American Idol lands in San Diego CA to the strains of the Ramone’s covering the surf classic “Warm California Sun.” AI so needs to have a Ramone’s night.
Like, Gabba gabba hey!
American Idol Auditions, San Diego style. It’s short and sweet. I like the kinder, gentler auditions. This brand new audition paradigm means always starting the show with a talented singer…
Tetiana Ostapowych 24 - Venice, CA - “Someone to Watch Over Me” - Tetiana has that Paris Hilton look. She has her demeanor too–she acts vague, like she’s too cool for the room. My grandpa owns hotels, BITCH. Which is probably why Simon says that she’s not as good as she thinks she is. Despite her cool exterior, she’s able to warm up the room once she sings. Despite his reservations, Simon joins Paula and Randy as they send her off to Hollywood.
Perrie Cataldo 27, Phoenix AZ - “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men - Perrie has a backstory that’s tailor made for the chicks. He’s a single dad, struggling to raise a kid on his own. His little girl boy (seriously, I had to look twice, the fem ponytail is a little confusing) was left mom-less when she died in January 05. Perrie is vague about the circumstances of her death. Apparently, Mom was hanging out with the wrong crowd. Dad is articulate, and the little boy is Tee Vee adorable. Unfortunately, Perrie’s audition is a big bunch of boy band blandness, complete with corny hand gestures. But I suppose it’s cool for those who dig that sort of thing. (I don’t.) All the judges like him, especially Paula who gets all googly-eyed while he sings. That little boy sure is cute. “My Poppy is going to Hollywood.”
Michael Johns 28, Los Angeles, CA - “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” by Otis Reading. Micheal is from Australia, but has been in America since he was 18. He’s definitely rocking the blue-eyed soul thingy. Plus, he’s cute. BONUS! I like this one. So do the judges. Simon says, “I thought that was a very good audition.” Randy says, “100 percent YES.” His audition is over in a flash, without much backstory to speak of. However, internet peeps have dug up plenty on Michael, including a failed record deal and some sour grapes with his former band members. Will that ever be mentioned on the show? Doubtful.
Now for some suck:
Marat Hayrapetyan 22, Sherman Oaks CA - What the hell?
Christopher Mitchell 19, Citrus Heights CA - As if the goat boy vibrato isn’t bad enough, at moments Christopher sounds like his balls are suddenly caught in a vise. Not pleasant!
Tehilla Lauder 28, Studio City, CA - Melisma gone terribly, terribly wrong…
Valerie Reyes 20, Riverside CA - “Against All Odds”, Mariah Carey version - Long time Idol watchers know by now, an Idol contestant who says that her friends tell her she sings just like Mariah Carey, is advance warning that her singing is going to make your cat howl. Valerie is set up to think she’s awesome, but of course we know the big smackdown is coming. Especially when she says she thinks the bad auditions are hilarious. Valerie sings like she suffering from some weird respiratory disorder, and when she goes for the Mariah dog-whistle notes, it’s beyond description. At first, she doesn’t seem to understand that the judges hated it. Simon says, “The only resemblance to Mariah Carey is if Mariah Carey’s CD was left out in the sun for a year.” I’m calling shenanigans, though, because the scene looked highly edited. I’d be curious to know what really went down. After the judges reject her, Valerie is horrified. She tells the camera, “OMG Now I’m going to be one of the rejects…this is sooo not cool.”
Joseph and Juanita Mejia 21 & 17, Menifee, CA - “Get Here” by Oleta Adams - OMG. A brother-sister act? He’s dressed in a huge Mexican hat and matching poncho. He sings. She’s dressed in black, and mimes the lyrics. So random, so bizarre. I love it. LOLZ as the kids say.
Monique Gibson and Christopher Baker - They come in as a pair. Their interviews are dead serious as they talk about their excellent chances to make it to Hollywood. Chris says he thinks they are both Hollywood material and have the look. For reals? After 6 seasons, could there possibly be auditioners who are still this clueless? We’ll probably find out that they are acting students from Cal State San Diego, or something. That would actually make me feel better if it were true.
