Hollywood Week: The Girls (Night 1)

With many more girls than guys, the judges made quick and frequent cuts right in the beginning starting with the lines of 10 singing a capella.

Line One:
-Angela Miller: I didn't recognize the song but I thought she did very good. She has a sound that would you can imagine being on the radio. She made it through to the next round.
-Victoria Acosta: Killing Me Softly - since she sings mariachi, she was made to sing a song with so much emotion. There was one little part in the middle that she missed, but she recovered. She, too, made it through.
-Mariah Pulice: Gravity - I thought she sounded way nasaly and off key. Obviously the judges agreed because they sent her home.

County Girls:
-Rachel Hale: Nicki says she has a quality that is so relatable, but I don't see it. I think she is kind of fake. She pulled me to her side at the very end of her song, but I didn't care for it that much.
-Janelle Arthur: At first I thought she was pretty fake, too. But once she started singing I thought she was genuine and had a beautiful tone.
Both girls get to continue. Way to represent Country!

Judge Favorites:
Candace Glover: If this were the finale, she would win. Hands down.
Megan Miller: Titanium - I didn't like her personality when she first auditions, but this girl can sing!
But only Candace made it though while Megan was sent home.

Isabelle: This one named girl sings with a little attitude and a lot of soul. Of course she made it through!

Kez Ban: This girl is one of a kind, for sure. Her audition was actually really good, but tonight she had a bit of a cold and her voice was really flat.
Briana Oakley: I, again, do not know the song she sang, but she did good! She is a young girl and you can tell in her voice, but that doesn't really matter. She reminds me of someone but I can't quite but my finger on it... I'll let you know later in the season. :)
Both girls, and everyone else in their line, made it through to group rounds.

Group Rounds:
Just like the boys, the producers pick the groups. As one girl said, "The claws are coming out."

The Swagettes: Hit 'Em Up Style - Kamaria Ousley, Melinda Ademi, Candice Glover, Denise Jackson; They really sounded like a real group! That was so good! Each girl did very good. It showed; they all went through.

 



Raisin' Cane: Sin Wagon - I am a country girl, but these girls just look and sound like they are in a talent show. It was a little overwhelming with the "Southern Belle"-ness. But they make it through, with cupcakes, ice cream, and painted toenails, no less... those are gifts from Nicki?

Almost Famous: Somebody That I Used to Know - Savannah Votion, Lizz Weiss, Daysia Hall, J'Leigh Chauvin; They definitely made this song their own, but I think some of the girls lost some of the lyrics. They worked the night away to create the harmonies, but I don't think they pulled it off.
Only Daysia made it through, which is weird because I thought she was one of the worst from the group.

The Dramatics: If I Die Young - Kriss Mincey, Janel Stinney, Cristabel Clack, (there was one more unnamed group member); Well, they lived up to their name. That was no where like the original AT ALL. Janel was so worried about rehearsing the song, but she missed most of the lyrics. Although she kind of recovered and sang beautiful notes. Some how they pulled it off because they all stayed.

Urban Hue: American Boy - Seretha Guinn, Tenna Torres, Kiara Lanier, (4th member); I thought this group had it together, but Nicki was glad it was over. Sometimes mine opinions are just the exact opposite of the judges; how strange. Seretha is the only one to go home. That one blew my mind. I honestly thought she was going to say the only one to go through. Shocking.

The Pooh Snaps: Knock On Wood - Erin Christine, Zoanette Johnson, Lauren Bettes, Isabelle; I thought this rendition was kind of good actually. But Zoanette needs to go. All she did was scream and it was very unattractive. Of course. I have differing opinions again. Only Lauren was sent home.

Handsome Women: Somebody That I Used to Know - Shira Gavrielov, Alisha Dixon, Liz Bills, Courney Calle; Randy was shaking his head through this entire performance... Each of these girls sucked, but yet again were surprisingly good. I guess I'm just on the fence about them. The judges were not. Liz was the only one who went through. She has a very strange personality, but a good voice, which I guess is all you need? Shira was pissed and went back on stage to ask for an explanation and was given the answer that it just isn't her time.

