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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Some of the best and brightest from the “Idol” auditions
While we wait to see who will stand out from the 181 contestants who made it to Hollywood Week, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights of the audition rounds from Boston to Denver.
The best:
Tonight (Feb. 3), “Idol” showcased some of the best and brightest from the audition rounds. Here are some people to watch for during Hollywood week who we hadn’t seen in the earlier episodes this season.
The Lisa Loeb lookalike Jessica Furney, who scored points by singing a song co-penned by judge Simon Cowell himself.
Drama queen Amanda Shectman, who is a great singer (and actress) … I loved the Britney impression before her audition more than the audition itself. Hard to believe this girl has a theater background.
Crystal Bowersox, a hippie chick from Ohio who carries around a guitar like a blankie.
Season 8 Top 50 contestant Lacey Brown, who made the judges feel warm and fuzzy inside with her performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Super talented teens Rachel Hubbard, Thaddeus Johnson and Genesis Moore.
Dad-to-be and personal trainer Michael Lynche, with a voice as big as his guns, won over the judges with “Unchained Melody.”
Inspirational stories, strong voices:
A winning combination when it comes to “Idol,” no doubt.
Didi Benami, who sang “Hey Jude” in honor of her late best friend, her biggest fan.
Aaron Kelly whose song choice, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, was very fitting given his challenges early in life.
Hope Johnson, who hoped to sing her way to a better life with “I Hope You Dance”
The headscratchers:
Stephanie Fisher, whose “Fever” audition left the judges cold. At least she got to trade fashion tips with her fashion Icon Victoria Beckham.
The 6-foot-8 swimmer Adrian “Blondzilla” Chandtchi, aka “the beautiful manflower,” had a really tiny voice that didn’t at all match his body.
Goth chick Kimberly Bishop, who sang a frighteningly weird version of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl.” Thankfully, Perry wasn’t at the judge’s table to see that one.
Some favorites from the last couple weeks:
Aspiring black pop-country singer Haeley Vaughn, who auditioned in Denver to Carrie Underwood’s “Don’t Even Know His Last Name.” Her tales of personal tragedy can only help her win the hearts of America.
Leukemia survivor Christian Spear, 16, who sang “All I Can Do is Cry” by Etta James during the Texas auditions.
Orlando contestant 25-year-old Matt Lawrence, whose performance of “Trouble” was pretty appropriate considering he spent four years in jail after he robbed a bank with a BB-gun while a teenager.
Jermaine Purlfoy, who auditioned while in college for Season 7, and impressed the judges in Orlando with a little Tony Bennett.
Denver contestant Casey James, the motorcycle accident victim who beat the odds and was able to play the guitar again — and who Kara and Victoria asked to remove his shirt and let his hair down.
Andrew Garcia, a father seeking a better life for his son.
The “complete package” Ashley Rodriguez, who sang a sultry version of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keyes during the Boston auditions.
Bluesy 21-year-old Paige Dechausee of Illinois, whose asthma nearly took her life at age 15.
Best audition:
The award for most memorable audition goes to none other than Gen. Larry Platt himself. His original song “Pants on the Ground” has become an instant hit in cyberspace and is committed to memories from here to Texas. No golden ticket, but I’m sure Larry isn’t complaining with all his newfound fame.
Up next:
Hollywood Week kicks off next Tuesday, Feb. 9, (when new judge Ellen DeGeneres will make her official “American Idol” debut.
Now it’s your turn:
Have any contestants made a real impression on you so far this season? Anyone you hope to see in the Top 24? Early predictions?
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