American Idol 2018 Recap – Auditions 4 Live Blog (VIDEOS)

We’ve got a TON of Spoiler posts linked on the left side bar. Gonna link a few below. NO SPOILER DISCUSSION ON THE LIVE BLOG. Keep spoiler chatter confined to spoilers posts’ comment sections. Giving results away during the live blog will result in an instant banning. Thank you for your cooperation.

American Idol 2018 Spoilers – Top 14 Contestant List
American Idol 2018 Spoilers – Top 24 Contestant List

We begin in New Orleans and a parade. Katy’s “Eye of the Tiger” plays while the judges throw Mardis Gras beads from a top a float.

Trevor McBane – 22 – Savannah OK – Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band – He’s a goat farmer and he dreams of being a music legend! He dresses in black from head to toe like his musical hero, Johnny Cash. He works the farm with his 81 year old Nanna. He named his cow “Simon Cow” OH BOY. He’s got one of those raspy, soulful voices. Really good intonation and phrasing. Lionel loves the growl in his voice. Luke notes that he’s not perfect, but his rawness is truthful. “You’re giving us a real note,” says Lionel. Katy thinks his vibe is for real. “You’ve got a great sound.” Trevor reveals that he’s a songwriter. 3 yeses. Nana enters the room to congratulate Trevor. Bonus: Lionel tells a Kenny Rogers story about how in country there is the “right note” and the “real note.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwDMMOs8BK8

We’re back in Nashville. Luke reminisces about being a young artist in Music City.

Adriana Bolton – 20 – Portland OR – Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin – Her friends compare her to Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey. And she trained in opera in high school. Hm. She claims she has won state competitions. AND just as I suspected–she’s awful. Screechy oversinging  is coupled with a total lack of self-awareness about her own talents. She shows off a whistle tone and welp–I’m just glad I don’t own a dog. I mean. that was a classic setup for a joke audition. 3 nos

And next, it’s a montage of real bad singers. YES. THE JOKE CONTESTANTS ARE STILL ALIVE AND WELL. All that gnashing of teeth in the press for nothing. One of the singer’s brought a dog which proceeded to take a dump during the singer’s audition. Followed by a piss. And then another dump.  Katy thinks it’s hilarious. “If you sing one more song, she’s going to vomit,” Katy says about the messy dog.

Genavieve Linkowski – 18  – Goodrich MI – I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz – She’s the oldest of 10 children. She practices singing in the bathroom because she likes the sound. Her mom has heart problems.  She had to put her musical ambitions on hold as she functioned as mom to her younger siblings. Mom is OK now, and is supporting her dreams all the way. She performs at the piano.  Luke says she had “magic in her voice.” He loves that she’s raw (RAW SEEMS TO BE THE WORD OF THE NIGHT) Lionel compares her to Celine Dion (!!!) I don’t know about THAT, but Genavieve has a strong, rangy, radio ready voice with the ability to connect to what she’s singing. Katy sees great potential – 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx0gDZpOd4A

Oh…it’s the guitar tuning audition we exclusively highlighted. We don’t even get to hear the dude sing. Sad.

Kenedee Rittenhouse – 19 – Checotah OK – I Told You So by Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood – She’s from Carrie Underwood’s hometown. Kenedee’s audition is a full circle moment. Back when the hopeful was a 5th grader, Carrie visited her middle school and they sang a duet.  That moment inspired Kenedee’s country music aspirations.  Sweet story–but it’s a pretty shake audition. Pitch problems. She seems really nervous. Lionel sees her potential–she needs to be developed. Katy loves her dress “you are sweet as country pie.” She wants to see more personality in her voice. Luke isn’t blown away.  Next she sings “Firework.” And it’s not much better, really. SHOUTY.  Luke thinks she’s on the fence, but gives her a yes. 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcFDFeg31B8

We’re back in New Orleans

Brandon Elder – 22 – Arab Alabama – Gone (Original) – He’s only been singing for a year (!!!). His bio mom had him at 15 or 16. Supposedly she traded him FOR A CAR to a family in Alabama. That CAN’T be legal.  A short time later, he was adopted by a very determined single mom. But tragically, when Brendon was 14, mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died last year. Geez. This dude has had hard luck. He learned to play guitar and it helped.  He performs an original song that he wrote for his mom. Brandon possesses a raspy yet pleasant voice. He’s very green, but a decent songwriter. The judges are obviously moved. Luke feels honored and calls the song “magically from the heart.” Lionel says  the song is “amazing….you wear your heart on your sleeve.”  He’s not so sure about the singing, though. Katy thinks there’s something there. Lionel mentions “3 times a Lady” was about his mom. 3 yeses

It’s a PUPPY PARTY to celebrate Katy’s birthday. ALL OF HER FAVORITE THINGS. The puppies are adorable.  HA HA. They got her Kenedee’s dress (Which Katy admired during her audition)

Cody Martin – 26 – Louisville KY – An auditioner sings happy birthday to Katy while she listens wearing a birthday hat. And that’ all it took! He’s off to Hollywood. – 3 yeses

Victoria McQueen – 15 – East Point GA – Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder – Her birthday–literal birth day–is the same day as the American Idol premiere back in 2002. SOB. She just made the cutoff date. She’s very very perky. Victoria rushed the performance a bit, but her tone is sweet! She adlibed the song beautifully. The judges are impressed. Katy says she “lights up a room” when she enters it. 3 yeses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z67V69ZfjE

