Day 4

The remaining contestants sing with a small band and background vocalists. At this point, they either get cut or make it into the Top 50.

David Archuleta 17, auditioned in San Diego – “Heaven” by Bryan Adams – He’s better than he was initially, I think. Randy goes crazy “And you’re only 16!” Shades of Jordin Sparks. Hopefully that phrase won’t be the new mantra. The judges love him. He advances.

Kyle Ensley – “You Raise Me Up” 21 – Auditioned in Dallas – It’s like a different person singing. Josh Grobany ballads are his thing, apparently. It may be his only thing, unfortunately. Simon apologizes to him for stomping out the other day. Apologizes! Kyle advances.

Jeffrey Lampkin 24, Newberry SC – “A Whole New World” – He totally chokes and is cut.

Joey Catalano 19, Mays Landing, NJ, auditioned in Philly. He’s the kid who lost 100 pounds. Unfortunately for him, he had a migraine. His “Rhythm in the Sky” is not bad considering how sick he is. He’s cut.

Syesha Marcado 20, Miami, FL – “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin – Finally a decent performance from Syesha. She advances.

Michael Johns -28, Los Angeles, CA auditioned in San Diego -”Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – Hard song–great audition. Simon says it’s the best audition of the day.

Carly Smithson – Auditioned in Los Angeles – “Alone” by Heart – Remember when Simon told Carly that her audition wasn’t as good as two years ago? Carly found out she that she was allergic to her dog.   She says that’s why her audition wasn’t as good as before. I can’t tell the difference. She advances.

Asia’H Epperson 18, Joplin MO auditioned in Atlanta – Her initial audition was two days after her father was killed in a car accident. The audition is rough. Months later, she’s much improved. In many ways, I imagine. Simon is really impressed. She advances.

Brooke Helvie 18 Wellington, FL – Auditioned in Atlanta – “Unchained Melody” – She’s the South Florida Fair beauty queen. She blows Simon’s favorite song on the high note. Simon says yes. Randy says no. Paula is on the fence…and she shuts her down. Brooke sobs, “It’s not fair…”

Josiah Leming – 18 Morristown, TN – Auditioned in Atlanta – “Stand by Me” – Holy crap. The drama. Josiah is unable to work with the vocal coach or the band. Debra Byrd tries to help him but she’s firm. When it’s time to audition, he kicks the band off the stage and sings a’cappella with close to no rehearsal. It’s pretty much a trainwreck. Simon says, “It just exposed you.” Josiah is awesome, but there is no way he’d be able to hold up under the pressure. But, he advances anyway.

Hollywood is over. The kids pack up and leave. We hear the brand-new smell-ya-later song, “Hollywood is Not America”.

Wednesday, The top 50 are whittled down to the Top 24…

And then the fun begins.

 
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  • http://kmantoniva.blogspot.com/ KristiVA

    No groups?!?! WTF! :furious_tb:

  • jokiebird

    Holy crap I love Amanda Overmyer.

  • Chicago-sally

    Why do I already feel that Simon is gonna make Carly Simonson(?) a star before the show is over? He likes her he really likes her — you know why? Because he knew her before this round of auditions and feels she should be given another “chance.” After being given $2Mill worth of chances by MCA. Is this fair?

    Same for Michael Johns.

  • longsong

    Yeah, but Michael Johns is really really GOOD looking.

  • Chicago-sally

    They’re all good looking. Have you seen an ugly Idol? But, for Carly, I get the feeling that Simon already has her signed to a contract.

    Does anybody see “stars”???

  • longsong

    What was that song that guy-who-lives-in-his-car sang? I LOVED it and would like to hear the original version.

  • oscar90

    Wow, looks like Josiah’s doing great. yay!

  • longsong

    I’ve seen some fugly idols.

    See “stars”? Aw, reminds me of Jon Peter Lewis. Good times, good times.

    Did that one guy with the heavy accent get cut? He wasn’t that great, but he was funny and charming.

  • Trina

    Does anybody see à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“starsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ???

    Michael Johns. Woah.

  • Chicago-sally

    What happened to Groups….ah….I loved the groups competition.

  • Nostradamas

    Carly does absolutely NOTHING for me….zero..nada….nuttin’….

    Amanda though….wow, something about that Hoosier.

  • Chicago-sally

    Why can’t Paula say NO….what is so hard about NO….and this Josiah guy sucks. I cannot believe they passed Josiah through!!! He doesn’t have what it takes to be a STAR, arrogant and falls apart really quick.

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

    Yeah, but Michael Johns is really really GOOD looking.

    Yes, and really really GOOD, too.

    Carly is overrated. Period.

    I see star power in Syesha.

    Funny how Kristy Lee can apparently only sing one song. How many different renditions of “Amazing Grace” will we hear this season?

  • Chicago-sally

    Carly I agree is overrated…Syesha and Asiah are really good, but my money is on David Aruchua(?), he’s cute, he’s 16 and he’s a chick magnet and can really sing!

  • MaryS-NJ

    My 2 Cents worth:

    I like the new format (although the group performances were always good for drama). They are profiling the individual performers much better this season.

    I love Amanda! Yay, throw-backy and Janice Joplinesque.

    I ADORE Josiah. He seems fragile, though. I hope he’s going to be okay. /maternal instinct

    I like Michael Johns’ voice (and yes, he’s easy on the eyes) I want to not like him, but I can’t help it.

    Carly has a nice voice but it’s not distinctive at all. I just don’t see what the judges think is so incredible about her.

    David Archeletta = this year’s OMG!only 16!! Seriously, he has a nice voice but he’s got that High School Musical demographic appeal.

    Kristy Lee = generic.

  • dvls

    I still don’t see anything special about this Irish girl. Carrie and Gina both sang “Alone” sooooooooooooooo much better!! Saw quite a few people tonight who sounded much better than Carly too.

  • http://www.myspace.com/xmisstarax Miss Tara

    ok, Michael Johns is love.

    I liked that first David, and kid David was good tonight. Brooke was also nice.

    I still love Josiah, even if he did screw up.

    And my future tv boyfriend, Jason Castro….I saw him in that Top 50 room, yet he hasn’t had ANY airtime!

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

    Chick magnet? For who? 11 year olds?

  • Chicago-sally

    Hey! what about Asia and Syesha???? they were really really good.

  • Ladybug

    I am really resenting not more of the Hollywood rounds. There are some who are possible top 24 that we did not get to see sing one note. Not one. Instead we get “best of the rest.” Gimme a BREAK!

    Short takes on tonight.

    Still liking the ever strange Danny Noriega. Michael Johns is hot, but SO professional. Ditto Carly and a bunch of others.

    David Archuletta. Excellent singer. Cute. Charming. Stage presence. Hmmm….Seems as if he may have done something like this before ….Wonder what it could be???

    TIRED of the crybaby already. Send him back to his car.

    The guys are making far more of an impression this year for me, though.

    And I still love me some geeky Kyle, tho’ I am sure his road ends tomorrow.

    Oh, and how many times have they let us know this is the BEST GROUP EVER??? (Folding arms and waiting for the proof :dry_tb: ).

  • star

    What was that song that guy-who-lives-in-his-car sang? I LOVED it and would like to hear the original version.

    “Grace Kelly” by Mika.

  • jersey

    I like Michael Johns, but I’m still holding out hope that two of the rumored top 24 that we haven’t seen will be good, too.
    I like Amanda but I agree with Simon, I can imagine her becoming a little grating if she doesn’t change it up a bit.
    None of the others really did anything for me.

  • GeminiDolly

    The dude with the dreads caught my attention because… well the dreads, but he hasnt even uttered a word. They show his mug every now and then but poor dude hasnt even breathed on TV yet. I’m curious if he’s any good or not.

  • http://www.myspace.com/xmisstarax Miss Tara

    The dude with the dreads caught my attention becauseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ well the dreads, but he hasnt even uttered a word. They show his mug every now and then but poor dude hasnt even breathed on TV yet. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s any good or not.

