“American Idol” season 12 debut recap
AMERICAN IDOL: Pictured L-R: Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey at the Chicago auditions of AMERICAN IDOL airing on the two-night premiere Wednesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
Loading ...Based on opening night in New York, Nicki Minaj brought color, pizzazz and the occasional British accent to the “American Idol” stage season 12. Whether that will help enliven the ratings is a big question mark.
Overall, this panel is a bit tougher than past years. They turned away some passable singers, even one that’s missing a leg. Nicki, especially, set the tone and would often say singers weren’t quite ready for primetime if they fell just short of the mark.
I can’t say I necessarily saw the next “American Idol” tonight though, based on spoilers, three of the eight singers we saw (and were readily identified) go to Hollywood will make it into the top 40. Of the eight singers who didn’t make it through, only five were truly bad.
But the ratio of good to bad was significantly greater on the bad side than in recent years. I think the show purposely backed off the bad auditions the past two or three years but brought back the William Hung factor tonight.
Anyway, there’s 10-minute intro/opener featuring Phillip Phillips performing “Home,” a cavalcade of the big stars the show has generated plus quick bios of the judges.
Eventually, we get around to New York auditions, first with a goofy auditioner who walked in singing “We Will Rock You” while Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were gabbing endlessly about Nicki’s hat.
Then we get to the first decent singer:
- Tenna Torres of Queens, who performed with Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend” with some interesting pauses and inflections. Great singer? No. But not bad. And she is the first one through. What makes her most memorable is the fact she attended Camp Mariah at age 13 and showed pictures of her with Mariah from that time period. When Mariah asked for copies of the pictures, Nicki looked flabbergasted .
Then a string of good singers with no names.
William Hung alert #1: James Bae, 15, Long Island (”One Less Lonely Girl” Justin Bieber). He’s almost as bad as Hung. And why does he have that big headset around his neck. Who does he think he is? Me? “Do you have a girlfriend?” Nicki said. “I’m single,” James said. “We need to do a collide.” Mariah thinks he should DJ, not sing.
- Christina “Isabelle” from Boston and New York, now in Duluth, GA (”Summertime”) She has a seriously strong voice. “OMG,” Nicki said. “You should feel so proud… I am blown away.” “You’re a natural singer,” Keith Urban said. “I like the vulnerability in your voice.” She’s a Mariah fan. “I want to bring the great music back.” “You know who you were,” Nicki said.
- Sob story #1: Evan Ruggiero, Old Bridge NJ, 21.(”I’m Yours” Jason Mraz, “Wanted Dead or Alive” Bon Jovi) He had cancer at age 19 and lost a leg. He’s just okay with Mraz, too many skips and stop. He’s much better with Bon Jovi. “I like your voice,” Keith said. “I don’t see you for the competition,” Nicki said. “It’s overall not strong enough.” I’m impressed they didn’t say yes despite his missing leg.:
- They visit some contestants who were “nominated.” The first is Jessica Kartalis, 19, from Staten Island, nominated by her mom. She didn’t quite have it with “All I Ever Wanted.” Nicki said, “You can’t expect Idol do to everything for you,” she said. “I felt for you so bad going to the wrong key,” Mariah. She isn’t quite ready. “It’s so close to a yes for you but I can’t tell who you are yet,” Keith said.
- Shira Gavrielov from Brooklyn and originally Israel (”Valerie” Amy Winehouse) She had a No. 1 hit in Israel but came to New York to break it bigger. She has a solid, very pretty voice. “You just excited me,” Nicki said. She was a clean yes.
- Sob story #2: Frankie Ford (”Sweet Dreams” Eurythmics) He lives with his adopted mom since age 2 and is a starving artist who makes money singing on the subways. He started the song but stopped partway through. Nerves. He started again and came up roses. Strong voice, strong drive. “A lot of musicality,” Keith said. “I believe in you, kid,” Randy said. “You don’t have the best voice but there’s something about you the people would like to see more of.” This time, the personality transcended the story, which actually colors his singing.
Joke contestant alert: Benjamin Gaisey, dressed in a “Thriller” outfit and cheap afro wig (”I’ll Make Love To You,” Boyz II Men). His plastic outfit squeaks. That’s what you’ll remember than his tone-deaf singing. Keith hides under the table.
