No screwing around! This year’s two-hour Hollywood episode wastes no time on trips to the beach, hotel antics or synergistic visits to movies Fox will be releasing this summer. Nope, this year we get all the meat, with very little fat, and I’m liking it a lot.
On the first day, Simon tells the assembled crowd of 164, that they’ll be cut down to 50 contestants by the end of the week. Last year, that number was 44, the year before, 40. There are other changes-significant changes to this year’s Hollywood Round. During the initial auditions, during the first two days, some contestants are fast-tracked to Day Four. Others are cut, but get a second chance on Day 3–singing a’capella for the judges. On the fourth day, the fast tracked and the survivors of Day 3 are brought together to audition one last time.
Gone are the group auditions. There’s no big reveal at the end of the episode in the rooms of doom, either. Brand new this year–contestants accompany themselves on instruments if they wish. It definitely adds a new twist to the proceedings.
Ryan explains that many of these kids have grown up watching this show and that they think they know what’s in store for them…
Ok, there is a lot to cover. I’m going to attempt to make this simple:
Fast-tracked to Day 4:
Brooke White 24, Mesa AZ , Auditioned in Philly - She’s the sweet blond girl who’s never seen an R rated movie (she’s a Mormon). She admits she has problems with confidence. It’s evident as she reacts with shock (this year’s Melinda Doolittle?) to the judges praise. She sings Carol King’s “Beautiful” sitting at an electric piano. She’s got a singer/songwriter thing going that typically does not succeed on Idol. The theme nights could trip her up.
David Hernandez 24, Glendale AZ - Auditioned in San Diego - We haven’t seen this guy yet. He does a slowed up version of Stephen Still’s “Love the One Your With”. He’s got confidence and charisma. If he doesn’t choke, (Brandon Rogers, anyone?) he could go really far. The fan groups are forming as I type this.
Chickezie Eze - 22, Inglewood, CA - We don’t hear him sing again, but we see him emerge triumphant from the auditorium.
Amanda Overmeyer 23, Mullberry, IN - Auditioned in Atlanta - Amanda is the Joplin-like rocker/biker chick. Since her initial audition, she’s been in a terrible car accident and has 12 staples in her head and cracked ribs. Ouch.
She chooses “Light my Fire” from the list. Of course. I think the classic rock fans are gonna love her, but like Simon says, she could become monotonous.
Not Fast-Tracked:
Lorena Pinot 28, Miami, FL - Auditioned in Miami - She’s goes horrendously off key.
Leo Marlow 23, Charlotte, IA auditioned in Omaha - He had a promising audition, but is swallowed up by the big stage, which Simon says will either make or break a potential contestant. It’s true.
Alisha Dixon - Guitar playing angry girl. Simon isn’t impressed.
Michael Sanfilippo 19, South Barrington, IL, Auditioned in Omaha - He barely strums his guitar as he sings. “The guitar doesn’t do you any favors,” says Simon.
Shaun Barrows 27, Spanish Fork, UT - “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel. Shaun is a good keyboard player. Simon says, “It’s more about you bashing away at the keyboards.” Would he have said that to Billy Joel or Elton John?
Jake Mellema 20, Sand Lake MI - “Hooked on a Feeling” - He plays drums and sings–like Ringo, Don Henley, Phil Collins and Karen Carpenter. Seriously. The judges act like it was the weirdest thing they’ve ever seen. Granted, he isn’t very good. But, the drums have nothing to do with it.
Simon warns that forgetting the lyrics means an automatic cut. “Please remember the lyrics,” he says. Some things never change.
Buck Smith 28, Kingsland GA - “Stuck in The Middle with You.” He’s stuck in the middle of the stage, not remembering the words.
Cardin McKinney 20, Nashville, TN - I have no idea what she’s singing, the lyrics are so bungled.
Natashia Blach 29, Fort Collins, CO auditioned in Miami - She just stands there and sings nothing. Except, “Kill Me Now” at the end. Too bad, her initial audition, “At Last” by Etta James, was pretty good.
Ghaleb Emachah 27, Miami FL - Ghaleb flirts with all of the girls. He takes the stage with his guitar and he’s God-awful. He’s flat through the entire song. But then, he should have never been advanced to Hollywood in the first place.The lucky peeps who are fast tracked get to relax. The others have more work to do.
