TeeVee: American Idol Season 10 New Orleans Auditions
American Idol (Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX)
It’s the second day of American Idol Season 10, and I got to say… I actually like the new judges and their chemistry better than the previous crop(s). Yes, Simon Cowell and his sarcastic, in-your-face awfulness was a spectacle and definitely put American Idol on the map and paired with Paula’s loopy demeanor, it was pure gold. BUT, I have to say, for a show that should be about the talent their discovering, the judges of the past made it all about them and which one could get the best sound bite.
In just 2 episodes, these judges have made it about the talent. Sure we still get great sound bites from the crazy Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler. We get that genuine, judge with a soul from the beautiful Jennifer Lopez. And we still have the comfort of the past with Randy Jackson, who has annoyed me way less than usual.
They’re not messing around this year, most “critiques” have been short, sweet and to the point and they get a golden ticket or they don’t. I only hope that continues as the rounds go on. To actually hear constructive critiques would be an absolute blessing, and I’m excited to see that happen. Also, if they keep it short that means we get more from the contestants vying for our votes; perhaps longer songs, longer intro-packages, new stuff like music videos, etc. Now, wouldn’t that be amazing?
Last night’s episode was the N’Orleans auditions, where 65,000 people came out to strut their vocals, however only 37 got Golden Tickets to Hollywood. Let’s recap the featured singers.
My Favorite of the Night - Jordan Dorsey – a 21 year old piano and vocal teacher that came in and mixed up “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Maybe it’s the song that gets me (I lurve it), but I was right alongside the daydreaming S.Ty and goose-pimpled J.Lo especially when Jordan decided to make the tune snappier. I thought it was a great audition; his voice was great, but I hope he can pull back on the vocal Olympics and sing simply as well. If he can, he’s got a good shot at the big stage.
Photo Credit - FOX
Sarah Sellers – a 28-year old “marketing analyst by day, aspiring singer and a food and music blogger” that sang Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love”. She was good and held her own vs. the crazy words of S.Ty (who commented on her glasses AND her lips), which had the judges sending her to Hollywood.
Photo Credit - FOX
Jovany Barreto – a 23 year old ship builder who thinks Marc Anthony is “da bomb” and J.Lo is “a goddess” and also told his ship-yard buddies he was going to take his shirt off during the audition. He sings in Spanish, and the judges nod in unison. S.Ty says “from my melodic sensibility, it was really delicious”. He gets a Golden Ticket, but then says he needs to do something, while unbuttoning his vest. S.Ty and The Dawg get up and the all show J.Lo their “situations”.
Photo Credit - FOX
Photo Credit - FOX
Jacquelyn Dupree – the 24 year old that brought in pictures of Randy in High School and her uncle, who happened to be Randy’s old HS football coach. After a particularly awkward discussing of paddling a$$es, she sings “I’ll Stand By You”. It was shaky, but decent enough for the judges to send her through. Or they were too busy checking out Randy’s mini-fro.
Photo Credit - FOX
Brett Lowenstern – the red-headed 18 year old, who at first I thought was being set up to fail, until I say him singing with guitar for a couple of blonde girls as he gave a pretty great public service announcement on anti-bullying. The AI producers furthered the fake-out when the pre-singing interview went awkward. However, Brett started singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and totally killed it. He gave J.Lo “goose pimples” and they were all pleasantly surprised that his voice was much richer than his speaking voice. He clearly gets a Golden Ticket.
Photo Credit - FOX
Jacee Badeaux – a 15-year old pudgy baby-face who came in and sang Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”; it was smooth and silky and really nicely done. The kid seems a bit shy, so I’m not sure if he’s ready for this crazy competition, but the judges melt into a puddle for him, he rightfully gets a Golden Ticket.
Photo Credit - FOX
Paris Tassin – a 23 year old with a special needs daughter (Keira) tells her pregnancy story and how doctors told her not to have her baby. She did, and although Keira has health problems, she wouldn’t change a thing. She sings Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” and I was right along with J.Lo as the tears started streaming down my face. Although not perfectly sung, the emotion was spot on and it was nicely executed. Paris tells us she’ll do better in the following rounds after getting her Golden Ticket, and I for one hope she can. (Plus, later J.Lo meets Keira and gives them both a big hug).
Photo Credit - FOX
Okay, now that we got the Golden Ticket winners out of the way, let’s talk about the
Most WHACKED Performance of the Night Award – The dude that said he won a Steven Tyler look-alike contest (by S.Ty said he looked more like Mick Jagger); the guy that sang Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”… he was really into it, and probably kills on karaoke night in a seedy bar, but not here. He got an overwhelming no.
Photo Credit - FOX
Honorable Mentions – 1) The 18 year old that went to “Idol Camp” when he was 15; J.Lo and S.Ty tried to be nice, but Randy told him he should stop singing. He seemed genuinely shocked. 2) The white “rapper” with the bedazzled glove, because really?! 3) We didn’t even hear him, just saw him sadly exit (and get stuck) after his audition… but the guy in the king/joker/mardi gras white, purple and glitter outfit.
Photo Credit - FOX
Golden Ticket Winners - Ace Gilliam, Adrian Michael, Alan Jackson, Aishya Alzaabi, Blake White, Brett Lowenstern, Ciara Farrow, Chelsea Chandler, Clifford Johnson, Emily Elgin, Erin Kelly, Jovany Barreto, Jacee Badeaux, Jackie Tuttle, Jacquelyn Dupree, J’Leigh Chauvin, Johnny Drennan, Jordan Doresy, Jorge Gabriel Rodriquez, Joshua Holder, Justin McCoy, Krista Bettevy, Lauren Turner, Mitch Moffett, Nick Jacob, Natalie Hanson, Rachel Harmon, Sammy Arriaga, Nalalie Moon, Reagan Tucker, Paris Tassin, Raion Ramsey, Steven Cain, Sheena Lewis, Sarah Sellers, Symphony Music Howlett, Taylor Dye
