American Idol Top 12 Girls Recap: Girl Power? Some Sizzled But Most of Them Fizzled
So what did I do on the eve of the girls “duking” it out for a spot in the Top 12? I stood in line at the Wal-Mart pharmacy for 20 minutes humming “What a Day for a Daydream”, the song Jason Castro sang (amazingly I might add) on Tuesday night. And why was I humming it? Because I Tivoed American Idol and made my husband watch Jason’s performance so he knew who I was voting for. With that performance fresh on my mind I was eager to see what the Top 12 girls had in store. Would Amanda rock my world? Would Asia’h be even more stunning then I remembered? Would Brooke keep her folksy groove on? Would Carly weather her on-line buzz? I would soon find out and I would be even more interested to see what the line up would be. After all, this was an entertainment show and you had to grab people’s attention in the beginning, keep them interested in the middle, and end it with a bang! So who would go first? Who would land in the middle? Who would end the show? Oh I could hardly wait.
Well, we found out the girls had the flu or at least some of them did! I was sure they would work it out though and if not, we Americans would have sympathy. Randy thought they had a tough act to follow with the guys but Paula thought they could do very well. Of course the judges had me laughing with their bantering back and forth. I won’t take the time to detail their “fight” but it made me laugh out loud. I like to see people have a good time.
As the ladies got ready to sing they of course needed to show a video montage of how they made it into the Top 24. I loved how they did Carrie Underwood’s “Young and Beautiful” to highlight their journey! I’m glad they did that, it helped me remember the gals and why I liked them in the first place.
First up, and I so don’t envy those that have to go first was Kristy Lee Cook. We found out she sold her horse to go to Philadelphia to try out for American Idol! Man, she was very serious about the competition to go to those lengths. She chose to sing “Rescue Me”. She had a good voice and good stage presence and of course looked very pretty. I guess my thought was that vocally I don’t know what she can do yet. The song wasn’t super challenging. I’d love to see her do something that would show her range but maybe that was her range. There also wasn’t a whole lot of energy. I’m sure she did “fine” but she has got to do a lot better to stay in the competition.
Randy talked about the pressure and being the first one out of course. It wasn’t her best performance and she had pitch problems. Paula pointed out she was sick and the first one so what a double whammy. But having said that she said don’t let that get in the way of her shine and performance. Simon said the song didn’t suit her (it was meant to be belted out and she wasn’t a “belt it out” singer) and her performance was robotic and she didn’t make a very good impression. It was simply the wrong song for her. I agree with that. I do have compassion on her though having to go first and for being sick. But, probably not enough compassion to vote.
JoAnne Borgella the plus sized model was up next. Her song sounded way off. I mean bad. Like she was off from the band maybe? She looked amazing though! Oh JoAnne, it was kind of a train wreck. The audience didn’t even really know how to clap with her. Of course Randy had to chuckle, that’s what he does when he doesn’t really like it. He thought it was a little shaky. Paula had seen real confidence in her but it was nerve racking and told her to pull it together and shine through. Simon didn’t like it at all. He told her she had to come out and nail it. She had no confidence and nothing in her vocal to get a hold of to make her a great recording artist. Simon also didn’t accept the nerves excuse. They were all extremely lucky to be there and they needed to grab a hold of it right then and there or they didn’t deserve it. Whew! JoAnne had a great attitude though and again, she looked amazing. Maybe she should stick to modeling.
Next up was the young and darling Alaina Whitaker who didn’t want to go home on her birthday (which was on results night)! How darling and delightful the 16 year old Alaina was. She did great! The girl can sing and she had good energy. She was interesting and she made me sit up and listen to her vocals. She owned it too!! Randy thought she had it going on and she was confident. Paula really liked her. Simon thought she was very good. He didn’t really see nerves but he didn’t like the song…well actually he hated it. If she could make a song as awful as that sound okay he couldn’t wait to hear her sing a good song. She was going to sail through to the next round. Nice praise from Simon! Everyone must love Alaina Whitaker!!
