After searching 7 cities, 181 contestants are participating in Hollywood Week and performing at the Kodak Theater, hoping to continue on in the competition. This is the first time that Ellen Degeneres, the newest judge (replaced Paula Abdul) will be sitting in on the contestants. Ellen, and the other 3 judges, have to cut the contestants down to 12 men and 12 women.
The first round consisted of 2 familiar faces from the auditions, Katie Stevens and Antonio “Skiiboski” Wheeler. For being only 17, Katie has a mature voice and did a great job. Simon told her, “you’re quite good” and Randy said she, “has good natural talent.” While the judges loved Katie, they weren’t giving Skiiboski the same lovin’. Ellen tried to explain to him that he “shouldn’t frighten his audience” because he was prowling across the stage “like a leopard behind a cage.” That was the end of the road for him.
Andrew Garcia came on with his guitar singing his own version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” It was more enjoyable then the original! Kara really enjoyed it, calling it “genius.” He is definitely going to go far and when he does, he needs to cover that song again!
Country girl, Vanessa Wolfe, picked a horrible song for herself, Blind Melon’s “No Rain.” Ellen noticed that she was very nervous. No surprise, she was cut. The story is the same for Cornelius Edwards. During auditions, he had an outstanding performance by jumping into the splits and making all the men watching cringe in pain. This time it was his song choice that made Simon (and anyone watching) cringe. He chose the Dixie Chicks’, “Cowboy Take Me Away.” The only place he is going is home.
Big Italian boy, Amedeo DiRocco, couldn’t find that special place he keeps his voice and pretty much yelled at the judges instead of sang. It was kind of heartbreaking watching his face after he failed to get through. Sorry, Amedeo, maybe next year!
Delicate, with a hint of roughness, is how Janell Wheeler sang Estelle’s “American Boy,” while strumming her guitar. She impressed the judges, Ellen called her, “Amazing.” She went through easily and is someone to watch this season, for sure! She’s cute, too.
Haeley Vaughn brought her guitar, too. She has some great pipes. Randy called her a pop-country girl. She wasn’t too impressive though and probably won’t go to far compared to some of the other talent.
Mary Powers, this being her last chance to make it through onto American Idol because of her age, had to bring it all. She sang a Pink song and actually sounded similar to her. She wowed the judges and was through.
By the end of day one, 46 made it through to the next round.
Lilly Scott came on with platinum blond hair and a guitar. She has a unique voice that sets her apart from the other contestants. Kara called her, “refreshing.”
Expectant father, Michael Lynche, got a call before he went on stage that his wife’s water had broken and that she was in labor. Maybe it’s a good omen. Him and his guitar gave a great performance and is one of the guys to watch this season. “Big Mike” made it through, obviously.
While he was performing, Simon could be heard saying, “he’s got a good voice” about Tim Urban, who he gave a second chance to after in his not-so-good first audition in Dallas. It was a surprised that he sounded as well as he did.
HOTTIE, and not new to American Idol at all, Justin Williams is going through Hollywood week for the second time. Randy called him “interesting.” Sadly, the judges didn’t like him this time around either and he was cut. But he is so cute! Maybe he can do some modeling. Sorry girls. The boys will also be disappointed to know that the dominatrix/Barney chic, Erica Rhodes, was cut as well.
Maddy Curtis, the sister of 4 boys with Down Syndrome, was told by Simon that she chose the wrong song and that stopped her journey. But she is only 16, she has plenty of time to try again.
Casey James was the guy that took off his shirt in Denver so Kara could get a better look at him. He didn’t do that well in his first audition but this time, with all his clothes on, this country boy had Kara swaying in her seat. Randy called him “a real singing/songwriter.” His guitar is a perfect fit for him with his nice country voice.
Kara’s face lite up when Didi Benami informed the judges that she would be singing a song written by Kara. Simon “hated to admit it” but he “liked that song.” He also liked the fact that she’s a waitress and this could be her big break. They really liked her. She was through to the next round.
Crystal Bowersox needs some teeth whitener but she did a phenomenal job singing “Natural Woman.” Even the her fellow competitors were into her song and gave her a standing ovation. Simon called her “infectious.” She made it to the next round.
In total, 96 made it through to the next round. The weakest have been removed from the competition and now it gets to be more fun!
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