‘American Idol’ recap: Hollywood round #2 season 11: Free fallin’
AMERICAN IDOL: Hollywood: Over 300 contestants made it to Hollywood and only 70 will survive. The Hollywood round begins Wednesday, Feb, 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET PT ) and Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Pictured: Contestants at the Hollywood round. The provided caption provides no identifying info. CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
Was this “American Idol” or “Contagion, Part II”?
The hour featured two doses crying, three doses whining and four doses regurgitation.
Patient Zero, the editors decide, is “Tent Girl” Amy Brumfield. A lot of kids get sick and she appears to be the one to blame as others have trouble keeping their dinners down.
And we find out what happens to Symone Baker, who is fine. It was dehydration and fortunately, she didn’t seriously hurt herself falling off the stage. As earlier bloggers noted, the producers wouldn’t have created such a cliffhanger if she were seriously injured.
[Before we get to the action, I also finally caught Monday's "The Voice" three days later and saw Jamar Rogers (season 10 of "Idol"), who gets the sob story big time. He actually used to live in Atlanta for a time and was a huge fan of Cee Lo, saying he saw him at Music Midtown. Cool local reference!
As for ratings, "Idol" drew 19 million last night and a 6.1 rating 18-49. That's down 20% from 24 mil a year ago for the fourth Wednesday and a 8.4 rating 18-49, down 27 percent. In other words, the comparable dropoffs will continue unabated unless something odd happens.
In comparison, NBC's "The Voice" on Monday drew its 6.6 rating, beating "Idol" in 18-49 ratings while "NCIS" with 20.8 million this past Tuesday easily beat "Idol" in total viewers.]
Anyway, we start the night with Symone Baker, who quickly regains consciousness, drinks a Coke and is taken to the hospital to get checked. Symone is put through because honestly, she deserved it.
We hear that neither Ethan Jones, whose father was in alcohol rehab, and the indistinguishably dull Lauren Mink are cut. Jeremy Rosado makes it through.
We move to group round! 185 make it to the next round. Almost half are going to be cut the next round.
The twist: day one and day two people have to intermix in groups. Cop Alisha Bernhardt and Amy “Tent Girl” Brumfeld (who is getting sick with the flu – perhaps from living in a tent) are have trouble finding groups. “Everybody is afraid I’ll get them sick,” Tent Girl said. Can’t blame them! She starts crying. “Inside is suffocating me,” she said. Which makes sense if she spends all her time outside.
Several others are trying to cobble together groups based on songs. Some are being picky, including Brianna-Marie Bell. There seem to be a lot of 1970s songs on the playlist. Alisha wants to sing “Joy to the World.” People keep thinking it’s the Christmas song, not the Three Dog Night song. Two others are trying to get folks to join them to sing Boston’s “More Than a Feeling.” Alisha loses her two group members because she refuses to sing Boston.
We hear snippets of Blu Cantrell. Brielle Von Hugel made it past group round last year with Pia Toscano. She’s back. She becomes leader of her group.
Symone returns after being dehydrated and finds a group.
It appears Tent Girl’s bug has spread quickly. We see someone throw up. Another guy has kidney stone issues. Richie Law, a dude with a cowboy hat is trying to teach the others choreography (including Mr. Cheerful Heejun Han.) “That kid is crazy,” Heejun said. “I don’t know how they do it in cowboy town. It’s not how we bring it down.” Whiner doesn’t even bother to know Richie’s name.
Christian has caught the bug and is throwing up. He returns from a break and someone hugs him. Why do these kids keep touching the sick ones? Cop Alisha is struggling with “Stuck Like Glue.” Christian can barely stand up. Heejun keeps on whining. Richie, who acts like Mr. Know It All, calls it a night eventually.
Jennifer is part of a group that wants to go to sleep. Brianna, the picky one, leaves, but comes back, not wanting to abandon her teammate. Jennifer helps Brianna learn lyrics. They leave at 5:11 a.m. (I’d be the one opting for sleep over rehearsing exhausted.)
Anyway, we get no real singing this week, just the build-up to next Wednesday. Presumably, we’ll get more fainting!