Then it was time for one of my favorites Amanda Overmyer. Hooray for the rock and roll nurse. Well, she was certainly memorable in her performance. I think that was the hardest rock we’ve seen on the show to date Randy loved her trousers and he liked Amanda. Paula loved everything about her. She danced, she scatted, she was who she was. She was the real deal and Paula loved every bit of it. Simon really liked her too. He genuinely thought she was authentic. He didn’t know the song but he hoped she stayed around. She definitely stood out from the rest of the girls. I loved her too. I just wondered if the rest of America would get her?
After Amanda’s energizing performance it was time for Amy Davis, the girl I know nothing about. Well she picked a slow song that she didn’t really make current. She looked great and I think she did have a nice voice but as Randy would say it was “pitchy”. Unfortunately with not much air time and a not so memorable performance with her sliding notes (made me think of Patsy Cline kind of but not as good and the judges thought that too) she may not get another chance. Randy was already chuckling. He didn’t think it was great and there were a lot of pitch problems. Paula said the camera loved her but her nerves got to her and it wasn’t the most engaging song to sing. Simon said it was what it was. It was a boring song. She looked great but didn’t sound great. Simon didn’t think it was her at all. Well, she sure was a sweet girl and very pretty. Maybe she’ll get another shot, but I kind of doubt it.
Then there was Brooke White the nanny. She was so incredibly likeable and down to earth plus I loved her voice! She chose “Happy Together” too, the song David Cook sang on guys night but of course she did it totally different. She was great. I think Brooke is definite Top 12 material with that folksy, smokey voice of hers. Boy was she fun. I loved her and she made me happy.
Randy thought it started a little rough but she got her confidence back and she did well. Paula loved that she has her own thing. She was original and she picked the right song and she did a great job. Simon thought she chose the right song but he was struggling because she was not quite his cup of tea. She was just too nice. Well, I think America will love her. He wants Brooke to go to the dark side and we know she will never cross over Simon!!!
Well, we made it half way through the show. Next up was Alexandrea Lushington. I have always dug her style. Again she looked amazing and had great energy. I loved her! She was hot! She had rhythm and I watched every second of her!! Alexandrea will be one to watch. Randy pointed out that it was all about being young in Season 7. It seemed like the young performers were the ones who really had something going for them. In his eyes, she got it!! Paula loved that she took control of the entrance, she thought about her performance top to bottom and her outfit totally represented her. She had the most confidence too. She also had a great interpretation of the song and it could be on the radio today. Simon didn’t get it at all. He didn’t think the vocals were great and that it would be found in some awful musical. Say what? Simon was way off this time. Usually I agree with him but the girl was good! I did kind of wonder about her higher register but all in all she really does have it going on.
Then it was time for the funny Kady Malloy from Houston, Texas! She was hilarious in her intro video with her obsession with music and her great Britney Spears impression. She was spot on and made me laugh. She tried to tackle “Groovy Kind of Love” but it was kind of dead and boring. She does have a very, very good voice. She was kind of pitchy in spots and almost made me think, oh do I say it? She almost made me think she could sing for Disney’s next animated movie.
Randy thought it was too restrained and controlled. She didn’t let loose and that she got lost in the song. I could see that totally. Paula told her she looked really pretty. Paula wanted to see more fun from her and the personality she had. Simon agreed with Paula. He thought it was “Night of the Living Dead”. He told her when she does impressions she is brilliant but when she did herself she was too “old”. She needed to lighten up. Poor Kady, she was on the verge on tears. Paula told her she’d be around, she was a fun girl so she needed to “just be”. I agreed with Paula. Although, it’s a tough place to be trying to find yourself. She might not have enough time for that!
After Kady’s disappointing performance came the well liked Asia’h Epperson. She was totally living her dad’s dream. She definitely exuded confidence. She was great. She was full of sass and full of who she was all about. She engaged the crowd and really did a great job singing “Piece of My Heart”. She made it her own and was just fantastic. Her smoky voice was memorable and I won’t forget that performance. Randy was impressed. Paula liked that she had fun up there and she had some really good moments in the song. For Simon it was his favorite of the night. She let go, she was fun, she was likeable, she had a good voice, she wasn’t taking herself too seriously. I couldn’t help think that it was a stark contrast to Kady Malloy so it probably made her look even better that she came after her. Is that all part of the Idol plan?
