1/13: Idol auditions night #1, David Cook/Kimberly Caldwell kaput?
Overall, “Idol” did a good job with the first two hours and the 27 that made it through. Plenty of great back stories and we got bikini gal, too. Not as many nuts and it still worked.
Kara DioGuardi was fairly cautious and nondescript except the time she sang and interacted with the gal who loved her. She told reporters she felt a little out of sorts the first audition day so that’s understandable.
Funniest moment was when Ryan Seacrest tried to high-five the blind guy. Whoops!
To start with, we get a rather random video of the highlights and lowlights of the first seven seasons including the “Like a Virgin” singer from Georgia, that yellow peacock gal from Georgia and even our very own Brittenum twins. I remember it all. Scary!
We see Ryan through the years, then the opener with video of all seven winners. You can (barely) see Taylor! With Ryan by the Grand Canyon, it’s obvious the first city is Jordin Sparks’ city of Phoenix (or close enough.)
First auditioner of season eight: cashier Tuan Nyugen, half Vietnamese and half Caucasion, with his “marketable” big afro and his odd dance moves. “I want to be as big as Michael Jackson and Britney Spears,” he says. He looks like he’d be awful. He’s just okay. Not ready for primetime! Fine use of the song “Careless Whisper.”
Back story alert! Los Angeles gal Emily Wynne-Hughes has a mom who gave up singing professionally to raise Emily. “Got a bunch of tattoos so I wouldn’t be forced to sit in an office,” she said. Carly Smithson, watch out! She did “Barracuda” and she has the tats. “Different,” Simon said. “I like you.” She definitely has a solid shot at top 36. (She’s blowing off her band – for now.)
Teary fake rocker– after the break! Randy Madden from Moorpark, Calif. sings “Living in the Prayer.” “I just want someone to tell me I’m great,” he said with “Dust in the Wind” playing in the background. “That’s all.” “Very wimpy,” Simon said. “Very cliched… You come across as a drama queen.” My recommendation: play “Rock Band.” Simon mocked Paula about her comments about him needing to be with a band by saying, “Don’t you know how ‘Straight Up’ was written?” “I didn’t write ‘Straight up!’ ” she snips at Simon. She gives him the middle finger, too.
J.B. Ahfua, high school student from Utah, sings well. No back story.
Michael Gurr, a Mesa student, looks like he’s about to collapse from nerves and singing is like a drunk Cher. What did he say? Will Kunick’s version of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” was even worse. D.J. Bradley from Seattle does Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.” Shawn Vasquez claims to be a musician as she hacks up a Dionne Warwick song.
The king of enthusiasm with the jerri curls “Cactus Baby” Aundre Caraway was actually very entertaining. Love those dance moves dude! “That was buck wild,” Randy said. “Speechless,” Kara said.
Cute back story alert: San Diego 16-year-old Arianna Afsar created a help a “grand friend” group for kids to help entertain senior citizens monthly. Aww…. She’s got good tone doing “Put Your Record On.” She has charm to spare.
Phoenix cashier Elijah Scarlett has a Barry White talking voice. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a Barry White singing voice. Too bad.
Chipper pink 16-year-old Connecticut gal Lea “Madonna meets Hilary Duff” Marie Golde loves Kara DioGuardi, even if she can’t pronounce her name properly. She gives Kara her songbook. How is she? She has an interesting tone but it’s not a good tone. “Really annoying,” Simon said, “to the point I couldn’t hear it anymore.”
Next? Yet another teenager, in this case, Stevie Wright, named for Stevie Nicks. She actually does a fine job with “At Last.” And she’s off to Hollywood. “Grow teeth,” Simon said, hoping she can be more of a shark.
Not a lot of stud boys until 9:10 p.m. when a oil drill roughnecker Michael Sarver from Texas came on. He’s got a family. “You are the complete opposite of Ryan Seacrest,” Simon said. He’s got a seriously soulful voice. “You don’t sound like anything you look like,” Randy said. Very memorable. “What you have is that likability thing,” Simon said. He can make it to the top 36.