And over on CBS, Astro of “X Factor” is on “Person of Interest” in a rather meaty role.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
220 comments Add your comment
Highlander
February 10th, 2012
8:19 am
I’ll have to disagree, D. Last night’s show was like watching a slow, boring movie where you keep expecting something to actually happen and it never does – like one of those British period dramas!
They could have edited it much better. Show a couple of the groups rehearsing or having problems then cut to those groups performing. Then go back to the rehearsal dramas and show a couple more performances.
They could still do two shows of the group sings, they just wouldn’t drag so much.
Highlander
February 10th, 2012
8:21 am
Whoo-hoo, third page! (Yeah, it’s not really that big a thing since we’re stuck at the 50 comment per page! – Not RH’s fault!)
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
8:22 am
Woefully unimpressed with last night’s show.
Hee Jun needs to pack up his whiny derriere and go home. If he won’t go… let the judges do it for him.
Actually watched a bit of “The Voice” (after Grey’s) – and still laugh every time I see Cee Lo. He just looks like the king pimp of the Oompah Loompahs.
But enjoyed the former Mouseketeer and the single dad that was chosen by all four. (And is it just me… or is Christina so full of herself that her top can’t keep all of her in?)
Felt sorry for the dude with the pompadour hair and thick glasses who wasn’t chosen by anyone. He shoulda tattooed his neck, and sung a cool alt/pop version of “Straight Up!”
Highlander
February 10th, 2012
8:26 am
LOL, Rickster. I like Christina and I think she really plays it up for the show but she does tend to wear outfits that make her look as if she has a butt on her chest!
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
8:31 am
Like I said, I’m in the minority.
Actually, the weird thing for me after reading a bunch of reviews is that every reviewer seemed to love Heejun(mj even wrote an entire thread about his “witticisms” ) and hate the cowboy. I hated them both!(yes, I’m a hater)
Sam-A
February 10th, 2012
8:34 am
I didn’t care for the cowboy at all. Don’t need another bass country voice in a hat! And how old is he, looks about 16 – where did he get off remarking several times, “it’s my way or no way”. Heejan was irritating as the devil with his whining, but basically he was right – that kid had no business trying to be the big boss and not listening to anyone else about the complicated steps he insisted on.
I do think the producers should step in when most groups have been formed and there are some wandering around trying in vain to get into a group. Just not fair. The show should take the reins and put the remaining groups together.
I thought the show was ok, and nice to see very little of the judges, but the vomit issue was shown way too much.
Looking forward to the actual group sings next week.
And, TGIF!
Time to change back
February 10th, 2012
8:35 am
I don’t like the groups. If you have one really good singer in a group that totally blows, then that singer is released also. I think every singer should be judged on their own merits.
Rodney Ho
February 10th, 2012
8:35 am
I found Richie and Heejun equally annoying but they made good TV, obviously…
Sam-A
February 10th, 2012
8:37 am
And Rickster, I think CeeLo would look like one of the Minions in that Steve Carrell movie (didn’t see it – don’t know name) if only he were yellow.
Sam-A
February 10th, 2012
8:39 am
in response to “Time to Change…” – don’t they keep the good singers in a group and dismiss the bad ones. I don’t remember them always dismissing a whole group if someone stands out.
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
8:41 am
Didn’t like Cowboy Dude either.
His “We’re going to do it my way” attitude wore very thing very quickly. (If I was in Hollywood, I’d be sure to get a group of five so that if one person decides to wear their derriere on their neck you can boot them and still have the required four.)
He may thing that getting a herd of cattle to go where he wants them to qualifies his as a leader… but cows ain’t the smartest of animals. (Except for those Chick-fil-a cows that can use the phone, overhead projectors or climb ladders to put up billboards. Those cows are smart!)
Alisha’s not going to get very far with her inflexibility. If she’s the only one that wants to do “Joy To The World” – she needs to listen to others and change her mind.
Rodney Ho
February 10th, 2012
8:42 am
@Sam-A yes. But sometimes, a good singer may get dragged down by a bad performance by the others. And being surrounded by great singers who put together a memorable performance can’t hurt the weakest link. I think that’s what the previous blogger meant.
Rodney Ho
February 10th, 2012
8:43 am
@Rickster. I found it hilarious that everyone kept thinking she was referencing the Christmas “Joy to the World” as opposed to the Three Dog Night version, which I presume many of the kids had never heard of. And honestly, that song hasn’t exactly held up to the test of time.