Next was the tiny Ramiele Malubay. Well, she picked a very dramatic song, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”. It was almost like I needed to see her in a smoky night club with a slinky dress and a feather boa! But with that said she had a great voice. Randy loved that she started it slow and then built the song. Randy thought it was very classy, almost like a pro. Paula told her she was a force to be reckoned with and she hoped she sailed right on through. Simon didn’t like her when he first saw her but now he thinks she has outsung every person so far during the show. I agree that vocally she was great but I have yet to connect with Ramiele. She will not win American Idol.
Then it was time for another one of my favorite girls, Syesha Mercado. I think she is so beautiful and has such an amazing voice. She said she sings from her soul and yes she does. She sang “Tobacco Road’ and man can she saaannng. Paula was up and raising her hands! Randy told her that she could definitely sing and all in all he really liked it. Paula thought it was consistant and joyful and fun and big. Simon didn’t think it was her best, best performance because she was probably one of the most talented girls in the competition. She tried hard, it was terrific. She has just got it. Yes she does!
Last up to take the stage was Carly Smithson. I noticed she had on a long sleeved shirt. Was that to hide her tattoo? She does own a tattoo shop in L.A. She shared about how she had a record deal at one time. Well we all know that! It was all over the web and people were not saying very nice things about the poor girl. She may have the best vocals of all the girls but I think I have to see a few more weeks to really decide on that. She had great control and range and had a very polished performance. Randy said that was what the show was all about. He thought it was the best vocal of the Top 24 and she even had bronchitis. Paula said she was reliable and knew she had a tough week (eluding to her sickness or was she eluding to the not so positive on-line buzz). Simon didn’t get her performance. There was so much hype about her and a buzz about her. He thought the song was too old fashioned for her and her mic technique was caberet. It was all a let down to him. He didn’t think it was fantastic. Wow. Totally different opinion than the other two judges. I liked her but I must admit I have been “tainted” by the internet buzz. If I have been who else has been??
With the show finally over I have to say the Top 12 girls were just okay. Honestly there were only a handful of performances that were interesting and made me sit up and take notice. Randy thought the gals were a little hotter than the guys but I don’t agree with that. Simon thought they were pretty evenly matched, the guys and the girls. As the camera panned in on the gals for one last time we got a good look at Alaina Whitaker and do you know who she looks like? She looks like Rogue from X-Men but with blonde hair! She totally looks like Anna Paquin. Yes that was random but I just had to point that out.
The Top 6 girls for the night were hard to pick. I think there were more like a Top 8 where as with the guys there was definitely a Top 6 or 7. So, I guess I better do a Top 8. Now this is based on my “like” factor too, not just vocals. Ramiele may be a great singer but she and I, we just have not connected yet! Unfortunately for Carly I’m having a hard time with her record deal she had before. Not that she doesn’t deserve another chance but something in me loves to see the totally undiscovered win.
1. Syesha Mercado
2. Asia’h Epperson
3. Amanda Overmyer
4. Carly Smithson
5. Brooke White
6. Alaina Whitaker
7. Alexandrea Lushington
8. Ramiele Mulabay
That means that JoAnne Borgella, Amy Davis, Kristy Lee Cook, and Kady Malloy are in serious threat of going home. I have a feeling that JoAnne and Amy may be packing their bags and leaving Hollywood on results night…maybe even Kristy Lee Cook. I just don’t think she has it in her to go all the way. In Hollywood she went back to what she knew and that was “Amazing Grace” which got her a golden ticket. Is what we say of Kristy Lee Cook on Wednesday all that we are going to see? I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
American Idol Top 12 Male Singers Recap: Some Have Just Got It…like Jason Castro, My Next American Idol
Finally! The best talent yet! The live show! The platform to launch someone into super stardom! I’ve been waiting for this night and there are definitely some guys I have my eye on.