Oh, hey, another Somebody That I Used to Know. Stepahni Schimel, Alex Delaney, Kalli Therinae, Holly Miller; This group chose to do Total Eclipse of the Heart, but changed songs 2 hours before the performance.  Only Kalli knew the words to the song, but that didn't matter. Stephanie and Holly were the two through.

The Dolly Chicks: Sin Wagon - Brandy Neely, Haley Davis, Britnee Kellogg, Kree Harrison; For the most part I thought they were good. Haley didn't stay up and rehearse with the girls so she had to write the lyrics on her WHOLE arm. I think Nicki brought up some very good points about being a group: staying up together to learn the lyrics, play the music, etc. But, as we've seen tonight, only your voice matters. Haley, Kree, and Britnee make it through to the next round.

The Misfits: Be My Baby - Kez Ban, Angela Miler, Janelle Arthur, Breanna Steer; I was very surprised by Kez Ban's audition, but tonight's performance was awful. Aside from her, the other 3 were spectacular. However, alllllll 4 go through. "Best Group of the day" according to Nicki.

Sometimes this show blows my mind. Let's see how my opinions and the judge' differ tomorrow!

Until next time, xoxo
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Hollywood Week: The Boys (Night 2)

Tonight wraps up Hollywood week for the guys. Tonight they perform solos, then the group will be cut again in groups of eight.

For the first group, Paul Jolley, Lazaro Arbos, and Curtis ??? somebody who is from STL. (This is when I really need DVR!!! So I can rewind and have the right thing!) [PS after looking this up on Google, I found his name is Curits Finch Jr. I would still like DVR, though.] Paul sang Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away." Behind stage he was a mess, as well as on stage. He wasn't very confident in himself and kept saying he didn't want to go home, which oddly enough makes me want to send you home. Lazaro sang "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga. I, personally, did not like his rendition. I still empathize with his story of having a stutter, but I don't care for him and would like to see him leave. Last featured from this group was Curtis Finch Jr. He performed "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri. I thought this was way too theatrical, and he kind of spoke some of the words instead of sang them. But, I am not a judge, so I have no say who goes through and who doesn't. I would have sent all three of these gentlemen home, but they are through one more round.

The next group featured Devin Velez with "What a Wonderful World," Gupreet Sarin aka "The Turbanator" with "Georgia on My Mind," Cortez Shaw, and Matheus Fernandes with "Makes You Stronger." I REALLY liked Devin's song. He has a very nice and smooth voice. I would like to see him get onto the live show. Gupreet's was average. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either.  The next song, I did hate. This was the first time Matheus had performed with a live band. The first thing he says before the song is his name and age. He, again, points out the fact that he is not 12, he is just short. Nicki calls him out on it and says he needs to quit throwing a pity party. I totally agree with her. There is no reason to keep bringing it up. But on top of that, it just wasn't good.
Of the eight, Devin, Gupreet, Cortez, Adam made it through.

TL: Papa Peachez, TR: Matheus Fernandes, BL: Gupreet Sarin, BR: Cortez Shaw

Nicholas Mathes (Bruno Mars' "Locked Out of Heaven"), Papa Peachez (Lady Gaga's "You and I"), and Jimmy Smith (Dixie Chicks' "Landslide") were featured in the next group. I thought that Nicholas was not very good. He had stood out last night in prior rounds, but the tension just got to him. I thought he sounded pretty pitchy. I have not been a fan of Papa Peachez from the beginnin and nothing has changed tonight. I feel that his singing voice is too deep and forced. It is not quite nasally, but there is something about it that is not soothing. Jimmy I thought did fairly well. I have not noticed him in previous episodes, so I thought tonight was ok. Afterwards Nicki, again, commented on Papa's complacency. She said that his fire is completely gone. I would be fine with him being completely gone. She also said to the entire group "This was the time to fight for your life..." and if you didn't you are probably upset at yourself "and you should be."
Nicholas and Papa were the only two to go home.