Day Two
Eighty more contestants audition.
Fast tracked:
Josiah Leming 18, Morristown, NJ - Auditioned in Atlanta - “Grace Kelly” by Mika - I still love this kid. He sits behind the keyboards and just goes off into another world when he performs. He’s not the best vocalist, but he’s unique. The judges adore him. I hope he moves out of his car and into a real home when this is all over.
Danny Noriega 17, Azusa, CA - “When I Need You” - Still with the wacky tics, but this performance is better than his audition. Danny is one to watch.
Ramielle Maulbay 19, Miramar, FL - Auditioned in Miami - “Til You Come Back to Me” by Aretha Franklin. She’s also much better than here than her initial audition. The Pinoys will have talent to choose…
Carly Smithson , Los Angeles- Auditioned in San Diego - “When I Need You” - Carly Hennessy Smithson, back for another chance after 1. A failed major label debut. 2. Her visa not clearing after she successfully auditioned Season 5. Now she’s married and has a green card. She’s pretty good, but overrated. Her semi-professional status and negative initial buzz could hurt her. The judges love her. Paula tells the other contestants they should be scared of her.
Michael Johns 28, Los Angeles, CA auditioned in San Diego - “Light my Fire” - This guy has really got–something. I couldn’t care less if he’s a song stealer, he’s compelling. I love the raspy, mature quality of his voice. He makes the other rockers seem like boylets. He’s very comfortable performing on stage.
David Cook 25, Blue Springs, MO auditioned in Omaha - “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams - He plays guitar. He’s got a good range and nice phrasing. The comparisons to Daughtry the producers keep shoving down our throats could bite him in the ass. Simon doesn’t like him, but Paula and Randy fast track him.
Robbie Carrico - “Everying I do” Robbie and David Cook are interchangeable.
Colton Berry 17, Staunton, VA. He’s got a pleasant enough voice. I smell cannon fodder.
Not fast tracked:
Jessica Brown 24 Longview, TX auditioned in Dallas. - Jessica is the former crack-ho. I thought she sounded pretty good, but she’s cut.
Perrie Cataldo 27, Phoenix AZ - Auditioned in San Diego - He’s the single father with an arrest record and a dead wife. His little boy is adorable. He’s got a decent voice, but a corny presentation.
Syesha Marcado 20, Miami, FL - auditioned in Miami - Syesha hasn’t had a good audition yet. There’s lots of screaming on the top notes. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt in Hollywood–she’s losing her voice.
Kyle Ensley 21 - Auditioned in Dallas - “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” - If he coulda pulled it off, this could have been cheesy fun. But alas, his singing is not good. Simon hated it. Just to poke Simon, Paula starts one of her long winded critiques about “amazing spirit” and what not. Simon leaves in disgust. It’s pretty funny. Kyle is an appealing dorkster. If he makes it through, he could be the next Sanjaya.
Day 3
The 48 “fast-tracked” auditioners get to hang out. The other 116 have to audition again.
Last year, there were shocking boots in the first 5 minutes of the Hollywood episode. This year it takes 3 days to get to the serious slashing and burning.
Here’s the drill: Ten contestants are lined up in a row. They each sing a’cappella.
As in prior Hollywood Rounds, the judges ask people to move to the front, and cut either the front or back line.
Suzanne Toon 21, Clearwater FL auditioned in Miami. She’s a single mother who gave up her dreams of a singing career when she got pregnant at 17. Perrie Cataldo, is the single dad. They are both cut.
Amy Flynn 16, Knoxville, TN auditioned in Charleston, SC - “Love Will Bring You Back”. She’s the annoying teen dance captain who teaches abstinence in her spare time. She has a voice coach with her who was a Hollywood contestant during Season 4. Amy sings a song she’s never heard before, and it shows. She’s cut.
Kayla Hatfield 24 Campbell TX auditioned in Dallas - She’s the girl who was maimed in an accident. Angelica Puente 17, Kenosha, WI auditioned in Omaha, was on the outs with her dad. Both are cut. Matt Sato, the contestant from last year with Mommy issues is cut.