Rozanna Shindelman, 21, Staten Island (”To Know Him Is To Love Him” Amy Winehouse) She has never sung in front of people, except her parents. She has some chops but needs vocal training. She was clearly nervous. “That was bad,” Randy said. Direct there, Randy!
A string of bad singers, including a farter and angry rejects.
Sarah Restuccio (”Mama’s Song” Carrie Underwood, “Super Bass,” Nicki Minaj) A Jersey girl who works on a blueberry farm is okay but seems a bit flat with the Carrie song. “I see a complete package,” Mariah said. Randy asked her to do something. She was more entertaining doing Nicki’s rap song though it confused Randy. “It’s my jam,” Sarah said. Keith didn’t feel her first song but was more into the second, wondering what her identity is. She gets four yesses.
William Hung alert #2: Albert Chang, Queens. Uh oh. Is “American Idol” really trying to “Hung” us. This guy is easily the worst singer we’ve heard in ages. I don’t even know what song it was. “Your range is bigger than Mariah’s” Nicki said, mocking him. “Terrible,” Randy said. Then Nicki’s faux British accent pops up in random spots.
Angela Miller, 18, Beverly, Mass. (”Mama Knows Best” Jessie J. ) has loss of hearing in both ears. She has charisma and a good, if not terribly special (to me, at least), voice. “Impressive,” Randy said. “Real tone with real soul and a beautiful texture,” Mariah said. I’m not sure I’ll remember her by the time we get to Hollywood.
Brett Holt, Will Grove, PA (”When I Fall in Love” Nat King Cole) is someone who considers himself a big”Idol” trivia expert yet didn’t know what season William Hung performed (season three, of course!). He had no range. They mocked him by having him dream that he had gone to Hollywood.
Gurprett Singh Sarin, North Potomac, MD (”Sunday Morning” Maroon 5) calls himself the “Turbanator” with 40 to 50 turbans (including a lavender one) and has a really engaging voice but looks a bit stiff on stage. “I love your look. I think you have a pretty voice but not a standout voice,” Nicki said. “Your voice may be too light,” Keith said. “I like like light, breathy stuff. I thought it was really pretty,” Mariah said. “I’ll give you a yes.” Randy does, too. No from Keith. He lobbies and convinces Nicki to give him a yes.
Ashlee Feliciano, East Hartford, CT, 20. (”Put Your Records On” Corinne Bailey Rae) – Her parents take in developmentally disabled kids and she loves them to pieces. She has a pleasant voice, a sweet demeanor. Nicki raved about her pretty voice and wanting to go to her concert. Keith loved her lower register. Randy invited the family to pop up in the audition room for a collective “awww…”
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251 comments Add your comment
Deirdre
January 16th, 2013
10:03 pm
Despite the blog’s technical difficulties, it was a good night.
So far, I am not as disgusted as I thought I would be. The judges, at least tonight, were tough and discriminating. That, all by itself, was a very pleasant change.
Somebody needs to put one of those shock collars on Nicki so she knows when to shut up. Mariah is the bad connotation of diva but they both, once they settled in, paid attention and did their jobs.
AnnS
January 16th, 2013
10:08 pm
Nikki is the most obnoxious thing. I was never a huge Mariah fan (altho she’s def talented), but she’s saintly compared to NM. If this continues, count me out…
Polly
January 16th, 2013
10:19 pm
Pitchy, Nicky might be the latest greatest new star but she’s not doing herself any favors on Idol. She is coming across as obnoxious and is a distraction to the show and the other judges. Keith Urban must be wondering what in heck he signed up for. What happened to the “let’s go in order” format for judging where each judge gets a little chance to talk?
I’m hooked on this show because of the talent that it produces. I don’t want to be distracted and turned off by the female judge drama. Or I guess I could just watch Real Housewives of Atlanta, right?
Mercedes S.
January 16th, 2013
10:24 pm
Rodney, Tenna Torres said she’s 28 which means she was 13 fifteen years ago.
Browncoat
January 16th, 2013
10:25 pm
It stunk tonight. And why is the Heat Miser judging the show?