Nick Bottington is the first up for the next group. I didn't realize he got cut during Hollywood Week last season, but after they showed a clip, I remembered I liked him! I do not know the song he is playing, but he has made the decision to play the piano himself; I enjoyed it. Charlie Askew, the kid with social issues, chose Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know." I thought it would be kind of bad, but it really wasn't. It was not like the original because he wasn't as raspy. He may have gotten past some of his social-awkwardness: Nicki said she was obsessed with him and he replied "Baby, I could say the same thing." Not going to lie, my jaw dropped.
Nick, Mathany, one of the "feminine" guys from the Country Queen group, and Charlie were asked to stay for one more round.

L: Curtis Finch Jr., M: Burnell Taylor, R: Marvin Caderon

Burnell Taylor also sang "Jar of Hearts" and I do not like it. I liked him in other rounds, but this is just not doing it for me. He pronounced "time" as "ti-i-i-i-i-me." Marvin Caderon also sang this song, but this one was actually good. I liked it, not as much Perri's obviously. They both got through, though. =/

Micah Jonhson chooses Randy Travis' "I Told You So" which is one of my favorite songs. A favorite song sung by my favorite contestant. Yay! =) Micah did not sing as powerful as some of the other things he has done before. I think it was a good rendition, but Mariah expected more out of him. SHOCKING!!!!!! They booted him! My heart is literally broken. And then on top of that some of my other favorites are sent home: Gabe Brown, Sanni, Nate Tao. What is this world coming to! Hopefully my fav girls will stay next week!

Until next time, xoxo
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Hollywood Week: The Boys (Night 1)

It's here! It's here! It's here! The most intense week of the contestants' lives. 20 guys and 20 girls will be chosen to be featured on the live competition, but first they'll have to go through the dreaded Hollywood rounds. This is Hollywood Round! 

This year, the girls and guys are separated. We only get to see the guys perform tonight/this week. This is sure to be a talented group of guys. The first round is a group of 10 singing a capella. They will face their judgement on the spot.

First up is one of my fav's, Micah Johnson. He and three others in his group got through. Other fav's Nate Tao, Gabe Brown, and "The Turbinator" made it through as well in other groups. In another group Karl Skinner (Missouri Native!) was a key singer, but was sent home. Following him was another of my favorites, "The Singing Doctor."

Cortez Shaw, who we did not see during auditions, sang Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." I thought that it was a pretty decent version, and I would have seen him through. Obviously the some of the judges thought different. Nicki thought it was a hideous rendition and said she wanted to send him home immediately. But, she was outweighed and Cortez got through.

Lazaro Arbos is up next. He is the one who has a terrible stutter. It took him a minute to say the name of his song... "Angels," one of my favorite songs. I didn't think he did well. I would cut him. Keith sends him through because it is miraculous how he can sing so clearly, but not speak. He, along with half of the guys, gets to move the next round.

And what is the next round??? Groups! It is the most stressful of the challenges, but I love them. And this year there is a new rule: the producers pick which group you are in. This is a big deal. Introductions and alliances have been made, and the producers just flipped their world. They have less than 24 hours to remember lyrics, choreograph a routine, and pull it all together.

The Math-Heads: This group includes Matheus who is vertically challenged. They choose "Somebody to Love." Of course they don't do as good as the Glee version, but it is good. Nicki asks them one by one to step forward and finally tells them they are through, in a British accent no less.

Normal Hills: Johny Keyser is in this group. He is a returning contestant, so he knows how this all goes. BUTTTTTT, he forgets the words during the performance, along with everyone else in his group. This, obviously, is a big no-no. If they go through, it will be a miracle for them.
They got their miracle... 3 of the 4 guys go through, obviously for their voices.

And all four of The Four Tones go through including Micah Johnson. This makes me happy. What doesn't make me happy are the groups that messed up "What Makes you Beautiful" and "Don't You Want to Stay." Some of these people actually stayed.

B-Side: This group sings "Payphone" by Maroon 5. And they also don't know the words. I think if they did know the words, it wouldn't be any better. Randy called it a train wreck. Side note: One of the guys wears a turban, and Keith mentions, "I would be Keith Turban." I laughed. Well, they all went through, which is so strange.