Kristy Lee Cook 23, Selma OR, auditioned in Philly. She got cut in the first round, but is back singing what got her through in the first place, “Amazing Grace”. Can she sing anything else?
She advances.
Jeffrey Lampkin 24, Newberry SC auditioned in Charleston SC- his sister Michelle Lampkin was eliminated in the morning. Angela Martin, 26 Chicago, IL, auditioned in Philly. She has a sick daughter with Rhett’s syndrome. To make matters worse, her father was recently killed.
Jeffrey is put through, Angela is sent home.
One-hundred people are cut on Day 3.
Day 4
The remaining contestants sing with a small band and background vocalists. At this point, they either get cut or make it into the Top 50.
David Archuleta 17, auditioned in San Diego - “Heaven” by Bryan Adams - He’s better than he was initially, I think. Randy goes crazy “And you’re only 16!” Shades of Jordin Sparks. Hopefully that phrase won’t be the new mantra. The judges love him. He advances.
Kyle Ensley - “You Raise Me Up” 21 - Auditioned in Dallas - It’s like a different person singing. Josh Grobany ballads are his thing, apparently. It may be his only thing, unfortunately. Simon apologizes to him for stomping out the other day. Apologizes! Kyle advances.
Jeffrey Lampkin 24, Newberry SC - “A Whole New World” - He totally chokes and is cut.
Joey Catalano 19, Mays Landing, NJ, auditioned in Philly. He’s the kid who lost 100 pounds. Unfortunately for him, he had a migraine. His “Rhythm in the Sky” is not bad considering how sick he is. He’s cut.
Syesha Marcado 20, Miami, FL - “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin - Finally a decent performance from Syesha. She advances.
Michael Johns -28, Los Angeles, CA auditioned in San Diego -”Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen - Hard song–great audition. Simon says it’s the best audition of the day.
Carly Smithson - Auditioned in Los Angeles - “Alone” by Heart - Remember when Simon told Carly that her audition wasn’t as good as two years ago? Carly found out she that she was allergic to her dog. She says that’s why her audition wasn’t as good as before. I can’t tell the difference. She advances.
Asia’H Epperson 18, Joplin MO auditioned in Atlanta - Her initial audition was two days after her father was killed in a car accident. The audition is rough. Months later, she’s much improved. In many ways, I imagine. Simon is really impressed. She advances.
Brooke Helvie 18 Wellington, FL - Auditioned in Atlanta - “Unchained Melody” - She’s the South Florida Fair beauty queen. She blows Simon’s favorite song on the high note. Simon says yes. Randy says no. Paula is on the fence…and she shuts her down. Brooke sobs, “It’s not fair…”
Josiah Leming - 18 Morristown, TN - Auditioned in Atlanta - “Stand by Me” - Holy crap. The drama. Josiah is unable to work with the vocal coach or the band. Debra Byrd tries to help him but she’s firm. When it’s time to audition, he kicks the band off the stage and sings a’cappella with close to no rehearsal. It’s pretty much a trainwreck. Simon says, “It just exposed you.” Josiah is awesome, but there is no way he’d be able to hold up under the pressure. But, he advances anyway.
Hollywood is over. The kids pack up and leave. We hear the brand-new smell-ya-later song, “Hollywood is Not America”.
Wednesday, The top 50 are whittled down to the Top 24…
And then the fun begins.
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Thanks for the recap, mj. Its off to work I go.
Forgot to mention:
Thanks Ferras, I put my blue jeans on…
Thanks for the recap, MJ. The last sentence reads “Tomorrow the top 50 are whittled to the top 24.” You mean today, right? Isn’t the show on tonight or am I mistaken?
I wrote it last night…
ETA: I changed it so that it makes sense now…
Hi MJ! Hey, you wrote Ramiele Norriega!
The show last night was great. I really enjoyed it! This will be a year with more than 1 favorite for me I can see!
Asia’h surprised me with her voice, she showed raw talent!
Kyle: Was that the same person on the second song? I had just said he was going home then he broke out the second persona and made the judges wake up!
