Talent A Plenty in Season 9 Top 24

Thankfully just a one-hour show tonight revealing this season's Top 12 guys and gals, following a painfully bloated 2-hour show last night. I read that they revealed some of the top 24 last night because of all of the leaks that have gone down this season....technology is a help and a hindrance, no? Cell phones and iPhones and camera phones, texts, tweets, Facebook....hard to keep much a secret these days.

I have a few categories I silently placed tonight's contestants in as they were announced, and in no particular order:

In, And We Knew It: Ashley Rodriquez and Katie Stevens. There was never any question, despite the lack of any significant footage from Hollywood week. We got more film and backstory from Lilly Scott, Crystal Bowersox and Janell Wheeler, but we still knew they were finalists. And despite all of the manufactured "chairs" DRAMA that Fox is so good at, we knew Alex Garcia and Haley Vaughn were shoe-ins for the Top 24. Talent is talent, what can you say!

In, Even Though We Don't Really Know Them: And I could be wrong, but the only time we saw John Park, the noteworthy smooth-as-silk Asian crooner was at his first audition....and nada since. I actually had trouble recalling Tim Urban at all. I knew who he was from his audition, but we saw very little of Tyler Grady in Hollywood. I have no memory of Joe Munez, or the obviously talented Siobahn something or other. But I have to admit I have no recollection whatsoever (even audition footage) of lovely ladies Paige Miles and Michelle Delamor, or of Adam (I mean Alex, sorry) Lambert. Hmm. That isn't a good sign for any of them....

In But We Weren't Entirely Sure: Casey James. I actually think he has a nice voice and he was a bit short-changed with the whole shirt-removal fiasco. Can he deliver? Micheal Lynch is a nice guy, but didn't know which contestant would fill that Micheal-Sarver-adequate-singer-and-nice-guy slot, there were several to choose from this season. Aaron Kelly, the 16yo kid with the Backstreet Boys hairdo made a great impression, but there had to be some kind of quota with the younger set for California child labor laws or something, and he forgot the lyrics like, every time, so wasn't sure he would get through. Jermaine Sellers (Which Jermaine was he?). Tough break for Lacey Brown last year to go up against Megan Joy, but hey -- if you have to go against someone, at least they do well, right? And this might be her year.

Two ladies had particularly tough roads in Hollywood, IMO. Didi Benami, the emotional waitress who lost a friend in college, wasn't a shoe-in to me. Her emotional instability made her seem a bit too vulnerable for the rigors of American Idol (and the producers agreed with me, playing that up before ultimately granting her a rightful spot in the Top 24, girl is painfully talented). I'm not sure I can say the same for curly-topped Katelyn Epperly....she is cute and can sing fine but I'm not sure she can go the distance.

One guy to watch is Lee Dewyze....I still think it's a girl's year, but with that in mind, he is just the kind of sleeper contestant that winner Kris Allen was last year. I like him and can't wait to hear more of him.

In and Out: This category is reserved for contestants who are viewed as what we call 'cannon fodder', meaning they are added to the top 24 for reasons other than talent (demographics, or viewership preferences, perhaps) but are not expected to be true competitors for the title. In this pool I would put Toddrick Hall (annoying), Katelyn Epperly, Alex Lambert since I have no recollection of him whatsoever, Joe Munez, Lacey Brown, and Micheal Lynch.

Out And We are Sad: Okay, how can it be that Angela Martin is talented enough to make it to Hollywood three times in a row and yet not advance this year? She is a very talented gal with lots of spunk and class. I felt her disappointment and I wish her the best. The same to Thaddeus Johnson (but mostly his Mom). I thought he had a great voice, wonderful spirit and vibe.....but the talent pool is so deep this season, tough break. Come back!

Out, And it's Sad, But We Kinda Figured: Some notes leaking over from last night, but I'm still sad for Hope Johnson. I loved her audition and was kind of afraid Hollywood would eat her up. Group rounds were tough for her, and in the end she just couldn't measure up. Best to you!

Bring on the Top 12 ladies!

Shock and Awe in Hollywood, Round One

Ellen officially joined the Idol judges table tonight in what turned out to be an array of amazing talent mixed in with a dollop of disappointment and a smidge of shock. Ellen provided comedic relief, as we'd expected, but also displayed a kindness that Paula would have, but still stuck to her guns when telling contestants that they didn't have the stuff. No drama with Simon (yet) although the press sure wants this to happen.

The field of hopefuls was cut in half tonight as the number went from 180-something to 90-something, as I understood things. Out of those 90 who made it through (to the next Hollywood round), we got to "see" way less than half....which means there still may be lots of Kris Allens in the bunch. And as we saw tonight, kids, better keep taking those guitar lessons because it looks like they come in handy when auditioning for American Idol (and the keyboard, not so much).

I must acknowledge a few of my early favorites who did NOT make the cut tonight. Maddie Curtis has a sweet voice and I just know there is an amazing songstress in there, with the heart to go along with it, but alas, her song choice just didn't showcase. Love to Maddie and her family, and Mom is right....you're only 16! Come back.....