Mercedes S.
January 16th, 2013
10:25 pm
Took 1 minute and 10 second to post my last sentence. What’s going on her?
katie
January 16th, 2013
10:27 pm
My daughter and I have watched nearly every season, an even though last year was a bit so-so, it was still fun to watch. EVERYONE ON FACEBOOK so far-have voted a big NO WAY to watch this season!! WHAT were you thinking putting Mariah and that Ditz together on the same panel? Mariah can sing, but has the brains of a rock, and the other “girl” has no talent and they are both rude and show contempt to each other at all times. HOW does a producer think THIS is a good way to run this show? The judges should all get along, have their own opinions and comments for each contestant-BUT just to tune in to watch a “cat fight”– instead of the possible talent these kids bring to their audition. If you took a poll right now-I bet you will see, even the biggest fans, would say-sack one or both of the females-keep Randy and Keith. I am sure there are many others who are appropriate in manners and talent that could fill those spots-male or female. Good Luck! You’re rating will be WAY down. It USED to be a great show.
dan E.
January 16th, 2013
10:27 pm
Totally boring. The first ten minutes was not about the performers but the so-called reviewers. Nothing but super hype. A complete MEH moment! What’s with the person wearing all the wigs and makeup? Holloween–boring!
Mercedes S.
January 16th, 2013
10:27 pm
Checked out first 30 mins of “Rich and Big in Atlanta”. Pretty sure Marcia and Meagan are my new pretend neighbors.
Rodney Ho
January 16th, 2013
10:29 pm
I cover this stuff and I couldn’t even stomach watching “Big Rich Atlanta,” though I may force myself to one day under heavy medication.
Mercedes S.
January 16th, 2013
10:31 pm
On Rodney’s poll I tried to vote for Keith but couldn’t. Nor could I see the results.
Lil Red
January 16th, 2013
10:31 pm
So, Katie, how do you really feel? I liked tonight because there weren’t as many crazy bad acts. Not any real standouts either. Wait until tomorrow I guess.
Seth T
January 16th, 2013
11:57 pm
I thought the show was neither real boring or especially entertaining. Same formula rolling film for a few sad back-stories – a few bad acts to look dumb, mixed with a few fairly decent singers.
There are a number of former contestants that we willl see get put through again, that didn’t make the top 24 in the past, so they can roll again. Some will be “producers picks” and the Judges will send them on to Holywood.
Looks like tomorrow night, they will be showing more of the Minaj/Carey fueds – so they’re not editing it all out, but hoping it will draw more Hollywood News interest and get more views.
AtIslander
January 16th, 2013
11:59 pm
I think the judges did a good job tonight actually, pleasantly surprised. Only hopeful that I thought they could have given a chance was the one legged guy, there is some promise there even though he may not have made it far. I thought being the newest/youngest musician, Nicki Minaj held her own with the others, and Randy, thankfully, did not bring out the dawg. Blueberry girl stood out to me from tonight.
JTesla
January 17th, 2013
12:17 am
So far I’m liking Nicki. She’s keeping me interested. Mariah hasn’t annoyed me yet, and the two seem to be frenemies, which will make it even more entertaining. Keith is a good fit and Randy is Randy. So he’ll annoy me once the live shows start.
AtIslander
January 17th, 2013
12:44 am
The hearing impaired girl was fantastic.
‘American Idol’ Premiere: Dueling Divas In NYC - Celebrityrundown.com - Hollywood Celebrity Gossip and Entertainment News Website
January 17th, 2013
3:26 am
[...] as well as showing a compassionate heart. And while The Atlanta-Journal Constitution agreed that the judges brought pizzazz to the panel, will it be enough to lift the flagging series’ [...]
scott anderson
January 17th, 2013
3:50 am
this show is doomed. It has run its course. When you have to have thug nickie and Mariah feuding for ratings, its over.
Sorry, your not ready, come back next year though.
aint going to be no next year.
this show is in the tank.
‘American Idol’ Premiere: Who Won In The Duel Of The Divas: Mariah Carey Or Nicki Minaj? (VIDEO) | Breaking News - Ali Office
January 17th, 2013
4:07 am
[...] as well as showing a compassionate heart. And while The Atlanta-Journal Constitution agreed that the judges brought pizzazz to the panel, will it be enough to lift the flagging series’ [...]