    His name is Jason Castro, he’s my future tv boyfriend, lol.

    He is pretty damn good. Let me send you to some YouTubes of him.

    Singing “Crazy”

    Singing “Santeria”

  • Chicago-sally

    Jersey: David Aruchua(?) is very good, if he doesn’t choke I see him in the top 10. I see Asia and Syesha in the top 10 (Syesha wants it really really bad, trust me!)….I see Michael Johns in the top 10. But Josiah has to go home. Truly….if they pass him through to the top 24 I will throw up.

    You know the fix is in for Carly to make the top 10….I feel it already.

  • dukesterathlete

    WOW!- I really think this is the best season of idol so far. Normally after the hollywood rounds i can think of like 2 ppl with potential but some people gave really amazing preformances (Michael, David A., Amanda, Asiah, Danny, Brooke, Carly, David H., and Syesha who brought it home in the end)…i would say my favs were david archuleta and david hernendez and amanda overmyer and Danny Noriega…haha i kept trying to narrow it down but its hard… AI SEASON 7 BABY!!!!- IDOL HAS YET TO PEAK!!!!

  • vixen

    still loving josiah to tiny little hot mess pieces. he’s darling. and as someone mentioned, the song he sang is “grace kelly” by mika. it’s perkier than josiah’s version, tho – he really did his own take. mika’s whole album is terrific, fwiw.

    david cook/michael johns is going to be the new cake. (at least in my mind.)

  • zeni

    This season is definitely looking up. The format really does a good job of focusing on the singers themselves, and I’m finding myself getting ‘familiar’ with a number of them already (which is rare, this early on in the season).

    Angela Martin – too bad, I liked her a lot.

    Syesha – loved her. (I don’t remember her last name)

    Asia’h Epperson – liked her a bit more than Syesha. She has star quality, and is one of my favorites so far.

    David Archuleta – great tone, sounds like a really good recording voice. He really has a shot at taking the grand prize.

    Amanda Overmeyer – if she’s able to handle different genres, she could go really far. She sounded great, and was one of the ones I was anticipating a lot coming into Hollywood week – and she really delivered.

    Michael Johns – Bohemian Rhapsody is my favorite song, and it’s a tough song to sing, but he pulled it off. I don’t know if he’s a frontrunner yet though.

    Josiah – didn’t like him from the beginning – his voice always seemed shaky, and I genuinely don’t get why he seems to be so popular. The whining didn’t help either.

    Brooke White – strangely, she’s one of the few I remember from the auditions, because I don’t think her voice is particularly outstanding. But I heard her again today, and I found her voice very nice and pleasant. Her nerves probably got in the way a bit, but I would like to see her go on to the top 24.

    Carly Smithson – she definitely sings well, and has great range. However, as opposed to Brooke, her tone isn’t too appealing, and I could imagine getting sick of her voice before too long. She still deserves to go to the top 24.

    Kyle “the politician” – looks like Elijah Wood. I don’t know what it is about him (maybe the hilarious audition video…or his personality in general), but I do want to see him succeed, at least on to the top 24.

    David Cook – oh right, I knew I forgot someone. I don’t know why though, because he’s pretty amazing.

    Kristy Lee Cook – nice voice, but boring.

  • jadore

    “Carrie and Gina both sang à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Aloneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  sooooooooooooooo much better!!”

    Amen to that. Carly was not bad, but not great. She was just so-so for me.

    The ones I love so far are Amanda Overmeyer and Michael Johns. Liked several others – Danny, David A. and Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h. Can’t wait for tomorrow night to see how it all unfolds – I think this season has a lot of promise, it could be a really good one. :thumbup_tb:

  • maracaibo

    I really think Michael Johns is TCO this year, we will see.
    He’s great, so I am not complaining. If he wins, it will be a great unique winner. Plus he is good looking too. Simon loves him so the guy has it made.
    Same for Carly they are pimping her way too much though, I personally don’t like her.

    Seems unfair that some guys were not even shown in the Hollywood rounds. Guys like Colton Swon and Brandon Green were getting great buzz with their audition but were not shown once. Obviously they were cut.I wanted to see Colton sing, damn it!
    But I guess I will just see him get rejected on the chair episode.
    Oh well, at least we have Michael Johns to cheer on. Go Michael.

  • judy

    So how many times will Ryan say that this is the most talented group EVER????

  • Lisa

    My thoughts..

    Amanda, great voice. She will have to change it up a whole whole whole lot or an album of hers would become monotonous.

    Carly, what’s up with that black tongue? eeeuuuwww. Hubby having no idea who she was thought she was horrid and flipped the channel.

    David what’s his name. Sorry, I did not feel that love song. 16 yrs old singing about laying with someone. Ummm nope, not feeling it nor do I want to.

    Josiah, why? I am not getting Josiah.

    Syesha, pretty girl, pretty voice. I can see her having Kat’s vocal problems since she seems to love to shout most of her songs.

    Colton B, just another average singer.

    Danny, another teen, whippie.

    My three highlights tonight:

    David Cook, was good, not great for me, but interesting.

    Jason (?), interesting.

    Michael Johns, finally maybe my horse in this race. Really has an interesting voice. Like his personality which also helps. Is older than 16, yeah sounding more and more like someone to root for.

  • t2

    Can we please go back to the three rooms please? I really, really hate the chair episode. Nothing good ever comes of the chair episode….except the dorkorama dancing at the end.

    The rooms take up less time, which they could use to show us that couple of boys in top 24. I would be plenty ticked if I was one of those guys.

    And can I just say that Danny Hernandez sounds super fine. Wow!

    p.s. Please do not get me wrong, David Archuleta is all kinds of cute and can sing, but does he have asthma? Because I can spend the whole season making fun of that hhhhuuhhhh thing he does between each piece of a song.

  • Chicago-sally

    T2: The three rooms is gone …. the “groups” singing is gone….those were the MOST fun….I loved it when they walked out of the room crying and stunned…but not anymore….this is the Gentler kinder AI.

  • ealbino

    I really like these boys this year…even more than chris r and you all know I love him.. LOL..

    am loving David Cook, David Hernandez, David Archuleta, Danny Noriega and Michael Johns..loveeeeeeeee all of them for different reasons.. girls…meh…LOL

  • poporange

    Honestly I did not watch it and tuned into something esle I may see a few shows here and thier. Season 5 1st season I watched the whole season I liked the diversity and some off the bat had character too maybe not the best overall group but fun to watch.

    I think the show changed starting from season 6 and probably to 7 thier talented young ot old contestants . They seem to have more expearince or more hand picked for a certain quality to better fit the thiermold of pop 40.Good looking ,sing generic pop songs and obey maybe. I just want one that is diffferent with gumption. I am not thier target audiance at all.So they lost a viewer I guess. Thanks for the ears pj,dante,sweat lu and pixie do not ever change.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    They snubbed Jason Castro again! I’m actually digging some girls this year… Syesha and Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h Wonders never cease. It’s way too early to tell.

    Oh, and I heart Josiah. Didn’t know “Grace Kelly” but loved it. He’s not right for Idol I but hope he makes it.

  • abbysee

    Great show. Loved the instrumentation experiment. It didn’t work for everyone, but it was nice to see a bit of artistry here and there.

    I love The Young David, Michael, and Asia’h. I liked Amanda, but how will she do from week to week, genre to genre.

    I still wish we could see some of those that showed promise but weren’t allowed to sing a note tonight. That kinda sucked. I didn’t really miss the group sing that much, but I hate seeing the return of the chair for tomorrow night. I am going to hate seeing one of my favorites pitted with another favorite and then be auf’d. Ooops wrong show, lol.