How can you not root for Vanessa Wolf, who clearly had a Fox camera person shadow her the day she took her first arrow plane flight from rural Tennessee to Hollywood (awkward)? Her voice didn't make the trip as well as she did, and American Idol isn't her thing, dawg....but gosh it was nice to meet her and I wish her the very best! And Justin THE CANCER SURVIVOR....sounded much better in White Chocolate. Wish you the best, bro.

Also, in the film we saw that Jason Castro's brother Micheal made the cut, as well as my early fav Ashley Rodriquez, but we did not hear them sing tonight. (small yay! Not about the not singing, but about the making it).

Now....there were some seriously gifted performers tonight. I don't even know where to start. First off, Katie Stevens....an early fav of mine....did not disappoint. I think she has a Kelly Clarkson vibe....lots of power and clarity in her voice but lots of control to go along with it. Watch this girl!

Everyone else, basically, played the guitar and sang. I have my favorites. First and biggest Idolmama shout out goes to Andrew Garcia for his veeeerrry David Cook-esque (NOT Adam Lambert-esque as Kara suggested) stripped acoustic version of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up".....utterly brilliant. He could record that TODAY and sell records, singles....I mean downloads. It was really, really good ....heck, I'd download it right now if it was available! Only problem is, could be the editing for tomorrow night's footage, but it sure looked like Andrew gets dumped.....something about him begging.....please let it not be true?!

Beyond these two, there were a slew of very talented singer/guitar players, among them Janell Wheeler, Haeley Vaughn, Micheal Lynch and Casey James. Which of these, if any, do I see in the top 24? It's hard to say....Janell is good but somewhat generic. Haley has a pocket no one else fills, although she is young...big guy Micheal has a charm and smoothness about him, but will it endure? And Casey fits in the country/blues pocket, but what about versatility? (for homework on this, see Covington, Bucky). (But then go and see Bice, Bo). Hmmm.....

I am not a fan of "Rocker Mom" and to prove it, I don't even know her name. I wish her no ill will, but I just don't see an AI future for her. I think she squeaks in under the Allison Iraheta banner but doesn't have what it takes. And I was most disappointed, speaking of rocker moms, that one of my early favs, Danelle Hayes, got her Golden ticket at the Denver auditions but never made it to Hollywood. How, you ask, is this possible? Read here for the story. Apparently, there are many reasons...one of which is failing to pass a criminal background check, for example....:(( Danelle, talk to me!!!

Finally, there were some downright talented ladies tonight who are incredibly gifted, and it seeps through their very pores...but I'm not sure they are AI material. Lilly Scott, Didi Benami and Crystal Bowersox are very talented ladies, but can this talent survive the Idol experience? Lilly's song was beautiful, but not really pop material. Didi clearly brown-nosed with her Kara-penned song, and well, Crystal does have those piercings and tattoos (not that there is anything WRONG with that, I'm just pointing it out! America is still kind of squeamish).

Bottom line: no dearth of talent this season. In fact, I predict a cat fight to the finish! And it looks like tomorrow's group rounds show us that no matter how talented you may be as a solo artist, if you "don't play well with others", you may have a rough road ahead.

The Giant Filler Show: Best of the Rest

I really do like the audition episodes, and mostly because I enjoy watching and waiting for that moment when we first meet the potential eventual winner....and the other finalists we fall in love with over the course of the season. Remember Carrie Underwood's audition (third nipple, anyone?) Here are the stories of all eight Idol winner's auditions, for your reading pleasure! Good Stuff!

And I am certain we've met our eventual Season 9 winner, but I can't even begin to tell you who that might be! Other than it being a girl I think...but I am ready for Hollywood week!

Tonight was a virtual high and low of auditions over the season, but it was stacked in favor of talent....they wanted to squeeze in notables before next week. Clearly they had reserved some pretty great talent for tonight's show across all 7 audition cities. I jotted down the names of 12 people I thought were great....and that wasn't every one....so it was a talent-heavy episode. In total, 181 hopefuls got tickets to Hollywood and from that we will get our Top 50 and then our Top 24. Even my 7th grader could calculate the odds on someone making it....not that great! Tough road ahead. I can already feel hopes being dashed....

But that is for next week! For tonight, I picked my top 3, in order of their appearance. I really liked Lee Dewyze who crooned "Ain't No Sunshine" like nobody's business. Maybe it's because he auditioned in Chicago, or maybe it's that Kris Allen vibe but I liked him. I also really dug father-to-be Micheal Lynche, the personal trainer with the Big Guns. Smooth, smokey voice that surprised me. And no, it was his voice and not his muscles that got my attention!

Finally, I really am crossing my fingers for Hope Johnson, who appeared at the end of tonight's show (which bodes well for her prospects, me thinks). Yes, speaking of back story, the producers totally exploited her poverty-stricken upbringing, even having her recount how she had to bring lunch items home from school to feed her hungry little brother at dinner. But as a professional who studies poverty and hunger, this was a tangible example of how many families do struggle. You don't read about them in the paper and you don't know them at school. It's easy to forget this in our country full of obesity and self indulgence of every kind. I thought she was talented and beautiful and humble and I hope we see more of her.

