‘American Idol’ Hollywood night number one
Welcome to Hollywood! And we hear some mad talent, as Randy might say.
From Katie Stevens to Andrew Garcia to Michael Lynche to Casey James to Didi Benami to Crystal Bowersox, we have some solid potential top 24ers here. Of the 181 who start the two days, 95 are left.
Tomorrow night: the group sing which always brings out delightful personality conflicts.
Let’s do the rundown:
Katie Stevens, with the Alzheimer’s grandma, has a resonant deep vocal tone doing Stevie Wonder. “You’re quite good,” Simon said. “Great natural talent,” Randy said.
Antonio “Skiiboski” Wheeler, baby, is back. He’s pure cheese. “You frighten me,” Ellen said in the first comments by the new judge. “You’re like a leopard behind a cage… don’t get so intense. Sexy and scary is a fine line.” Not a bad one. Skiiboski didn’t sound too bad but he was out. Katie is in. “What was it?” Skiiboski asked. “You just weren’t very good,” Simon said. He left in good spirits.
Early on, Simon is on the “warpath.” “It was crazy in a bad way,” Ellen says. “You should put shoes on here. It’s filthy Hollywood is a disgusting town.”
Andrew Garcia, the dad with the struggling family, goes for a Paula Abdul song. It’s actually a great acoustic version of “Straight Up.” “That was genius,” Kara said. “Genius! Paula would be screaming and yelling and clapping.” (We miss you, Paula!)
Vanessa Wolfe, the country gal who jumps off bridges and is stuck in a small Tennessee town, could be the next Carrie Underwood based on her back story alone. Her first “aeroplane” ride! She sounds weak and nervous. Or Taylor Swift-like. “You’re unique. You have a unique quality you need to embrace. You’re hiding inside. You have to let it go. Those nerves will kill you,” Ellen said. Indeed, she was not ready.
Cornelius Edwards, the pants splitter, tortured Dixie Chicks. Magean Wright (”Break the Rules” shirt gal), who had the supportive brother, failed, too. The charming Italian dude Madeo DiRocco was all over the place and was cut.
Cutey Janell Wheeler from Tampa does a breathy Estelle. “That was a good audition, well done,” Simon said.
Some did poorly with instruments. We don’t even get their names.
Guitar-wielding pop-country black gal Haeley Vaughn from Fort Collins, Co. sounds a bit rough to me but remains adorable. Rocker Mary Powers, who has the daughter who loves Simon, does a decently heartfelt Pink. Both survive the first round.
Among those who made the first cut: Toddrick Hall, Charity Vance, Ashley Rodriguez. 47 contestants made it through day one out of about 90.
Day two starts up. Interestingly, “Idol” doesn’t waste time showing what the other 90 contestants did during their off time. Jay Stone, the beat boxer (or poor man’s Blake Lewis) blew it, spitting into the mike. Lilly Stone, another rocker chick, goes old school with panache. She looks a bit like Tracey Ullman. Classy! A keeper for sure.
Personal trainer Michael Lynche’s wife is going into labor for his first child on his audition day. (Think Phil Stacey!) He rocks the John Mayer and the crowd is loving him.
Tim Urban (no back story?) chooses a David Cook song and he sounds good, though I’m not sure he’s breaking any new ground. “Chorus got a little shaky but otherwise, good,” Kara said. Cancer survivor Justin Williams is a bit too precious in his presentation. I didn’t like it.
Page Dechaussy (sic) and the whipster Erica Rose are out. Jersey sisters both crapped out.
Maddy Curtis, with Down’s Syndrome brothers, sounds way too old for a 16 year old. Snooze of a song and some off notes. “That was the wrong song for you,” Simon said. Casey James, who took his shirt off during the original audition, brings the blues with aplomb. A great singer.
The final moment is waitress Didi Benami, who sings (appropriately) “Terrified” by Kara DioGuardi. She has an incredibly pretty voice. The judges look surprised how good she is. Even her off notes sound natural. I’m in!
Crystal Bowersox, who gets a tattoo of her son’s name, actually manages to sing the well-worn “Natural Woman” and do it well. She even gets contestants to applaud and sing along. Phew! “You’re infectious. People like you!” Simon said. “You’re real.”
By the way, “Idol” is now denying anything related to Howard Stern. I guess all the speculation was going too far even for them. So we had some fun there, didn’t we?
This next show coming up, “Past Life,” shot six episodes in Atlanta. Sadly, not a great show and the reviews have been brutal. I’m not expecting ratings to hold up post-”Idol” either.
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222 comments Add your comment
JTesla
February 9th, 2010
6:49 pm
Should be an interesting show. Chat with you all later.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
7:00 pm
JT when do you generally chat? I dont have anyone to remind me of how often I comment. I was trying to be first but oh well. At least I am the first female.