Last Minute: It seems here is another group that can't remember the words!!!! Hello! One Direction! Not that difficult! I have a feeling these boys will not be as lucky as the previous group. "If the word 'wrongest' can be used, that was the wrongest choice." - Keith Urban

I don't know the name of this next group... they take a risk and sing "Payphone" a capella. They say no risk, no return. I thought it was actually really good, but the judges didn't like it. I guess they liked it well enough to send 3 of the 4 guys through to solos.

Mo-Flo: Tony Foster, Jr. stands out to me in this group; Burnell Taylor's voice is very 50's-ish to me; besides the few ending notes, I thought it was real good; would you look at that?! The two that I liked out of that group got to stay. I guess I do know what I'm talking about sometimes.

Super 55: This young group of guys didn't do so hot. You hear the judges say multiple times "close enough." And then they were off the beat by just a hair, so they were off the whole song. Sadnesssssss. While the guys all said that Lazaro was holding them back, he was sent through and two of his teammates got sent home.

Country Queen: Two of these guys are very fem and wear heels. The first guy, Lee, is not so good. And JDA, is kind of good. Joel, ok. As for Trevor, I thought he was good from the clips that I saw, but he missed almost every word. I think I think they are bad, but I can't tell for sure. For me, it was a poor song choice. I know it's not the live competition so they don't have to be too conscious about song choice, but I didn't like it. Awwwww shucks, the two country boys go home and the....eclectic....characters stay.

Yay! The youngest boys are up.
DKSK: David Leathers, who missed the live shows by one spot last season, is in this group. I distinctly remember wanting him and not Ebon to go through last season. Let's see how he does this go around. I think David did the best from what I could hear. Kayden didn't do so well, and my other favorite, Sanni, did ok from what I heard. Sanni and David make it through, but Kayden and the other boy (whose name starts with a K...that's all I know) went home.

Oz: Frankie, Charles, Papa Peachez, Adam. DRAMA. Oh jeez. Frankie is crying behind stage like a little girl. I hope he goes home. So drama behind stage and on stage apparently. Frankie still seemed so depressed, Papa was...Papa, Adam, I just don't like him, and Charles was fabulous. The drama continues to post-song critique when discussing how they meshed and worked together. The "big personalities" made it a problem. And Frankie is the only one who is sent home. Not was I was expecting, but I'll take it. Oh, ps, more drama. Mariah starts crying because she feels bad for Frankie. Boo hoo.

Well ending with Frankie walking away crying and mouthing was an interesting way to end the show. At least there is still tomorrow to finish up the boys with solos.

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Until next time, xoxo

(photos pulled from American Idol Twitter and Facebook pages)

A Tale of Two Cities: San Antonio & Long Beach Auditions

This is the last week of auditions!!! This, by far, is the most unimportant part of the show to watch. I can't wait until next week when the "real competition" gets into full swing. Let's get on with the show!

Vincent Powell: This is a returning contestant, but I don't remember him! :( I bet seeing his idol, Mariah, he will do swell! He starts with "Rock Me Baby" and sounds a lot like Bruno Mars. Keith says he is good but needs to find himself. I think even though he sounds like Bruno Mars, he doesn't necessarily have to make an album like that. Nicki advises to make a gospel album, which would work well for him. Of course he goes to Hollywood. Can't wait to hear more from him and see if Randy makes him nervous with another big ol' sip outta his drink.

Duo - Derek and David: They can't talk well together, I hope they sing well together.... nope. Judges shaking their heads with a million no's. One had a way deep voice and one had a way high voice. Of course they think they sound good and are arguing with the judges. But "not trying to be difficult." So awkward. And Nicki brings it back and ACTUALLY has something positive to say and sounds smart. I like her. Oh, hey, they are STILL arguing. Sadly, for the brothers, they didn't make it to Hollywood. They said the judges were rude, but I 100% disagree. They were so professional, but obviously these brothers are numb-skulls.

This next girl comes in with a bandeau on. A little scandalous, but not like Bikini Girl! She's a single mom but American Idol means the world to her. She sings "At Last." I like Julia Demato's from Season 2, but this girl is GOOD. Obviously the judges think so, too, because they just let her sing on and on. They say she is a natural performer, and has a lot of life going on, organic. She gets a big yes for a big voice! I'm glad she proved me wrong. I thought she was a little slutty, probably sounded awful, and should go home. I'm excited to see her next week in Hollywood.