(BTW, there were a slew of 16-year-olds tonight, many of whom were just downright good. Rachael Hubbard, Thaddeus, Genesis and Aaron were all worthy of their golden tickets. I hesitate to crown any of them the David Archuleta of S9 but we'll have to see!)

Let the Hollywood games begin!

The Almighty Back Story....oh, and Denver

Okay, before discussion of tonight's Denver auditions, I promised my thoughts on the back story. Per dictionary dot com, the back story is defined as " A narrative providing a history or background context, esp. for a character or situation in a literary work, film or dramatic series."

So American Idol provides a "history or background context" on some of it's contestants....and we certainly know Idol is a dramatic series....so...I'm going to try and get through this kinda quickly.

There are certain types of Idol back stories we are all familiar with.....first, and perhaps most compelling, are the personal health stories....like that of current Season 9 contestant Justin Williams for example. Interesting how the powers that be chose to highlight Justin's battle with cancer instead of his Hollywood Week stint last season and as a part of White Chocolate with Matt Giraud and Kris Allen. We've seen a wide array of other afflictions just this season including Tourettes Syndrome (Dave Pittman), asthma (Paige Dechausse), and facial paralysis (Shelby Dressel)....but let's remember the darling Elliot Yamin (diabetes) and Scott McIntyre (the first blind American Idol finalist).

Then we have the contestants with the dangerous or mundane occupations, like this season's dock worker Lloyd Thomas ("He, like, works on a dock!" says Kara, she's so smart), or the better known oil rigger finalist Micheal Sarver from Season 8. Or the contestants with what we'll call "family circumstances", like homeless singer Josiah Leming or the child of divorce this season, Maegan Wright (not sure about how dramatic that is, she's got good company, including yours truly). How about Angela Martin with her special needs child, Andrew Garcia who is trying to escape the gangs of his past, or curly-topped former foster kid Chris Golightly. And who could forgot the famous "country bumpkin" back story angle -- this season that spot is aptly filled by rural Tennessee bridge jumper Vanessa Wolfe, but we have watched Kelly "Calamari" Pickler and of course, the gal who put the country bumpkin-est place on Earth, Checotah, Oklahoma on the map, Carrie Underwood. (Incidentally, if you recall, none of these three ladies had ever been on an 'arrow-plane' before Idol!)

Personally, I enjoyed getting to know all of these contestants and my bottom line is that I didn't feel at all exploited, or manipulated as a viewer in hearing them. In all of these cases, I have enjoyed their stories. I think it connects me to them, and I have really enjoyed meeting these contestants in more depth, in many cases meeting family members.....seeing country in many respects, and counting my blessings along the way. And let's face it: we ALL have a back story of one sort or another....I must be the very viewer Fox is targeting.

HOWEVER, the main criticism of the back story is that those contestants with a little bit of talent AND something miraculous, funny, tragic or heartwarming are perhaps trotted out and featured at the expense of those contestants who are great singers, but lack anything dramatic....just regular folk....of whom I am afraid are many. How many talented, bright and potential Idol-worthy singers with nothing distinguishable in their present or past have been allowed to slip through the cracks of the producers? That is the crime in the back story, if there is one.....would love your comments!

On to Denver, the Mile High City, but was it of mile-long talent? Turns out, it was! A whopping 23 contestants made it through to Hollywood, and it was one of my favorite audition cities of this season. We only got to see a fraction of the golden ticket holders, so I'm thinking there are some surprises in store tomorrow night, or in Hollywood.

It's the year of the ladies, and I had two favorite ladies tonight. I just liked Danelle Hayes, who according to Simon needed "rescuing from corporate hell." Idol has often been criticized for "discovering" talent who have already been discovered, and in that vein Danelle was a breath of fresh air. Entering the audition room already in tears, she told of how she has been singing in a cover band and has seen her share of bars, casinos and corporate events. I agreed with Kara, who loved how Danelle wore her heart on her sleeve (despite auditioning in a tank top!). I might stand corrected if this gal has herself all over the Internet and a record deal to boot, but tonight she appeared as the real deal...someone talented looking for a break.

I also really liked preemie Haeley Vaugn who just might break into that Black Pop Country Mainstream music genre she strives to. Infectious smile, nice voice, possibly a new niche! Look at Darius Rucker's great success.....hope she cracks the Top 24 next week!

Best audition song I don't think I've ever heard: "Tempted" by Squeeze. Yay. Most awkward moment: when Kara and Posh made Bucky Covington 2.0 (I mean Casey James) actually undress during his audition so they could see what he looked like without a shirt. Sheesh. Serious low point. Funniest Simon comment: Victoria told Tori Kelly, the 16yo who sang "Gravity" that she liked her dress and thought she was "really sunny" to which Simon called her the Human Orange. He's in fine form!

It looks like we'll see more audition footage tomorrow night with some possible great singers, so will reserve my overall audition round comments until then, but please see my favorite Idol writer Micheal Slezak's ranking of the Power 20 going into tonight's show in the meantime....John Park! Number 1!

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!