My Blog » My Wordpress Blog » ‘American Idol’ Premiere: Dueling Divas In NYC
January 17th, 2013
4:11 am
[...] as well as showing a compassionate heart. And while The Atlanta-Journal Constitution agreed that the judges brought pizzazz to the panel, will it be enough to lift the flagging series’ [...]
Beverly’s Angela Miller has the look of a winner on ‘American Idol’ premiere – Boston.com » JOBS | RECRUITMENT | RESULTS | UNIVERSITY | ADMISSIONS |
January 17th, 2013
5:20 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Jim
January 17th, 2013
5:39 am
The show overall was dreadful. Predicting the ratings will plummet and it will be the beginning of the end.
‘American Idol’ Premiere: Dueling Divas In NYC | TV Edge - News | Spoilers
January 17th, 2013
6:37 am
[...] as well as showing a compassionate heart. And while The Atlanta-Journal Constitution agreed that the judges brought pizzazz to the panel, will it be enough to lift the flagging series’ [...]
Baltisraul.....
January 17th, 2013
6:57 am
Time to shut this program down!
l
January 17th, 2013
6:59 am
I’m so disappointed. It’s all about the judges and not the singers.
charles
January 17th, 2013
7:19 am
the bright haired woman is more than i can take. does she have some kind of neon lights on her scalp to make her seem like she is aglow? disgusting.
charles
January 17th, 2013
7:21 am
p.s. a fourth option in your poll could have been ‘none of the above’.
Deirdre
January 17th, 2013
7:32 am
Morning!
Ok, I’m not completely disheartened yet. During the first hour, I was more annoyed by Mariah’s “Look at Me aren’t I fabulous” poses and attitude than Nicki. Then during the second hour, Nicki, sensing she may not be getting enough attention went full out on the talking, half of which I couldn’t understand.
Both of them seemed to be ok as far as judging. Keith had some interesting comments when we could hear them over the squabbling.
But it was Randy that surprised me. Pulling no punches, he blatantly told singers they were bad, while the 3 newbies tiptoed around it.
All in all, not bad.
Deirdre
January 17th, 2013
7:37 am
Of the singers last night, I liked Christina(what’s with the “Isabelle”? You need to decide on a name sweetie-pie), Sarah the blueberry girl, Angela and her big loving family and Frankie.
rob
January 17th, 2013
8:15 am
turned it off after 20 minutes, its about Nikki and Mariah and there bitching at each other, not about the contestants, it will get old and they will lose viewers left and right!… they ruined the show, period!
Rickster
January 17th, 2013
8:43 am
‘morning, everyone.
Saw no singers last night that made me think they could win – including Phillip Phillip in the opener.
Still can’t understand how he won.
Already tired of NiMi & Mariah. Didn’t see enough of Keith to know for sure. Randy is still Randy.
Favorite audition was “Phantom of Opera.” Actually made the Lovely and Gracious Mrs. Rickster laugh… and I love her laugh.
Sam-A
January 17th, 2013
8:45 am
I didn’t see the next Idol last night, unless it was one of the number we were told got thru but weren’t shown singing.
I was majorly surprised that Nicki was quite kind to the bad ones, the “Paula” of the group. Of course she had a number of “I’d like to tape her mouth shut” moments, but not as many as Mariah had for me. While Nicki was saying nice turndowns to these poor, delusional folks, Mariah was giggling and smirking – I’d like to have smacked her every time she did it. So for me, round one of the diva battle goes to Nicki.
Keith seems sweet and witty, with maybe a little bit of bite when needed. He’s been on Ellen a couple times, incl this week, and been quite funny with her.
Keep Keith, bring Paula back, and dump the divas – then I’d really be happy.
Anyone noticed how long it takes to go from page to page?
RoHo – you could work out a deal with Mercedes, where you go to her house, meander over to the “bogus rich gals house” and get an interview, if you could stomach it.
Rickster
January 17th, 2013
8:49 am
Or Phillip Phillips even.
sailor12
January 17th, 2013
9:11 am
What kind of pizzazzs can a woman have dressed up like a clown all the time???
