AI 9 1-27-10 Dallas

Tonight we are returning to Texas a state we know and love. We have visited the state six times before and it has never disappointed us, well maybe a little bit. Ryan is standing on the roof of a building as he shouts, “This is Dallas and THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!”

The strains of “God Bless Texas” playing in the background we see a montage of the second largest state in the union but Texas pride is second to none. There are 11,000 crazies I mean contestants in the queue at the New Cowboy Stadium hoping to be the next big star!

Our guest judge for day one is Neil Patrick Harris who tells Kara his goal for today is to “shatter the dreams of thousands.” I knew there was something about him I like and he gets my vote for the person who should replace Simon Cowell. I think Neil has been the best guest judge so far because he was direct and honest in his comments.

Well it is time to start dishing the dirt!

Day 1

This is the third time American Idol has done the two-step in Dallas. During Season 1, we struck gold with Kelly Clarkson who won the crown!

During Season 1, we also had a visit with Julie Kevelighan who shall we say did not do well. Julie is trying again because she knows she is ready. Miss Glitter chooses “Black Velvet” and sadly, Julie continues to suck. Neil tells her the singing was not very strong. Simon tells her everything from the voice to the horrendous makeup was wrong and this is not her dream. Julie does not take this well and keeps trying to sing by butchering “Over the Rainbow” and “Something to Talk About”. In the end, Julie blames it all on her breathing. Whatever!

It is 11:00 a.m. and the women are getting the gold as we see a quick montage with these unnamed contestants.

Now it is up to Lloyd Thomas (29) to bring the gold for the men. My first thought is he is over the age limit but I am suspecting he was 28 during the actual audition but is now 29 or the producers will have some issues. Lloyd has two daughters and his goal is to ensure his family will not experience the crime and problems he did. Lloyd chooses “Overjoyed” to audition. I really enjoyed this performance. I thought he had very good control and he was pitch perfect. Kara was impressed, Neil likes his voice but wants to see more flash but Simon states it is his favorite audition of the day. Lloyd is going to Hollywood.

It is high noon and a show down is coming so we cue montage of nameless contestants some yes and some no but the focus was to try to show how Neil and Simon were going for a shoot out.

Kimberly Carver (26) is choosing to do an original song (what is up with Season nine contestants and original songs). The song was not very good but Kimberly has a nice tone and I love jazz. I am not sure she can be the next American Idol but I sure would buy her album. Neil, Kara, and Randy love it but Simon does not see anything current. Simon is overruled and Kimberly is going to Hollywood. Simon says welcome to Jazz TV.

There is one thing for sure, when American Idol comes visiting it is a very big thing and the media is there to spread the news as the video montage plays.

Could the next big star be Dexter Ward (20) well he certainly believes this to be true. As Dexter continues to wink at the camera, he challenges us to let the games begin. Dexter is working it as he enters the judge’s room and chooses “If I Ever Fall in love”. Dexter is horrible. Kara is speechless and looks to Randy for assistance who states, “It looked like it hurt”. Everyone is in agreement Dexter is definitely not the next big star.

With Dexter crying we cue the montage of all the Dallas hopefuls whose dreams ended with a river of tears. Neil Patrick Harris must read by blog because he tells Ryan exactly what I argue every year, if these contestants are unable to handle the pressure of an audition or critical comments how the hell can they survive the cutthroat-performing world. Thanks Neil for supporting my cause.

Erica Rhodes (23) was a performer on Barney & Friends but she wants to prove Barney’s kids grow up to be adults. Erica makes a statement entering in a leather dominatrix outfit and a whip yes you read correctly, a whip. The judges request Erica sing the Barney song and Ronald tries not to toss his cookies. A leather dominatrix singing, “I Love you, you love me” is a freaking joke! Erica goes with “Free Your Mind” and personally, it was all over the place. I will admit buried under all her stupid moves and cracking the whip may be a good voice but it is hard to determine given her outlandish performance. The judges were impressed because Erica made an impression and did her thing. Erica is going to Hollywood.

Day one in Dallas is winding down and the final contestant is Dan Pittman (27) who has Tourette’s syndrome. Dan enjoys singing because while he is singing the symptoms of his condition seem to disappear. Dan goes with “Bring it on Home to me” and for the first time this evening, Ronald has a smile on his face. Dan’s voice is very strong and distinct. I was surprised he had such control over it has well. This was an awesome audition. Neil and Randy love the voice and the look. Simon thinks people will like him. Dan is heading to Hollywood.

Fourteen contestants receive their golden ticket to Hollywood during Day one as we cue the montage of nameless contestants screaming in joy with their golden ticket.

Day 2

Welcome to the second day at the round up in Dallas. Joe Jonas is our guest judge and look at the girls screaming as he arrives.

Todrick Hall (24) was in “The Color Purple” with Fantasia. Todrick also wants to audition with an original song and after nine seasons, he is finally the contestant who really makes it work. The song was clever and funny while in addition displaying some impressive vocals. Randy indicates he was one of his favorites of the season auditions. Joe likes it as well. Simon finds the song “cutesy” but he is not jumping out of his chair. The judges though unanimously send Todrick to Hollywood.

Next up is a montage of nameless winners of the golden ticket except for two Dawntoya Thomason and Stephanie Daulong.

Megan Wright (20) who is here with her little brother Dawson (a kid I really like) because their parents are divorced. Dawson believes his sister will be the next American Idol. Megan goes with “To Make You Feel My Love” and it was good. There was no wow moment but I was not running from the room. The judges clearly heard something I did not because they were patting themselves on the back about how spectacular she is. Dawson is happy because he gets a trip to Hollywood.

Ryan explains besides being on a very high roof he also found new jobs. Cue montage of Ryan delivering concessions and hanging with the Dallas cheerleaders.

Vanessa Johnson (22) demonstrates a very positive attitude about everything and she is here to realize her dream. Vanessa decides to torture us all with “At Last” and honestly, I thought my television was going to blow up and my eardrums were shattering. This was the fingernail down the blackboard moment of the night. Simon tells her she is the nightmare, which keeps him up at night. Vanessa is not going to Hollywood after all but takes the news in an upbeat positive way.

Ryan feels it is necessary to defend Simon so we cue a montage of Simon’s reactions over the last nine seasons of auditions. Ryan tells us it is hard being Simon Cowell.

Day 2 is ending and the final contestant of the day Christian Spear (16) is a cancer survivor. Christian was diagnosed with leukemia at the age at 4 years old and when she was eight was officially in re-mission and has been for the last 8 years. Christian auditions with “All I Can Do is Cry” and this was an awesome audition. Christian shows impressive control for someone who is only 16. She really can sing well. With words of praise including, “you are really, really good”, “confident”, “natural gift”, and “no fear” Christian is heading to Hollywood.

Day 2 finds 17 contestants with a golden ticket bring Dallas’s total to 31.

During tonight’s episode, we had a chance to see nine successful auditions which certainly is an improvement over last night.

Well it is a wrap for Dallas and there is one final audition stop next Tuesday in Denver, Colorado. The producers tease us with a clip of what appears to be a completely naked auditioner.

Until next week…