Josiah: I feel like shaking my head and sayin “Dawg, Dawg”
He is an incredibly gifted kid. He needs to be signed by someone, someone who can help house him, ground him (in a good way!) and give him the platform to excel. I don’t know if Idol was the right place for him or maybe not the right year but there is no denying his talent. Go Josiah!
I still can’t believe we haven’t seen so many of the guys. I have been waiting to hear Jason Castro. Maybe tonight!
I missed Alex! Why are we seeing so little of her? I thought I saw her at the piano for about 5 seconds last night. Did anyone else catch that? Maybe she is the favored one to be surprised by during top 20 or something!
Brooke Helvie:
I’m pretty sure that Simon said “yes” and then Randy said “no”. That left the tie breaker up to Paula. I remember being very stunned because it’s not often that Simon says “yes” when the others say “no”. Of course, she was pretty and that often helps with Simon.
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LMAO, cheese! Yes. I know that is exactly how Simon, R and P do this. Such hard workers they are! Not even stopping for a quick bite and a Coca cola (are they still a sponsor??). All this, of course, before they hop into their Ford vehicles and head off to their humble abodes.
I am figuring this show is in the neighborhood of 80% scripted and pre-ordained now. Back in its early days, I have a feeling it was far less of a percentage. Or maybe I have become 80% more of a cynic after 7 years. (WHAT!!??)
One thing they are bound and determined NOT to do is have another Sanjaya, or, heaven forbid!, Taylor Hicks.
It is ok to have a geek or a kid, I think they have decided, but they will make sure the voice is there and no potential for ponyhawks or such, in case the geek/kid gets further along than expected.
I do really love this kid but the format of the show would, I fear, grind him to a pulp. And speaking of Josiah, I hope I’m not bringing up old news, but apparently this is link is to Josiah’s Mom’s website:
http://www.mylifewithcancer.com/2007/12/shades-of-winter.html
She’s got terminal cancer and is dying. Josiah is mentioned by name in the post from December (nothing spoilerish). It might have a little something to do with Josiah’s emotional state. Or a lot.
I don’t think anyone can say that the females can out-sing the guys this year. That was Randy’s constant reminder during Season 6 and I guess it was true but he didn’t need to rub it in. Season 7, the guys can hold their own, and then some. And most of them are pretty good-looking as well as talented.
My pick of the guys is David Achuleta, Michael Johns. David Cook and Danny Noreiga. I am still not giving up on Kyle either, although I don’t think he performs as well as the other 4 mentioned above but may improve if Byrd gets a hold on him. I don’t hold David A.’s win on Star Search against him since, unless Disney shows an interest in a 12-year old, he is between a rock and a hard place. Very few of these child prodigies achieve instant stardom. But now he is at a cute age, is very handsome with a great voice and is sure to attract a huge fan base of fan girlies and grannies as Jordin did. Ditto for Michael, only the fan base in this case will probably be predominently 20 and 30-somethings.
I don’t really like Kristie Cook, mainly because TPTB misrepresented the facts in her back story. Carly-from-Erin has been given a tongue bath each time she has appeared and Simon was drooling all over himself last night. That doesn’t put her at the top of my A-list. Besides we need a guy to win for Season 7 and in my opinion, everything is coming up roses for the guys.
I didn’t want to like the new format last night but I was pleasantly surprised. Some really, really talented and good / interesting looking people this year. And those ratings are impressive. Don’t look for Idol to fall off the cliff anytime soon.
I heart Josiah but agree that this competition is not right for him.
So…I haven’t read all the comments yet BUT!
Am I the ONLY one who does NOT like David Archuleta? To me he has a Kermit The Frog look and sound….and his loud breathing distracted me from even slightly listening to his singing voice.
I enjoy Josiah cuz I feel for the little guy…he made me smile with his first song and made me want to fast forward from cringeing on his second song. Either way…he gave me an emotion that wasn’t loathing…so that’s good!
Oh…..and David Hernandez made me swoon :-)
I noticed that too!!! I thought it was my TV..lol
I think they must have been sucking on similar cough drops or something…lol
Nope. I don’t get it. I was wondering why on earth the judges were falling all over themselves. I do think he’s probably the best young male contestant we have had in seasons, but I’d take a more seasoned, passioned performer any day. He lacks passion. He reminds of the kid who is too young and would sing something like “Imagine” smiling through the whole thing.
