It’s season 6 of the best show on TV! Welcome to my new home for all things IDOL, y’all! I think we’re gonna have some fun here and I can’t wait to lauch the video podcast portion of this blog a little later in the season. However, until then, this written version will have to do. Come on along for the ride!
Tonight’s opening episode was everything I HATE about the early audition process –
1) More folks looking for their 15 minutes of fame than for a shot at being THE American Idol
2) More commercials than show content (but, then again, this happens on most of the result shows as well)
3) Pointless “artistic” packages that may have been funny on paper but really bomb on tape (wrecking a popular Prince number will definitely not help to get the Artist back on the show)
I guess I’m a purist — spare me the pointless airtime and show me more real vocal talent rather than useless freaks and heartless cruelty towards contestants who, for some strange reason, think they have talent.
But enough of my rant. Let’s get on with my take of tonight’s show from my red leather couch (I really have one – HONEST!)
I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting the Twin Cities twice in my lifetime – the second time having the unique opportunity to record an album (as they were called in those days) at Prince’s Paisley Park studio. That’s a story for another blog. Anyway, the good folks in this neck of the wood are a little quirky but solid citizens all. Unfortunately they were not portrayed as such, leaving America to think that there is absolutely no talent in an area that has produced many cutting edge musicians. Sad.
To that end, here are my observations at what was presented tonight. My comments will be brief, to the point, and usually irreverent. Let the train wreck begin…
Jessica Rhode – admirer of Jewel
that had to be difficult to sing in front of her Idol and, yes, she sounded a LOT like her but it wasn’t that bad, just affected. No need to pull her down in front of one she looked up to. Simon is starting the new year off with a bang…
Troy Benham — Amish poser
You’ve GOT to be kidding, right? A 15 minute seeker if ever I heard one.
Jesse Holloway – robot voice boy
I’m speechless…and it takes a lot for me to get that way…why did he even come back? I also love it when they start the phrase in one key and end in another.
Charles Moody — The operatic Apollo Creed
Actually, he had a nice, clear voice but he sabotaged his own chances by using a gimmick. They might have taken him seriously otherwise.
Denise Jackson — 16 year old crack baby
1st good raw talent of the night — powerful, on pitch and with attitude. Looking forward to more from her and I hope she’s not all back story.
Perla Meneses — Shakira wannabe
I think she could be this year’s Michaela Gordon — annoying with a limited voice. Male judges more interested in her look than her talent — and she does have a language problem.
Tashawn Moore — tie girl
It took me a whole three minutes to figure out just what song she was slaughtering. YIKES!
Matthew Volna – Mr. Personality
If he had one, he didn’t bring it with him to the auditions. Sheesh.
Jarrod Fowler – Reagan Idol
Nice voice, really nice voice. Just a bit pitchy but I liked him. Chalk up another for the armed forces.
Trista Giese– the king of the Forest
Are you kidding me? Was that for real? Just another Warholian looking for those 15 minutes…if not, that was truly sad.
Stephen Horst — the voice teacher
Definitely musical theatre quality and Randy was waaay out of line with his comments. Note to future contestants — DON’T ever admit to being a voice teacher when you audition.
Michelle Steingas – perky gal
Odd song, good voice. I’d like to hear more and I’m glad I will.
Dayna Dooley – boss’ secretary
Back story better than her voice. Didn’t care for the soap opera innuendo from the male judges -they were obviously not thinking with their right heads.
Matt Sato — California Dreamer
16 years old…too tight on top…not sure I would have put him through because I think he needs more seasoning.
Rachel Jenkins — Mechanic girl
Decent voice but the key change in the middle was a bit jarring. I figured her story would help her through but she was good enough to go.
Sarah Krueger — Kat wannabe
Different, confident but affected. Sometimes blonds make it through no matter what…
Jason Anderson — prop boy
I just don’t care for it when they make fun of a contestant rather than simply saying NO and thanks. Most will argue that it makes great TV but after 6 years it still sounds cruel and degrading.
Brenna Kyner — superfan
WHY did she bother auditioning for this show? WHY did she even tell them she had a degree in vocal performance? OUCH…
Josh Flom — Gravel Boy
Too much rock, not enough depth. Maybe in a year or two he might shake some of that false sound and develop his true voice.
Final annoying moment of the night:
I don’t know who thought it would be funny but why don’t they just mark the door they want the contestants to leave through? It’s just adding insult to injury and I tire quickly of such sight gags anyway.
I’ll just be happy when we get to the Top 24 and I’m sure I’ll say that over and over again until we do.
Do you agree with my assessments? Let’s hear from you, loyal readers!
Until next time — carry on and always drive on the right side of the road!