Christabel Clack - Here comes the family girl. She's way cute and so is her family. She is 29 so this is here last chance to audition. =/ She chooses Alicia Keys for her audition song, and it pays off. She has a beautiful tone and sings a few additional runs. "I know you, I get you, I love you." I completely agree with Mariah. She did real good.

Ann - Ann was nominated by her husband to audition and Randy visits them. I still think this nomination thing is weird, but she was silly and excited so it was ok...this time. Ann sings Faith Hill. I don't really care for her. Of course Faith's was much better, but the judges seem to like her. To me, she wasn't as soulful has Faith Hill, but the judges put her through. I honestly think she won't make it that far. But who knows?

Victoria Acosta - Mariachi!!!!! But auditions with Fergi... I don't like it. She has a good voice, but 1. I hate Fergi, and 2. her Spanish accent would sound SO PRETTY with something else. Keith said he was waiting for something else and I agreeeeeee. She is asked to sing mariachi, and she kicked it! They made a connection with that. But mariachi is not going to get her too far. She needs to find a way to connect with people with better song choices.

Wanted Bandits - Hahahahaha these people have a chance at being good, but totally fail. Nicki says it best with "EEEK."

Papa Peaches - A Big Black Woman Trapped In A White Boy's Body. Whoa. This will be interesting. He sings an original... I can't tell what this is. It's very strange. Whoa! He threw in a cuss word. Awkward. ...I think: No? Even the judges' thoughts are confusing. I have no idea where this is going. Well, it was a 2/2 vote and Randy changed his vote and let him through. I just can't get over how "original" that was.

Sanni - This 16 year old is adorable. He is a choreographer who wants to be a performer...and a great role model!!!! Presh. He chooses...MJ!! You can tell he is young when he sings but it is really good. He has a lot of confidence and stage presence. I love him!!!! I want to put him in my pocket! "Runs and Riffs!" I would have never have guessed that was an MJ song, he definitely has his own style and I can't wait to see more next week.

Adam - I don't want to be rude, but he sounds like a girl. I'm not going to like him. He has a great voice; he kind of reminds me of last year's Joshua Leddet because he is so soulful and gospel-ly. He says his inspiration is Etta James... and he kind of sounds like her... LIKE A GIRL. But they gave him a standing ovation because he WAS good. In my opinion, I won't be voting for him because I don't like his personality. Oh, well.

There was a boy who sang in the bathroom and decided there to audition. So bad. I don't even want to talk about it. NEXT.

Stephanie - She has a band named YOLO, how nice. ..... This girl is nuts! She sings screamo, broke something, and is flipping them off the entire time, and walked out. That was the first time I've ever heard screamo on AI. I don't like it.

(top left: Briana Oakly, bottom left: Micah Jonshon, bottom right: Metheus)

 

Micah Johnson - Micah had a tonsillectomy and the doctors hit some nerves and now he speaks with an impediment. I sympathize with him so much, I had a tonsillectomy very recently and I was so nervous something like that would happen. That only happens to 1 in 100,000 patients. He opens his mouth to sing and I am literally sitting here bawling my eyes out. You couldn't even understand him speak, but his singing voice was clear, beautiful, and so.... indescribable. What and inspiration. I am so shocked and cannot believe what I just heard. Oh my God. I am rooting for him.

Briana Oakly - she is 16 and was bullied for being on t.v. :( Which is so dumb, because she was singing and being cool, why would someone bully a star? Kids are dumb. I hope they realize how awful they are, because she is amazing. She has such a tenderness about her voice, and sings with joy. I really respect her for coming back to the screen and continuing her dream even though people made fun of her for it. She just brings a smile to my face. The judges have nothing but good things to say about her: poised, light, control, natural talent.

Matheus - He was also bullied because he was short, not like shorter than normal, but like little person short without the hormonal/dna disorder. But music has lead him through the struggles. He chooses "Change is Going to Come" and it is reallllll smooth. Smooth. Smooth. That's all I can describe it as. And the judge's agree with me with a unanimous yes. What a precious moment.

One more night of auditions! And then we are on to Hollywood Week!
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Until next time, xoxo