by Jenn |
American Idol went home to Los Angeles today. The guest judge for day 1 is Canadian singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and actress Avril Lavigne.
The start of Day 1 was talentless. Neil Goldstein, 19, from Redlands, CA had some weird twitchy clicky-mouth thing going on. As he began Meatloaf’s, “Rock and Roll Dreams Come True,” Goldstein forgot the words after the first line but continue on. Avril giggled during his ditty. After Simon informed him that this wasn’t his thing, Goldstein refused to leave. Unfortunately, he left on his own accord and not with an escort, leaving without a scene. After, he blamed his refusal of a golden ticket on Simon hitting him with the door before the audition. Unless he hit him square in the throat, that probably wasn’t the case.
Next up was Pastor Jim Ranger, 27, from Bakersfield, CA, a father of 3. Today, he wrote his own song for his audition, which was about his wife of 7 years. While he may not have a commercial look, he does have an “authentic voice,” said Simon. Chubby, with long hair and a beard, he stood there quietly and received a yes from Simon. Avril, apparently didn’t feel he could handle the life of a pop star because he’s a father and a pastor because she said she liked his voice but gave him a no. He made it through with his golden ticket and he’s off to Hollywood with God’s speed!
Marshal Arts is his first obsession and singing his second. Sandwich man, Damien Lefavor, 26, from Seattle, WA, tugged at his jacket lapel as he began singing, “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling,” which he had forgotten the name to. He really should have stuck with marshal arts. He stopped after a few seconds of shrieking and declared that he had screwed it up. Without any judges deliberation, Simon told him to leave and he was out, if he could have found the out…
After not seeing anything too great yet, mother of an adorable 8 year old (who likes Simon because “he is the only negativity one”), Mary Powers, 28, from Burbank, CA, finally gave us something to listen to. Avril was all smiles listening to her. She had a raspy, hard voice. Simon wasn’t feeling her punk rock attire but gave her a yes along with the other judges. This was the first audition they actually seemed to be excited about, finally! Ryan Seacrest compared her to last year’s runner-up, Adam Lambert, bringing some rock and roll to Hollywood.
Last up for Day 1 was a big Adam Lambert fan. A.J. Mendoza, 20, from Upland, CA. He did somewhat resemble Adam Lambert with some high pitched yelling. The judges couldn’t control their laughter and Avril said, “absolutely not” for going through. Maybe he should have opened his mouth wider to let more yelling come out.
Day 2 became exciting when beautiful, brash, and talented Katy Perry walked in as the guest judge for the day. Poor Katy was actually scared by the first audition, Austin Fullmer, 19, from Glendale, CA. As he attempted to sing, he thrashed his body about the floor. He even began to freak out Simon. Surprisingly (not), he didn’t make it through, ah darn.
Andrew Garcia, 23, from Moreno Valley, CA, has a strong family support group. Much of his family has been involved in gangs but his father was able to remove Andrew from that scene and make a better life for his family. Andrew might have the chance to do the same for his little boy using his amazing voice. Simon called him ” a genuinely, genuinely, good, good singer.” All the judges agree he was excellent. Katy even got chills! Andrew is definitely someone to watch out for in Hollywood!
There was no luck for the ladies until Tasha Layton, 26, from Granada Hills, CA, came along. She is a pastor/personal assistant and a southern bell. Her vocals were good and pure. With 4 yes’, she is through to Hollywood.
Ewwww…OMG….is all that can be said about Jason Greene, 21, from LA who came in singing, ” I Touch Myself.” He had a flare for the dramatics as he got onto his knees and invited Simon to come join him down on his knees. Katy felt dirty being in his presence. As Jason left, he threatened, coyly, to return next year. His and Ryan Seacrest’s sexuality were questioned when Jason walked out and handed Ryan his phone number and told him to call him…anytime. Hummm. Ryan gave it to someone who resembled his bodyguard, perhaps for safe keeping.
Day 2 was almost to an end when curly headed Chris Golightly, 25, from LA got his chance to impress the judges. Having found his only security in his music, he gave all his heart into his audition. Having been bounced around from foster home to foster home 25 times, he was a child just wanting love. He has a lovely voice but the judges weren’t super excited over him. Kara was taken by his story and wanted to give him a chance and even said he was her favorite for the day. Randy was on Kara’s side with a big yes, while Katy and Simon showed their similar emotional-disconnect and only slightly agreed he should go through, so off he went with his golden ticket.
Twenty-two made it through in Los Angeles. Next stop on the Idol Ride is Dallas, Texas! Yeehaw!