    All in all I still don’t know the names of all of the peeps who caught my eye, but I sense an incredible top 10 or 12. Oh and Carly isn’t very good. Her best asset will in fact be her experience, because she has great poise and that might pull her through where a greater talent, with less poise might just crack. It doesn’t bother me that she’s there, but the high praise is unwarranted and sorta suspicious. Crap, that pisses me off because I am NOT a conspiracy theorist at all.

  • Grammie Kari

    Why do I already feel that Simon is gonna make Carly Simonson(?) a star before the show is over? He likes her he really likes her à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  you know why? Because he knew her before this round of auditions and feels she should be given another à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“chance.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  After being given $2Mill worth of chances by MCA. Is this fair?

    Same for Michael Johns.

    What are these two doing in this contest? I wish they would just get recording contracts now and drop out of this. To me, Carly will not succeed. She doesn’t seem to have a good personality and her singing isn’t that much better than several of the other girls. I am picking up phoniness in her.

    Michael Johns is so polished – like an established star! Yes, he can sing and he’s so handsome. But I am so disappointed AI had to do this to get good talent. The show is just not the same.

    We saw David Hernandez…were any of the other 5 guys seen tonight?

  • AZIdolFan

    i really liked david hernandez and danny noriega. i’m not diggin michael johns. something about him bugged me. but he can sing. carly did not live up to the hype AT ALL. kinda blah to me. i like brook white. i would have LOVED to see how kristi lee choked on the first day. i agree with simon on amanda. if she sings EVERY song like that i’ll be sick of her by the 3rd week. oh i also loved david cook.

  • http://idolstages.com Connie D.

    I’m loving so many of these kids this season.

    But… if I had to name only one boy and one girl that I really want to see on tour… David Archuleta and Amanda Overmyer.

  • jpfan

    Caught it in repeats. No group songs took the reality show edge off of it. It was basically rehased auditions and then longer auditions so you didn’t learn much about them as people. Some talented people – David A, Micheal Lee, David Cook. I think they got frightened by Sanjaya and will be sending nobody through for comic relief at all. That means everyone will be at least semi-pro level and not there for fun.

    A much more polished bunch than last year. I read the spoilers thread but even if you didn’t it’s pretty obvious who will make it. I mean some of these have already won television talent shows and gotten signed by major labels so no surprises really.

    Even the top 12 are pretty obvious at this point IMO. So I’d have to say that a talented group but no one that excites me particularly. I’m not feeling the passion or that exciting diamond in the rough thing of years past.

    I still think the show suffers the fact that winning bascially means nothing.

  • jobbix

    I honestly can’t see and hear what the judges found in Carly Smithson-Hennessy, or whatever her name is. It seems that they will pimp her for quite a while, so I have to learn to live with it, until it backfires on them.

    David A. showed some potential tonight. Way better than his first audition.

    Syesha reminds of Tamyra Gray, but not quite as good.

  • neonorange

    I found the show kinda boring tonight and ended up flipping channels alot – what can I say I’m a bit ADHD. I did catch some of Carly and Michael Johns while flipping channels. Something about them bugs me -I get a carpet baggers vibe from em. Eh, maybe I’m being too harsh. Where is the villian this year ala Brenna Gethers? None of these guys seem to have a good fight in ‘em or maybe I missed that part.

  • primeminister

    The Good (that I remember): David Archuleta, Michael Lee Johns–does anyone else see the resemblance between these two?

    The Contestants Who Disappointed: Amanda Overmyer, Josiah Lemming (spoiled brat).

    The Most Overrated Contestant EVER: Carly- top 3 vocalist this year??? Sorry, you ain’t no Kelly Clarkson- can’t get away screaming the high notes like that. And she has some of the ugliest eyebrows I’ve ever seen.

    Contestant I wanted to see: Colton Swon…and more of some of the other guys (trying to keep the spoilers out).

    *********

    Of course, we haven’t seen everyone…but I wouldn’t be surprised if David and Michael are the Top 2 with Michael winning.

  • Kirsten

    These comments are brought to you by Bryan Adams.

    If anybody got pimped, it was him. He was all over tonight.

    Okay, this is my first full episode of AI this season. I caught about 3/4 of the San Diego auditions and half of some other one (don’t ask me, it wasn’t very good wherever it was). I’ve also checked out a few of the auditions on youtube of people that have gotten a lot of chatter here. So, I don’t know who most of these people were.

    I actually liked this episode. There was a minimum of fake drama and lots of good singers. Some fell apart, some pulled it all together.

    I missed the rooms. I missed watching everybody measuring all the other people in the room trying to decide if they were in the “good” room or the “bad” room.

    Things that stuck in my mind:

    1) Michael Johns is defintely polished. He’s got a great stage presence and voice. He almost seems like he’s in a different competition than the others.

    2) Kyle has no stage presence. So, I closed my eyes and listened to his second song. He’s very unpolished, but he actually has a really nice tone in his voice. If he makes the final 24, Byrd might actually be able to coach him into a decent singer. He’ll be the Kevin Covias of the season though.

    3) Josiah is love. First off, you have to have a lot of gumption to sing “Grace Kelly” to Simon (rumour is that Mika wrote that song about Simon and Simon knows it because he’s been asked about in the press). Second, he’s interesting. Now, I think that the kid might have a few issues and he doesn’t have the best voice out there, but I’d tune it to see what he’s going to do next. He changes songs up and that’s a good thing.

    4) Syesha impressed me by sounding that good when her voice was that shot. She’s one I’ll watch.

    5) Carly made an impression on me by sounding so horrible. Now, I’ve made my opinion known about ringers like her and even I have wondered if my opinion has been clouded. But I wasn’t even looking at the TV when this really annoying voice started singing and my head snapped around to see who was stinking up the joint, and it was her. So, even in a blind sound test, she grates on my ears. I just really don’t like her tone or her vocal choices. And I liked Michael John and Syesha so I’m not blinded by my dislike of ringers.

    6) I CANNOT believe that Simon said “Yes” to somebody that even Paula had to say “No” to (has that ever happened before?). Oh, wait, I can believe it, he said “Yes” to some beauty pageant contestant. Simon, this is a SINGING competition. She was 7 kinds of horrible.

    7) David Cook annoyed me. First off, I’ve had better looking hair after spending 5 days camping with no shower. It’s an audition for a television show, you should at least run your fingers through your hair. Second of all, why was his tongue green? He looked like an iguana. Third of all, he sounded terrible. Fourth, that was some very unfortunate facial hair he was sporting.

    8) Sorry Nigel, I didn’t think that dude that sang while playing the drum was all that outrageous. It seemed fine to me. I was expecting a mega-trainwreck after all your carping about it in every second interview. I actually kind of liked the guy’s voice, but I don’t remember his name. I take it he’s gone?

  • jersey

    Ah, I forgot about all of the Bryan Adams. They need to seriously remove his songs from the approved song list. Enough already.

  • oscar90

    Does anyone know if it’s 2 hours of american idol tonight? Is it gonna be first hour singing, second hour chair?

  • St.Lucia

    Delurking some more!

    Oh the drama of Hollywood rounds…oh wait, where was the drama of Hollywood rounds? With the goodbye of group sings(which I slightly missed) so went the drama, or so I thought. There was still some, but nothing what it used to be like.

    I think I like it that way!

    And to longsong,, the song Josiah Leming sang is “Grace Kelly” by Mika. Mika isn’t really popular here in the United States, although quite popular overseas. I’m a fan, however. Mika’s version is quite different than Josiah’s, but I love it anyway. :)

    As for Josiah. He’s too good for idol. I don’t think he will be able to succumb to the idol way and let other people control his own music genius. I don’t think he’s made for this competition and I think his talents succeed what Idol is trying to create. A pop star. Josiah is not a pop star. I just adore him all the same!

    I just love me some Amanda Overmeyer! First, she’s a Hoosier(and the only other Hoosier is Mctatas Amy Davis, who we thankfully saw none of). I think if she can take Simon’s advice and change up her voice just enough she’ll be able to go far.

    BOOOORING on Kristy Lee Cook.