Monique Gibson 24, San Diego, CA - “I Believe in Miracles” by Whitney Houston - Simon says, “You look like 3 different people dressed you.” Why do these horrible singers pick such big songs? Monique keeps trying different tunes. She’s so desperate, it’s sad. Simon says, “I think this is going to be pointless.” Monique bursts into tears, and swears she’ll be back.
Christopher Baker 22, San Diego, CA - “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston - After Christopher’s tone deaf and deer-in-the-headlights performance, Simon says, “No children will be laughing after that.” Indeed. Christopher keeps singing, until he’s escorted out by security.
Samantha Musa 20, Baldwin Park, CA - “Until You Come Back to Me” by Aretha Franklin - Samantha thinks Simon is really really hot. So does her sister. As Samantha walks into the audition room, a paper airplane sails into the room ahead of her. It’s a love note for Simon from her sister! Natch. It says, “Simon, please let me in!” Ok, this chick is cool. Simon invites sister to help judge, and she sits on his lap. And then it turns out that Samantha is a really good singer–soulful and confident, even as she squeaks a little on a high note. Her singing is the icing on the cake of a really cute segment. Everyone says yes, even Sis.
Swish! Day two…
Blake Boshnack 22, Long Beach, NY - “Stand By Me” - Blake auditioned in 10 cities since Season 3. He’s the dude who dressed like the Statue of Liberty in Season 5. Back then, Simon only let him get a few words out. This year, he gets more camera time and a backstory. Mom is obsessed with Blake becoming the next American Idol. Mom is a little pathetic. Or maybe they cooked up a lame backstory to get camera time. After 10 tries, I would not be surprised. Dressed normally now, Blake performs and he’s not a bad singer. If this was his first try, the judges might have let him through. All the loser baggage he’s carrying works against him, however, and the judges all say no.
Montage of loser peeps–my favorite is Sarah Long, whose tuneless and unintelligible warblings garner her a comparison to that master of bad auditions, William Hung. She should be flattered! Ha.
Alberto Hurtado 28 - Chula Vista, CA - Alberto muses about spending too much time in his imagination. He’s crafty! He’s brought a Barbie doll stuck on a stick that he twirls around. Psychedelic! And he’s made a huge fan that says, “American Idol Fan” and a smaller fan for Paula. Weird! He throws around a bunch of self-help buzzwords. Alberto is like a New Age nightmare. So, it’s not surprising when he chooses to sing an original composition–a self-indulgent dirge called “Live”. OMG, when he sings “standing here with my heart upon my sleeve” he holds out his arm and there is a little pink heart on his cuff. Simon rolls his eyes. He totally creeps out the judges. Maybe it’s the three inch long Lee press on nails he’s sporting. But its probably the really bad singing. “Well, Alberto,” Simon says, “That cheered us up.”
Aaron Garrett 28, Stockton CA - “Leave Me Alone Now” - Or something like that. He keeps singing the same line over and over again. Not quite as catchy as “I Am Your Brother.” Ok, not catchy at all. But the tunelessness coupled with the spastic finger snaps crack me up.
David Archuletta 16 - “Waiting On the World to Change” - David’s big backstory is that he won Star Search when he was 13 years old had vocal paralysis a few years ago, but is better now. Yeah, Google the name peeps. That’s all I’m sayin’. David already has a ton of buzz on the internet, because of his TV past. He’s a decent singer, but in my opinion he does not live up to the hype. But, he’s awfully cute in that Jonas Brothers/Disney sort of way, so I expect he could do real well with the ‘tweens. The judges are wicked impressed, and David moves on. Simon likes David’s song choice. I’ll give him that. So far, however, I’m not blown away.