I can totally see that, Lucia! YAY! Someone agrees with me!!
If he makes it, it’s gonna annoy the heck outta me
Oh Steve, he’ll make it. We have to have a youngin’ every season. At work today it was THE contestant being discussed in the Teacher’s lounge. “How cute and wonderful David is” and I’m sitting there feeling like this lame duck wondering if I MISSED this cute and endearing thing. ACtually, I didn’t. He IS cute and endearing, but that didn’t mean he could sing, WELL. He can sing, it just does nothing for me. Just because I have no desire to “mother” him, I guess I missed the He has to win this thing train at work.
All I kept wondering was with all the great contestants we saw last night, all you women can discuss is David?
Oh well. Maybe he won’t make it? But that would seem pretty unlikely…
LOL Lucia…I think he’ll make it too…and sigh…I’ll just have to (somehow) muddle through it…..
I can do it! I know I can!!
You asked for it… here’s a clip of David at age 13 singing “Imagine”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MG-IoN9ER4
(pretty darn good, if you ask me!)
Okay Preston…..I gotta admit….that’s good…and adorable…but but but…..
Still don’t like his loud breathing thing THESE DAYS…lol
I love David and I am sure that it’s time for a teen idol type. The show is losing traction among the young demographic, so having David in the mix is a good thing. He is cute and he can sing. So he fits the requirements, yes?
I truly don’t get Carly, but perhaps there will be a moment in a week or so when she steps up, so far I haven’t seen it. My first prediction is………she will not win. The guys are far more interesting than the girls, vocally, all the other talk of ringers and TCO’s is pretty much background noise to me.
Well I don’t LOVE anyone yet. *whew* But I do like a few. Looks to be a much more interesting season than last year.
Hmm. Seems like Josiah is the divisive figure so far…(always entertaining for me) But will he make it to the top 24?
Love Aussie Man’s voice. And looks. Too bad about his “alleged” personality flaws. Think the boy has a chance to win it all.
Like Rocker Chick too, but I think she’s going to end up being wildly annoying if she lasts very long.
Meh to every single one of the blondies.
Can’t wait to see who makes it through.
Josiah may be tougher than we think. I believe his vulnerableness may endear him…or….it could turn people off too if he overworks it. I think he is very talented, he isnt just another kid who can sing, he has the it factor for me. Im rooting for him. Also Amanda 9the rocker chick?) and Michael John I think is his name. I heard a few growls from him.
I think this year has a lot of unusual talent. Not just pretty faces and good voices, I mean standouts.
Thats my two cents.
Hi Steve-O:
He’s okay but just very vanilla and nothing spectacular. He’s a cute, teen with a very nice (but young) voice, and a nice smile that will make the tweens happy (he sure did make my daughter happy). There’s nothing exceptional about his stage presence. I think he is a better singer than teen boys of past years (David Radford, Kevin Covais, Sanjaya, etc.), but it’s just really hard to compare him to someone as seasoned as Michael Johns. JMHO.
He really strikes me as this year’s Jordin (OMG!SIXTEEN!!) but maybe he’ll surprise us.
If Amanda O. takes a pageout Daughtry’s book and looks for different band arrangements to otherwise common songs during the theme weeks, she might be able to keep who she is while singing the drivel they require you to belch out.
I like David A., BUT– it really does sound like he has asthma when he sings. I know there are a lot of good singers that are breathy (like Kelly Clarkson), but his sound is more of a gasping. Hopefully, it won’t be so noticeable in the coming weeks (if he is in 24).
I thought a lot of the singers sounded really good last night, so I am excited. I was surprised they didn’t show Alaina (rumored to have been impressive in Hollywood) or Kady (who Simon said was the best he’d seen in the auditions, up to that point.
Okay a few of my thoughts on what is shaping up as one of the best Idol
seasons in a while (a lot better then last seasons snore fest.) I
thought the Hollywood Round went incredibly well and loved that we saw a
lot of talented singers in almost full performances. I’ll try not to
reveal any of the Top 24 even through I’ll place them all the way at the
bottom for those who hate surprises but I’ll say a few things about the
ones who are shaping up to give me those Idol moments I crave.