    Loved Michael Johns. The accent I adore. He’s not too bad on the eyes either, and the boy can sing.

    Wow, Carly. Yeah, I don’t get it. I personally thought she SCREAMED Alone, and I was wondering why on earth Simon was falling all over himself. But Simon is invested in her already. She’s this seasons Tamyra Gray. I know I won’t be voting for her one bit. I’m just LOVING how little Carly went from this pop diva to this “rock”(and I use that term loosely) girl in a matter of a few seasons. I don’t buy it. I don’t buy it at all.

    I have never loved Paula more for NOT putting the horrible Beauty pageant girl through. THANK YOU PAULA. I thought she was obnoxious. Then the “I just want a fair chance like everyone else”, well, honey, you had one.

    And my local stations had David Archelluta(sp on that last name) all over their screens this morning, and I’m sitting here wondering if I’m missing something. He’s good, yes. He’s even really endearing and sings lovely, and has tons of charisma…but I’m still not impressed? He’s probably the best “youngin” male we have in a few seasons, but really, I’m not ready to crown him the winner as much as the judges are. I don’t get it yet.

    Other notes:

    The idoled too death songs are back. I heard way too much Bryan Adams. I heard way too much Aretha. Here we go again… Really, they need to mix up that song book.

    DID SIMON APOLOGIZE? To Kyle? My gosh, Simon took his “I’m going to be nice pills” that day. Didn’t see that one coming.

  • dancin

    omg if i see josiah cry one more time i’m gonna upchuck
    pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee if he cries this much for this lord knows what the press will do to him and quite frankly hes NOT that good

    i love michael johns but reading his back stories on the boards has put me off him and a few others

    i like david archuleta hes cute and has an awesome voice

    lots of good girl voices but i can’t think of all the names but they all start with A i believe lol

  • monina79

    Anyone remember Crying-my-mommy-never-loved-me boy from last season (and the season before that, and possibly season 5 too), Matt Sato? I think I spotted him AGAIN on last night’s Hollywood show! He was cut on Day 2 or 3, and he made a comment that it was hard getting cut when you know you deserve to go through, but some people who don’t deserve to go through didn’t get cut. If it wasn’t him, maybe the guy just had the same eyebrows. :ponder_tb:

  • jpfan

    Yeah, early signs looks like a finale between Star Search David and Aussie recording artist Micheal two last names. I always thought Idol would eventually become a place to break already signed recording talent. It makes perfect sense since they need the promo and the show gets the kind of talent they need. If the show goes on, this will be the direction it takes.

    For some reason that makes me want to vote for the worst one there in a big way.

  • bean99

    This group has the potential to be the best ever top 24. I really liked a few of them but can’t remember names. I agree that Carly seem over rated by the judges.

  • jersey

    I thought I would have the same reaction as you do, jpfan, but really, I don’t. While I don’t like that there are so many plants, I find I don’t really hold that against the plants themselves (except Carly, heh). I do think that TPTB should be honest about the backgrounds of these people, though, like they were on NGAB.

  • poporange

    I really do not hold it against the contestants at all just the producers. I will not be surprised if Carly , Micheal Johns or David A are in the top to or higher. Carly and Micheal why not ne smart give them a contract now so they can drop out after a few rounds, Daivid A will have have tween base. Thier great because some them old pros at the record biz with poise. I am surprised about how surprised people are going to beabout how good they are. Wake up people -thier old pros with the record biz or hand picked .

    they will be majorly pimped and people will fallow but it is unfair. This will ruin they show just sign two of them and get your millions off them because people are already swooming over them.American idol __ american retread

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Late to the game, as usual. Heh.

    I was put off Michael Johns, too, mainly because of the negative reports about him (“stealing” his band’s song), but his performance at the Hollywood rounds certainly won me over. He might be dishonest, but his voice isn’t. I thought it’s very honest, raspy, soulful. Wow.

    My favorite so far, though, is Asia’h. She reminds me of my first AI favorite, Camile Velasco…only Asia’h is better (heh) and so much more ready for this than Camile ever was. If I could vote (which, unfortunately, I couldn’t), I would most likely vote for her.

    Ugh. I didn’t want to see that much of Carly in one show. Not getting her, either. She, I agree with most peeps here, isn’t all that. And her face scares me. Heh.

  • jpfan

    By the way, I’d only be tempted to vote for VFTW. I wouldn’t actually do it since voting is a pain. But since Simon already says he wouldn’t be surprised if the entire Top 12 were signed, I don’t see much point in voting once they’re picked. They’re probably better off not making the finals either since that’s the kiss of death with all those expectations hanging over you.

  • jadore

    “My favorite so far, though, is Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h. She reminds me of my first AI favorite, Camile Velascoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦only Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h is better (heh) and so much more ready for this than Camile ever was. If I could vote (which, unfortunately, I couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t), I would most likely vote for her.”

    I like her, too and hope she makes top 24. If she makes through, I will throw some votes her way for you :smile_wp:

    “By the way, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d only be tempted to vote for VFTW”

    I actually went the VFTW route for the first time during NGAB – it was kinda fun!

  • janerazor

    Josiah is cool and wonderful and interesting, but not right for this competition. He’s the Leroy Wells of Hollywood week.

    Yes, that was Matt Sato saying that better singers were getting cut than got let through. I’m sure he’s right. AI isn’t a level playing field, though, by any means. TPTB aren’t selecting the best singers; they are casting characters for a television show.

    Why were Carly’s and David Cook’s tongues green? Were they making out with the Blarney Stone? Were they doing something to Brandon Green that I don’t want to know about?

    Speaking of Carly, what do the judges see/hear in her? To me, the voice was paper-thin and pitchy-dawgy.

    Loved how surprised and gracious Kyle was about Simon’s apology. Kyle’s voice is almost there; I think he has vocal-control issues.

    Too bad about Joey Catalano (hope I got the name right–weight-loss guy who auditioned with “Sunday Morning”). I still think he’s got an incredible tone.

    If someday I can hear Amanda sing “Crazy on You,” I can die a happy woman. I thought her initial audition was strange; loved her “Light My Fire” last night.

  • MN Sue

    But since Simon already says he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be surprised if the entire Top 12 were signed, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see much point in voting once theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re picked.

    Maybe Ryan should rephrase his vote plea to “If you want to hear them sing again next week rather than wait for their first cd release, VOTE NOW!”

  • cutiepss

    Anyone remember Crying-my-mommy-never-loved-me boy from last season (and the season before that, and possibly season 5 too), Matt Sato? I think I spotted him AGAIN on last nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Hollywood show! He was cut on Day 2 or 3, and he made a comment that it was hard getting cut when you know you deserve to go through, but some people who donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t deserve to go through didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get cut. If it wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t him, maybe the guy just had the same eyebrows.

    THAT’S who that was!! It was driving me nuts! I kept thinking ‘that guy looks really familiar!’

    Did anyone count how many times Ryan said ‘most talented group/season’ last night? It has to be a double digit number.

  • http://www.xanga.com/werwanderflugen Preston

    Better off not making the finals?

    Of course. Who wouldn’t want to have a career as successful as Sabrina Sloan and Sundance Head? Gedeon McKinney? Lisa Leuschner? Mario Vazquez?

    It appears that the “kiss of death” of making the finals is probably the best thing that could happen to any of these kids.

    *

    And for me, I don’t care how much experience any of them have. I watch AI for the great performances– the making of a new star. Winning Star Search at age 12 or having record deals in foreign countries is not really any indicator of talent and/or how successful they could be at this point in time after the publicity of a national American audience.

    Anyways… David Archuleta impressed me quite a bit last night, as did so many others… David Hernandez, Carly Smithson, Asia’H Epperson, Ramiele Malubay… I don’t have a clear cut favorite, but there are several this year who I think I’m definitely going to enjoy over the next few months.

  • MN Sue

    Josiah is cool and wonderful and interesting, but not right for this competition.

