Tonight is the final audition show before Hollywood!  Yay!!! American Idol says they saved the best for last.  We get to see some of the contestants that they didn’t show us throughout the other weeks.

First we get another look at Larry “Pants On the Ground” Platt and hear how he’s influencing the whole country.  I know I keep singing that darn thing!

Jessica Furney is back after trying out for AI last year and not making it.  She gave herself a makeover and she sings a song that Simon co-wrote.  The judges say she definitely improved and she gets for Yes’s.

Three more Hollywood bound contestants are Amanda Schectman, Lee Dewzye and Crystal Bowersox.  Out of the three of them, Lee stood out to me.  But, once again, all the contestants are blending together and I can hardly tell one from the next.  It will be so great to get to Hollywood and start to get to know the contestants a little better.

Lacey Brown made it pretty far last season, but was cut before the top twenty-four.  She’s back for another try and she gets four Yes’s.

Next through to Hollywood are three sixteen-year-old’s.  I didn’t get their names and wasn’t super impressed.

Michael Lynche had arms like tree trunks and he sang a Righteous Brother’s song that had Kara and Kristen Chenoweth melting.  He sure is a big guy–kinda hot–do you think ladies?

Didi Benami had the first sad story of the night.  Her girlfriend died four years ago and Didi says she’s her inspiration.  She’s a good singer and she holds it together until after her audition.  We’ll meet up with her again in Hollywood.

I like this Pennsylvania boy Aaron Kelly!  Why?  Well, for starters, I am partial to those from Pennsylvania.  This sixteen-year-old comes across as a normal, adorable (judge quote), shy boy who can sing.  I think this kind of kid is what American Idol is all about.  Good luck Aaron!

Aaron’ s female counterpart has to be Hope Johnson.  She really touched me when they highlighted her.  She said that she was poor growing up and that she would save parts of her lunch to bring home to give to her little brother because he would cry from hunger.  How special is she?  She comes across similar to Aaron, kind of innocent and shy.  It will be interesting to see how far she can get in this competition.

So that’s it!  We have 181 contestants moving on to Hollywood week.  It won’t take very long for them to be whittled down to just 12 guys and 12 gals.  Of course, the big draw next week will be our first chance to see Ellen.  I can’t wait!  Stay tuned…Bloggergal1

This is finally the last week of auditions before American Idol heads to Hollywood.  Do I hear a woohoo?  Today’s stop is Denver, Colorado.  Today’s celebrity judge is once again Victoria Beckham.  I don’t mind her, she’s a decent judge, but I still say she needs to gain about 10 pounds.

The first contestant showcased tonight is talented!  Wow, will American Idol ever cease to amaze me?  Mark Labriolla is a twenty-eight year old from Colorado.  He tells the camera (and us) that he is often mistaken for Jack Black.  He does have a bit of resemblance to him.  Simon is fascinated with Mark’s story. His mother took off with him when he was four-years-old against his father’s wishes.  They remained on the run until he was ten when he was reunited with his dad and moved to Colorado.  He is on good terms with both parents now, but Simon tries to get some comedic moments out of it.  To make a long story short, he has “something” and he moves on to Hollywood.

Okay, something is wrong with my DVR.  I tried to fast forward through the commercial and it keeps skipping to the end of the show.  So, sorry, I didn’t get to see anything past the above!  It would be really great if someone would step up and fill me and everyone else in on what happened in Denver.  My husband watched and said he saw a lot of good talent for a change.  Unfortunately, I had to work last night (you know for REAL money!) and I couldn’t watch live.  Oh well.

Tonight is the last night of audition’s and American Idol promises us “the best auditions yet”.  We’ll see…so stay tuned…Bloggergal1

Hi Everybody!

Did you happen to catch last night’s Grammy awards?  If you did, then you noticed that American Idol is playing a big influence on the music world.  Past American Idol stars were everywhere.  Especially noteworthy was Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson along with Usher, Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson in the tribute to Michael Jackson.  My personal American Idol, Adam Lambert did a stint as fashion reporter for Entertainment Tonight.  Ryan Seacrest hosted E’s Red Carpet show.  Also appearing on E was Larry “Pants on the Ground” Platt.  He’s one lucky guy to get to attend the Grammy’s.

Did I miss any other American Idol’s?  Let me know!  I’ll be back tomorrow night when American Idol goes to Denver Colorado, so stay tuned…Bloggergal1

Hi Everybody,

Why do we have to start with a bad performance every single time?  Neil Patrick Harris is guest judge for the first day in Dallas.  I love him from when he was Doogie Howser.  Can’t wait to get to Hollywood and see how Ellen does.  Of course, once we get to Hollywood, we’ll have to live through the inevitable contestant fights.  Oops, sorry, I wasn’t paying attention…

The first positive of the night is Lloyd Thomas.  He brings back memories of our teddy bear crooner Ruben Studdard.  His story resembles a lot of the stories we’ve heard so far this season…wanting to do good for his family, two children, lived in a bad neighborhood, dock worker, etc.  He has a good voice and receives four Yes votes.