1.) Carl “Irish Girl” Smithson - I LOVE this girl, she’s like the
tattooed Kelly Clarkson with a great power belt. I’m just worried about
her having a former $2.2 million dollar deal and a professional album
that bombed could hurt her but I hope not.
2) David Archuleta - He’s cute, young, with a great tone to his voice
and when he smiles you could forgive him for running down your
grandmother. I think that he’s going to go really far, a lot further then he did
when he won Star Search however when he comes out of the closet that
could be a problem.
3) Syesha Mercado - Come on the girl had all those voice issues and had
to wear a scarf which is the sign of a voice in trouble but she still
nailed her song with power and comes across as very likeable. Only time
will be able to tell if she can escape the Tamyra, LaToya, Vonzell,
curse and stand out on her own.
4) Michael Lee Johns - The Aussie that is already making women swoon for
him. He’s really a first for Idol, a real live straight guy and I think
the women will love him. I find it funny through that people say Carly
shouldn’t win Idol due to her being Irish and having a record deal and
Michael is Australian and has had a record deal himself but women will
forgive any cute guy for anything. I’m guessing at this point we’ll see
him in the finales.
5) Amanda L. Overmayer - It’s like if Taylor Hicks and Dilana from Rock
Star’s had a child that would be Amanda. I think she has either a lot
of potential or she’s going to be stuck doing the same thing all over
again and develop a fan base off of that (Taylor Hicks anyone.)
6) Danny Noriega - The first Openly Gay Singer on Idol. Its funny with
him a lot of people want to make fun of him and compare him to Sanjaya
but Danny has a great pop voice and could do well in this as long as
people look past him doing mostly female numbers.
7) Kristy Lee Cook - She of the wonderful version of Amazing Grace that
she has overdone now. It’ll be interesting to see how she can tackle
other music styles but I think based on looks and having a record deal
with Brittney’s old label that must mean something for her.
7) David Cook - I find nothing that exciting about this “rocker” who
shows up to sing Bon Jovi and then confesses that he was watching
Chris Daughtery tapes. He has a decent voice and looks like the type of
guy that gets the left over girls so he might do well on this show.
8) David Hernandez - I thought he delivered his song great with just the
right amount of voice and polish but I’m still missing that WOW factor
and I think that’s something he’s going to be called on very soon.
9) Ramielle Maulbay - Things aren’t looking up for her when you aspire to
be the next Jazmine Trias.
10) Robbie Carrico - He sang in a Boy Band, dated Brittney Spears and
came back looking like a rocker with long hair and a cap. It’s a sad
moment when that’s all I remember of him.
11) Kady Malloy - Normally when you impersonate Brittney Spears that
should spell doom but she’s pretty, and a good if not distinct voice and
she’s already recorded three songs that I’ve heard and liked so I’m willing to
give her a shot.
12) Joanne Borgella - When you are known as the large one this year but not
for being the large one with the large voice that means trouble I don’t
see her making top 12.
13) Chikezie Eze - He’s good and delivered a fine version of Luther but
when its hard to pronounce your name then its hard to vote for them
however I see him making the top 12.
14) Brooke White - She looks just so happy to be here and I’m just so happy
she’s here too. Happy but not thrilled and at this stage you have to
thrill unless she does something memorable she’ll be gone soon.
15.) Asiah Epperson - Just based on the story involving her father could
have gotten her in the top 12 but she has a great sultry tone to her
voice the only problem is that lots of women have that same tone.
16.) Amy Davis - She was the model who wanted to make her mother proud.
I was impressed that she knew a Linda Rondstadt song and from what I’ve
heard on the net she sounds amazing singing Pink Floyd stuff. If she’s
smart and picks unique things that will win over an audience coupled
with her good looks she might last otherwise I see her going home before
the top 12.
17) Alex Lushington - I was bored with her My Funny Valentine and her
grandmother stole her entire audition clip so I don’t think she’s going to last
long.
Top 24 We didn’t see:
Luke Menard, Jason Yeager, Jason Castro, Garrett Haley, Colton Berry, Alaina Whitaker
StevenD, we did see Alaina early on. Also, there was brief view of Colton’s singing. I don’t think either one will be TOP 12 material.