    I regretfully agree. I love his passion for singing/writing and his ability to change up a song without goin’ all malissma on it. Too bad his maturity lags behind his talent. Nevertheless, I want to hear more from him and I will remember his name.

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: David Archuleta — great, nice kid.

    I’m uncertain about his ability to make it far. Remember the other early fav in season 5 who was sort of a female David Archuleta ? Yes, I’m talking about the other Star Search finalist — Lisa Tucker.

    She was great in the early elimination rounds ( top 24 to top 12 ) because she could choose songs she was comfortable with.

    She eventually faded when the more (how to put it ) — challenging theme nights came.

    Let’s hope it doesn’t happen to David.

  • Little Boy Blue

    Re: Carly Hennesy Smithson

    Mark my words folks, the moment word starts to spread about her $2.2M record deal in Ireland folks in this country are going to be turned off NO MATTER how well she does. TPTB better make sure that this piece of info doesn’t get publicized too widely.

    As the great Peter Noone said — this is more of a voting competition than a singing competition and you MUST, MUST, MUST make the audience like you.

    I’m uncertain if she can charm her way to the top.

  • Little Boy Blue

    Kristy Lee Cook – nice voice, but boring

    .

    Her YouTube video says it all.

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Brooke White ( the “pure” girl Simon wants to bring to the dark side ).

    The question is — could Carly Simon or Carol King have made it far in American Idol ?

    The answer to that question will determine how far Brooke will go.

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Danny Noriega

    This kid, I predict will be the VFTW favorite to go far and will be the Sanjaya Malakar of Season 7.

  • Kirsten

    Mark my words folks, the moment word starts to spread about her $2.2M record deal in Ireland

    Carly’s deal with MCA was an American deal. She did release a CD in Ireland when she was 10, but the $2.2M was when she moved to the States.

    having record deals in foreign countries

    Who was that? The only other record deals I’ve heard of are Kristy Lee with Arista Nashville (American…sub-label to Sony/BMG) and Michael Lee Johns with Maverick (American…started by Madonna and others. Sub-label on Warner Music Group). Were there more with record deals?

    Nevertheless, I want to hear more from [Josiah] and I will remember his name.

    You can hear some of his stuff on his myspace:

    Josiah Lemming

    Apparently, “Stand By Me” was his fourth choice song from the list. They wouldn’t let him sing the first 3. That accounted for some of his frustration. If the songs were on the list, why not let him sing them? Other songs were:

    Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinad
    Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor
    Santeria – Sublime

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    I like her, too and hope she makes top 24. If she makes through, I will throw some votes her way for you :smile_wp:

    Thanks, jadore. ;)

  • MN Sue

    Very interesting, Kirsten. How dooooo you know these things?! I would love to hear him sing any of these. It makes Paula’s comment about song choice hurt that much more. But song rejection is part of the game every season. I guess the key is getting over the rejection quickly and making the also ran the best it can be. Based on his emotional breakdown, he didn’t.(Heading to myspace)

  • t2

    Still say the best opportunity for everyone profiting from the little sweetheart Josiah Leming is to have him write the coronation song.

    I hate that they made the poor overwraught guy go last — let a pro go last. I think he was going for a very sweet simple a capella Stand By Me. It coulda happened but that boy was way overstressed.

  • calimari

    I’m wondering what sort of hard candy they were sucking on. Carly & the guy w/ the square hair especially – when they opened their mouths, their tongues were green. ick.
    I liked many of the same ones everyone mentioned here. So far the only ones who I’ve seen much of go forward more for personality than talent is homeless boy josiah and politician tie kid. I would have liked to see something of Taylor’s backup singer – it appears she made it to the top 50 as her line was “approved”; they gave her some airtime in the auditions but no followup here. Also – I thought it was funny that Kristi Lee Cook didn’t get the automatic OK to the next round but had to audition a second time, since it seems she was so hyped.

  • JJ

    I haven’t felt this excited about a contestant since Taylor. I LOOOVVVEEEE Michael Johns. I cannot wait unti Josiah goes away. He is talentless and annoying.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Thanks for the Josiah myspace link, Kirsten. I think I like his original stuff. A little too angsty(?), perhaps, but I think the boy has talent. Maybe he is a little too young, though, and his temperament isn’t for a competition like American Idol.

  • poporange

    ok that was overboard I need my coffee and still not perfect working on that aspect..(my comment)

    Calmly thinking about it American Idol I may not agree but itis for everyone w/ out a contract and give them a second chance everyone deserves one if they fit into the rules.Thier human so are the producers with quirks, favor or not and trying to make money.

    Seriously I do like accents so if I hear Micheal John I would probably melt .

  • Kirsten

    Very interesting, Kirsten. How dooooo you know these things?!

    I saw it on another board. The source seems legit.

  • PrplDva

    The green tongues were probably from Chloraseptic Spray- I saw a few bottles floating around…

    I’m not feeling Carly either, or any of the blondes for that matter. Dissapointed we didn’t get to see Alex.

    I am loving Danny and Michael. No solid pick for me yet though. We’ll see what happen next week.

  • MN Sue

    I’m obviously in the minority here, but I’m just not feeling Michael Two-Names yet. He didn’t grab me vocally, visually, or emotionally. Those are my standards for investng in a “new” talent. I’ll keep an open mind.
    As far as Danny Norriega is concerned, he piqued my interest. I think Dave White will adopt him. Amanda Overmeyer? No, no, nevah, nevah, ah, ah, ah!

    ETA: Thanks, Kirsten.

  • tinawina

    First of all, plant or no, Michael Johns is HOT. I love me some Hot Aussie. Yummm.

    I would like Carly and Syesha a lot more if they would stop shouting at me.

    I cried like a baby when Angela (girl with the sick daughter) was sent home. And her father just died on top of everything else? Poor thing. A lot of class, though. But she still had that annoying “huh” after every line, so I understand why she didn’t make it.

    I really liked Brooke White. And David Hernandez too. Asia’h is interesting. I want to hear her in different genres though.

    I didn’t miss group sing as much. I liked the new format a lot.

    Bring on the chair ep!! I can’t wait!

    Oh, and Josiah? Totally not ready for this. If he can’t cope with the band now… plus, he’s way too emotional for live TV. Go thee forth to your indie rock career, young man. Emo waits you.

    And I can’t stand when contestants start sniveling about how others don’t “deserve” to be there. Feeling entitled much? Stop whining. Geesh.

  • JJ

    First of all, plant or no, Michael Johns is HOT. I love me some Hot Aussie. Yummm.

    I cried like a baby when Angela (girl with the sick daughter) was sent home. And her father just died on top of everything else? Poor thing. A lot of class, though. But she still had that annoying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“huhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  after every line, so I understand why she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make it.

    Agreed, on both counts.

  • MN Sue

    And I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stand when contestants start sniveling about how others donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“deserveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to be there. Feeling entitled much? Stop whining. Geesh.

    This doesn’t annoy me. I find it ballsy and humourous.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Hello, JJ! *hugs* Michael Johns must indeed be pretty special to be bringing you back in here. Thanks, Michael! ;)

  • http://occasionaldiscourse.blogspot.com/ Derrick

    I really love Amanda Overmeyer – although I am hoping that they don’t try and turn her into rocker chic. I think that kind of misses theboat with her. As someone said before, she is more just a throughback to Janis and the like.

    I think SImon ssaying yes to the pageant girl was more about forcing Paula to have to be the bad cop than anything. I found it amusing…

    On the the topic of ringers, I am mixed. I like the fact that there will be some people with REAL talent this year, but am not completely fond of the notion. Ultimately though, I think to myself that America isn’t about just first chances, but second chances as well. And just becuase of few them had major label deals that didn’t pan out, I am not going to hold it against them. I mean did it not pan out because they weren’t that good, or was it bad producing or promotion or a label trying to make them do something that wasn’t them?