AI sets up Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Colwell as “dueling” throughout the auditions.  Interesting that Neil seems to have taken over Simon’s roll, by asking for the votes, etc.  You go Neil!

Next to move on to Hollywood is teacher, Kimberly Carver.  My husband was reading and looking down and he liked her voice instantly, but Simon didn’t.  Lucky for her the other three judges saw something in her that Simon didn’t.

So did you ever watch Barney and Friends?  When my boys were little, I saw that show a lot, okay too much!   The next singer was one of the little kids on that show.  They ask her to sing the Barney song and she sings it pretty good.  Oh, did I mention that she’s dressed in some kind of S/M outfit?  Well anyway, she auditions to an En Vogue song and I don’t like it at all.  But she sails through to Hollywood.  Musta’ been the whip.

This is an interesting story.  Next up is Dave Pitman and he has Tourrettes syndrome.  The unusual thing is that when he sings, his Tourrettes doesn’t show.  It’s only when he’s not singing that you notice.  He can sing and you can’t help but want to see him succeed.  He moves on to Hollywood.

It’s the second day of auditions in Dallas.  Taking the place of Neil Patrick Harris is Joe Jonas.  In case you live under a rock, he’s a Jonas Brother, oh and he’s a cutie, but he’s really, really quiet.

When it was announced that Todrick Hall was in The Color Purple with Fantasia, I knew he would be a contender.  He did a really cute song that he wrote, but Simon wasn’t amused.  I liked him a lot.   His look was hot and his voice matched.  Even though Simon wasn’t amused, he still received four Yes votes.

American Idol flashes through a number of contestants who receive Yes votes.

Maegan Wright is featured along with her little brother–her biggest cheerleader.  She isn’t dressed to impress with a “break the rules” shirt, but she surprises the judges with her good, talented voice and gets four Yes votes.

Diagnosed with leukemia when she was four years old is Christian Spear.  She’s sixteen now and of course she can sing and on to Hollywood she goes.

I have to confess something.  I’m running out of things to say.  Each audition city is starting to blend into the next audition city.  The stories are all starting to blend into each other.  Next week we move on to Denver Colorado.  Stay tuned…Bloggergal1

Hi Everybody!

American Idol auditions are in Los Angeles tonight. Well actually, auditions are at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, but close enough I guess.  So when a contestant is “going to Hollywood” he or she is going about 20 minutes or so down the freeway!  Guest judge is Avril Lavigne.  Her hoodie has devil horns.  Is she trying to intimidate the contestants or the other judges?

We hear the first singer and I’m already yelling at the television! Enough already with Neil.  How annoying was that?  American Idol highlighted him way too long.  So in other words, fifteen minutes have gone by and we haven’t heard a “contender” yet.

Jim Ranger from Bakersfield, California sings a country/rock song that he wrote.  He’s good enough to move on, but Avril votes no.  Hopefully, she didn’t vote no because he has children and she didn’t think it was what he should do.  She was hinting at that.  Well, anyway, Simon, Kara and Randy send him on his way down the freeway to Hollywood.

Impressing all four judges with her raspy, punk rock voice is Mary Power.  She has an eight-year-old daughter who happens to love Simon.  Why, you ask?  Because he’s negative of course–isn’t that why all of us love him?  She moves on with four yes’s and definitely my yes.

Day two in Los Angeles…Avril is gone and Katy Perry takes her place, but it’s okay because she uses Proactiv too.  If you watched the commercials during AI, you understand what I mean.

Andrew Garcia comes from parents that lived in Compton and were involved in gangs.  They managed to escape that life and move to a better area.  Andrew has a wife and child and seems really authentic and he can sing!  Hopefully, he’s going to be a contender.

Side note…forty-five minutes of the show have flown by and only three “talented” contestants have been featured so far.  <sigh>

Next to make it to Hollywood is Tasha Layton, personal assistant by day, minister by night.  This southern belle sails through to Hollywood.

I don’t usually comment on the “no” contestants, but I loved Jason Greene.  I know he was there for the entertainment factor and he sure provided that, didn’t he?

Before the commercial, Ryan teases us by saying that we should be prepared to be blown away.  We haven’t been blown away all season, so I sure hope so!

Katy and Kara don’t seem to be hitting it off.  Katy has quite a mouth on her and her goal is to annoy Kara.  She sure did that.  I have to admit I found her annoying too.

Heart-tugging story of the night is Chris Golightly.  This twenty-five year old spent his entire childhood in foster care.  He estimates he lived in over twenty-five foster homes.  This cutie with blond curls reminds me of the first season contestant (and amore’s pal) Justin Guarini.  Ryan said he’d blow me away, but frankly he didn’t.  He sang well, he was a looker, but I’m not raving about him.

