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Singing for survival on American Idol
Five days to survive Hollywood. “A test of courage, of stamina and strength” says Ryan Seacrest. Singers numbering 147 purposely put themselves on one of the world’s most famous stages, the legendary Kodak Theatre for five days of stress and craziness. Well…some of them will last five days anyway.
Right off the bat the judges explain that the contestants have only one shot today. They will sing a cappella and either it’s a yes or you’re gone. The day before in the first ever Idol boot camp the stylists and glam squad offer some guidance. But it was the vocal coaches gave the most direct advice. Surprise mentor Barry Manilow gives them some words of wisdom as well. He explains that success is when preparation meets opportunity, so be prepared.
The contestants take the stage in groups of eight to perform acapella and they are either in or out. Two of the first eight were from Kansas City; Lil Rounds is up first with I Will Always Love You and Dennis Brigham. She was awesome but a bit pitchy and he was iffy at best. Lil survived and Dennis didn’t. Already after the first cut we have Dennis angry and spouting off at the judges about how America wasn’t going to like he got cut.
Nerves have gotten the better of many of these young hopefuls. Nathaniel Marshall sings an obscure song by a Christian singer Ray Boltz and surprise, surprise, they question his song choice. He explains why it is so meaningful to him and then bursts into tears. Then comes Jasmine Murray who Kara says has “raw, natural talent.” Next is Rose Flack, one of the most memorable Utah auditions. She doesn’t have such a great rehearsal at boot camp. She is tremendously emotional because she wants to do this for her parents (both deceased). Don’t worry for now Rose because your whole group makes it through.
Steven Fowler started the next group with a very difficult song and he nails it. Jorge Nuñez follows him with another great performance. Von Smith has potential but has gone way over the top with facial expressions and we know how Simon hates that. In fact Simon says, and I quote, it was “indulgent nonsense, horrible song, horrible performance, really annoying, something a child would do when they are learning to sing when they are ten.” All three of these guys make it through and Von is very humbled with Simon’s criticism.
At boot camp they focused on how important song choice is and many people go home because they picked the wrong song. Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle, the comedian extraordinaire decides to trash the costume and go as himself. Then, he pops on stage…yep, as Norman. He does his silly gig, but ends the song with a taste of the serious Nick. What’s so interesting about this guy is that he can sing. They give him one more chance and let him through along with early favorites Scott McEntire and Nickie Jordan.
Jackie Tohn and her raspy voice gets positive comments from the judges. Then they cut to front row, see ya tomorrow and back row thank you. They show many departures and hugs. Now we see friends Jamar Rogers and Danny Gokey. Jamar starts and he is smooth and great. Danny is up and sings A Kiss from A Rose by Seal…goosebump alert…wow! They are both through thank goodness. Different but great, both of them.
Two family guys, Jeremy Michael Sarver and Jesus Valenzuela are up next. Randy says Jeremy Michael is “even better than when we first saw you.” Jesus isn’t bad — but one gets put in the front row, one in the back, so their fates will differ. Jeremy stays, Jesus goes home — but oh look - Katrina Darrell, the Bikini girl, is back and sings Faith Hill Breathe. She can sing but it’s too mechanic; no depth to her singing. Simon and Randy provoke the girls with really good things to say and Paula and Kara think it is better than her first audition but the song didn’t end as good as it started. Of course she moves on, probably just for the drama. Boo, hiss…
The two dads Jeremy Michael Sarver and Jesus Valenzuela are up next and right off the bat Jeremy gets a “very, very nice” from Randy. Jesus seems a bit iffy to me in the short clip they showed of him so it doesn’t surprise me when Jeremy steps back and Jesus steps forward. The back row goes on to return the next day and Jesus just wants to catch the first plane home.
David Osmond and Erika Wesley are a part of the last group. A little blip of David, then Emily Wynne-Hughes makes a huge mistake and changes her song at the last minute to something she hadn’t even rehearsed. Bad choice but she is full of talent and still makes it through. She will have to do better in the group performance though.
Erika Wesley gets cut with this group and was clearly upset. She comes back to the stage calmly tries to convince the judges they made a mistake and to reconsider. A little spat breaks out between Paula and Simon and I can’t quite figure out why but it doesn’t really matter, Erika is out.
Only 43 of the 147 go home which means the dream is still alive for 104 remaining contestants. But just wait for tomorrow. From the clips we see that once again, forgetting the words will be the kiss of death and people who hope for a solo singing career have problems when having to play well with others.
I can’t wait!!!
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: American Idol
Comments
By Kim
February 4, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
I was frustrated with how fast they flew through this - 147 performances condensed to an hour? I didn’t even get to see some of my faves - like the guy whose name I can’t remember that already looks like he’s a rock star - has a Pete Wendt kind of look to him. They did flash his face and said he made it through, but I find myself wondering about many. I guess they figure they aren’t worth seeing or something. I love Danny - I definitely see him as a finalist. He really reminds me of a younger Robert Downey, Jr.! David Osmond was also sounding and looking good - I figure whoever gets in his group tonight will have a real advantage if they listen to him. If anyone knows how to perform in a group - it’s an Osmond! :) I can’t wait either - I find myself wishing for 2 hour shows!By Sam
February 4, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
She’s there for crowd appeal. She won’t last past this week.By michael
February 4, 2009 6:51 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe Bikini Girl Katrina moved on. She is not a good singer. Not the worst, but not good.