    In my mind that will ultimately come out in the competition – either they will exhibit an outstanding voice and star quallity or they won’t. So I hope they all make the most of it.

  • JJ

    Hi Purple!!! Michael is the 1st contestant I’ve felt any passion for, since Taylor. It does appear that Season 7 will be much more interesting than Season 6.

  • vegasdee

    First of all, plant or no, Michael Johns is HOT. I love me some Hot Aussie. Yummm.

    Ditto.

    Carly, I just don’t get it, don’t get her, don’t get the lovefest the judges are giving her. I love Josiah, he’s different and interesting. David A. is good, but kind of boring. I love the girl whose dad died when she was on her way to audition in the first round, she sang a Mary J. song last night. Kristy Lee Cook, can she only sing Amazing Grace?

  • tinawina

    I think SImon ssaying yes to the pageant girl was more about forcing Paula to have to be the bad cop than anything. I found it amusingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    I agree. And I totally understood why he walked away during the Kyle thing as well. If Paula is NEVER willing to tell people the plain truth and is always leaving the heavy lifting to the other two, I could see why they would be annoyed.

    This doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t annoy me. I find it ballsy and humourous.

    I could totally see that. For me, it really depends on who’s saying it. Like if Amanda Overmeyer went there it would be badass, but if Amy Flynn went there, I’d be throwing my shoes at the TV. LOL! I wonder why that is?

  • janerazor

    Oh yeah, after years of wishing that someone would sing either “Beautiful” or “Lovely Day” on AI, I get barely passable vocals from Pure-Eyed Blonde on the former and only a snippet on the latter. Aw, they didn’t even let Sick-Child Single Parent get to the really good part of “Lovely Day”!

    And I don’t even wanna guess at what Bryan Adams had to do to get so much airtime-by-proxy last night.

  • MN Sue

    Bring on the chair ep!!

    Ditto! Even though we may know who made the Top 24,(yeah, I succumbed to the pressure) I can’t wait to see who will fill these categories for me:

    Funniest Reaction
    “Of Course I Made It” Reaction
    Emotion For the Camera Reaction
    Most Grateful Reaction
    Awkward “You Could Be My Bodyguard” Consoling Reaction
    Most Original Entrance
    Honest Aw Shucks Reaction
    Pissed Off Reaction

    Any guesses as to who the last two in the chair might be?

  • JJ

    Kristy Lee Cook, can she only sing Amazing Grace?

    Does anyone remember Aliceyn Cooney from Season 2??? She had a beautiful voice, but she kept singing Angel by Sarah McLachlin. They didn’t put her through to top 12 because they said she didn’t show she could sing anything else.

    Why was Kristy Lee Cook put through when they said no when she tried to sing something else. The only thing they have heard her sing is Amazing Grace.

    “Any guesses as to who the last two in the chair might be?”

    Josiah, and the other person really dosen’t matter. Josiah will be the show.

  • MN Sue

    Josiah, and the other person really dosenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter. Josiah will be the show.

    If that is the case. I hope they have the mop ready.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    JJ, I also think Season 7 is shaping up to be a really good one. :D

    Kristy Lee Cook should have stuck to the curly blond hair. That was the only thing that I found a bit interesting about her. ;b

  • t2

    Only two people I’m really sad about from last night are Suzanne Toon and Joey Catalano. Sniff…

    Did anyone else have any trouble following the math (and who actually went home)? We started off with 164 and 48 went through automatically and only 27 more got added (even thought there’s a line of 9 people minus the annoying cheerleader) and then we went back down to 50 and we forgot to remind everyone not to be happy about making the 50 because it will become 24 and the other 26 can’t come back again evah…

  • MN Sue

    Agreed t2, Joey would have added a smooth, jazzy vocal touch to the show. Maybe the judges think they have that quality in David Archuleta. I kinda felt sorry for the single dad (name?). I think he deserved a Top 50 spot. He was gracious in defeat, though. Gotta give him credit for that.

  • gochiefs

    I have a question I don’t think I’ve seen discussed here…
    What’s with the contestants from other countries? Isn’t this AMERICAN IDOL? Or do they need to change the name to “Idol in America” or something? Ireland and Australia have their own Idol shows….

  • JJ

    I have a question I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen discussed hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
    Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s with the contestants from other countries? Isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t this AMERICAN IDOL? Or do they need to change the name to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idol in Americaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or something? Ireland and Australia have their own Idol showsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    More exposure

  • LadyBeBop

    Any guesses as to who the last two in the chair might be?

    The two most polarizing contestants from the Hollywood rounds…Kyle and Josiah. Josiah gets through and Kyle wins his school’s student body election next year.

    I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t felt this excited about a contestant since Taylor. I LOOOVVVEEEE Michael Johns.

    He does remind me somewhat of Taylor…however his issues with his former band is a huge strike against him as far as I’m concerned. He’d be my horse in the race if it wasn’t for that.

    A couple of quotes from LBB

    The question is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  could Carly Simon or Carol King have made it far in American Idol ?

    The answer to that question will determine how far Brooke will go.

    To an extent, I agree with you. And I don’t think female adult contemporary artists are big right now.

    That said, Carly and Carole are two different types of singers.

    Brooke is more Carole than Carly. Carly is a little more grittier and augsty than Carole. I like Ms. King, however there is something about her having about ten years between her early ’60s hit “It Might As Well Rain Until September” and her breakthrough album “Tapestry” in 1971. She’s a far better songwriter than singer. Carly, on the other hand, is a far better singer than songwriter.

    That said, I like Brooke…she’s probably my favorite female. I don’t see her lasting too long though.

    RE: Danny Noriega

    This kid, I predict will be the VFTW favorite to go far and will be the Sanjaya Malakar of Season 7.

    He will be if both Josiah and Kyle are left at the chair. However, I see Josiah going through and becoming the VFTW poster boy. Danny will be eliminated before the top 12.

  • tinawina

    And I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think female adult contemporary artists are big right now.

    One tiny but of disagreement on that. I think the whole Colbie whatshername, Corrine Baily Rae, “Not Gonna Write You a Love Song” girl singer-songwriter thing is gaining steam right now. I think Brooke may be ready to pick up some wind from that. But we’ll see.

    But I will go out on a limb and make one bold prediction. The first shocking exit of the season?… Carly Smithosen. I just don’t see her amassing a sizable fanbase. Simon’s gonna be soooo pissed.

  • cheese

    I thoroughly enjoyed the Josiah and his Plant Friends show last night. There is certainly no shortage of bland, safe, talented pretty people who are ready to be put in their little pop and rock boxes. I guess that was the plan all along. I think this season will become very predictable, very quickly.

    I’m surprised that they didn’t focus more on their gaggle of interchangeable blondes more last night. That’s great that Kristy Lee only knows two songs and can only sing one of them well. I didn’t think Brooke sounded all that great when she was singing and playing, except for that one little part that made the commercial. She’s okay. Asia’h is probably my favorite of the girls, but I don’t vote for girls. I like Syesha, even though she’s a bit screechy. I hope Amanda makes it for variety’s sake, but she is a bit one note. She also sounds like she has something in her mouth when she’s singing (did anyone see a headless bat on stage?)

    One thing that was bugging me was the idea that they were auditioning on the last day for the Top 50, as if the producers hadn’t decided beforehand who was going to be in it. Let’s see, there have been 49 people picked, and only Josiah is left. I wonder if he will make it??? He could have stayed up all night, changed his song 4 times, cried like a baby for hours on end, had a falling out with the band, made an obnoxious comment, tried to sing a daring arrangement of a song he didn’t know with no rehearsal, and he still would have made it, no? Oh, wait….

    I still love Josiah despite all that and really loved his Grace Kelly. I actually liked what he was trying to do with Stand by Me, even if the execution wasn’t all there. At least he didn’t sing a Bryan Adams song. Now that I know he wanted to sing Nothing Compares To You, I feel robbed. He doesn’t belong on this show, but I wish he could make the Top 24 just to get a little more exposure.

