Greetings, Idolites!
Well, it’s about time we get an episode with more than three decent singers! I am a happy camper for sure! Even with the obligatory colorful characters, New York’s abundant talent pool thankfully showed up in force to audition for the judging troika and a tired looking Carol Bayer Sager (who needs to stick to writing the songs that make the whole world sing).
Anyway, let’s get to my view of tonight’s hopefuls and hard-of-hearing from my red leather couch:
Ian Benardo - the Token Flaming Jewish(?) Gay Guy
What a joke! His 15 minutes are already spent. I’m bored with him, too! Go get into your YUGO and drive home to Teaneck. Buh-bye!
Sarah Burgess — Daddy’s Girl playing hooky
She’s got the back story AND the voice to back it up. Played the sympathy card and won over the judges. Guess this is the new way to make it to Hollywood. Let’s see how she does there.
Fania Tsakalakos - Constantine’s Long Lost Cousin
A fashion and vocal mess. ‘Nuf said.
Ashanti Johnson – The Comeback Kid
Good voice, good performer but poor choice of song, even though she did hit those “only dogs can hear” notes quite well. However, the whole “Days of Our Idols” thing…one word…LAME! She was sincere and the producers made her out to be pathetic. Very poor taste.
Amanda Coluccio – Jersey Girl #1
Definitely a trained voice however it’s another poor song choice. Also, she was pouring it on just a tad too much. Pretty enough to get the golden ticket but I don’t see her going any further than the Hollywood Round.
Antonella Barba – Jersey Girl #2
Good raw talent. Pure, easy-on-the-ears sound with a solid, natural delivery. She is going to be one to watch because she has that IT factor the Brit is always spouting off about. BTW, I wonder how many true friends Simon really has after that type of a comment.
Clifton Biddle – Your Average Joe
Chris Daughtry without talent. Not even average. Ouch. Next.
Phillip Burton — the Big Mouth
WHAT was THAT about? Next.
Jose Vadell – Green Haired Boy
One word – disastrous. Next.
William Van Stone – Not what he appears to be
Not gonna say it. Wouldn’t be prudent. Next.
Kia Thornton – Last but not least
A little breathy but she’s got the pipes. Delivery was a little over the top and the song choice could have done her in but the voice could not be denied. Could be a contenda.
Jenry Bejarano – Mama’s Boy
He’s only 16 years old? Whoa. Voice needs work but here’s another one with the IT factor. He may be too green to get past the Hollywood Round but I’ve been wrong before.
Nakia Claiborne – Miss Energy
Needs more control over her voice but she’s got a great personality. Not ready yet.
Sarah Goldberg – Urban Cowgirl
Can you find the pitch in this picture? At least she admitted she’s tone deaf, like we didn’t already know that. What did she think she accomplished with this audition? It looked and sounded too much like someone who wanted to show off there acting skills to get attention. Ya never know…
Antonio Torres - Toe-tapping Sinatra wannabe
What’s with the dropping of the “r?” Where are they finding these people? Help!
Jory Steinberg – Canadian Gal
Nice, powerful voice. Definitely a natural. And being pretty doesn’t hurt.
Porcelana Portino – Boot Camp Girl
Definitely unique and my hubby says she’s definitely HOT (but he doesn’t like her voice). I say she’s done her homework and got her look together to match her singing ability. Let’s see what happens next in Hollywood.
Christopher Henry – The Look-a-Like
He’s a countertenor, folks, and pop promoters don’t know what to do with a voice type like that. Too bad, because he actually was very good.
Rachel Zevita – Opera Gal
Gotta love these trained classical singers that want to be rock stars. I seem to remember someone 30 years ago who thought the same way…that would be ME, peeps! Anyway, the kid’s got moxie and she just might be a good enough chameleon to make it past Hollywood to the Top 36. We shall see.
Chris Richardson - A chip off the old Timberflake
He’s got the classic boy band sound but he’s pretty good.
Nicholas Pedro – Comin’ Back for More
He’s a homey from my neck of the woods and I have to give him props for having the guts to come back and try again. I hope he learned his lesson last year and is ready to take on all comers this time because he really has the voice and the appeal that could take him far in the competition. Said it last year and I’ll say it again — keep an eye on this one.
Julie Isadora Furman - The Clairvoyant Cowgirl
I wasn’t sure if she was singing or speaking in tongues. Either that or she was on crack. That just looked and sounded painful. What a way to end the first decent episode of the season. Blech.
So, there you have it for this week’s hopeless hopefuls. Next week’s trip down to Sweet Home Alabama looks…well…typical for Idol this season. Let’s hope I’m wrong.
Keep me bookmarked and check back often. I have a few tricks up my sleeve and ya never know when I might be revealing some interesting information. BTW, did you read the post before this one?
I’d scroll down if I were you… 
Carry on!