JTesla
February 9th, 2010
7:14 pm
Judy I’ve realized that the live blog thing just isn’t for me (in part due to the time difference). So I will not rain on anyone’s parade because you are obviously having fun. Therefore, by chat I mean I will make my pronouncements later in the evening when it really matters. Usually around 11 pm to 1 am your time. It allows me to get the last word in, and since my word is the most important it allows everyone else to weigh in before I render a verdict on the show.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
7:34 pm
Love your humor!! I need that. I want that. I have to have that.
Did not know that was a time difference or least i didnt remember it. Where are you? Please dont say here/here/etc…
JTesla
February 9th, 2010
7:45 pm
So “In my chair” won’t work? I’m in Oregon. Therefore, live bloggging to me is a bunch of random fractional posts that don’t make a lot of sense. Well it makes sense, but lacks context. A post along the lines of “Oh nice” doesn’t mean much three hours before the show starts.
The one benefit is that I can check in and see if I should have Idol on in the background (like the bad audition shows) or if I should not even bother (results night).
Exit Now
February 9th, 2010
7:52 pm
Tonight should be interesting – And I mean either good interesting or bad interesting. I like Ellen, but on Idol. Hmmmm. I guess we’ll see.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
7:56 pm
In reference to JRP’s 4:56 post on the previous thread, You did indeed read correctly. They are my great grandbabies. Thank you for the warm wishes, and welcome to the blog.
Before we get started, went to the hospital and saw Robert and Robin. OMG, they are so tiny, but perfect and beautiful. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. And, they both have alot of black hair. Okay, now I’m ready to blog about AI.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
7:58 pm
Good things come in small packages, Nana!!!!!
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
7:59 pm
Is it just me or are the last 4 or 5 posts on the previous thread not written in English?
Nana
February 9th, 2010
7:59 pm
Hi Judy and EN.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:01 pm
Who’s the biker chick?
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:02 pm
How right you are Deirdre.
Lar
February 9th, 2010
8:03 pm
Finally Hollywood week!
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:04 pm
“This is it. I come. You leave,” Ellen tells Simon.
Harriett
February 9th, 2010
8:04 pm
Hey, everyone I am excited about this week.
Exit Now
February 9th, 2010
8:05 pm
Hi Nana. I didn’t read the previous thread but I gather congratulations in order.
ellen stinks
February 9th, 2010
8:05 pm
she is awlful.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:05 pm
A sultry 17 year old voice. How often do you see that?
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:05 pm
Think we are seeing our first top 24
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:07 pm
“sexy ans scary is a fine line” That was actually a good critique.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:07 pm
hi, the babies are here? Is this the daughter who tried out for AI?
DC
February 9th, 2010
8:08 pm
don’t watch american idol as of this season….can’t stand the ellen, cant take it as real anymore…too bad, it was entertaining for a while
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:08 pm
Sudden death first round. Skiiboski wasn’t half bad but he does have an irritating stage presence.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:09 pm
But you come here? Why DC?
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:09 pm
Yes. Katie Stevens looks like an early keeper for the top 24. (I did glance at the spoiler 24 last week but did not memorize it…)
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:10 pm
I didnt think he was bad enough to get cut this soon. I think they were just tired of him.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:11 pm
I am so sleepy, dont think i will make it til the end of the show. I will need to get my usual 100 comments in by 8:30. Kidding I promise!
Exit Now
February 9th, 2010
8:11 pm
@Judy – I know I was. LOL
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:11 pm
Judy, yes they are. They came into this world last night way to easrly (due date was 4/14). And yes, Carla was the one who audition and got her gold ticket to Hollywood, but had to drop out.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:13 pm
I LOVE Andrew Garcia!!!!
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:13 pm
I think saying 180 of the best singers is bit of a stretch. Didnt he know Paula is out?
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:14 pm
I like this version of “Straight Up” better than the original! He is taking the David Cook path of acoustic heaven…
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:14 pm
Not to shabby.
Exit Now
February 9th, 2010
8:14 pm
I agree Rodney!
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:15 pm
Aw …sweet Vanessa…I hope she’s good!
AI
February 9th, 2010
8:16 pm
Ellen is gawd awful.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:16 pm
Well this gives her more time to be with them before she goes to Hollywood next season. She has an original back story at least. This chick is horrible. nerves
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
I still like vanessa.
Mercedes S.
February 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
Got back in time for Vanessa. Poor child.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
How soon they forget what Kris Allen did last season. He was just as original.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
Poor Vanessa…I think she’s more relieved than upset.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
Oh, she didn’t make it.