Of course all eyes were on Ryan Seacrest to start the show and the very nervous line up of guys. After introducing the judges Randy shared he saw more originality in the guys and he wanted them to keep it real. Paula told them to pick the right song and have a blast. Simon wanted to “motivate” them to show their personality, have originality and obviously they had to sing well. Ryan pointed out that the judges did an excellent job finding the talent this year and I couldn’t agree more!
Next they recapped all 12 guys making it to Hollywood week and then getting that coveted Top 24 spot all to the tune of NONE OTHER than Blake Lewis’ first song “Break Anotha”. Tonight was 60’s theme night. Did they do themes last year? It sure didn’t seem like they did. It seemed like they could pick whatever! Always something new on Idol!
First up was David Hernandez, another Idol from Glendale Arizona. Wasn’t that where Jordin Sparks was from? David was raised by a single mom and has used singing as a way to escape from the hard times in life. He shared about how the decision wasn’t unanimous for him to be in the Top 12 and he was challenged by Simon telling him to work a heck of a lot harder. He looked great, he had great stage presence and he sounded great. What a great way to start the show. He didn’t exude a ton of energy but I liked David. You had to give him props for going first. That last note was a little off but hey, for his first time in front of millions of critics he wasn’t so bad.
The judges had pretty good reviews. Randy thought he proved it in the front of the song and that the competition was on! Paula felt for him going first and thought he had brilliant vocals. Simon said it was better than he thought it was going to be. He told him to loosen up because he was so stiff and nervous. All in all, good reviews for David. How tough going first though. Man, I would want to barf if I was him. Oh, and he has a GREAT smile!
Next up was Chikezie Ezie who didn’t make it past Hollywood week last year. So, he went home, worked hard and they saw the difference between last year and this year. Oh Chikezie. What were you wearing? I know it was 60’s theme week but I was not digging the suit. He did however connect very nicely with the camera and was more confident toward the end. I’m sure nerves would play a huge part for all of the guys on their first night. Randy thought it was pretty good but old fashioned and needed an injection of new. Paula thought he did a very nice job, that he had come a long way and she liked him. I think Simon didn’t like him. Actually Simon hated the whole performance. The suit was hideous, the wink was hideous, the “woo” was hideous, and he was old fashioned, corny, and cheesy. Dang, Simon! I do agree with Simon but certainly wouldn’t have had the guts to say it like he did. I think Chikezie is going home.
After the polyester left the stage it was then time for David Cook. I love David!! He had a great rock vibe through auditions. He was also a very easy going guy. David sang “So Happy Together” and truly made it his own. He rocked the mic stand (which some people hate but it doesn’t bother me) and was original. Rock on David Cook, rock on! Randy thought it was a little weird at first but then he totally worked it out. Paula loved it and he made something original. Simon thought it was good but he shouted a little bit in the middle. Simon strangely liked it. Good news all around from the judges. David is not going anywhere!
With David’s rockin’ version fresh in my head the happy Jason Yeager was up next. He was mostly doing this for his son so he knew that you could achieve your dreams. So Jason sat on a stool first and sang “Moon River”. How did he go from kind of a rock starish guy in auditions to a happy Harry Connick Jr.? That is trippy. I’m not sure I connected with him but he did have a very nice voice. It was just surreal, almost like I was watching an old movie. So Randy thought he did a pretty good job but a little pitchy like he lost his concentration. Simon thought he came over much older on the song and it was very cruise ship which Jason admitted that even the vocal coaches had said that! Yikes Jason! That could send you home!! You are too honest!
Next up was Robbie Carrico. I love all the hats and bandana’s he sports. He talked about touring with a boys and girls group back in the day and touring with Britney Spears. When he got back he wanted to do rock. I love him!! He sang the song “One” and did fabulous. He’s a rock star! He was exciting, extremely likeable and the chicks are going to totally dig him.
