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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hello Ellen, Hello Hollywood: Did you spot the next “Idol”?
Let the competition begin.
After a seven-city national search, 181 people hoping to be named the ninth “American Idol” performed on stage at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre hoping to show the panel of four judges why they deserve a spot in the Top 24.
And the moment fans have been waiting for … Ellen DeGeneres made her “Idol” debut during the first Hollywood Week episode (Feb. 9).
She certainly isn’t stepping in to be the “nice judge” like her predecessor. Ellen’s blunt yet humorous commentary really complements Simon’s brutal honesty. For example, she told the really arrogant Atlanta contestant Skiiboski that he was scary and he appeared to be stalking them, and certainly wasn’t afraid to tell people their performance pretty much sucked.
Already, I have to wonder if Kara and Randy will get a word in this season?
In the end, it will be down to 12 guys and 12 girls — and looking at the crop of multi-talented musicians who shined tonight, the judges could face some tough choices this season. Here’s a look at who survived the first cut (and who didn’t).
In: The very genuine 17-year-old Katie Stevens (the sweet girl whose story includes a grandma battling Alzheimers), worship pastor Tasha Leighton, Charity Vance, Ashley Rodriguez, Todrick Hall and guitarist Tim Urban
In and well on their way to the Top 24: Andrew Garcia took a huge risk and sang an acoustic “Straight Up” by former Idol judge Paula Abdul. Um, way better than the original. (Can you imagine how Paula would have reacted). Janell Wheeler (pretty blonde guitarist with a great stage presence). Guitarist Haeley Vaughn (the aspiring black pop-country singer). 28-year-old mama Rocker Mary Powers (who sounds a lot like Pink). Lilly Scott, the singing, guitar-playing sandwich-maker. Michael Lynch, whose wife was in labor with their first child while he auditioned in hopes of pursuing his dream. Casey James, the hottie blues guitarist who partially stripped down for Kara and Posh Spice during the audition rounds. Waitress Didi Benami, who sang a Kara DioGuardi (sucking up perhaps? ). Single mom and hippie chick Crystal Bowersox of Elliston, Ohio, who brought the crowd to its feet while belting out “Natural Woman.” (O-H-I-O)
Out: Our friend Antonio “Skiiboski” Wheeler (but not without a fight), small-town country girl Vanessa Wolfe (at least she got to ride on an “aero-plane” to Hollywood), pant-splitter Cornelius Edwards, beat boxer Jay Stone, cancer survivor Justin Williams, Barney girl Erica Rhodes, annoying Jersey sisters Amanda and Bernadette Desimone, Paige DeChausse (who shined during auditions), the big sister to some special-needs children Maddy Curtis, the super-energetic Maegan Wright, nice Italian boy Amedeo Dirocco and unfortunately Columbus guy Bosa Mora, who Randy said we’ll see performing soon at the “Holiday Inn Columbus.”
At least Ohio girl Crystal should be a real contender in this competition.
And of course, there were many who got zero face time on TV, but you can check out photos and video of them at www.americanidol.com.
What do you think? Did anyone spot the next “American Idol”?
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