Breezy
January 17th, 2013
9:12 am
What part of the show that I saw was too focused on the women judges. Keith Urban offered some constructive comments when he could get it in. I noticed maybe two or three singers I wouldn’t mind listening to, but honestly, I fell asleep about 20 minutes into the show. NM surprised me with her on point comments reference the contestants. MC, is MC with all her glory. So may not be watching too much of the show this year.
mecq
January 17th, 2013
9:15 am
Nicki Minaj is a no talent embarrasment. She can’t sing or dance and looks like she was the victim of a terrible science experiment. Yellow hair with pink roots…Just Trashy..!!!!! I will not watch this show ever again.
Kathleen
January 17th, 2013
9:27 am
I thought Nicki did a great job last night. Mariah’s constant talking under her breath everytime Nicki said something really got on my nerves. While Nicki is normally the one known for the wild outfits, Mariah is the one who showed up with her dress unzipped. Also a dog is NOT an accessory Mimi.
Pandora
January 17th, 2013
9:27 am
I really don’t like the way they are doing all of those special effects with Idol. It’s stupid. It seems to be all about the judges and special effects than it is about the contestants. I really don’t like it. I doubt that I will watch this show. All of the best singers never win. It’s a waste of my time.
Deirdre
January 17th, 2013
9:27 am
There is quite a range of opinions on Nicki’s debut as an Idol judge. This from mj:
See what I mean? Nicki Minaj is definitely the breakout star of American Idol 12 . She’s smart, she’s sassy, she’s eccentric. There’s no telling what will come out of her mouth, but it doesn’t feel contrived. She can be tough when necessary, but also finds a way to make rejected hopefuls leave feeling good.
JTesla
January 17th, 2013
9:29 am
Remember, what we see of the judges is edited for our enjoyment. Some of the faces may not even go with some of the other judges statements.
Can I just throw out there that Nicki is HOT. I wouldn’t kick her out of bed for eating crackers, and I’ve bought a few boxes just in case she wants to come over and do just that. I had to buy a few boxes for my wife too, she’s hoping Keith will swing by with Nicki.
Mercedes S.
January 17th, 2013
9:30 am
Doomsayers are here, so all’s well with Idol!
The Minaj surprised me; not the total idiot I had feared. If she could tone down her distracting appearance in make up – that silver glitter can’t be good for her eyelids – and costumes, I could tolerate the wigs.
And Mariah needs to cut out her pouty diva moves. Just because you’re a big star in one field (see Spears, Britney) doesn’t mean you’ll ace every other project you take on.
Uncle Remus
January 17th, 2013
9:33 am
After what seemed to be a hour long intro, I was able to suffer through Minaj for another 20 min or so. She brings zero class to the table and even less talent. It’s sad the show’s creator had to bring on an auto tune talent to keep the show relevant with today’s youth.
artyc
January 17th, 2013
9:35 am
you were right on poor keith he will not be able to get a word in.
Deirdre
January 17th, 2013
9:37 am
special effects? What special effects. Seriously, Nicki really looks like that!
Moose
January 17th, 2013
9:39 am
Awful, I couldn’t even watch 15 mins of this show. They are so self involved with themselves they didn’t even notice there was some one singing, even though bad, but to bring it to the real,
mariah – too much of a diva to really pay attention
Keith – he wanted a drink and deer in the head lights
nicki – um, no words can describe her unfelt “Oh, you will do good in something else, let me hug you”
Randy – dog, its time to return to something else , you sir, are no Simon
Mercedes S.
January 17th, 2013
9:57 am
Rodney quoted on Huffington Post!
Deirdre
January 17th, 2013
9:58 am
Moose, too bad you didn’t stick with it. The judges settled down and got back to business.
A Dixie Chick
January 17th, 2013
10:02 am
The bickering is very distractive. Nikki, I have no complaint with your music, but you’re not for Idol. I disagree wi th about half the Judges’ picks.
JTesla
January 17th, 2013
10:02 am
Wait, someone reads the Huffington Post?
Rickster
January 17th, 2013
10:08 am
Are we at page 5 yet?