AMERICAN IDOL IS BACK! What an amazing night of auditions! SO much talent packed into two hours! I am now officially excited and encouraged for the new season. Major props to Adam Lambert for filling in so ably on the judges panel for Keith Urban. Nicole Kidman’s father died suddenly, and husband Keith rushed to be by her side. It was an unfortunate situation, but Idol prevailed.  Adam was the perfect blend of experience and smarts. His experience as an Idol alum brought a fresh perspective to the panel. Combined with his musical intelligence, compassion and honesty? An amazing combination. Please come back Adam when you have the time!

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OH LOOK. American Idol opens with Jenny. She’s on the block. Her actual block. She’s talking to the person who lives in her old house. He has no idea who she is. Probably all scripted. But whatever.

Adam Lambert is the first alum to sit as a guest on the panel. We see Adam meet his “new friends” backstage. Harry is sure Adam will have so much information to give the hopefuls, because he’s been there. Adam speaks to the crowd. He’s so EXCITED! “Welcome to the other side of the table,” says Jlo. “SO STRANGE!” says Adam.

Sal Valentinetti – 19 – “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra – He looks way older than 19! This dude is a character. The WGWG are completely freaking him out. Ha ha. He actually tells one he scares him. He considers this his biggest job interview ever. Sal notes Harry’s drawl. He can’t make fun of him! Sal wins a bet. He knows the real name of “Fly Me to the Moon.” Wow. Sal is maybe the best crooner to ever audition for Idol. Such a smooth voice. He’s got the personality to match. He actually swings, which many would be standards singers lack. Harry thinks he’s a talented guy, but not what they are looking for. “Do you want me to sing country?” Sal snarks. OOOH. Sal reminds Harry that his albums sell. “I’m not stepping on your toes Mr. Connick!” When it comes down to it, I think Sal REALLY irritated Harry. Too much schtick, too close to home, maybe. He could have backed off of the Sopranos vibe, just a tad.  Adam thinks there are people at home who would love him.  Adam and Jennifer say Yes. Harry says No.

http://youtu.be/gI0xlaA_niY

J. None – 24 – “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown – He brought his “friend” Mr. Crispy. A stuffed Teddy Bear. He’s had him since he was 3 years old. His mom gave it to him to help him practice his breath control. He has asthma. “Maybe your asthma is due to carrying around that dirty bear,” says Harry. Of course, Harry grabs the bear and immediately begins playing ventriloquist, cracking up the room. J.None seems pretty nervous in front of the judges. He’s got a shaky vibrato. But the panel likes him. Adam thought there was a nice pocket and a good groove going on. “Adam Lambert is so handsome!” Harry squeaks in a high pitched voice. Adam snarks back, “I’m not into bears.” HA. 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/d4ztESrsGSA

JAX – 18 – “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles – Her dad is a firefighter, but was injured at 9/11 at the recovery site. He lost a lot of friends that day. Her singing was therapy for him. She wants to make her parents proud. She sits at the piano to perform a slowed “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” in the style of the “Across the Universe” version. She’s got a lovely voice with a hint of rasp. She brings a gentle emotion to her interpretation, that’s very compelling. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but not that. Harry thinks she’s one of a kind. Jennifer notes that she’s shy and confident at the same time. It’s an attractive quality, she says. Adam says he was drawn in immediately. He loves her warm, earthy energy. “That’s an artist,” he says. – 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/2Htt_6_IRJU

Johnny Arco – 18 – Radiohead – Singing violinist! He was arrested while playing in the subway. He gave the cop attitude. He was sentenced 20 days no bail! He was playing Bach! A friend lent him a very expensive violin. He strums the instrument like a ukulele. This is very odd. He looks like a crazy person. And laughs like one too. I might be a little skeered right now. It’s hard to determine if he’s serious or not. I think he is, actually. He’s not a good singer. “That violin is now worth 19.99,” says Harry. They all find him hilarious. But not for American Idol. 3 nos

http://youtu.be/4EztUwvGJtQ

Najah Lewis – 20 – “Payphone” by Maroon 5 – She’s another subway performer, but she’s serious. She can make up to 500 dollars a shot playing underground! She comes from a musical family. Oh man. This gal is good. No wonder she makes so much money in the subway. Her phrasing is just drawing me right in. Her slowed up arrangement of “Payphone” is gorgeous. Harry notes that she didn’t move, but she still captivated him. Adam thought she did some things musically that were very inventive. – 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/xdbTCx4Boa0

Back to Jlo in the Bronx. She’s with her kids as she tours the hot spots of her youth.