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
8:46 am
Was the bearded dude that got dismissed the night before the one that kept using the term “Git-Fiddle?”
If so… I’m sure JT’s not the only one glad we won’t have to hear that termed used over and over (and over and over) again. It was kinda humorous the first time he used it. After that… it got annoying as all get out.
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
8:48 am
@Time to change back…that is completely untrue. Every year people make it out of awful groups based on their solo within the group.
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
8:50 am
I LOVED it when the cop sand “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” and the girl thinking of joining the group said “oh, hell no” and walked away.
RxDawg
February 10th, 2012
8:51 am
I decided to start back watching now… that was an hour wasted of my life I’ll never get back. What a horrible boring episode. Where’s the freaking singing!?
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
9:00 am
@Rodney: “Joy To The World” was in “The Big Chill” – which automatically makes it a classic!
Doesn’t matter that it was sung by that little kid in the bathtub… if it’s in the movie… it’s a classic.
DanJ
February 10th, 2012
9:11 am
Rodney, it just hit me while reading all the comments that your blog is a legitimate Focus Group! These shows you review should pay you for supplying them feedback. Honestly I hope someone from all the shows keep up and make note of some of the things that are said here and in other forums. Thoughts and insights from fans should be noted by the Powers That Be that run these shows. So kudos Rodney for supplying us all an outlet and for doing a great job. And for the record that the first and only time I kiss your keister. Tastes kinda like chicken!!!
I was serious about the lady cop. She looks like she’s done steroids. Scary! Throw in a frog fettish…
Honestly I’m ready for the big show and to see these contestants sing…especially Reed Grimm. I want to hear him sing a REAL song. Have a great weekend everyone!
Harriett
February 10th, 2012
9:23 am
Morning!
And, Rickster, I am the one who first brought up the annoying “git-fiddle” thing and then JT began using it over and over to my annoyance. That JT!
Heejun was followed around by a person with a camera in his face, probably goading him into most of his remarks, or at least being a sympathetic “shoulder.” It was overdone by the producers, whom I suspect were hoping for a meltdown and did not get one. I thought his remarks were funny. And, Richie was egged on, too. As you said, Rodney–good tv. I really like Heejun and don’t blame him for not wanting to look dufus.
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
9:30 am
Harriett 2/1/12 9:23 PM I am the one who first brought up the annoying “git-fiddle” thing and then JT began using it over and over to my annoyance.
See? That’s why “I said I’m sure JT’s not the only one glad we won’t have to hear that termed used over and over (and over and over) again.”
Obviously you’re glad too!
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
9:32 am
I don’t think HeeJun / Richie was good TV at all. I think it was as annoying as “git-fiddle.”
Heejun looked doofi without even taking the stage.
JTesla
February 10th, 2012
9:34 am
I’m going to learn to play “Joy to the world” on my git-fiddle! YEEEEEHHAAAAWWW!
I was really ok with last night. I was a little disappointed at the end because it was then I realized that there had been no new singing, but it’s a television show. It seems they edited out cowboys fighting with the others in the group, because when he said they kissed and made up he wasn’t talking about Eeyore (Heejun)
Pitchy
February 10th, 2012
9:42 am
@Harriett – must admit, I was impressed with Astro’s role last night. Not bad at all. No doubt the kid is talented in many areas.
Harriett
February 10th, 2012
9:45 am
Yeah, Pitchy. He’s a decent little actor, actually. I was impressed too, and I was one of the main Astro haters on XF. I still do not care for the rapper persona, but found this one strangely endearing.
Pitchy
February 10th, 2012
9:55 am
@Harriett – I found myself watching every nuance, from the way he delivered his lines, to the way he walked and stood. I even watched to see if he looked at the camera. I laughed when his hair wasn’t really combed in one scene, but when he held the gun on that guy he looked like he came straight from the barber chair. Although he annoyed me on XFactor, had to give him kudos last night.
Rodney Ho
February 10th, 2012
9:57 am
Yes. Astro was really good last night. He has a future in acting.