Brittany Holmes – 28 – Frisco TX – If I Don’t Have You by Whitney Houston – She’s a vocal coach. SPOILER ALERT. She’s going to be told no. Because months later Brittany took part in a contest with other singers who ALMOST got a golden ticket. She won. Katy says she’s a good singer, but she wants to CONNECT. Luke says she hit everything perfectly, but there needs to be more .”We don’t have the trigger that fires it,” says Lionel. I’m really surprised they said no. I was expecting the usual Whitney disaster, but I think she did more than just hit the notes.. Katy says YES. Lionel and Luke say No. Brittany is sad, but we know this story eventually has a happy ending… 2 nos (Luke and Lionel) Katy (yes). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGsbUtE3DtU

Next, it’s a montage of singers that almost made it. Oh man, The Voice season 11 alum Johnny Rez didn’t even make it to Hollywood. Burn. He sang his way to the Battle Rounds on The Voice. For these particular singers, the judges are OK with the vocal ability, but note a lack of connection.

Dominique Posey– 26 – Birmingham AL – A Song For You by Donny Hathaway –  His tone is so smooth. Gorgeous. He overdoes the runs, but his soulful sound is lovely. He ends the audition on a sweet falsetto note. Staying true to the classic original, Dominique still managed to put his own on twist on it. “You handled it with care and ease!” says Lionel. Katy thinks his purpose is to deliver some beautiful music to the world. 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU0m-HSqVJA

We’re back in New York

Amalia Watty – 28 – Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan – She’s originally from the Caribbean, but lives in Brooklyn now.  She never got to know her dad. But she heard he was an awesome musician. She moved to NYC to find him. She figured they had common ground. But unfortunately, she only met him once, and it was disappointing. Her tone is really unusual. I like it. I like this a lot. Her range is impressive too. Her take on the oft-covered song is fresh. And considering the dozens of appearances the Dylan tune has made on singing shows–that’s really something. Lionel says she has all the things they’re looking for. Katy isn’t as impressed–she wants to hear more dynamics, but is willing to give Amalia a shot. Luke got chill bumps. Lionel compares her hair style to his 70’s do – 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEiTGVvfZR8

Daniel Ethridge – 22 – Austin TX – Fire Away by Chris Stapleton, plus an Original Song –  He comes from a military family. When they settled in Austin is when country music got a hold of him. Daniel acknowledges that an Asian kid singing country music is an anomaly.  But he sounds like the real deal to me.  His vibe is more singer/songwriter Americana–particularly the way he pours emotion into a performance.  His original song, which he wrote for his sister, has a sturdy melody.  Katy calls him “conversational” she likes his grit. He’s got a comfortable, intimate vibe. He’s a good storyteller. 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs-qpRmJDQ0

Taryn Coccia – 17  – Nashville – Masterpiece by Jessie J – She’s originally from New Jersey. Her sister is along to give her moral support and play guitar. They both sings\ in a cafe at the Nashville airport. Luke reveals he recorded a PA announcement. All the country stars do. Masterpiece is a pretty hard song to sing! It’s a little weird with just a guitar. Taryn didn’t really flip it, per se. Katy wonders about the sister. She wants to hear her sing. Twenty year old Payton performs “Angel from Montgomery” for the judges and WOW. She’s good. Why didn’t she audition as well?  Taryn is smiling, but it’s a tight, annoyed smile. She’s probably been living in her big sisters musical shadow forever. Lionel marvels how two sisters are so different, stylistically. Aw. Payton initially decided not to audition, because she wanted to step aside for her sister. So Payton gets 3 yeses from the judges. Katy says straight up she’s more talented than little sister, and says no. BRUTAL. Lionel says Yes. And of course Luke is not going to be the no vote here! Taryn gets 1 no (Katy) and 2 yeses (Luke and Lionel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZVyvY9dySg

Samothias – 20 – Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton – If his hair is off…his day is ruined. Uhm. He’s hoping his hair gets him a ticket to Hollywood. I don’t think that’s how it works, dude. Accompanying himself on piano…not sure why he’s worried about his hair. His intimate style is appealing. Luke begins coaching him right off the bat, encouraging him to sing in full voice. I kind of liked the falsetto, though. Sam has trained in classical piano, but has only been singing for a little while. They think he needs some work but 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-zeGas8NKE

We finish up in Los Angeles! 

Marcio Donaldson – Compton CA –  Jealous by Labrinth – He and his sister ended up in foster care after living in roach infested digs with their mother.  Eventually, his sister had a child, but her drug dependence meant she couldn’t take care of him. Social services said to Marcio–either keep the child or he goes into the system. He didn’t want little Rashad to go through what he went through.  “He changed my life,” Marcio declares, tearfully.  Oh my. The baby is only 6 months old. Marcio’s performance is simple, honest, vulnerable. And he’s got a falsetto to die for. He cries after he finishes. Lionel calls the performance “moving.” He gives Marcio a big hug. “Your voice is a REAL voice,” says Luke. Katy calls him a beautiful soul. – 3 yeses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4LeOWNzXI