by Jenn |
With 71 remaining contestants, the judges certainly have the hands full trying to narrow down this well-talented group to the top 12 girls and 12 boys. This season is packed with good singers and may be the best season yet!
Before we get down to business, can I just ask what was up with Kara’s dress when they were breaking the news to the rooms…was she just extremely cold or does she have some piercings there?
After giving their last chance performance with a full band behind them, the group was split up into 3 rooms, depending on whether or not they were on to the next round. And here’s how things went:
Room 1:
- Casey James – took risk with the song “Bubbly.” It was more enjoyable than the original with a country flare.
- Tyler Grady
- Tim Urban
- Andrew Garcia
- Todrick Hall – Sang “I’m Yours” and made it his own. But his head is getting bigger with every pass he gets.
- Alex Lambert
- Michael “Big Mike” Lynche
- Tori Kelly
- Lilly Scott
- Katie Stevens
- Shibhon Magnus – was told by Ellen that she acted too old so she changed her look with a jean jacket and a pink dress that looked like lingerie, topped off with a feather in her hair. She did well in her audition.
- Thaddeus Johnson – Sang “Man in the Mirror” At the beginning of his song, the band began to play the wrong song, they started playing, “Bubbly.” Thaddeus turned to the band and said, “I’m not Bubbly.” He then turned to the judges and said, “but I’m a bubbly person!” His reaction caused some laughter. He played with the mistake instead of being a diva, well done Thad!
Room 2:
- Keia Johnson
- Mary Powers – Sang “Hot N Cold” poorly. She was out of breathe and gave nothing original to it. It was just blah. Simon said, “I think she interesting because she is old.” She thinks that she is amazing, she’s not.
- Lloyd Thomas – Sang “Man in the Mirror.” He did alright but not great. People will love his story of being a dockworker, father, and husband far more than they will like his singing. Sorry, buddy! He’s a sweet guy, though.
- Hope Johnson
- Christian Spear
- Jermaine Purifory – Sang a soulful “Brickhouse.” After his first audition, he was told that he was the best they had seen in the auditions up to that point so he should have continued to knock their socks off!
- Brian Walker – He was confident because Simon gave him a weird pointy-finger thing after his appearance but maybe that’s just cause Simon wanted to stay on his good side to get out of any tickets in case he’s even in Brian’s neighborhood.
- Charity Vance – Sang “Gravity”
Room 3:
- Shelby Dressel – She forgot the words to her song while rehearsing and broke down in tears. Thankfully, she remembered them during her performance because she did a great job.
- Haeley Vaughn
- Maddie Penrose
- Jessica Furney
- Angela Martin – sang “American Boy” and did a great, soulful rendition. She has had some serious set-backs in her life, things may be looking up for her.
- Janell Wheeler – Her performance was not great. She sang “Love Story” and seemed to forget the words or kind of mumbled them. Kara said she sang the wrong song.
- Ashley Rodriquez
- John Park
After all the performances were over, the judges narrowed it down to room 1 and 3. Room 2 was out (SO glad to see Mary Powers go!) Simon told them, “Most of you have been better than we thought you would be and we’re glad that you entered.” There was some good talent let go right there and hopefully they will try again next season!
And the top 24 are!!!!!
- Micheal “Big Mike” Lynche - In case you were wondering, his new baby girl’s name is Layla Rose. Simon told him he, “did improve,” he’s “a really nice guy,” but they didn’t think that he thought he could actually do it.
- Didi Benami - It was a surprise she made the top 24! Simon told her that when she is good, she’s fantastic but not consistent.
- Katelyn Epperly
- Casey James – Kara was extra happy when her country hunk made it! Her leg popped up when she gave him a congratulatory hug. She is totally in love with him!
- Aaron Kelly – Ellen said, “you’re a good guy.”
- Lee Dewyze – Kara said, “you have a great, big voice” but “lack confidence.”
- Todrick Hall – Kara simply said “yes.”
- Paige Miles - Simon told her, “You’re better than you even know.”
- Siobhan Magnus
- Michelle Delamor
- Jermaine Sellers
- John Park
- Haeley Vaughn – Simon said, “There are times that we see you and we think that you’re fantastic, other times you can be a little bit annoying…but you are super, super talented.”
- Andrew Garcia
- Jannell Wheeler – Ellen said, “you have a great voice.” This one came as a bit of a surprise after she did not so well this past week.
- Tyler Grady – Kara likes his 60’s/70’s dance moves.
- Lacey Brown - 2nd time around…made it to the top 50 last time
- Ashley Rodriquez
- Alex Lambert
- Joe Munoz
- Chrystal Bowersox
- Katie Stevens
- Lily Scott - Kara told her, “you’re really very unique.”
- Tim Urban
Who didn’t make it?
- Shelby Dressel – She was told no and walked out, then Simon said to the other judges, “that was the wrong decision.”
- Jessica Furney – she was denied last year in season 8 and was denied again. She pleaded with the judges for about 5 minutes (tiny violins played in the background). When she asked what she did wrong, Simon simply said, “you didn’t sing as well as the others.”
- Thaddeus Johnson – Poor guy! He cried like crazy! He was even told that he did nothing wrong. There was just too much talent this season!
- Tori Kelly
- Angela Martin – This was her 3rd attempt. Kara walked to her side and sat in the chair with her to tell her the bad news. Angela has been through so much that it was difficult for them to disappoint her again, but they did. It was a very emotional moment and they encouraged her to continue trying to pursue her dream. Why was she cut though?!?! She did a great job!
This is honestly going to be a fabulous season jammed packed with talent! It was hard to watch all the other talented people go and not make it to the top 24, but for some, there is always next season!