L.A. (AKA Least Appealing) Auditions

I realized this week on my way to work that there are, basically, three types of Idol Watchers out there that I have encountered. The first type watches only the audition episodes, enjoying the worst of the worst and the parade of bad singers, but isn't at all interested in seeing, hearing, voting for, or crowning, the next American Idol. They basically tune in for the first 2-3 weeks for giggles and then turn on something else. (If you are reading this blog, I assume you are a Fan of American Idol and can therefore never imagine that such a type exists, but trust me - it does!)

The second type of Idol watcher is the opposite....hates the audition episodes because they find it unacceptable to, essentially, make fun of people. This watcher skips the first few weeks entirely and only tunes in when/after the Top 12 (or so) are chosen. Again, I know....hard to believe that anyone could skip an episode of Idol! But they do.

Finally, the third type of watcher watches the entire season from start to finish, more or less, enjoying the good with the bad, taking the awesome with the awful, the ghastly with the good.

Which type are you? Poll is to the left....

The Los Angeles auditions had a higher golden ticket ratio than Chicago (one in a thousand auditioners got through in Chicago, while one in 500 made it to Hollywood from LA) but I don't feel like we got to see that talent. By my count, we were shown only 5 Golden Ticket winners in any depth: Neil Ranger the worship leader, Mary Powers the rocker, Andrew Garcia the former gang member, Tasha Layton the Personal Assistant by day and minister by night, and Chris Golightly, the Foster Kid.

We were also treated (?) to two guests judges tonight in only one hour's time, meaning we got very little time with either, but enough to leave me with lasting impressions of each. Both of these ladies know what it's like to be a struggling artist and sing your heart out in front of people. Even so, Avril, up first, showed very little compassion and love for the auditioners tonight, giggling and falling out in a way that has now bumped her down a notch below Mary J. Blige as the most disrespectful guest judge this season. And her weird devil horns didn't help. The only singer she gave any props to was the rocker with the black leather and eyeliner, which reminded me of how MJB only gave props to the rappers. Shallow.

On the other hand, Miss Katy Perry had lots to say, and most of it was to Kara. Cat fight! I wonder how much of that was scripted for the cameras and how much was real, but there was a real battle at tonight's judges table over who knew more...Katy or Kara. It made me long for the feel-good days of Kristin Chenoweth and Girl Power!

Wondering if Kara had surgery over the summer or just consulted a wardrobe expert. Maybe Paula's former wardrobe person needed a job?

So of the five ticket holders tonight, I liked the three guys. First of all, to have two worship leaders of the three means that Danny Gokey has had an influence on this season (forget Adam Lambert). I loved Neil Ranger's "authentic voice" as Simon called it and hated how Avril called his family and work situation (three kids and job as a minister) as a negative for being a potential pop star. Thought that was totally out of line. Who else have they restricted in this way? No one that comes to mind. Shame on her!

I also liked Andrew Garcia (how could you not). Did anyone else see him as a wonderful blend of Danny Gokey and Elliot Yamin? Kara's "110% yes" was decidedly less enthusiastic than this season's trademark "one bazillion percent yes" but we'll take it. And of course I liked Chris-the-Foster-Kid-Of-Justin-Guarini-Hair. I just hated how Katy cheapened his audition by shaming Kara's enthusiasm with the admonishment that it "wasn't a Lifetime movie, sweetheart..." Gosh. Can I get a Cold Hearted Snake, anyone?

Which brings me to my next topic: The Backstory. It's been much discussed, touted and misaligned regarding AI auditions, and I've got my own take. Stay tuned.

Worst contestant: The Adam Lambert wannabe A. J. Mendoza. I don't want to give any attention to bad auditions in this blog ,but what I totally don't understand is, the judges hated this guy and yet, he sounded EXACTLY like Adam Lambert did to me all last season. Anyone care to explain the difference to me?

Last favorite moment of tonight: Sandwich guy Damien Lefavor introduces himself. Simon asks, what's the latest thing? Damien answers, "Rock..." to which Simon replies, "No, I mean in sandwiches." The answer is, "Pepperoni, pepperoni, pepperoni..." LOL!

Did you see your next American Idol in tonight's LA auditions? Do you think Avril or Katy should replace Paula? And do you think pepperoni really is the most popular sandwich topping right now?

Windy City Winds a Bit Weak

I was excited for my hometown auditions to air tonight and I've got to be honest, they weren't good. I guess the film editing powers-that-be at FOX figured that out early on, too, because the entire hour didn't cast Chicago in the best light. The opening montage alone about killed me, the swearing would have made a nun blush, but then the paucity of golden tickets given out here just made us look like a bunch of losers. No wonder we didn't get the Olympic Games! Well, the city looked beautiful and it's still my kind of town after tonight's auditions.

