by Jenn |
The third round of auditions came to Chicago, having the largest turn out yet with 12,000 contestants. Pioneer in crossing country into pop music, Shania Twain graced us with her presence to help find the next American Idol. She has sold over 65,000 albums and won 5 Grammys along the way.
Shania on Idol
The first contestant up was Katelyn Epperly, 19, from West Des Moines, IA who sang “Syrup and Honey” by Duffy. Her pretty face matched her pretty voice. Shania said her voice had very interesting quality and was unique. With 4 yes’s she’s made it through to Hollywood.
Amy Lang, 26, from Westchester, OH, sang “Dr. Feelgood” by Aretha Franklin started out her song by pretending to faint. She didn’t fall short in the dramatics when she went on to do a “boob things” by pooping her chest up and down. Simon was not impressed and the others felt she didn’t take her seriously. Amy and her boob-boxing will be left out of Hollywood Week.
With a little, quaint voice, next up was Charity Vance, 16, from Little Rock, AR. She impressed the judges by singing “Summertime.” They all felt that she was unique and had her own style. Being only 16, she was surprisingly good and had good control over her highs and lows. With a little work, Charity could go far.
Auditioning for the third time, Angela Martin, 28, from Chicago, IL, made it to Hollywood Week in Season 7. After seeing Angela’s daughter on TV, Shriners Hospital said that they would take care of her medical needs, a blessing to Angela. But before she made her trip to Hollywood, Angela’s father passed away. His funeral was only a week before she left. He was suppose to accompany his daughter to Hollywood. Angela didn’t make it through Hollywood Week. She came back in Season 8, making the top 50 but because of warrant, a traffic violation, and a court date, Angela had to drop out. Now she is back for another chance. Singing “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige, the judges agreed that it was a good song choice because she could relate to the song. Simon said she was “it’s singers like you why I like doing this show because you’re really talented and you need a break and you’re just good.” Angela was brought to tears with all 4 yes’s.
Seven more were through on day 1 as it came to an end.
Day 2, Curley Newbern, 26, from Chicago, did not get the auditions off to a good start. This big guy had a tiny, high voice that could draw animals to him. His squeeky little voice got all no’s. The morning continued in this sad fashion. Brian Krause, 27, from Pittburg, PA, was no better either. While we thank him for serving in the military, we also thank him to stop singing. Next bad singer was Harold Davis, 25, from Chicago. He sang Usher’s “Nice and Slow” and when the judges turned him down, he began to cry with his face to the floor. Although, with some hard work and training on his vocals, he could potentially come back in the future.
As the day went on, it didn’t get much better. Finally came John Park, 20, from Northbrook, IL. He brought a smile to the judges faces, particularly Shania who thought he had a nice “bottom end…and nice lips.” Besides his looks, she also agreed he had a nice voice. Four yes’s and it’s finally through to Hollywood.
Finally, sad day 2 was coming to an end. Last up was Paige Dechausse, 21, from Morris, IL, who as a child, had asthma. At age 15, she had a severe attack and the doctors gave her a 30% chance of surviving, and if she were to survive, there was a great possibility that she would brain damage. Luckily, she recovered and can sing her heart out. Her audition wasn’t perfectly wonderful but lovely. Simon said no; Shania, Kara, and Randy said yes and she was through.
In total, 13 made it though. Others through to Hollywood include:
- Justin Ray, 20, from Marysville, IN
- Keith Semple, 27, from Hanover Park, IL
- Marcus Jones, 18, from Gary, IN