Tion Phipps – 20 – “If I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars – Tion brought Jlo flowers! James Killan Dunn – 21 – “Latch” by Disclosure – He sings in a rather strident falsetto. They both make it through. They also both have crushes on Jlo. Ohhh. Adam said no to James. “It doesn’t coooount, It doesn’t couuunt!” sings Harry. Tion jokes that Jlo has a crush on him. James tried his hardest to flirt with Jen, even reminding her that her last bofriend wasn’t much older than him (eep). No go!

http://youtu.be/RgQKPJ0r39E

Shi Scott – 19 – “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse – She is a funny girl. She hesitates. She scared she’s going to mess up. Her vocal style is very stylized. It’s the kind of thing you either like or not. She reminds me a little of Haley Reinhart. She’s got that jazzy bluesy style going. Harry thought it sounded like an Amy Winehouse impression. He sees she’s got a personality underneath all of the affectation. Adam thinks she’s cute. But he does not know if she’s ready. We’re going to have to wait until after the break for results! She’s trying way too hard here. The judges are right. She needs to drop the pretense and relax. Back from break. Adam says no. Jennifer says a tentative yes. But Harry? He wants to hear her sing again. – Adam says no. Jlo and Harry say yes.

http://youtu.be/rRi4DsDptYs

Next is the montage of Nos from Adam we posted earlier today.

Eric Lopez – 19 – “The Show Must Go On” by Queen – He’s a little nervous to sing a Queen song in front of Adam. As he should be. Oh dear. There’s a lot of bellowing going on here. Not good. Cheesy theatrics too. Adam laughs at the end. He liked the tone, power and relative pitch, but felt it was disjointed. Harry says yes. Really Harry? THAT WAS TERRIBLE. Jennifer doesn’t think he fits in the competition. Adam thinks he’s too raw. He BEGS Adam, who gives him another chance. “You’ve got to figure out some music that works for you.” Harry congratulates him on hustling Adam. Aw. Adam says Eric reminded him of his 16 year old self. “He steamrolled me!” laughs Adam. – Jennifer says no. Adam and Harry say yes.

http://youtu.be/QzZvvOz7Kdk

A trio of blonds is next. Maddie Walker – 16 – “Suitcase” by Gwen Sebastian – Harry thinks she’s got “great ears.” Courtney Zahn – 21 – “Classic” by MKTO – Adam calls her polished. Jackie Nese – 17 – “Born This Way” by Gaga. They like her voice, but she needs to feel it. They send all 3 through. Harry gives a coakroach walking across the floor a golden ticket. Ha HA HA. Before he smashes it with his foot. Peta is coming after you, Harry.

http://youtu.be/UT1b9hzwQVQ

Qaasim Middleton – 18 – “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder – This is Idol. They are NOT going to mention that he starred on the Nick show, the Naked Brothers Band for 3 years. Although, he DOES mention his parent’s impressive accomplishments. He’s a dancer, rapper and singer! HE STILL WEARS HIS PURITY RING. He’s in college studying voice. He’s got an interesting vibe. He taps his feet in time to the music along with a beatbox joint. He’s very musical, incorporating runs and a little falsetto into the arrangement. Very original. It’s tough to cover Stevie Wonder and not sound karaoke. Jennifer says he’s got “the whole vibe going on.” Harry admires that he’s going to school and working on his craft. Adam can’t wait to see what he can do with some arrangement. 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/mct3nqHJdOg

Bridgette Guerrette – 19 – Welp. That was bad. Let’s start the segment off with a no!