Carly Smithson - Sorry Carly Hennessy, using your married name is not gonna fool peeps at this point. This audition is billed as her second chance but actually, it’s her third. The first was when she was signed to MCA at age 18. The second was her Season 5 audition. She was Simon’s chosen one, but had to drop out due to visa problems. This is her third, and it comes amid a storm of controversy. These days, her husband runs a tattoo shop. She’s covered in them herself. She sings, and it’s underwhelming. She sounds like a poor gal’s Kelly Clarkson. We’ve got one of those, already. Thanks. When she breaks down in her after-interview and says, “Everything’s been right in front of me, but I have not been able to grab it,” I feel sorry for her. I actually don’t think a failed major label debut should keep a contestant out of this competition. I don’t begrudge an artist trying to get a break any way they can. Even if a prior break doesn’t pan out. With all the negative press, Carly now has an uphill battle to climb, before she’s even begun. It doesn’t help that her audition was average…
The show ends with a long montage of Golden Ticket winners. Thirty people make it to Hollywood from San Diego. Tonight: American Idol heads to Charleston, SC.
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Awww. That little kid was too cute!
Daddy is a pretty fine singer, too.
Please… David Archuleta auditions and Star Search isn’t even mentioned? We’re all so stoopid that we don’t know how to use the internets? No one watched that show? Guhhhh.
MJ = Michael Johns
So far I liked the girl who was last on Day 1, pretty decent singer. I have to admit to not wanting to like Carly after all the hoopla over her, but but but, that girl can really sing. Honestly looking forward to hearing her each week since no doubt she will make it through.
The tattoo was gross, but she can sing.
I like that Michael guy…..
Was Carly that Carly everybody’s talking about? She’s got a good voice, but she’s got to have more than a voice to make it through AI.
Michael Johns was awesome.
I can’t believe David messed up. Nerves? You’d think he’d be a pro at this.
Well that was an hour of my life that I won’t get back.
I was sitting on the couch right in front of the TV and I barely watched. Am I the only one who hates the audition shows? Get to the competition already!
Carly was good, that tattoo, not so good. Please cover it up ASAP! Show was pretty boring tonight. Oh wait, I love that 16 YO boy, is that Michael? Love him!
Sheesh. David Archuletta. Never done this before, huh, guy? A totally untested talent. Oh yeah.
I liked Michael Johns as well. Gosh, though, sounded like the judges had NEVER heard a blue-eyed soul singer tryout on their show…EVER! It’s not as if one won it or anything.
Gimme a break on poor, tearful Carly. I guess that big recording contract was part of her “bad” years. And her husband skeers me. I am not into that look, nosiree.
Micheal Johns didn’t get the “I sold my horse” back story. Carly got the “second chance” at Idol (not a major label.) I wonder if the audience is going to get invested emotionally in this Season.
I enjoyed tonight’s auditions very much… Michael, Samantha, David, and Carly each had one of the best auditions so far. The people I was watching with loved Carly in particular… and after I told them the story of her record deal past, it actually didn’t bother them. I hope most folks can look past that and vote based on the talent showcased in the performances; that’s where the fun is for me!
I have to fire up the DVR so I can fast forward through the commercials and kooks. I wonder how long it will take? Last week I was able to go through the two hour show in about 20 minutes.
Jokie: I’m tolerating it. It wasn’t long tonight, it was only 1 hour. But I bet this David guy makes it all the way to the top because — he’s what the music industry wants — 16 y.o. chick magnet (Jonas Brothers), has growth potential. he could very well be the youngest one to win.
This season isn’t shaping up too good for the AI Powers-That-Be. Carly probable got married since last time (and her last million dollar recording deal). That must be how she got her green card and can do the show this time. And that’s how they are going to get around the “They Changed Her Name” issue. All in all, this season is already starting to form a bad odor!
Well, I didn’t know Carly was in Season 5. I kind of sorta remember her. She’s looking for another record contract, but you know — she doesn’t need AI to get a contract. 19E can sign her like that - snap! She needs AI to build a fan base!
Video and Screencaps for everyone. Enjoy :)
http://slimtainment.com/idolblog/1092
I was predisposed not to like Carly either, and so I didn’t. She definitely has the most powerful voice out of the girls so far this season. I like how Simon was like what?! at her supposed nervousness, and I thought the look she gave after Simon said, “That wasn’t as good as 2 years ago” was HILARIOUS.