Then comes the idiot bikini gal. “I heard it was a crazy audition process,” she reasoned. “At least I can get a tan.” She has a thing for Ryan. Ryan acts… awkward. Katrina Darrell from Chino Hills (a model, of course). She starts strong but misses a few notes and has breathing problems. Simon says yes anyway. “You have a lot of potential,” Randy said. “I say yes.” Kara then sings “Vision of Love” and does it better. “You don’t have the chops to sing that song,” Kara said. “Your demonstration was not any better,” Katrina said. Paula puts her through for some odd reason. I anticipate even more naked people in the future as a result. She kisses Ryan.. awkwardly. (Note the editors are playing “I Kissed a Girl.”)
Okay, here’s the man with the nickname: Sexual Chocolate. He even has a tattoo. Eric Thomas (unemployed) does a decent version of Stevie Wonder but he’s not great. And he gets rejected.
Brianna Quijada is all personality but his voice is just a wee bit short of making the grade. When he mocks her she says, “Simee!” Randy says no. Kara says no. Paula says yes. So that leaves Simon to say yes! He’s the tiebreaker and she goes to Hollywood.
DeAnna Brown from Louisville has a bit of that Kellie Pickler in her. She has no family with her, eliciting sympathy from Ryan. She’s actually pretty darn good vocally. And looks don’t hurt. “A terrific audition,” Simon said. A keeper!
Danny Noriega’s lookalike named Cody Sheldon, a high school student from Detroit who likes making horror flicks, pulls off a great audition. He doesn’t sound like Danny.
Geekazoid Alex Wagner Trugmantaught himself to sing in his closet late at night. “I missed a Spanish test for this,” he said. “That was a joke.” Crickets. Surprisingly, the guy can sing. And he has Randy go along with the chorus. Simon didn’t like him but everyone else did. He’s off to Hollywood.
To end the two hours (yes, two long hours), Scott MacIntyre is nearly blind. Yes, we haven’t had a blind guy on the show yet! So we get serious back story. He can ballroom dance and ski. He entered college at 14 and graduated at 19. Clearly, a nice nice guy. He does an extraordinary version of Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes.” He’s a virtually guarantee for top 36. The producers would have to be idiots not to place him there. Nice inspirational way to end it. And the guy can sing!
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169 comments Add your comment
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
6:04 pm
Thanks Rodney
JTesla
January 13th, 2009
6:08 pm
And here I thought it would last forever.
Songluvr
January 13th, 2009
7:10 pm
Poor Kimberly…
Nana
January 13th, 2009
7:21 pm
I thought their relationship was really strong. Maybe they can patch things up. I hope so anyway. I do hate to see relationships not work. Need to do a few things b4 Idol comes on, but I will be back alitle before 8:00.
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
7:30 pm
Songlvr…LOL!!!
OK…is everybody ready?????
JTesla
January 13th, 2009
7:45 pm
Remember to listen for that first “I don’t know, dawg”
Nana
January 13th, 2009
7:53 pm
I’m ready. Can’t wait for Randy to say “Dawg, it just didn’t do anything for me.” Or Simon’s “To karaoke.” Eight more minutes till the fun starts!!!!!
JTesla
January 13th, 2009
7:56 pm
Do what I do War Eagle… don’t wear any.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
7:58 pm
Good idea JT
Nana
January 13th, 2009
7:58 pm
Okay,,,,,,,,,,,lets rock & roll. WE hurry and change your pants.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
7:59 pm
I’m going comando tonight
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:00 pm
Before we get started, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the newbies and the missing regulars.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:06 pm
The opening was one of the bests that I can remember AI having.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
8:06 pm
Randy has gotten fatter.
Good opening
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
8:09 pm
I’m here and ready! Here’s a toast to the new season and to all Idol bloggers!
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:09 pm
Didn’t he have gastric by-pass?
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
8:10 pm
Nice opening!
So we’re all going commando, right, cuz I din’t want to feel stupid?????
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:11 pm
Hey Harrietth. Glad you’re here.
linny@home
January 13th, 2009
8:11 pm
i won’t be blogging during the show unfortunately — had to dvr and will be catching up — had to take son to work and some other stuff still has to be accomplished … i’ll pop in later, hopefully i can fast forward during enough commercials to catch up with you guys!
peace!
commando, eh? *snicker*
JTesla
January 13th, 2009
8:11 pm
People who blog naked together, stay together.
