Wednesday night’s episode featured the Beat of the Rest from the audition round; the best of the best and the best of the worst. They also highlighted the six Do’s and Don’ts for making it to Hollywood.
Lesson 1: The Look
Lesson 2: Seek Inspiration
Lesson 3: Never Give Up
Lesson 4: Audition on Your Own
Lesson 5: Shake Your Money Maker
Lesson 6: Clarity
In addition to these six lessons for making it to Hollywood there were several new faces with good voices. I’ve already beamed about Paul Kim and his spectacular performance. His counterpart on the female side for the night would be 26 year-old Lakeesha Jones from Fort Meade, MD. Lakeesha Jones was previously leaked as Lakeesha Young, a top 12 female finalist. Last night when Jones opened her mouth and let out Aretha Franklin’s “Think” viewers across the country knew why she’s been predicted to be in the top 12. That…girl…can…sing! As soon as she finished Simon Cowell immediately started in with “love this girl, love you Lakeesha, good old-fashioned belter, great, great voice, very likable, that was on the money” and Paula Abdul quickly responded that Jones was “brilliant.” With that she received the yes votes she needed to make it to Hollywood.
Another rumored top 12 female finalist also performed last night; Gina Glocksen. Glocksen was there putting Lesson #3 to the test – Never Give Up. This was her third time auditioning and second time making it through to Hollywood. You know what they say; the third time’s the charm! This year’s song selection was “Black Velvet” – her performance was OK in my opinion. Randy Jackson said “I liked your voice” and Simon Cowell felt that Glocksen has “…soul, which I like about you.” With that Glocksen received her ticket to Hollywood. I’m guessing she really stepped up her game in order to advance on to the top 12 females.
Like most American Idol fans I am looking forward to next Tuesday’s show; the first of the Hollywood round performances start. This is where contestants need to bring their A game or go home; and a lot do just that – go home.