I don’t think they ever showed her audition. Basically, the buzz was…two years ago, there was this Irish girl that blew away the judges, but we didn’t hear anything about her. Some thought she could have been Becky O’Donaghue, but we later learned that the Irish girl had visa problems.
Wasn’t crazy about the show as a whole. I thought Michael was the best one by far (although David wasn’t bad… he has potential. After all, he IS only! 17!). Anyway, Michael is a fantastic singer and he’s gorgeous. I’ve found my eyecandy for the season. Too bad cheese has already claimed him as her tv bf! ;)
PS - Ladybug, we missed you in chat. :)
Don’t tell Taylor, but I’m crushing on Michael. Heck, I can just listen to him talk……… Very Nice Otis cover.
Sorry, but David A. and Carly the Irsh girl were barely above average….neither will go very far.
Michael is precious — the little kid at the beginning, more precious!
Carly is a mess. Sings fine but, picture the AI stylists trying to fix *that*. And, then, up front, first row, some goon who escaped from the circus. (too bad, if you can see beyond the mass of ink, he’d be kinda cute). Why do people do that?
Interesting info about Micheal Johns (changed his name from Micheal Lee) here. I don’t know if the song stuff is true but he was signed with Maverick Records and I guess put out an album.
http://therisingsucks.com/
Ooh! Just watched a video of Michael Johns with his old band “The Rising” - can I say he’s on my short list?!! WOOHOO!! Shades of Constantine, in performance moves, that is…
What I thought was sweet was that Carly said her husband was reluctant to come along because he didn’t want people to misjudge her based on his tattoos. I thought he seemed sweet indeed - although I didn’t really care for Carly’s singing voice much.
I am beginning to think right now, that David Aruchuleta is indeed the chosen one. He has potential to grow and they can market him to the Jonas Brothers crowd. They sure pimped him a lot for a so so audition.
Michael and Carly were just OK to me. Carly can really sing, but I dunno, I just don’t like her. There’s something about her.
I think my favorite still is Colton Swon. Heh. Eyebrows and all. I think he has potential to grow too and is perfect for the country scene.
I thought Carly’s audition was a big bunch of oversung bleh. The tears were a bit much, given the back story. Please invest another 2 million dollars in me! Don’t be afraid of my cute husband’s scary tattoos! I’ve been under a rock waiting for America to give me a chance! Ugh.
I lol’d at the girl who sang Until You Come Back To Me exactly like Kat did. I thought Peisha would pop up from behind a curtain or something. At least she wasn’t a blond country singer.
They were trying so hard to give David Archuleta a backstory that didn’t include the words “star” or “search” Letting him gush at Ryan about his “vocal paralysis” for 12 minutes seemed like overkill to me. His singing was good for a kid who is just!17!, but I think I enjoyed Sanjaya’s initial audition more last year. David wasn’t cute enough to grab my 10 year old’ daughter’s attention.
Speaking of attention-grabbing, hello Michael Johns! Loved his voice and other various attributes. Heh. Turns out that I don’t mind plants when they are hot 28 year old Otis-Redding singing boys. Simon’s “so you’re a white soul singer” comment made me laugh
David was on Star Search????? I missed that somewhere. How’d he do?
He won.
Overall, I wasn’t impressed much by shown auditions tonight.
David A. sounded so different from his MySpace recordings as if he has lost his voice, which happened to many child prodigies. It’s a difficult transition, I’m not sure he can make it..
Carly Smithson? LOL. Who are they trying to kid? I was expecting some honesty from TPTB and I was wrong. She is trying the rocker chick route? She is just as good as Gina Glocksen, which is not saying much. I feel soory for her because I can sense her desperation.
MJ was actually good and a bright spot for the night.
Okay… What????????????????????????????????????????
I was very unimpressed with Carly. This is the one who they dropped millions of dollars on?? What the? Seriously. Decent voice, I guess, but nothing special to me. Also, where’s the charisma? Total Meh.
I liked Michael Johns. I didn’t really get that much of a soul vibe off him though. Thought he was more of a rocker.
I liked David Archuleta a lot. He’s someone I could root for.
