AI 9 2-3-10 Best of the Rest

Wednesday finds the producers trying to fill eight audition episodes out of seven cities, which means we have a “Best of the Rest” compilation. This is AMERICAN IDOL!

The longest journey starts with the smallest of steps. What do you remember most from the auditions for season nine? The answer is General Larry Platt’s “Pants on the Ground”. Really? This song continues to influence so many. America is singing it at home, at colleges and even during political debates. This song may not be “Bohemian Rhapsody” but it is one special song. Ronald just shakes his head and puts his fingers in his ears to drown out the noise. Enough is enough when it comes to “Pants on the Ground”.

Jessica Furney (20) made it to Hollywood last year but she is kicked to the curb during Hollywood hell week but is here to keep her dream alive. Jessica chooses “Footprints in the Sand” a song co-written by Simon Cowell, can we say kiss ass! Jessica’s voice is fine but there is no true spark and there is zip personality. Jessica manages to get a golden ticket. Ronald’s crystal ball sees a meltdown in Hollywood.

Cue montage as we learn it will take ambition, perseverance, and a great voice, however, many attention seekers show up to have their 15 minutes of fame. These attention seekers use costumes, physical tricks, etc. to stand out in the crowd. Will it be enough to see their way to Hollywood?

Amanda Shectman (19) is a theater major, which somehow equates to being over the top dramatic. Amanda chooses “Good Morning Heartache” and the performance simply fell short for me. Amanda’s voice was okay and she was on pitch yet I do not see myself rushing out to listen to an entire CD of her music. Amanda is heading to Hollywood with four yeses from the judges.

Cue the video footage of contestants bending over backwards literally to impress. We also have musicians who are unable to audition with their musical instrument and must impress with their voice alone.

Lee Dewyze (23) brings his guitar in and grips the instrument as if he would die without it. Lee wins me over solely on his singing ability. Lee has an exceptionally strong, soulful voice as he demonstrates with “Ain’t no Sunshine”. Lee was on pitch and had incredible enunciation. For the first time tonight Ronald was smiling and ready to do his happy dance.

Crystal Bowersox (23) uses her guitar as a crutch and while her voice has potential, I was bored with her tired rendition of “Piece of my Heart”. The judges on the other hand love her and she is on her way.

Wow, more video footage this time the theme is “faking out” our family and friends so they think you are going home without a golden ticket and then pulling it out at the last minute. How cute – NOT!

Welcome back to some familiar faces from prior seasons trying for another chance at a golden ticket. Clearly, some contestants are easier to remember then others.

Lacey Brown (23) was part of the top 50 from last season and in what has to be the most ridiculous choice every made the judges chose Megan “caw caw” Joy over Lacey. A reversal of this moment would have brought Ronald less stress from the earache of Megan’s voice. This is not about me but rather Lacey. Lacey takes a standard like “Over the Rainbow” and gave a sophisticated controlled interpretation of the song. Katherine McPhee blew me away with her version and Lacey made me forget Katherine. Lacey has such control over her voice, the way she was phrasing the lyrics was sheer perfection. Finally someone who can really, really sing.

Stephanie Fisher (23) is here on her seventh attempt for a golden ticket. What is up with these delusional people? Stephanie goes with “Fever” and provides our first fingernail down the chalkboard moment of the evening. There are no words to describe the hellishness of this audition. The entire Victoria is my idol was ridiculous. How “Posh Spice” can be an idol is beyond my comprehension?

Let us cue the montage of all the young kids coming to audition. Personally, I think the age limit should commence at 18. The majority of these kids lack the skills to deal with the pressure of this competition and waiting a few years could increase the potential of their being able to survive.

Rachel Hubbard (16) chooses “Wrong Again” and I certainly did not hear anything that made me sit up and notice her while the judges were singing her praises.

Thaddeus Johnson (16) goes with “How Am I Suppose to Live without U” and he has one hell of a powerhouse voice. There was great tone and he can enunciate as well. Mr. Thad needs to rein it in a bit though.

Genesis Moore (16) also has a powerhouse voice to the point she was creating microphone static. Genesis could give Ethel Merman a run for money in the powerful voice contest.

Cue the video where we have seen over a 100,000 people in seven cities from all walks of life but we focus on athletes trying to win a different type of game.

Adrian Chandtchi or “big Kahuna” is 6’8” but refers to himself as a beautiful man flower. The whole image of him blossoming to show the beauty inside was just plain creepy. Adrian wants to prove size does not matter when it comes to talent. Adrian decides to murder “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. This was a terrible audition. Adrian will not be going to Hollywood.

Mike Lynche (26) who is a personal trainer definitely wows me with his version of “Unchained Melody”. Mike has a great voice, good tone, and exerts very good control.

Didi Benami (22) explains she is dedicating her performance to her best friend Rebecca who died four years ago. Didi goes with “Hey Jude” delivering what has to be one of the best versions of this song ever. This audition was beautiful and Didi executes incredible control over her voice. She has such a powerful voice yet she brings such unique phrasing to the number. This audition was a joy to listen and experience!

Contestants bring various degrees of heart and determination in their search for a dream according to our time wasting video montage.

Aaron Kelly (16) had a difficult time during his early years with his parents and social services being on their tail until finally his aunt and uncle adopted him and his brother. Aaron is grateful to his aunt (mom) because they gave up a lot for him. Aaron goes with “The Climb” and Ronald was impressed. One of the few Miley Cyrus songs I enjoy. Aaron brings an emotional richness to the song, which Miley could not even dream of reaching. Aaron has a beautiful voice but he is really too young for this competition and could easily be swallowed up.

Cue video montage where we learn everyone’s goal is to win the title of American Idol and fine fame yet the question is what people will do with their fame.

Kimberly Bishop (20) might be better off going for a beauty contest because her answer sounds like she is vying for the title of Miss American Idol. Kim on the other hand will have to find another way to save the world because she cannot sing and murders “I Kissed a Girl”.

Shaddaii Harris (22) comes from a home with a delusional enabling mother who had a vision of god during her pregnancy that Shaddaii would have the gift of song. Poor Shaddaii does not have a gift for singing and while attempting “Fallin” sent Ronald’s eardrums to the painful setting.

The auditions are ending, which is funny since they were last year anyway.

Hope Johnson (19) has seven siblings, six sisters and one brother. Hope was clueless they were poor growing up even though they were hungry all the time and she use to bring home her school lunch to share with her brother. While the back-story is interesting, the more important thing is Hope has talent. She chooses “I Hope you Dance” and her delivery was brilliant. Her voice is so pure. There was wonderful phrasing in her delivery. Hope is heading to Hollywood!

This journey takes a great leap of faith and after seven cities, 181 hopefuls are ready for their journey to Hollywood.

Next week it is Hollywood Hell week with Ellen permanently joining the judges table. I am looking forward to the screaming, the tantrums, the pressure, and the meltdowns along with the always-fun group numbers. Who can resist the grief and misery of those poor souls being kicked to the curb and the joy of those moving into the semi-final rounds? Let the fun of Hollywood week begin!

Until next week…