American Idol 2022 Recap: Season 20 Auditions Post-Oscar (Video)

American Idol 2022: Full Season 20 Schedule

American Idol 2022 Auditions Post-Oscar: Meet The Contestants (Photos)
Spoilers: Top 24 Season 20 Contestant List
What Did Top 24 Sing in Hawaii? (Spoilers)
Showcase Contestant List and Song Choices (Spoilers)

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There were some very promising artists whose auditions where shoved into a show that aired two hours past prime time. Were their backstories not sad enough or something? 

Yoli Mayor -26 – Miami

Beautiful Broken Things (Original) – Yoli was a contestant on America’s Got Talent in 2017. Idol leaked her audition yesterday. Simon stopped her audition, and made her start over because he thought she presented as “too old.” She’s ditched the evening gowns and jewelry. She sings with passion and a soulful growl. Luke and Lionel find her style compelling, but Katy wants more dynamics. She says no. Nevertheless, Yoli is on to Hollywood. – 2 yeses – 1 no

Danielle Clavell – 21 – Queens NY

Warrior by Demi Lovato/Trainwreck – After learning that Danielle dances salsa at a salsa studio near her house. Lionel shows off his salsa moves. OK then. We only hear a short clip of her song, but Lionel thinks it’s too growly. “Less acting,” advises Katy adding, “open your eyes a little more…use your hands.” Katy coaches her through her second song “Trainwreck.” And the judges are satisfied – 3 yeses

Katyrah Love – 23 – Baltimore MD

River by Bishop Briggs – She works as a case manager for homeless youth. Her mom comes along to Katyrah’s  audition for support.  She sings, accompanying herself on one of those box drums artists can sit on to play. Luke doesn’t think she needs the box. But he loves her voice. “You’ve got a vibe” says Katy. Lionel is excited to watch her ride – 3 yeses

Now, a recap of the three Platinum Ticket winners, HunterGirl (Nashville) got her ticket while performing at Luke’s Nashville bar , Kenedi Anderson (Los Angeles) sings a snip of the original she performed as her second song, plus Jay Copeland (Austin). The special ticket allows the trio to skip the “Genre Challenge” and move directly on to the “Duets Challenge.” Plus, they can “handpick” their own duet partners.

Brooks Kidd – 19 – London KY

Mad World by Tears for Fears – Overweight as a kid, he got bullied in school. He lost 60 pounds in two months. It made the situation worse, and he developed suicidal thoughts. Eventually, he found music. “Music is the reason I’m alive,” he says. Accompanying himself on piano, Brooks’ voice lacks depth and range, until the end, where he lets loose. But he’s got pitch problems. At this point, Brooks is underdeveloped, but he’s very sincere. Luke called the performance “an experience.” Katy advises him to scale back the “theater/Broadway stuff.” – 3 yeses

Sage – 20 – Burbank CA

Lionel says she brings “a vibe.” Katy compares her to Joss Stone and Diana Krall, which Sage appreciates. Luke advises she not get caught up in “too jazz land for too long.” WHAT? That’s dumb. She has a very sweet throwback style. I wanted to hear more. – 3 yeses.

Maurice -22 – SC

Whiskey Glasses by Morgan Wallen – Maurice bounced around the foster system. 10 homes! His last foster father, however, is a band director who taught Maurice everything he knows. “I never knew what a father was until he came into my life.” He’s a street performer who sings a lot of country. Credible in the genre, Maurice needs to file off a few rough edges, but he’s solid. Luke advises him to calm down 10 percent. “You got flavah,” Lionel notes. – 3 yeses

Israel McFarland – 21 – Nashville

The Cost (Original) – Israel was raised in a strict religious home, and it appears that he’s trying to break out. Katy can relate. To make his point he drops a few F bombs. Israel studied music production at Liberty University, the Evangelical college started by Jerry Falwell. Currently, Israel works as a producer. Luke was unimpressed, flat out calling his songwriting subpar. On the other hand Lionel loved his “artistry.” He adds “You’re on the right road.” Katy thinks he needs to work on his vocals. Lionel says yes, but Katy and Luke say n0. Eh. The judges have put through worse. He’s a musical guy who deserved a shot. They advise he work more, and come back next year. – 1 yes, 2 nos

Ava Maybee – 20 – Los Angeles 

Lately by Stevie Wonder – Ava’s dad is Chad Smith, the drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers, which is NOT mentioned in the clip. And that explains why her vocal is so polished. “You’re a real alto,” Katy describes her beautiful, burnished tone. Luke compares her to Cher and calls her an artist. He wants to see more. Her tone and phrasing are gorgeous. 

Scarlet Ayliz – 18 Hartford CT

Leading (Original Song) – Scarlet explained that she dropped out of American Idol last year after getting a golden ticket, because her high school grades were bad.  She improved them considerably over the year she took off, and now she’s graduated. Her tone is beautiful, her style natural and effortless. And the songwriting shows promise.  The judges agree that her vocals are super-duper commercial. Exactly. She’s very radio friendly. Grandma, who is a big Lionel fan comes into the room to meet him. – 3 yeses