Randy thought it was a nice version. He “moved” Randy. Paula thought it was the perfect song pick and he was authentic. He looked fantastic and the vocals weren’t over the top but rather right in the pocket. Simon thought it was the only performance so far that had really made sense, that he was current. Simon was struggling a little bit with authenticity though. Was Robbie really a rock star or a pop singer? Robbie was like all the way rock. Simon has yet to be totally convinced though. I could see where Simon was coming from but if Robbie really is rock then he will prove it soon enough.
So with praise fresh on the judges lips the delightful David Archuleta took the stage. Can he get any more darling!?? He looked great, he picked an upbeat song and he worked it! I thought it might have been a tiny bit low for him but overall he really had the best performance of the night so far. Great stage presence! He did AWESOME!!!! Plus, the crowd loved him! Randy thought he sang it so mature for 17 and he loved it. Paula thought it was brave and bold and they had never seen that side of him. Simon said that when you’ve got it you’ve got it and it was by a comfortable mile the best performance of the night. What I love about David was he was so shy in person and then transformed as a performer. Hello, America is in love with David! He totally said the right things too as he was interviewed. He is for sure the cutest. Ryan was like you can only vote for him, not adopt him. Ryan!!! You so crack me up!
Then it was time for another one of the “young” guys to take the stage. Danny Noriega had made it to Hollywood last year but got cut on the first day. Last year he wasn’t himself and he wasn’t ready. This year he made it thought and for his first performance he picked ELVIS!! So as he shimmied to “Jailhouse Rock” I totally enjoyed him. He looked awesome and he brought a different vibe. I loved it! Now, did Simon? I don’t know, but I did. Randy loved that he knew how to have a “Danny” good time. The vocals were okay, but the song choice didn’t allow him to do his thing. So, it was only kinda hot. Paula thought he had one of the most amazing vocals of the group but he chose a safer song that just allowed him to be a performer. Simon thought it was a performance verging on grotesque. Paula was crying practically after that so they had a big tangle and drama, drama, drama. But, Danny had the last word when he sassily looked at Simon and said that “some people weren’t liking it”. He’ll be just fine. We’ll all vote him through to show his colorful vocals next week! Danny is my new BFF!
With that the colorful and sassy Danny was done for the night leaving Luke Menard to take the stage. He had auditioned in Season 6 and didn’t even make it to Hollywood! He certainly was an even keel guy without much energy to him. Would I like him? Well, he was a little boring during his song, okay, incredibly boring but he did have a good voice. Oh Luke, you just lack oomph. It’s okay to be quiet and shy off camera but you’ve got to have a spark in your performance. Randy thought the song was pitchy and never settled for Randy. Paula didn’t think it was the best song choice for him. She knew his range was amazing and he had a Kenny Loggins feel about him. Simon said it was forgettable and that Luke fell into the worst trap ever. That no one was going to remember him. In the competition you have to stand out, you have to put your stamp on it. Oh Luke, you are so going home!
Then there was Colton Berry with a theater background and an urge to sing the “Teletubbies” theme song in his head when he was stressed. He picked an Elvis song too and I thought he sounded good, had great stage presence and really connected. I liked Colton!!! He got Paula to her feet anyway. Man did he have tight pants on though! Paint those babies on! Randy thought he did a pretty good job on it and had a good time. Paula liked seeing a different side of him, he had fun. She didn’t think it was his best performance but he gave it an eager and fun twist. Simon thought it was okay but his problem was that Colton was a young kid who might have a career but no relevance to the competition. They were looking for a recording artist. Simon didn’t think he represented himself well enough for the night. He wanted unique, special, and current. Simon then said they all needed to work more on their vocals and less on their hair. I wondered if he was remembering Sanjaya…
Speaking of hair the next to go was Garrett Haley. Do I like him or not? I’m not sure. I’ve never really seen much of him except his serious hair that I want to cut. Well, he’s only 17 years old and he made it this far. He was in San Diego on vacation with his family and decided to just go and try out for American Idol. I loved that about him! Confidence was an issue for him in Hollywood but they loved that he was always such a positive guy. He chose a slow song to sing and he really did have a great voice but the song kind of dragged. If he makes it awhile I could see him being a teen heart throb of sorts. I’m sure he was shaking in his boots!! I thought he opened up toward the end though. Definitely a unique voice for this young man. Randy pointed out he didn’t do anything with it and that it was kind of boring. Paula encouraged him to not be afraid to mix it up. Simon thought it was boring, his voice sounded whiney, he looked terrified, haunted, and pale like he had been shut up in his bedroom for a month. I thought he looked gaunt too but it may just be all that hair on his small frame. As for haunted and pale I think he was just extremely nervous. He’ll do better next week. Simon told him to get some fresh air and make himself young and relevant. Well, no matter that they dogged on him, he’ll make it through.