A lot more make it through to Hollywood, but unfortunately once again, we don’t get to hear them sing.  Tomorrow night, we move on to Dallas Texas where we’ll meet my favorite guest judge Neil Patrick Harris, along with that big purple dinosaur Barney!  Sounds like an interesting night, so stay tuned…Bloggergal1

Source: MSNBC

‘Idol’ contestant cut after dad talks to paper
Lynche’s father violated confidentiality agreement, according to report

A moment of pride has turned to sorrow as an “American Idol” contestant has been cut from the competition after violating a confidentiality agreement, according to a report.

Michael Lynche (a.k.a. Big Mike) was reportedly told to pack his bags after his father revealed to his local Florida paper, The St. Petersburg Times, that Michael had made the top 24 — a violation of Idol rules requiring the singers and their families to keep the Hollywood week results quiet until they’re broadcast.

The New York Post, citing Idol spoiler site Joe’s Place, says Michael was replaced in the top 24 over the weekend. FOX has declined to comment on the report.

If Lynche has indeed been booted, he wouldn’t be the first. Last season, Joanna Pacitti was replaced by Felicia Barton on the list of top 36 contestants. FOX would not give a reason other than Pacitti was found to be “ineligible to continue in the competition.” But her dismissal followed reports that she had connections to executives at Idol producer Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment.

Source: MSNBC

Peace, BBBlogger

Hi Everybody!

With auditions for American Idol heading to Los Angeles this week, I started thinking.  What is the audition process really like?  Do you realize how many truly amazing singers must be turned away every year?  On Friday night, my husband and I attended Temecula Live.  This all country music talent-type show has become a tradition in Temecula, California.  The show is held for three nights and has different performers each night.  The singers are always amazing and range from little kids to adults that have taken up singing later in life.  Every time one of the singers hit the stage, I would turn to my husband and say, “They could make it on Idol”.  But they don’t.  Why?  Because for every one of the singers on the Temecula Live stage there is probably a hundred just as good.

So what do you need to be an American Idol?  Something besides a good voice that’s for sure.  Maybe a sad story that will lead to a happy ending?   We always love those, don’t we?  Members of the military/police have a bit of a better shot.  It doesn’t hurt to have an unusual look or dress a little different–but be careful–not too different!  I’m not sure what the formula is.  Perhaps it changes year to year or even audition to audition?  Well anyway, I’m sure Los Angeles saw its share of really good performers not make the cut; but Tuesday at 8:00, we’ll see who does.

Enjoy the playoffs today.  Stay tuned…Bloggergal1

Todays’ auditions are in Orlando, Florida with celebrity judge Kristen Chenowith.  She’s a very talented woman–did you catch her appearance on Glee?  I hear she’ll be back next season.

First to receive a golden ticket in Orlando is Seth Rollins.  He was praised by all four judges.  Seth is a very caring father of an autistic son.  He wants to succeed both for himself and his family.  He definitely pulled me into his corner!

Jermaine Purifoy auditioned in Season 7 and he’s back for a second try.  He sings a Tony Bennett song.  I don’t think I mentioned that Seth sang a Frank Sinatra song.  Must be crooners’ night.  Randy says Jermaine was the best he heard this season so far.  Another four Yes votes.

Shelby Dressel is an 18-year-old trying out for Idol for her first time.  She has a bit of nerve damage on her face, but it doesn’t affect her beauty or her beautiful voice.  Once again, four Yes votes.

Day two auditions are minus Kristen Chenowith. First up today is Jay Stone.  Okay, now this one is “sorta” unique.  If you remember Blake Lewis, though, maybe not.  Jay is a beat boxer–but he’s different from Blake because he mixes the beat boxing right in with the singing.  I guess you have to hear it to understand.  Simon says No, Kara says Yes and then Kara talks Randy into the second Yes needed to send Jay to Hollywood.

We hear tiny bits of  Janell Wheeler, Brittany Star James and Kasi Bedford sing and all three receive Golden Tickets.

Cornelius Edwards lists his dance skills on his bio, so during his song, he tries a split.  Lucky for him, his voice is good, because his pants ripped and his dancing talent wasn’t winning him any prizes.  We’ll see him again in Hollywood.

Would a season be complete without siblings?  Next we have two very hot sisters from Jersey.   Bernadette and Amanda Desimone can hold their own while singing…oh and did I mention that they are hot…and also Hollywood bound.

As you know, I’ve been ignoring the No contestants, but I can’t help but comment on Jarrod Norrell.  After singing Amazing Grace, the judges try to let him down easy with three No’s but he won’t leave and ends up being taken out in handcuffs.  For the judges sake, I hope this was put on because this guy was scary.