Totally tired of the audition rounds. Ready for the meat of the show.
And, I have to say, even with the stupid ringers, I still love this silly-ass show.
I have found three or four this week and last week that I don’t mind listening to when the show goes live, including Carly who is not my fave & her fugly tat’s & contract. Problem is, no one stands out for me.
They all seem to have *nice* voices. Nothing to make me sit up and go wow. No one whose cd I would buy. No one I would pay to see perform.
3 or 4 pretty blondes. One who looks and sounds a bit like Carrie, do we need another Carrie? One who sounds like Brittney, do we need another Brittney? The guys, Michael is so so, David? If he is the chosen one then I do believe this is the last year for me and Idol. That kid is ok, but he is not a great singer. Is the show turning to the tweens? Huge mistake at this point.
Where is the diamond in the rough? *sigh*.
I highly doubt we will be seeing any diamonds in the rough. One of the most compelling aspects of the show too. Annoying.
The problem with this season is that the producers are trying to hard to find PERFECTION! and PRETTY PEOPLE, that I fear it will be a snooze show. AI needs controversy. We don’t want Stepford Wives and pretty boys who all sing on key and know how to work the stage because of their professional background.
If litle David can’t remember his words at this level, he forgot and screwed up the words in at leat 3 - 4 places in that short rendition……..he’s major league screwed when it comes to the Hollywood rounds and up……….that and he’s barely an average singer.
I was pleased to see a few women get through who weren’t total Carrie clones - they always have those quick shots a the end of “others” who got through. You never know - one of them might be really something - we just don’t know yet. That Carly….she didn’t blow me away. But everyone has an off-performance day. We’ll see…
I haven’t found out for sure yet but someone here at work told me David lost in the finals on Star Search. But anyway, I loved his sweet demeanor and his voice and hope he makes top 24 since supposedly he made top 50 already.
*nods emphatically*
Samantha was my favorite last night. I also like Hot Australian. Yummm.
Carly was cool. Star Search boy was good, but annoyingly dorky.
I wouldn’t worry about plants of anything like that. 19E may THINK they have a chosen one, but we know the Top 24 can take care of that pretty quickly (Sabrina and Sundance, anyone?)
Also, you never really know who will rise to the occasion once the cameras start rolling and they are performing live for millions instead of just for the judges. Even then, people who seem exciting and charismatic in person can see none of that translate on camera. Things have a way of sorting themselves out.
I’ve like a few of them, but no one has really stood out for me yet. I liked the hot Aussie dude, but wasn’t so keen on his phrasing for some reason. I don’t really expect (or want) to have a fave at this point. I have not checked out any of their original music.
True. Last year I loved Brandon’s audition of “You’re Always on My Mind” and I love his voice, but he fizzled and finally chocked on Diana Ross night. Meanwhile, I didn’t much care for Blake in his audition, but he grew on me as the competition continued. Plus, there are many they haven’t shown, like Jason Castro. I’m taking a “wait and see” attitude.
Micheal Johns aka Micheal Lee from the info from VFW is he was signed to a big label but before a cd he left the group which created some bad blood. Micheal is one of the pros but not sure about if a cd was releast or not…It would be nice if one that did not have the expeariance got up thier or will it be the season of the pros and blonds?
As an aside….did anyone else catch Randy’s remark to Carly about her “singing” when he said she could “blow”??
It may have been in reference to her single of “I’m going to blow your mind”…..(the oral sex song)….it just made me laugh a little.
Nostradamas, my hubby caught that also and was laughing. I have heard Randy say that to other contestants, but for me that was a classic with her, lol.
OMG, MJ, a Ramones night would be amazing! However, I needed one last year, in hopes I could do an audience sing-along of “I Wanna Be Sedated.”
Loved the re-cap and I do think that one hour is just plenty for these shows.
I must not have been paying attention, but I just realized that one of Carly Hennesey Smithson’s songs on her previous album, “Just Missed the Train” was covered by none other than Kelly Clarkson on her debut album “Thankful”.
If Britney Spears isn’t signed to a label now, can she still audition ?