Okay, so my favorite part of the night. Jason Castro!! I loved him! He had only sung in public like five times before Hollywood week. How endearing is that?! He’s a drummer and plays guitar and he’s extremely laid back. He also has a kickin’ voice. He shared that he always hung out in the back so this first time on stage was the biggest performance of his life. Jason chose to play his guitar and sing. Okay, I am totally in love with Jason Castro! He is totally my favorite. He is unique, he has a recording voice, he is groovy and he is humble. He is my NEXT AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!!! The camera loved him. He was just so relaxed and at ease and had great stage presence. What a perfect song choice. You rock Jason!!!!!! Randy liked the guitar vibe, thought it was a little pitchy but it was alright. It didn’t blow him away. What? What are you saying Randy!!! What are you saying to my next American Idol!! Randy got it wrong. Paula was blown away. That’s right girl! He nailed it. She loved that he was a performer. Simon thought it was in the top 2 performances of the night because he, like David, has just got it. Simon thought it was terrific. I’m so on the Jason Castro band wagon. Jason shared that it was scary up there and he was kind of in shock. That totally appeals even more. America wants to find that undiscovered raw talent and Jason has it!!!
Finally Michael Johns took the stage, the very good looking and extremely talented Australian. He wanted to be judged on his voice and passion (not the novely of being Australian but that certainly doesn’t hurt him!). He picked a great song by The Doors, “Light My Fire”. Michael had another perfect song choice. I do love Michael Johns too! He has some serious talent. He made it his own too. Hot, hot, hot! Randy loved that he threw all caution to the wind. Paula said it was a great ending to the show. Simon told him that he was the most consistent contestant out of all of them. Simon loved every audition so far of his. He just has it. That would be three of them now that just have it. Michael Johns, Davie Archuleta, and Jason Castro! Plus Simon said he is a total lead singer. I could see Michael fronting a band like Chris Daugherty. He will definitely have a career after this!
So, tonight here are my list of favorites and quite possibly the Top 6 guys to make it all the way through.
1. Jason Castro
2. Michael Johns
3. David Archuleta
4. David Cook
5. Robbie Carrico
6. Danny Noriega
Then there was David Hernandez, Colton Berry, Garrett Haley, Jason Yeager, Luke Menard, and Chikezie Ezi. Sorry guys, I think you will be going home over the next 3 weeks. First to go will be Luke Menard and Chikezie Ezi though or quite possibly Jason Yeager.
With that Ryan totally DISSED SIMON by not thanking him but thanked everyone else in the world. Next up the Top 12 girls perform. Will any of them win me over more than Jason Castro? I think not.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
American Idol Top 24 “Final Judgment”: Cocky Doesn’t Cut It
With an obvious movie plug for “Jumpers” which by the way I can’t wait to see, Hayden Christenson and Ryan Seacrest did a little “Jumper” intro for who was going to be in the Top 24 for American Idol. I loved it! They started off somewhere in Egypt and then “jumped” back to Hollywood for the results. Ryan then invited Hayden over to watch him host the Emmy’s on tape and Hayden “jumped” somewhere else. I’m so glad Ryan is such a great sport!
So, it was 7:30 a.m. and the “kids” were eating breakfast while Simon, Paula, and Randy were still deliberating over who the final 24 would be. It must be tough to pick just 12 guys and 12 girls.
The list was complete but Simon Cowell was not happy with some of the choices and was obviously irritated.
