AI 8 - 2/3/09 Hollywood Week Round 1

We finally have made it to Hollywood and the Kodak Theater (Home of the 81st Academy Awards broadcasting on February 22, 2009 by ABC)!

Our opening montage provided clips of the various audition cities along with all the heartache and joy of those winning or going home. There were also the clips of the upcoming Hollywood week, which includes lots of crying and the bleeping of what the contestants are actually saying.

From over 100,000 auditions, only 147 would be American Idol contestants made it to Hollywood, which means two people who received a golden ticket was unable to attend.

Simon explains they get one shot so it will be the most important day of their lives; we are looking for a star!

This year everyone attends American Idol Boot Camp with their stylists and vocal coaches along with hair and makeup. Good heavens those stylists suck! Every year I should have that job and those contestants would dazzle! Then for some reason we have special mentor Barry Manilow as a guest – what? I thought the producers were going for young and hip this year. Barry’s advice is you need preparation meets opportunity; you now have the opportunity so your job is to prepare. You need to make the songs your own; the judges really want you to succeed.

The group is split in two; one group will perform on day one while the other group plays in Hollywood and on day two it reverses. Those performing will come out on the stage in groups of eight, they will each sing a capella and then the judges will make their decisions. If you do not get through you are on your way home.

Naturally, we are not going to hear everyone sing which irritates me because then you cannot judge on whether the judges are correct.

Let the fun begin.

In the first group, we are only shown only two performances, Lil Rounds and Dennis Brigham. Lil goes for Whitney and I thought she was really off, she was not on pitch at all and was trying way too hard, however, Kara disagrees with me and indicates I liked you from the moment I first saw you, your boldness and braveness make you a good artist. Dennis Brigham is just downright horrible but at least Simon agrees with me, your facial expressions were over the top, this was horrible. Of the eight Lil, Asia and Alexander are passed through the other five are heading home.

Dennis naturally does not take it well and explains you are sending the wrong message to America and you suck as judges. Dennis tells Simon for a rich man you have some cheap pants, you need a new wardrobe. Simon says you have reinforced my decision and have a nice life.

Cue montage of the second group having fun while the rest of the first group is stressing out and we hear quite a few dismal auditions. The judge’s need a break but Kara and Paula tell Ryan things have gotten off to a rocky start except for Lil and all I can scream is WHAT!

In the next group, we see only Nathaniel Marshall, Anoop Desai, Jasmine Murray and Rose Flack. I really liked Nathaniel, I thought his vocals were great but his outfit and hair sucked. Paula tells him he has beautiful vocals, you are talented but were hindered by song choice because it did not show your range. Simon asks why he chose that song and Nathaniel breaks down and explains that he has been through quite a lot and music has been his anchor. I must have been feeling warm and fuzzy last night because Nathaniel’s emotional answer actually moved me. Anoop tries Stevie Wonder and I thought he was simply okay. Jasmine Murray was excellent. Kara indicates you have natural raw talent. Finally, Rose is shown in a boot camp clip where she tells vocal coach Debra Byrd she is here for her parents and does not want to let them down. These rehearsals have shattered her confidence. Rose attempts “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” and I was not impressed. She is okay but there is nothing special or outstanding about her voice. In this case, the judges pass the entire group on to round two.

In the next group Stephen Fowler, Jorge Nunez and Von Smith are given airtime. Stephen Fowler was spectacular, his voice was crisp, clear and sounded fantastic. Paula tells him he nailed it and Randy was excited he was able to slay such a tough Stevie Wonder song. Jorge was next and in my opinion sounded great. This audition was 100 times better than when we saw him in San Juan. Von Smith who I liked during his original audition was just way too over the top; he tried to put in some ridiculous runs and was trying to out power the best divas. I still think he has a good voice but needs to tone it down. Simon indicated it was indulgent nonsense, a horrible annoying performance. It is interesting of this group only Stephen, Jorge and Von move on to round two.

Cue the next montage, which are some very quick performances and the judges ranting about song choice. I swear these contestants are clearly not American Idol experts because song choice is everything. They need to read my blog and take my advice. I could help every one of the contestants pick the right song.