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
8:15 pm
Biggest afro I’ve EVER seen!
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
8:16 pm
Yuk
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:16 pm
JT – It may be a good thing we can’t see each other!
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:18 pm
OMG – The girl with the pink hair and all the body piercing and tats!!!!
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
8:20 pm
I have already read that she dosen’t survive Hollywood week
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
8:20 pm
She looks better than Amanda did with the same kind of thing going on.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:23 pm
I just had a thought On the commericals showing the auditions, I think that they showed the ones that got a pass to Hollywood. Pink girl was one they kept showing and she goes to HW. Anyone think the same?
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
8:33 pm
LOL What the hell was that.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:36 pm
Did he need medical attention?
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
8:36 pm
Oh, these poor people!!!!!!!
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
8:38 pm
Now they have 4 people telling them how awful they are.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:40 pm
It amazes me that they aren’t embarrassed to get on national tv and sound like that.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
8:47 pm
Sucks so far
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:49 pm
Bikini girl????????????
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
8:49 pm
Well, I didn’t win the “dawg” pool. Do you think he’s been reading the blogs. He hasn’t uttered the dawg word even once.
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
8:54 pm
He just said it
Nana
January 13th, 2009
8:55 pm
Sounds like the one from last season who sung Let my people go….
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
8:58 pm
Why would her parents let her humiliate herself like that? Pink hat and all.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:01 pm
“At Last” some talent.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:04 pm
Someone let me know when the show starts.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:05 pm
Are we the only ones here tonight?
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:06 pm
Hey………..What happened to the font?
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
9:06 pm
I thought she was pretty good….not Kelly quality, Paula, but not bad either.
Songluvr
January 13th, 2009
9:06 pm
I just refreshed and suddenly everything was italicized.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:07 pm
The font is “F”ed up
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
9:07 pm
Rodney!!!!! Are you playing with the font?
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
Same here. Font changed.
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
This one should be interesting.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:09 pm
Enter your comments here
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:09 pm
Are we overworking it?
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:10 pm
I didn’t do the “Enter your comments here”
What’s going on?
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:10 pm
What a cutie. I like him.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:11 pm
WE BROKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:15 pm
Bikini girl goes to Hollywood.
rho
January 13th, 2009
9:15 pm
Don’t know what’s up with itals!!!
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:17 pm
Rodney, at least we can still blog.
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
9:17 pm
OK..somebody needs to get bikini girl undr control. I was ok until she started kissing Ryan…then I started feeling just a teensy bit icky.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:18 pm
Rodney, I want a colored box like you have.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:19 pm
As long as we can post, we’re good to go.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:19 pm
From a man’s point of view, bikini girl didn’t impress me much.
Songluvr
January 13th, 2009
9:20 pm
New judge was totally right about bikini girl
linny@home
January 13th, 2009
9:21 pm
i really liked the girl AFTER the girl in pink…. didn’t get her name … yes i know i’m behind, dvr hasn’t caught up yet…. but anyone who auditions with ETTA JAMES …. has bal…. um…. guts!!!!
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
9:22 pm
Sexual Chocolate……are you frickin kidding me?????????
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:24 pm
Yes, linny, she was very, very good.
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:24 pm
Anyone tried cussing on this blog yet?
I have a few words I would like to use.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:27 pm
Will she ever shut up?
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
Ah…they let Briana through!
Try it, WE!
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
linny I think her name was Arianna, the 16 year old. Af she is the one you are talking about. Pretty with dark hair and a very pretty smile.
rho
January 13th, 2009
9:32 pm
Fixed it!
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:32 pm
The font’s back!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
Thanks Rodney.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
She is pure southern charm!!!!!!!!!!!!
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
I still want a colored box!!!!!!!!!!!
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
A Danny Noriega redux
Deirdre
January 13th, 2009
9:38 pm
Sanjaya II
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:38 pm
Harrietth, I don’t think he is gay.
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:40 pm
I have doubts. Doesn’t matter really, but he reminds me of Danny. Not as flaming, definitey, but still there, IMO.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:40 pm
harrietth, you are so right.
