Tonight, Idol traveled to the land of the “Southern Trinity” (Studdard, Bice and Hicks) to see if there were any more Idol finalists lurking among the camellias. Birmingham may be “the place where idols are born” but more than a few Hollywood dreams died a slow and agonizing death at the hands of Randy, Paula and Simon. Let’s take a look at this evening crop of hopeful auditioners:
Erica Skye — Dental Dancer
She sounded drunk to me, or more like a wounded basset hound. No tone, flat money note, and didn’t know when to call it quits. 3 strikes and you’re OUT…
Katie Bernard — Minnie Mouse’s Southern Cousin
I must say her singing voice was definitely better than her speaking voice but was all that drama with the husband necessary? I’m beginning to think the producers are turning this show into American Idol: The Search for a Soap Star — yikes! Anyway, she may have made it to Hollywood but my hunch is that she won’t get far.
Tatiana McConnico — Articulate teen
This year’s Paris Bennett without the whine! I liked her song choice and her overall presentation. I’d say all her training is paying off. Definitely one to watch.
Diana Walker — Tons of Fun
No breath control what-so-ever because of her size but her tone and pitch were just aiiiight. I found her to be the most affected singer I have seen in 6 seasons because she tried to throw in every vocal trick in the book. Ouch.
Bernard Williams II — Lost long member of the Jackson 5
Nice tone, smooth sound and honest delivery but I’m beginning to wonder if those rumors about Paula are true after what she said. He was NOT off pitch at all. In fact, I liked the fact that it was not in a higher, screechy key. Move over, Courtney Love — I WANT PAULA’S JOB!!!!
BTW, if the rumors are true, I pity the fool who thinks Courtney Love would make a good Idol judge. That person must be smoking some bad crack…but I digress…
Margaret Fowler —Big Bird’s Granny
Ok, which producer put her up to that?? After experiencing that bird brained performance I have to agree with Simon about where this show is going.
Jamie Lynn Ward — This year’s Kellie Pickler
A tad nasal but it she does have a sweet sounding voice when she’s not pushing it. I knew she’d get through just because of the back story but she’s got enough talent to at least get to Hollywood. I don’t expect much after that.
Chris Sligh — Stand up comic
Surprisingly good voice and he’ll need that dry sense of humor to get through this competition. I really liked this one and I’d keep an eye on him because he might be this year’s dark horse.
Victoria Watson — “Give me a head with hair…”
Pure, sweet tone but not right for this competition. They could have at least said that much instead of leaving her with the impression that she couldn’t sing. She was sincere – they were not.
Lakia Hill — The total package?
Could you find the pitch in that picture? I couldn’t. That package may have been wrapped a bit too tight because the contents were a bit scrambled. At least she was polite and said “thank you.”
Nichole Gatzman — Pageant Queen
She has a pretty dark tone for a 17 year old and maybe after a year or two of vocal training she just might have a good shot at making the Hollywood round. Actually, I liked her but I guess I’m a bit “old fashioned.” I hope she considers trying again.
Brandy Patterson — needs a better bra…
…and a voice transplant…and an attitude check…and a hearing aid…and a phone to call Simon…and a bodyguard after calling Randy “fat”…and a MUZZLE! Sheesh! Where DO they find these people??
So, as we head on to our last audition stop in LA tomorrow night (thank you, LORD!) I seem to have stumbled upon a spoiler list for the TOP 24! The source says it is about 75% accurate and after reviewing it I hope there are some discrepancies because there are some folks not on the list that should be, IMHO. I’ll let y’all ponder this list while we wait for tomorrow night’s episode.
Males:
1. – Sanjaya Malakar
(Seattle)
2. – Sundance Head
(Memphis)
3. – Phil Stacy
(Memphis)
4. – Matthew Buckstein
(San Antonio)
5. – Thomas Daniels
(Seattle)
6. – Nick Pedro
(NYC / homeboy from my area)
7. – Chris Sligh
(Birmingham)
8. – Chris Richardson
(New York)
9. – Brandon Rogers
(LA)
10. – Rudy Cardenas
(Seattle)
11. – Blake Lewis
(Seattle)
12. – Tom Lowe
(Seattle)
Females:
1. – Denise Jackson
(Minneapolis)
2. – Melinda Doolittle
(Memphis)
3. – Leslie ?
(Audition song- Baby I love you / city unknown)
4. – Gina Glockshen
(LA)
5. – Perla Meneses
(Minneapolis)
6. – Anna Kearnes
(Seattle)
7. – Antonella Barba
(NYC / the better of the two friends)
8. – Jordin Sparks
(Seattle)
9. – Heather Reed
(Birmingham)
10. – Laura Gossett
(San Antonio)
11. – Jory Steinberg
(NYC)
12. – April Walsh
(San Antonio)
And don’t be shy — leave you comments and let’s try to get a discussion going. I’m sure there will be some agreement or dissention with the list.
Until tomorrow — carry on!