    I also started laughing when they showed Randy, Simon and Pauler staying late pretending to “choose” the Top 24 after the final day of auditions. Right, I’m sure that’s how it happened. I wonder if they had a script for that?

  • MN Sue

    As always, cheese, loved it.

  • MN Sue

    Thanks for the recap, mj. Its off to work I go.

  • t2

    Forgot to mention:

    Thanks Ferras, I put my blue jeans on…

  • jersey

    Thanks for the recap, MJ. The last sentence reads “Tomorrow the top 50 are whittled to the top 24.” You mean today, right? Isn’t the show on tonight or am I mistaken?

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I wrote it last night…

    ETA: I changed it so that it makes sense now…

  • idolbeat

    Hi MJ! Hey, you wrote Ramiele Norriega!

    The show last night was great. I really enjoyed it! This will be a year with more than 1 favorite for me I can see!
    Asia’h surprised me with her voice, she showed raw talent!

    Kyle: Was that the same person on the second song? I had just said he was going home then he broke out the second persona and made the judges wake up!

    Josiah: I feel like shaking my head and sayin “Dawg, Dawg”
    He is an incredibly gifted kid. He needs to be signed by someone, someone who can help house him, ground him (in a good way!) and give him the platform to excel. I don’t know if Idol was the right place for him or maybe not the right year but there is no denying his talent. Go Josiah!

    I still can’t believe we haven’t seen so many of the guys. I have been waiting to hear Jason Castro. Maybe tonight!

    I missed Alex! Why are we seeing so little of her? I thought I saw her at the piano for about 5 seconds last night. Did anyone else catch that? Maybe she is the favored one to be surprised by during top 20 or something!

  • Kirsten

    Brooke Helvie:

    Simon says no. Randy says yes.

    I’m pretty sure that Simon said “yes” and then Randy said “no”. That left the tie breaker up to Paula. I remember being very stunned because it’s not often that Simon says “yes” when the others say “no”. Of course, she was pretty and that often helps with Simon.

  • poporange

    deleted

  • Ladybug

    I also started laughing when they showed Randy, Simon and Pauler staying late pretending to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“chooseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  the Top 24 after the final day of auditions. Right, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how it happened. I wonder if they had a script for that?

    LMAO, cheese! Yes. I know that is exactly how Simon, R and P do this. Such hard workers they are! Not even stopping for a quick bite and a Coca cola (are they still a sponsor??). All this, of course, before they hop into their Ford vehicles and head off to their humble abodes.

    I am figuring this show is in the neighborhood of 80% scripted and pre-ordained now. Back in its early days, I have a feeling it was far less of a percentage. Or maybe I have become 80% more of a cynic after 7 years. (WHAT!!??)

    One thing they are bound and determined NOT to do is have another Sanjaya, or, heaven forbid!, Taylor Hicks.

    It is ok to have a geek or a kid, I think they have decided, but they will make sure the voice is there and no potential for ponyhawks or such, in case the geek/kid gets further along than expected.

  • MaryS-NJ

    Josiah Lemming 18, Morristown, NJ – Auditioned in Atlanta – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Grace Kellyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Mika – I still love this kid. He sits behind the keyboards and just goes off into another world when he performs. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not the best vocalist, but heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s unique. The judges adore him. I hope he moves out of his car and into a real home when this is all over.

    I do really love this kid but the format of the show would, I fear, grind him to a pulp. And speaking of Josiah, I hope I’m not bringing up old news, but apparently this is link is to Josiah’s Mom’s website:

    http://www.mylifewithcancer.com/2007/12/shades-of-winter.html

    She’s got terminal cancer and is dying. Josiah is mentioned by name in the post from December (nothing spoilerish). It might have a little something to do with Josiah’s emotional state. Or a lot.

  • angelia

    I don’t think anyone can say that the females can out-sing the guys this year. That was Randy’s constant reminder during Season 6 and I guess it was true but he didn’t need to rub it in. Season 7, the guys can hold their own, and then some. And most of them are pretty good-looking as well as talented.

    My pick of the guys is David Achuleta, Michael Johns. David Cook and Danny Noreiga. I am still not giving up on Kyle either, although I don’t think he performs as well as the other 4 mentioned above but may improve if Byrd gets a hold on him. I don’t hold David A.’s win on Star Search against him since, unless Disney shows an interest in a 12-year old, he is between a rock and a hard place. Very few of these child prodigies achieve instant stardom. But now he is at a cute age, is very handsome with a great voice and is sure to attract a huge fan base of fan girlies and grannies as Jordin did. Ditto for Michael, only the fan base in this case will probably be predominently 20 and 30-somethings.

    I don’t really like Kristie Cook, mainly because TPTB misrepresented the facts in her back story. Carly-from-Erin has been given a tongue bath each time she has appeared and Simon was drooling all over himself last night. That doesn’t put her at the top of my A-list. Besides we need a guy to win for Season 7 and in my opinion, everything is coming up roses for the guys.

  • CarieB

    I didn’t want to like the new format last night but I was pleasantly surprised. Some really, really talented and good / interesting looking people this year. And those ratings are impressive. Don’t look for Idol to fall off the cliff anytime soon.

    I heart Josiah but agree that this competition is not right for him.

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    So…I haven’t read all the comments yet BUT!

    Am I the ONLY one who does NOT like David Archuleta? To me he has a Kermit The Frog look and sound….and his loud breathing distracted me from even slightly listening to his singing voice.

    I enjoy Josiah cuz I feel for the little guy…he made me smile with his first song and made me want to fast forward from cringeing on his second song. Either way…he gave me an emotion that wasn’t loathing…so that’s good!

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Oh…..and David Hernandez made me swoon :-)

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Why were Carlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s and David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tongues green? Were they making out with the Blarney Stone?

    I noticed that too!!! I thought it was my TV..lol

    I think they must have been sucking on similar cough drops or something…lol

  • St.Lucia

    Am I the ONLY one who does NOT like David Archuleta? To me he has a Kermit The Frog look and soundà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.and his loud breathing distracted me from even slightly listening to his singing voice.

    Nope. I don’t get it. I was wondering why on earth the judges were falling all over themselves. I do think he’s probably the best young male contestant we have had in seasons, but I’d take a more seasoned, passioned performer any day. He lacks passion. He reminds of the kid who is too young and would sing something like “Imagine” smiling through the whole thing.

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    He reminds of the kid who is too young and would sing something like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  smiling through the whole thing.

    I can totally see that, Lucia! YAY! Someone agrees with me!!

    If he makes it, it’s gonna annoy the heck outta me

  • St.Lucia

    Oh Steve, he’ll make it. We have to have a youngin’ every season. At work today it was THE contestant being discussed in the Teacher’s lounge. “How cute and wonderful David is” and I’m sitting there feeling like this lame duck wondering if I MISSED this cute and endearing thing. ACtually, I didn’t. He IS cute and endearing, but that didn’t mean he could sing, WELL. He can sing, it just does nothing for me. Just because I have no desire to “mother” him, I guess I missed the He has to win this thing train at work.

    All I kept wondering was with all the great contestants we saw last night, all you women can discuss is David?

    Oh well. Maybe he won’t make it? But that would seem pretty unlikely…

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    LOL Lucia…I think he’ll make it too…and sigh…I’ll just have to (somehow) muddle through it…..

    I can do it! I know I can!!

  • http://www.xanga.com/werwanderflugen Preston

    He reminds of the kid who is too young and would sing something like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  smiling through the whole thing.

    You asked for it… here’s a clip of David at age 13 singing “Imagine”:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MG-IoN9ER4

    (pretty darn good, if you ask me!)

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Okay Preston…..I gotta admit….that’s good…and adorable…but but but…..