Last story of the night focuses on Matthew Lawrence.  When he was fifteen-years-old he robbed a bank with a BB gun.  He ended up in jail for over four years.  Now, he’s grown up and wants to make up for his huge mistake.  Simon’s quote is “brilliant”.  That’s high praise.  Kara and Randy both are bowled over by Matthew.  He, of course, gets a ticket to Hollywood.  The judges think he will make it to the top 12.   Maybe.

That’s it for week two of American Idol.  Next week, AI heads back to Los Angeles where there is never a lack of talent–at least in my experience.

Have a great weekend!  Bloggergal1

Jarrod Norrell

Hi Everybody,

American Idol heads to Chicago and leaves with only 13 contestants going to Hollywood.  Maybe it had something to do with Randy’s shirt.  Did you see that thing?  I was shopping in Beverly Hills awhile ago and saw him coming out of one of those posh stores.  It may have been expensive, but I still don’t like it!

The first contestant is  Katelyn Epperly.   Her story is that her parents are divorcing and she’s doing this mostly for her mom because she loves American Idol.  She moves on to Hollywood, but she needs to want this for herself to become the next American Idol.  My husband didn’t like that tattoo on her back and he thought her dress was too child-like.  So in other words she needs some updating to her look.

Off topic, did you see the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis cruise ship commercial?  It has a merry-go-round–can you imagine?  I need to get on that ship!

Sixteen-year-old Charity Vance from Arkansas sings Summertime.  Randy says she has a “small voice but an interesting sound”.  Simon told her she sounded great.  She gets four yes votes and moves on to Hollywood.  All the judges are amazed that she is only sixteen.  Well, if you watch American Idol regularly, you know what’s coming next.  When she starts choosing her songs, the judges will say she is choosing songs that are too old for her, right?

The next section shows a large number of really bad singers, mixed in with reactions from the judges.  My question is did the judges really see all those lousy singers, or did AI producers piece together that section?  I just can’t imagine those famous people sitting through all those contestants.  Why would American Idol waste their time?  There has to be a ton of really good singers in Chicago.

Next up is three time contestant, Angela Martin.  The first time she made it to Hollywood, her dad passed away and this affected her.  Angela made it last season to the top 50 but had to drop out because she had to appear in court for a traffic violation.  Will third time be a charm?

After the commercials, another whole segment devoted to terrible, not even funny, contestants.  How about American Idol divides the show up–one show of terrible contestants and one that shows just the good ones, even if they don’t make it to Hollywood?

Finally, we get to a Hollywood-bound contestant, John Park.  He’s a twenty-year-old college student.  I think his audition is really dull.  He’s going to need to show some personality to keep going on AI.  Shania critiques him and uses what can only be called questionable language.  I think John was pretty confused by her, as was I!

Paige Dechausse, also a college student is the next to be highlighted.  She had a close call when she was little with a severe asthma attack.  Simon thinks she’s “indulgent” and votes no.  Kara and Shania think she deserves a shot and vote yes and then they harass Randy into saying yes.  Do I think this was all a put on?  Well, what do you think?

The last segment highlights three guys…Justin Ray with amazing hair, Keith Semple holding his guitar and Marcus Jones.  All three get yellow tickets.  I think that Keith Semple has a very interesting tone to his voice and I’ll be watching out for him in Hollywood.

Tonight American Idol goes to Orlando, Florida.  I wouldn’t mind going to Orlando, would you?  Anyway, hopefully they’ll find more talent there.  So, stay tuned…Bloggergal1

Hi Everybody!

Can you believe it’s Sunday already?  We’re right smack in the middle of NFL playoffs (go Vikings!), but before you know it Tuesday will be here!  American Idol auditions are in the windy city of Chicago.  Guest celebrity judge is Shania Twain.  Check it out Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.

In the meanwhile, stealing the spotlight away from AI contestants this week was Atlanta’s Larry Platt.  I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but he is the writer and performer to the newest Internet hit “Pants on the Ground”.  I hesitate to even say those words out loud because I find that it leads to me singing the silly ditty all day long!  My local newspaper had an interview of his and he’s shocked about all the attention he’s receiving.  He said that he hopes people will concentrate on his message more so than his fame.  His inspiration hit when seeing a father with his pants hanging walking down the street with his children.  He feels that isn’t the message that a parent should be conveying.  You go, Larry!

Remember Skii Bo Ski (Anthony Wheeler) who sang I Heard It Through the Grapevine?  Well, it turns out he has quite a criminal past with a number of arrests.  His last arrest as recent as a few weeks ago!  According to my radio-listening hubby, American Idol has kicked him off the show.  However, I haven’t been able to find verification of that.  Many Internet fans are questioning if American Idol does background checks of the contestants prior to putting them on TV.  Do you think they should?  Comment and let me know!

Have a good rest-of-the weekend!  Stay tuned…Bloggergal1