Adam Lambert Auditions! Harry turns to Adam and says he’s doing such an amazing job, he can’t imagine what it’s like for him as a former contestant. Then he recreates his his audition! Complete with the Coldplay soundtrack! This is kind of awesome. We cut back and forth between then and now. Wow. This is pretty cool. Harry agrees!

http://youtu.be/R9KodGjhL6A

Adam Ezegelian – 20 – “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf – He loves toys! He’s an art student. He compares himself to Adam. “We have a unique style and embrace it,” he says. He brings in some caricatures he drew of the judges. He has one of Keith. But he also made one quickly for Adam! Not bad. “An imaginary character that lives under my porch.” is how Harry describes the drawing of Keith. Ha ha. He reminds me a little of Caleb Johnson from season 13. We don’t need another one of those.  Lots of rock growls. Not a good sign. “You took some stuff I did when I sang it on the show,” Adam observes. He wants another song.  And it’s a good thing too, because Adam sings “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz and reveals a softer side. He’s not all big rock growls. It will be the thing that passes him to Hollywood. Harry even loves that he’s dressed down, “I wouldn’t change a thing.” It’s agreed that he’s unusual. Adam thought his musicianship came out in the second song.  I agree. I completely came around after the 2nd tune. He’s versatile, for sure. It will be interesting to see what else he can do – 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/MdwuEN9QR4Y

Katherine Winston – 19 – “If I Didn’t Know Better” by Civil Wars – She passes unanimously. Lucky her, she gets to serve as backdrop to a montage of nos. That’s got to suck! Her mournful rootsy performance is perfect for the sad montage. But still.

http://youtu.be/-uKgfqY8XAw

Travis Finlay – 20 – “Stay” by Rihanna –  He describes himself as a producer who creates beats. He was supposed to go to Berklee, but he couldn’t get the money. Adam shares that he didn’t go to college either. School is not the only path to take.  Travis has a pretty voice and a very emotional delivery. Not perfect, but arresting. “SING!” shouts Adam, who is kind of bowled over. “You’re a star,” says Jlo. Harry thinks the combo of looks, talent and producer smarts could take him far. Jlo thinks he’s got something real, but has to be careful with the runs. “You’re the type of person this show is made for,” says Adam. “He’ll do really well on this show, he says. – 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/4vvqP9Xaqc0

Yanni G. 23 – “When I’m Gone” (Cups Song) – Her boyfriend is also with her. She sings the cups song, from Pitch Perfect, a capella. It does her no favors, actually.  The judges aren’t impressed. I wish they would have asked her for another tune. She blew it on song choice.  So gimmicky. Jennifer even said the song didn’t highlight her voice. No.

Nick Fradiani – 28 – “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. I can feel it. EVERYONE’S NEW FAVORITE. One of the WGWGs to beat. Nick has a sexy, raspy voice. He’s good looking with LOADS AND LOADS OF CHARISMA. He has a pro demeanor. Harry loved watching Yanni watching him. He reminds Nick that the genre is extremely competitive….both walk out of the audition room. Nick is the leader of the band Beach Avenue, eliminated from America’s Got Talent earlier this year. We find out that Nick made it, but Yanni didn’t. 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/aXLbccLZSN4

Hollywood Anderson – 22 – “My Best Friend” (Original) – He makes people cry on train platforms. When he sings! He doesn’t sound anything like I expected. He’s got a gorgeous voice.–but he’s a pop/rock singer with an R&B flair. I was expecting the opposite. His songwriting skills aren’t bad either. Pretty good actually! A forceful personality, Hollywood is a compelling and moving interpreter. Jlo wants to record the song tomorrow. Adam says every phrase had it’s own color. Emotional. Harry calls it the best audition in New York! The last 4 cites even! Wow. Hollywood has been living in New York for 2 years. He’s been homeless at times. Hollywood brings out a “benefactor” who gave him his guitar. He thanks him. All 3 judges whip a ticket out at the same time. Jennifer tears up a little. – 3 yeses.

http://youtu.be/dG-n3PXg3ZE

Adam says there are 6 people he feels are real artists.

Next week? Milwaukee MN!