In the holding room the contestants must have had some serious nerves to wait to see if they would make it or not. The first contestant to “find out” was Ronald Hodge (who I kind of remembered from earlier shows) and it was a “no” for him. Too bad for Ronald. Then Nina Shaw (who I kind of remembered from earlier shows) didn’t make it either or a couple other girls I had never seen.
Then it was Carly Smithson’s turn. She had better make it! That girl can sing. She had to make it. That poor girl just sat there and bawled as Paula talked through the audition process and how she did and blah, blah, blah, and then finally told her she made it. Simon was like put her out of her misery and tell her already Paula! I agreed. As Carly cried her way in relief to the elevator Simon was like you tortured her Paula!! She really did.
Next was David Cook the rocker who Simon wasn’t crazy about but I’m sure the rest of us were! Oh yeah! He made it. Then Amanda Overmyer the rock and roll nurse made it too. Oh hooray. We need Amanda on the show, a true through and through for real rock girl.
Up next was darling David Archuleta who was only 16 years old with that amazing voice. But was he ready? Was he confident enough? Could he handle the pressure as a 16 year old? It was unanimous from the judges that David was put through into the Top 24. I was thrilled.
As we visited the holding room again I couldn’t help but imagine sitting down in that room waiting and waiting was absolute torture. Some of them had to sit there eight or more hours!! Thankfully for Kristy Lee Cook it was her turn. She was the gal who resorted back to Amazing Grace for her final audition to play it safe and do what she knew she could do. Kristy made it! She was most certainly a lovely lady but would she stand out? Would her vocals stand out enough? We’ll have to see come next week.
Then there was Brooke White the nanny who was called to face the judges next and she was already crying as she stepped off the elevator to meet with them. She was super emotional with anticipation and why wouldn’t she be. This would be the end of the road for her if she did not make it. Well, no fear here! Brooke made the cut. Good thing or she would have had to have been scraped off the floor.
Next up was Danny Noriega who was hoping his hair was pretty enough to make it through and of course he did. Why wouldn’t he with that great voice of his!! So did Jason Castro, Luke Menard, and Alexandrea Lushington. They were all people I sort of remembered. After they got the good news that they made it into the Top 24 it was Ramiele Malubay’s turn to face the music. Who could forget that itty bitty girl with the big power voice? Well, they didn’t waste anytime with her but sent her right on through. All those nerves for nothing!
Sadly more had to be cut and the incredibly cordial and polite cowboy didn’t make it but he had a great attitude. After shedding an imaginary tear I quickly forgot the loss and was eager to see if Michael Johns the Australian would make it to the live show. Yes! He made it! He rocked Hollywood week. All was right in the world once again.
Thankfully my favorites (you know, all the good ones they highlighted these past three weeks) were making it through. Would another one of my favorites Syesha Mercado make the cut? The beautiful lady who lost her voice during Hollywood week. I happen to know that her last audition should have sealed the deal for her for sure. She was nervous of course but Paula played a little game with her and was so cute. She asked her how to spell her first name? That would be S-Y-E-S-H-A. There was a YES in her first name. Woohooo. Syesha MADE it!!
As Syesha bounded away toward the elevator for a most jubilant trip back to the holding room it was now Robbie Carrico’s turn to find out his fate. With two rockers through would they want another one? Well, he definitely shone bright at Hollywood week. Simon told him that it wasn’t unanimous but he and Randy decided to put him through. Paula was like and me too Simon! He really did have all three of them behind him. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him; he wasn’t really featured much on the show so far but he’s likeable and what we did see was good singing.
By five o’clock that night there were still contestants waiting. The judges sent through Garrett Haley (I remember the hair), Kady Malloy (I remember the name), and hooray for Chikezie Eze. I hadn’t seen much of him since the audition city but I’m glad to see him make the final cut. Then Amy Davis (huh), Alaina Whitaker (who), and Jason Yeager (what) made it. Who they heck are they? I love how Idol doesn’t give everyone the same air time! That could be a problem for them. However, Jason Yeager’s reaction was just…I hate to use the word, but precious. He was so excited and then he wanted to cry and he was just so full of joy. It totally made me want to see more of him.
