American Idol 14 Hollywood Week begins a four night run on Wednesday February 4. Check out these previews of these talented contestants, as they vie for a spot in the Top 48 and eventually the live shows.
Hollywood. which took place at The Orpheum in Los Angeles, is where the rubber meets the road. It takes confidence and inner toughness to survive the gauntlet that is “Hell Week.”
Check out previews from Wednesday’s show right here, featuring a few of the initial audition solos in front of the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.
We’ve had to slog through several boring audition episodes, but I think the judges and producers have found some really talented contestants this year.
For instance, check out Brooklyn auditioner, Jax, who had the unenviable first performance of the day. Sitting at the electric piano, she impresses with a rendition of “Toxic” by Britney Spears. How many covers of this Britt Britt hit have you heard? I’ve endured soooo many. Yet, Jax manages to deliver a fresh and unique take on the 90’s pop classic.
Jax – Toxic by Britney Spears
http://youtu.be/DV3ZMfBwqzk
Here’s 16 year old science nerd and Texas native, Trevor Douglas. I LOVE THIS GUY. He’s a WGWG, but like Ed Sheeran, whom he covers in this clip, Trevor brings an innate groove to his performances. He’s a talented musician AND singer. The girls are gonna love him.
Trevor Douglas “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran
Here’s an example of a talented teen contestant who may not be ready for this jelly. Shannon Berthiaume, who previously confessed that she’s barely sung in front of an audience, chokes on stage as she attempts to tackle “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. It’s not until her fellow contestants in the audience begin clapping along, that she gets back on track. I found myself rooting for Shannon, because the first 10 seconds of the performance were pretty great–much better than her Minneapolis audition. Still, I wonder if she’s in over her head.
Shannon Berthiaume – Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder
http://youtu.be/x-Fu1Fo_Xgs
Another example of nerves maybe getting the best of a contestant is Reno, who becomes emotional when he speaks about his large Samoan family. It throws him off a bit before he launches into a performance of Allen Stone’s “Contact High.”
Reno – Contact High by Allen Stone
http://youtu.be/xORMma9D12Y
New York City crooner, Sal Valentinetti, is MR. SMARMY PANTS as he offers his coat to a chilly Jennifer Lopez.
http://youtu.be/kfnzUSPYdhk