    Still don’t like his loud breathing thing THESE DAYS…lol

  • abbysee

    I love David and I am sure that it’s time for a teen idol type. The show is losing traction among the young demographic, so having David in the mix is a good thing. He is cute and he can sing. So he fits the requirements, yes?

    I truly don’t get Carly, but perhaps there will be a moment in a week or so when she steps up, so far I haven’t seen it. My first prediction is………she will not win. The guys are far more interesting than the girls, vocally, all the other talk of ringers and TCO’s is pretty much background noise to me.

  • JNM

    Well I don’t LOVE anyone yet. *whew* But I do like a few. Looks to be a much more interesting season than last year.

    Hmm. Seems like Josiah is the divisive figure so far…(always entertaining for me) But will he make it to the top 24?

    Love Aussie Man’s voice. And looks. Too bad about his “alleged” personality flaws. Think the boy has a chance to win it all.

    Like Rocker Chick too, but I think she’s going to end up being wildly annoying if she lasts very long.

    Meh to every single one of the blondies.

    Can’t wait to see who makes it through.

  • thedingoateyobaby

    Josiah may be tougher than we think. I believe his vulnerableness may endear him…or….it could turn people off too if he overworks it. I think he is very talented, he isnt just another kid who can sing, he has the it factor for me. Im rooting for him. Also Amanda 9the rocker chick?) and Michael John I think is his name. I heard a few growls from him.

    I think this year has a lot of unusual talent. Not just pretty faces and good voices, I mean standouts.

    Thats my two cents.

  • MaryS-NJ

    Hi Steve-O:

    Am I the ONLY one who does NOT like David Archuleta? To me he has a Kermit The Frog look and soundà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.and his loud breathing distracted me from even slightly listening to his singing voice.

    He’s okay but just very vanilla and nothing spectacular. He’s a cute, teen with a very nice (but young) voice, and a nice smile that will make the tweens happy (he sure did make my daughter happy). There’s nothing exceptional about his stage presence. I think he is a better singer than teen boys of past years (David Radford, Kevin Covais, Sanjaya, etc.), but it’s just really hard to compare him to someone as seasoned as Michael Johns. JMHO.

    He really strikes me as this year’s Jordin (OMG!SIXTEEN!!) but maybe he’ll surprise us.

  • Nostradamas

    If Amanda O. takes a pageout Daughtry’s book and looks for different band arrangements to otherwise common songs during the theme weeks, she might be able to keep who she is while singing the drivel they require you to belch out.

  • erennick

    I like David A., BUT– it really does sound like he has asthma when he sings. I know there are a lot of good singers that are breathy (like Kelly Clarkson), but his sound is more of a gasping. Hopefully, it won’t be so noticeable in the coming weeks (if he is in 24).

    I thought a lot of the singers sounded really good last night, so I am excited. I was surprised they didn’t show Alaina (rumored to have been impressive in Hollywood) or Kady (who Simon said was the best he’d seen in the auditions, up to that point.

  • StevenD

    Okay a few of my thoughts on what is shaping up as one of the best Idol
    seasons in a while (a lot better then last seasons snore fest.) I
    thought the Hollywood Round went incredibly well and loved that we saw a
    lot of talented singers in almost full performances. I’ll try not to
    reveal any of the Top 24 even through I’ll place them all the way at the
    bottom for those who hate surprises but I’ll say a few things about the
    ones who are shaping up to give me those Idol moments I crave.

    1.) Carl “Irish Girl” Smithson – I LOVE this girl, she’s like the
    tattooed Kelly Clarkson with a great power belt. I’m just worried about
    her having a former $2.2 million dollar deal and a professional album
    that bombed could hurt her but I hope not.

    2) David Archuleta – He’s cute, young, with a great tone to his voice
    and when he smiles you could forgive him for running down your
    grandmother. I think that he’s going to go really far, a lot further then he did
    when he won Star Search however when he comes out of the closet that
    could be a problem.

    3) Syesha Mercado – Come on the girl had all those voice issues and had
    to wear a scarf which is the sign of a voice in trouble but she still
    nailed her song with power and comes across as very likeable. Only time
    will be able to tell if she can escape the Tamyra, LaToya, Vonzell,
    curse and stand out on her own.

    4) Michael Lee Johns – The Aussie that is already making women swoon for
    him. He’s really a first for Idol, a real live straight guy and I think
    the women will love him. I find it funny through that people say Carly
    shouldn’t win Idol due to her being Irish and having a record deal and
    Michael is Australian and has had a record deal himself but women will
    forgive any cute guy for anything. I’m guessing at this point we’ll see
    him in the finales.

    5) Amanda L. Overmayer – It’s like if Taylor Hicks and Dilana from Rock
    Star’s had a child that would be Amanda. I think she has either a lot
    of potential or she’s going to be stuck doing the same thing all over
    again and develop a fan base off of that (Taylor Hicks anyone.)

    6) Danny Noriega – The first Openly Gay Singer on Idol. Its funny with
    him a lot of people want to make fun of him and compare him to Sanjaya
    but Danny has a great pop voice and could do well in this as long as
    people look past him doing mostly female numbers.

    7) Kristy Lee Cook – She of the wonderful version of Amazing Grace that
    she has overdone now. It’ll be interesting to see how she can tackle
    other music styles but I think based on looks and having a record deal
    with Brittney’s old label that must mean something for her.

    7) David Cook – I find nothing that exciting about this “rocker” who
    shows up to sing Bon Jovi and then confesses that he was watching
    Chris Daughtery tapes. He has a decent voice and looks like the type of
    guy that gets the left over girls so he might do well on this show.

    8) David Hernandez – I thought he delivered his song great with just the
    right amount of voice and polish but I’m still missing that WOW factor
    and I think that’s something he’s going to be called on very soon.

    9) Ramielle Maulbay – Things aren’t looking up for her when you aspire to
    be the next Jazmine Trias.

    10) Robbie Carrico – He sang in a Boy Band, dated Brittney Spears and
    came back looking like a rocker with long hair and a cap. It’s a sad
    moment when that’s all I remember of him.

    11) Kady Malloy – Normally when you impersonate Brittney Spears that
    should spell doom but she’s pretty, and a good if not distinct voice and
    she’s already recorded three songs that I’ve heard and liked so I’m willing to
    give her a shot.

    12) Joanne Borgella – When you are known as the large one this year but not
    for being the large one with the large voice that means trouble I don’t
    see her making top 12.

    13) Chikezie Eze – He’s good and delivered a fine version of Luther but
    when its hard to pronounce your name then its hard to vote for them
    however I see him making the top 12.

    14) Brooke White – She looks just so happy to be here and I’m just so happy
    she’s here too. Happy but not thrilled and at this stage you have to
    thrill unless she does something memorable she’ll be gone soon.

    15.) Asiah Epperson – Just based on the story involving her father could
    have gotten her in the top 12 but she has a great sultry tone to her
    voice the only problem is that lots of women have that same tone.

    16.) Amy Davis – She was the model who wanted to make her mother proud.
    I was impressed that she knew a Linda Rondstadt song and from what I’ve
    heard on the net she sounds amazing singing Pink Floyd stuff. If she’s
    smart and picks unique things that will win over an audience coupled
    with her good looks she might last otherwise I see her going home before
    the top 12.

    17) Alex Lushington – I was bored with her My Funny Valentine and her
    grandmother stole her entire audition clip so I don’t think she’s going to last
    long.

    Top 24 We didn’t see:

    Luke Menard, Jason Yeager, Jason Castro, Garrett Haley, Colton Berry, Alaina Whitaker

  • Grammie Kari

    StevenD, we did see Alaina early on. Also, there was brief view of Colton’s singing. I don’t think either one will be TOP 12 material.

  • hankjmatt

    It really does sound like he has asthma when he sings. I know there are a lot of good singers that are breathy (like Kelly Clarkson), but his sound is more of a gasping. Hopefully, it won’t be so noticeable in the coming weeks (if he is in 24).
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  • Stuart