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:43 pm
Did you notice the heavy mascara?
War Eagle
January 13th, 2009
9:56 pm
We have a blind dude.
Nana
January 13th, 2009
9:58 pm
Got a few good ones from Phoenix. Scott was good and I.m glad they put him through.
Think I will call it a night and head to bed. 3:00 comes early in the mornings. Catch up after I get to the office tomorrow.
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
9:59 pm
He was truly talented and his story was unique for Idol
Nana
January 13th, 2009
10:00 pm
BTW, I did enjoy tonight.
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
10:00 pm
I will peek back in in awhile. I know JT, GAGirl and the west coasters haven’t seen it yet.
linny@home
January 13th, 2009
10:04 pm
sitting on the dock … the girl sounded like a pickler clone to talk, but man when she SANG! wow. i’ll have to catch up with names later, unfortunately (re arianna, thanks!) i was expecting really super great from scott the blind guy, he was really good but not what i was expecting, if that makes sense; and i liked the roughneck, was surprised by his voice as well — wonder if the kid who makes horror videos will do as well as he has potential to do…. btw the blind young man…if he plays piano, could do quite well with his instrument to bolster his presence. hard to move around and “own” the stage when you can’t SEE it, eh?
i’ve got to finish up my typing job, but it’s great to see all of you here!!!!! i’m sooooo glad the season has started!!!!
Justin
January 13th, 2009
10:13 pm
Hey what’s up Justin here bringin’ you back some of my Idol opinions for the 3rd year. i know pretty exciting…
OK
A 15 minute intro: unnecessary BUT i saw katharine mcphee so it’s all good!
Bad auditions after several years = boring…unless funny
mad fast year… seems like season 7 was yesterday
1st one through: emily hughes (?) – she’s pretty good. at least once it got high it was good. i think she should go all blond it’d l ook better- yeah… but hey @ least she’s not the ugly girl “rockers” lol
J.B. (?) good but not my thing really.
Michael Gurr- that was kinda funny though I dont care for bad auditions anymore
Ariyanna (?) “Put Your Records On”- she was good!
The girl… see i don’t really pay attention to their names @ this stage… maybe i should- she sang “at last”- she was pretty good too
Katrina aka “Katriner” from Simon- i don’t know she was ok– hot though! no doubt
Brianna Quijada (?) – she was ok too.
Kid who makes scary movies: whiny voice… but was ok… anyone who reminds me of Danny Noriega i dont care for lol…
Ok there’s this girl on here I feel like I see her every year… weird… i’ll let you know if i see her I’m pretty sure Ive seen her in the auditions pics from americanidol.com
Deanna- she was pretty good
Cody- cant remember this one
And then another guy there was dont remember his name either but it was either he or Cody who asked Randy to sing with him…
Scott- He was ok… probably made it through because he was blind with a pleasant voice… but yeah he was alright. i think i need to hear something else first.
Mike S
January 13th, 2009
10:18 pm
weel, I was underwhelmed by the golden ticket winners tonight. A couple of gems though. Overall we saw 10 of 27 Golden Tickets, so Idol is once again giving 2/3 of the Hollywood Week attendees the shaft.
MY thoughts for tonight in order of Auditions:
Emily (pink hair Girl) – Loved her voice, definate top 24 potential.
JB – Good, has the potential to be a factor in hollywood.
Arianna – Excellent voice – possibly top 24.
Stevie – Talented young lady, a definate dark horse.
Michael – Really enjoyed his bluesy vibe – definate top 24.
Katrina (Aka Bikini Girl) – Nice ass, terrible voice.
Brianna – not impressed
Cody – good voice, but nothing special. Gave me a creepy Danny Noriega vibe (shudder)
Alex – very good, could be a dark horse.
Scott – By far the best of the night. Definate top 12 and has the potential to be one of the favorites.
Songluvr
January 13th, 2009
10:21 pm
I felt like that guy wanted Randy to sing bgv’s or harmony or whatever, not just join him in the melody. That was kinda lame.
