A little birdie dropped this brand new photo of the American Idol 14 Top 48 into my inbox. I count 30 contestants in this pic, so a few more than the first photo we posted.
Also, contestant, Clark Beckham, has posted an account of his Hollywood Week experience on an independent blog. Click to read the full post. American Idol producers are giving the kids more leeway than ever to do their independent thing on the internet.
Remember the days when the contestants were under a full media blackout? They were even expected to delete their YouTube videos!
Here’s an excerpt from Clark’s blog:
I’m so excited to be in the Top 48 of American Idol! Hollywood Week was the most DYNAMIC week of my life. While a physically and mentally difficult and stressful time, it was the most fun I’ve ever had. Even with all the off-stage stuff the cameras show you — people having panic attacks, trying to remember lyrics, worrying if they will make the next cut — it’s even more stressful than it looks! My first round of competition was Lines of 10. I sang “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye. While everyone else seemed nervous and scared, I felt fine. But the moment I walked up to the mic on stage, I started shaking inside! I was so scared and nervous. The contestants and the judges, the lights and the cameras! My first thought in my head was “AAAGH!” But I made it through ok.
Solo Round would be a brutal cut — from 80 talented singers to 48 — and I knew I had to kill it. We were given a list of songs to choose from, and one was a song I grew up hearing my dad sing, “Try a Little Tenderness.” (And he KILLS it.) I play this song on guitar, but I decided to switch it up and show the judges what I can do on piano. I found a piano shoved in the corner of a maintenance elevator hallway. Waiting for my turn with the vocal coaches, I arranged a little version of my own on that piano, using my guitar case for a stool.
After sound check it was determined that, out of 80, I would sing last!
The next round of American Idol 14 begins this week, with the Top 48 performing in front of a full house at the House of Blues in Los Angeles! On Thursday, the Top 24 will be unveiled!
American Idol airs on Wednesday February 18 and Thursday February 19 on FOX.