In the next group the focus is only on Nick Mitchell or should we all scream f^&king “Norman Gentle”. Norman chooses “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” and provides a ridiculous over the top performance. Did I hear the judges screaming about song choice? Randy says he is hilarious, you can sing and you have skill. What the f^&k? Simon states you are boring as Nick and annoying as Norman. Paula wants him to sing something stripped down which causes Norman to start taking off his shirt so Paula has to clarify her comment, i.e. with no gimmicks. Nick moves on to round two along with Frankie Jones and Scott MacIntyre although we do not get to hear them.

Cue the next montage of all the contestants sent home on day one reacting to their getting the boot, which then merges, to the opening of day 2 with everyone trying to get into the zone!

We turn our focus to Jackie Tohn who I really do not like. I hated her outfit as well. I thought her performance sucked. I could not understand one single syllable uttered. It was a mess. The judges disagree with me big time. Randy says I like you as you are wild. Paula finds her the most memorable out of everyone who has auditioned. Give me a friggin break. The judges allow Jackie through which leads into a stupid montage about how everyone becomes life long friends but Jackie cannot even remember the other contestant’s names. Enough of this crap.

This montage leads to best friends Jamar Rogers and Danny Gokey who auditioned together. They are glad to be each other’s support through this process. Jamar is up first with “California Dreaming” which is okay but nothing special. Danny on the other hand goes with “Kiss from a Rose” and he absolutely nails this number. It was by far the best vocal of the evening. I was totally blown away by the performance, and it was very moving. Paula tells him he is fantastic, you are ready to record an album. It appears Jamar and Danny is remaining together for now as they move on to round two.

Our next montage was of contestants going on to the next round although they were not identified.

Oh, crap we get more wasted airtime with “Bikini Girl”. Katrina Darrell is receiving entirely too much promotion, which scares me. Give it a rest on kissing Ryan and enough with her swimsuit top with the big stars – just shoot me now! I realize she made it here because of her body not her voice. I really, really, really absolutely hate this contestant. “Bikini Girl” tells the judges “I’m the next American Idol because I am” which will happen over my dead body! Tell me she is not going to attempt “Breathe”? This performance was just a cluster f**k from beginning to end, please put me out of my misery. Kara says when you started I thought it was better than your first audition but it did not end that way. Paula agrees with Kara. Simon on the other hand believes the women are being too harsh on her and agrees with Bikini Girl it would have been better with the music. This would happen in what universe? Randy agrees with Simon. Bikini Girl moves on and Ronald almost loses his dinner. Kara tells her to leave her number in the bathroom and Bikini Girl says I told you she does not like me. Well bitch, join the crowd!

We then have a montage of goodbyes including Jessica Furney, Sharon Wilbur and Patricia Lewis Roman.

Our next clip is of Jeremy Michael Sarver and Jesus Valenzuela. Jeremy is really good. Randy indicates the best of the day. Jesus flames out and does not take it very well. Give me a break Jesus, you only made to Hollywood because of your whining brats!

The next group includes David Osmond, Erika Wesley (from Portland Oregon although I am ashamed to admit it) and Emily Wynne-Hughes. David sound excellent and picked a good song. Emily practiced “I Put on a Spell on You” during boot camp and felt very comfortable but at the last minute, she goes with “Excuse Me Mister” which was okay but wasn’t that polished. Kara indicates you were memorable during your original audition but this song did not show what you are about or where you can go. Paula indicates it was not the right song and Simon indicates he expected more. I laughed out loud when Emily’s mother yelled at her for the last minute song switch. The group moves on to round two except for Ericka. Ericka cannot go quietly and tells the judges she cannot be the only one from the group cut. What can she do to change their minds? She continues to beg pleading it is her husband’s birthday today. Give it a rest! Simon and Paula get into a spat over the whole thing. I am just glad it is over.

We see another clip of yeses for Alexis Grace, Brent Keith Smith, Anne Marie Boskovich and Adam Lambert without hearing anything of their performances.

In the end, 104 people get a second chance.

Cue the preview for tonight’s episode, which is Group Numbers. The train wrecks are coming and I am extremely excited!

Until tomorrow…