So on and on the clock ticked and finally we got to see Asia’h Epperson. She should make it! Would she make it? Would the loss of her father be something that could hold her back? I think not. She really was the whole package. Well of course she made the Top 24! There were no surprises there. Then it was David Hernandez’s turn. He made it through but it wasn’t unanimous?? What? Why wasn’t it unanimous? He was wonderful. He got a no from one of the judges. I wonder who didn’t want him. Simon? Oh yes, it was Simon. Simon told him to work a heck of a lot harder if he wanted a chance at winning. I wonder why? Is he too boy band for Simon? They edit the show so obviously Simon saw something “weak” in him.
With the day almost over only a couple people were left in the holding room and one of those people was Josiah Leming, an early favorite in my opinion. He thought he was going to be put through but he didn’t know for sure. His gut feeling was yes but man, what did they decide for him? Let’s review. He was groovy at the city auditions. The judges sent him through not sure what to think of his British accent when he sang. Then he wowed during Hollywood week for his first audition but did more than a nose dive, I mean he crashed and burned with no wreckage left in his final audition. Randy pointed out that Hollywood week was bumpy for him and then told him that he did not make it. He needed more consistency and needed to find out who he was. Wow. I almost couldn’t believe that they didn’t send him through. Almost. America likes the humble (remember Simon found him overconfident) and Josiah was just too young and emotionally not mature enough. He cried at everything which I found endearing…to an extent. Don’t get me wrong. I totally would have voted for him every week. I totally dug his style. But, I think it was a unanimous vote to NOT send him through. Well, it was a no go for Josiah. I hope he is okay.
Finally they had the final two guys and the final two gals. Colton Berry (good voice and great hair guy) and Kyle Ensley (super nice resident politician with kind of a glee club voice) were pitted against each other. Who out of those two would they pick? Simon thought a lot of people would like Kyle but Colton had the more trained voice. It wasn’t a unanimous decision and it was very difficult for them to choose. Kyle’s road ended for him (really, I thought for sure he would make it) but Colton got the last male spot on the show. Simon wholeheartedly disagreed with the decision (no offense Colton) to send Colton through because Kyle had something special and people would have really enjoyed him. So, Colton had to sit there and endure that but hopefully it will spur him on to more greatness. Well, maybe Kyle is just meant to be president someday, not bear the American Idol crown. Sniff, sniff. I really hoped Kyle would make it!
The final two gals were Cardin McKinney (she moved to Tennessee to pursue her dreams) and JoAnne Borgella (the plus sized model). I was never too impressed with Cardin except I totally dug her name. JoAnne really should make it out of the two based on performance alone. She was the better singer. Hooray for JoAnne!! She did make it! Now they can all go back home and go to sleep. Even the ones that got cut would have to agree sleeping in their own bed (or car) would be a little slice of heaven after four days of brutal auditions.
I can’t wait until next week. It’s hard to pick so early on who is going to do well and who will not. We’ve seen in past seasons some that were so good in auditions just blow it with song choice and nerves when they hit the live show. But, I would have to say I have my eye on David Archuleta, Michael Johns, Robbie Carrico, David Hernandez (Simon, I don’t get why you didn’t like him), Danny Noriega, and Jason Yeager because of his response for making the cut. For the ladies, whew. Okay, it is way harder to just pick a few gals but my TOP FOUR are Amanda Overmyer, Asia’h Epperson, Syesha Mercado, and Carly Smithson. I also like Brooke White (the nanny) and also Alexandrea Lushington. She certainly has got it going on in vocals and style from what I can remember from her city audition.
But, the true test will be in less than one week when they take the big Idol stage for the first time to perform in front of millions of us. They will have to lay it all out there for the world to see and be secure and hope that America loves them enough to pick up their phone and vote. No matter how good they perform next week at least four of them are saying goodbye to their American Idol dreams. They could all do their best, be the most amazing ever, not forget one note and be perfectly in tune. They could all dress right, look right, perform right, and be right. But the fact of the matter is that no matter if everyone puts there best foot forward people are going to have to lose. Because as we all know…there can only be one American Idol.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
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