Pitchy
February 10th, 2012
10:04 am
Yes, he does RHo. Seems like he’s a natural. First time on a show, and he had all those lines right out the gate was impressive.
Unlike NeNe who’s trying to get into acting. She gets one scene with maybe 10 words (lolololol). Sorry, I know there is no comparison (except for the fact that both were annoying. Now, only one is still annoying).
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
10:07 am
Heejun will have to do really well to get my vote. Getting the camera’s attention is a 2 way street. He discovered that, if he made clever quips, the cameraman would hang around. He had to do something to get attention first, then the camera stuck with him.
Missed Astro last night but I’m happy that he did well.
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
10:12 am
Gonna step away from Idol for a moment to urge everyone to get regular checkups with a doctor. I lost a good friend last week. She woke up last Monday morning feeling shaky, made an appt and ended up in the hospital with what everyone thought was a major UTI. Turns out the bacteria had established itself in her blood, destroyed most of her platelets and she died the next day. I talked to her the Saturday before this happened and she was fine.
Annual checkups may not have saved her but you never know.
Heebbeejeebie
February 10th, 2012
10:15 am
Idol…….is that still on?
Pitchy
February 10th, 2012
10:15 am
That is a great PSA wakeup call, Deirdre. I’m sorry for your loss!
OTPVol
February 10th, 2012
10:17 am
I am waiting for Rodney to update his picture wearing a cowboy hat proving, “Yes, we CAN all just get along…little doggies…”.
JTesla
February 10th, 2012
10:49 am
Sorry for your loss Deirdre.
Rodney should try the cowboy hat look. “A cunning mix of East meets West!” That works best if you say it in Ryan’s voice.
G
February 10th, 2012
10:51 am
Enough with the drama already. Get on with the singing. Just a wasted episode last night.
Harriett
February 10th, 2012
10:51 am
Yes, D, he took full advantage of the camera all right, but I still thought it was funny–Richie, too, because he took himself so seriously. Heejun has just caught my imagination, that’s all. He may be a total bust. After all, we’ve only heard him sing one song, anyway.
JTesla
February 10th, 2012
11:02 am
“Heejun has just caught my imagination”
Wait, what? Does it involve a git-fiddle serenade?
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
11:07 am
Hee Jun has caught my imagination too.
I imagine him walking out of the hotel hauling his luggage behind him saying “It’s because I’m not pretty.”
Harriett
February 10th, 2012
11:12 am
It probably will, JT! But, if he calls it a git-fiddle I might scream! LOL! But, Rickster, that won’t be why he’s hauling his luggage. He’s pretty enough.
Rickster
February 10th, 2012
11:14 am
With Richie singing, “Turn out the lights… the party’s over. They say that all… good things must end.” as he leaves with Hee Jun.
kelly&carriefan
February 10th, 2012
11:16 am
Hi y’all,
D, so sorry to hear about your friend. Indeed, check up are important. On a lighter note, I’m with you on enjoying last night for what it was.
I didn’t find Heejun to be that whiny or annoying, but maybe it’s just me.
As for the git-fiddler, Wolf, yes, he was eliminated on Day 1.
kelly&carriefan
February 10th, 2012
11:17 am
Rickster, as long as Richie doesn’t start with “Baby, lock them door and turn the light down low….”
Pitchy
February 10th, 2012
11:27 am
@k&c – that was funny.
‘American Idol’ Recap: Hollywood Hell Week – RollingStone.com | Amazing News
February 10th, 2012
11:31 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
11:31 am
Have you noticed that we’ve been pretty short on country singers? There’s a few that sing a bit country but no pure country like Scotty or Lauren. Can’t say that I’m unhappy about that.
Sam-A
February 10th, 2012
11:35 am
Deirdre: How sad. What kind of infection did she have that went undetected, then killed her so suddenly? Scary!
‘American Idol’ Recap: Hollywood Hell Week – RollingStone.com
February 10th, 2012
11:38 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Deirdre
February 10th, 2012
11:40 am
I don’t know, Sam. I talked to her husband last night and he’s still not sure what got her.
Harriett
February 10th, 2012
11:40 am
KCF, I think it may be just you–and me!
JTesla
February 10th, 2012
12:07 pm
Eeyore is not pretty enough for anyone on this blog.