There was more joke than talent shown tonight, so this is a short blog. I honestly wasn't take-it-to-the-bank excited about anyone tonight, but there was some Chicago talent. We all remember Angela Smith from seasons 7 and 8, and I am happy to see her back tonight. Thankfully she is still within the age range to audition again. She's great, and I'm not surprised to see her get her ticket to Hollywood, but I wonder if her hopes and dreams will get dashed again for the 3rd time, not because of her daughter or a speeding ticket, but because she just doesn't stand out enough. But until then, I will cheer her on!

I also have to give it up to the salon-stylings of Amy Long, who's parents have a hair salon in their house. Um....and I thought my dogs shed. Well, she has apparently been performing for customers for a while now, and even though she is just 16 and has what Randy called a "small voice", there was something very genuine and natural about her that I really liked.

Finally, my favorite of the night was the very first auditioner shown this evening, Katelyn of the curly blond hair and divorcing parents. I don't think she can win the thing -- but I love surprises! -- but she impressed me and and hope Hollywood is good to her.

On to Orlando to see if dreams come true...

Season 9 Kick Off!

Welcome everyone to Season 9 of American Idol. I have "negative energy" going in to this season, to use terminology from tonight's show...IDK...last season was just meh for me. I'm going to watch this year because it is good entertainment, and goshdarnit it's Simon's last, so what the heck....but my expectations are tempered.

I had a blast watching tonight's show, of course. Tears, laughter, shock, sadness....it was all present and accounted for! First of all, Ryan Seacrest may have questionable judgment when it comes to some of his TV ventures, but he is the best in the biz at connecting with people....for example, the way he interacted with everyone, but especially the Nigerian family, was just tops...I remain a fan. So glad he hasn't left! He has a way of connecting with 'ordinary' people that cannot be topped in today's television....Bob Barker was also a master, for example, IMO....

I have never been to Boston but after tonight's show I'm ready to pack the car and ROLL! You people are fun, and your city looks beautiful (in summer, anyway). Loved the accents, and people overall weren't nearly as annoying as I expected them to be. (Boston reader peeps, I expect a shout-out and conversation!). The video editing and sound people on this show are just truly the best...you've got to admit they do an amazing job. I'm sucked back in!

I will try and summarize my thoughts on tonight's 2 hours by noting just the good performers, and within that group, my favorites. (This is after I wipe my notes clean of the tears of laughter I cried at the very first contestant who "mastered" the AI karaoke game and went to Hollywood so many times....OMG....) I should add that if I took the time to even write your name down, I liked you.

I have a 3-point scale tonight, and first off one-half star goes to Bosa, the Nigerian, my hometown boy from Columbus OH! I have to root for him, on principal, and also because I loved his family...but he could sing ai''ight, too.

I give one star to the big Italian guy, Amadeo; to Tyler the drummer-turned-front-man with two broken wrists; and to Mike the speedboat actor. The Italian guy from the big family, we're rooting for you and think we'd like to come to your house for dinner. LOL, that was one hilarious post-audition huddle, no?! I certainly agree that Tyler needs to get out from behind the drum kit and sing leads, I liked his energy and think he's got a great voice and rock presence (but what kind of rock God climbs trees?!) Finally, the speedboat 'actor' (what does that mean?) was charming and could sing so I'll make a note of him this episode.

My two-star players were Maddie Curtis, the lovely young lady at the start of the show with the special-needs brothers; Luke the red-haired waiter who was one of the harmonizing trio featured; and Justin the cancer survivor featured at the end of the show. Maddie was _absolutely adorable_ and I just loved her voice...and so mature for 16...that's because she had to grow up sooner than most her age due to her family circumstances. Luke the waiter (with beanie) reminded me of David Cook! (and that is a Good Thing). And Justin had a great voice and soul and he radiated warmth. Pulling for him in all ways.

My top dogs from tonight? I have to preface this paragraph by saying that I admit a bias going into this season....to quote a fellow blogger, the great MJ, we have crowned two WGWG the last two seasons (that stands for White Guys With Guitars) and so even though many, many WGWG were no doubt inspired by Kris Allen's win, there will not be another WGWG winner this year. Period. Sorry.)

I will venture to guess, on tonight the first night of Season 9 that we will see a woman win this year, and she will be a woman of color and/or mixed race/ethnicity.

Given that, my top Dawgs from tonight are Ashley Rodriguez and Katie Stevens, hands-down. First of all, Ashley totally reminded me of Jordin Sparks and as I listened to her sing, I could hear myself saying, she could win! She was totally gorgeous and adorable and could sing the phone book and all. You Know. Now, I know this is only the first city of 6, and there are lots of auditions to come....but.....girl could win the whole thing. I also really liked Katie Stevens who has the Portuguese grandmother with Alzheimer's. Adorable and talented, and could be her year.

And that is the Season premiere! As always, I welcome your comments! Thanks for reading!