Anne
January 13th, 2009
10:25 pm
Well, the first nite is over and I’m sorry, but I was not impressed w/ anybody! I guess I’m holding out for another Melinda Doolittle to really make me sit up & take notice. I pretty much thought everybody sounded same ole, same ole – nothing new. Some were decent, but decent just doesn’t cut it for me. OK, maybe I sound a little bit like Simon (god forbid!!!!!), but….I’m hoping for somebody to really jump out tomorrow. Of course, I felt the same way last season until I heard Michael Johns, Carley Smithson, Archie and Cook….
I do agree w/ most people that I was a little disappointed in Scott – he was ok, but not what he was built up to be.
Harm
January 13th, 2009
10:34 pm
I can see Barracuda girl and blind guy doing fairly well, I want to see all the contestants that make it to Hollywood before I start trying to pick the finalist though:-)
Harm
January 13th, 2009
10:35 pm
Harrietth
January 13th, 2009
10:35 pm
Everyone, I agree with these latest assessments and find validation in my original impression of the Danny Noriega wanna be. However, practicality calls, since my alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. Talk to everyone tomorrow.
Harm
January 13th, 2009
10:41 pm
I was hoping the guy with the deep voice could sing, it was not to be, he was as bad as the guy with the deep voice last year! It’s too early to tell, but I don’t believe we have seen the next idol yet. I could be wrong, I’ve been wrong on numerous occasions (Melinda Doolittle- idol winner-I was wrong)
Harm
January 13th, 2009
10:57 pm
Goodnight, I’m off to dream about nice,warm and sunny climates! Can anyone do anything to stop the stupid ,cold, freezing weather from coming here?
Justin
January 13th, 2009
11:01 pm
I know the blind guy is well… blind… but we didn’t hear much from him tonight other tahn about 30 seconds of song… so why are the last few commenters on here so blown away by him? i thought it was just good to be honest… reason i said i need to hear more before i say i like his voice.
GAgirl
January 13th, 2009
11:43 pm
Just checking in from the West Coast….have seen the first half hour..so far YAWN!!!! I wasn’t impressed with pink haired girl..Hopefully some real talent will emerge soon..back to the TV now. Check in later..
JTesla
January 14th, 2009
12:15 am
I liked Baracuda girl, and Stevie. However, she needs to lose the cow shirt. 45 minutes to go. Bikini girl… to shallow for me. Oh and someone tell Randy that 100 percent is enough, no million percent needed.
flbravesgirl
January 14th, 2009
12:30 am
So do I pay a membership fee or what?
Long-time reader but only a 1-time poster ’til now (the David Cook at Disney sighting).
Emily- Loved her voice. And anyone who makes that gutsy of a song choice & pulls it off has my admiration.
JB- Can’t believe he’s 16. Mature-sounding voice. First of several good young’uns.
Arianna-Good voice, cute as all get-out & sweet. She’ll go far.
Stevie- Classy performance. Very mature sound for a 16 yo. I think her namesake would be pleased.
Michael- Like him but he’s not on my A list. Maybe when I hear more. Someone always sneaks up on me & somebody who was great in the audition always bombs.
Brianna- Not on my A list either but I’ll give her another shot. Loved “Simee!”
Cody- Makeover please! Another wait & see.
Alex- Surprisingly nice voice. I think HW will eat this guy alive though.
Scott- Very nice voice. Producers have to be loving his story. I look forward to hearing him play the piano on the live shows ( you know he’ll make it that far).
Now I don’t normally focus on the bad stuff in the audition round but what the heck was the deal with Bikini Bimbo? She did not sing well! I realize Simon & Randy weren’t thinking with their brains there but did their ears quit working? Kara, OTOH, sounded great.
flbravesgirl
January 14th, 2009
12:34 am
Crud! I left out DeAnna. Truly a unique voice. I could imagine her on the radio.
linny@home
January 14th, 2009
12:36 am
flbravesgirl — welcome (back!) and please make yourself “at home” here!!!! your comments are great! please be sure to join us at least for post-show commentary and add yours!!! and all you lurkers out there, come on in, the blog is **FINE**…. just jump right in!!!
Rodney, looking better and better!!!!
see you guys tomorrow!!!