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:18 pm
Vanessa Wolfe–definitely no Carrie Underwood or even Kellie Pickler. Vocally, more like Taylor Swift minus the confidence.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:18 pm
This is going to be a fast hour.
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:19 pm
We can only hope Andrew is another one of the top 24ers…
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:19 pm
Tell me if I miss Jared. Yes, I remember Jared. I think nerves and late night drinking got to Vanessa. She was painful. okay no drinking just nerves. At least she can try again next year.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:20 pm
Fox must have a better line up this year. I know we didnt have an hour of AI this early last season. Did we?
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:20 pm
Nerves can and do make a big difference.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:22 pm
Does anyone know or remember how many weeks the portion is before they name the top 24? Rodney?
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:22 pm
Since she has been home, I wonder if anything has changed for her. She was on AI after all, not too shabby.
Lar
February 9th, 2010
8:23 pm
I knew Vanessa was not going any farther than she did but at least she got out of Tennessee. She reminded me of the young cowboy from last year.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:23 pm
Nana, they name the top 24 next week.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:23 pm
Last year or a few years back?
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:24 pm
wow they burst his bubble with such carelessness.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:24 pm
Oh, that fast? Thanks Deirdre.
Lar
February 9th, 2010
8:24 pm
At my age all the years run together. lol
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:25 pm
Janell wheeler. I think that’s a name we need to remember along with Andrew Garcia.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:25 pm
Janelle was good
Mercedes S.
February 9th, 2010
8:25 pm
Janell Wheeler, blond and pretty, a shoe-in. One of the 24. for sure.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:26 pm
Just realized how blue Ellen’s eyes are against her blue jean jacket.
LD
February 9th, 2010
8:26 pm
They seem to be rushing this year. Why so fast?
Mercedes S.
February 9th, 2010
8:26 pm
Harley, yes
Exit Now
February 9th, 2010
8:26 pm
Wow! Top 24 next week? Is it moving faster this year? I know they started earlier this year – January Vs February.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:27 pm
Mary Powers is good, too!
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:27 pm
who will be this year’s Sanjaya or Antionette, etc?
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:28 pm
She was shouting more than singing, I think.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:29 pm
How much do lives change if they are the first 1-3 cut in the top 24? Just a question/thought.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:29 pm
Wonder if they will show the Rockmart girl?
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:30 pm
Only 46 out of 181?
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:31 pm
Todrick is the guy that could possibly be stealing money, promises and dreams from children. Wow, hope this is seriously a misunderstanding.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:32 pm
I remember Todrick and he was really good. Refresh my memory about the stealing money from children, Judy.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:34 pm
Another question, does anyone know how many will go through to the next round?
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:34 pm
Hey, I think my last real eye candy that was cut early in the top 2 was also named Jared Colter or Colton. He was from NY i think. He was in the same season with Antoinetta Barba. The men were weak singers that season. Was that season 6?
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:35 pm
Oh sorry…it was only half the contestants…not 46 out of 181
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:35 pm
Rodney had it on the blog the next day. His company did plays, shows in which kids pay to perform. Shows were canceled money never returned in some cases.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:35 pm
Way to close to the mike.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
Darn why did he do that. He can actually sing to me.
Mercedes S.
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
Lilly Scott – like her!
Andi
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
Didn’t expect that voice from her!
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
OMG!!!!!! I LOVE Lily Scott!
Exit Now
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
Like her.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
Simon likes her.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
oops top 24, not top 2
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:37 pm
Really liked Lilly Scott.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:37 pm
Thank goodness…no beatboxer!
Harriett
February 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
She’s Megan Corkrey with talent.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
Jay needs to stop the beatboxing and just sing. He can sing!! he can beatbox once he wins idol.
Lar
February 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
Is this the guy that kicked out?
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
well he could have
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
Like Michael
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:39 pm
i didnt like that nasal sound on him.
Nana
February 9th, 2010
8:39 pm
Oooh, I like him. Remninds me of Otis Redding.
Harriett
February 9th, 2010
8:39 pm
Michael was good. John Mayer on steroids.
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:39 pm
Michael Lynche better be in that top 24. He is unique, too.
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:40 pm
yes, Lar
Lar
February 9th, 2010
8:40 pm
I was wondering if this was the person whose Dad talked to the newspaper
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:41 pm
Otis Redding? no way. now I gotta go to youtube.
Deirdre
February 9th, 2010
8:41 pm
I compare every tenor to Ruben and Michael was no Ruben. Nice guy though!
Judy
February 9th, 2010
8:41 pm
Rodney, this is the guy who was cut becasue of dad, big mike
Rodney Ho
February 9th, 2010
8:42 pm
He’s not Ruben. But he’s pretty darn good. And yes, he’s the guy who’s dad spilled the beans. Not sure if that will disqualify him in the end, though.