(In Salt Lake City) Waiting for Hollywood, Pt. II

I think, my girl, Kara said it best at the end: "I saw 1-3 people who could make the finals." One of them clearly has to be Amy Winehouse-ing Frankie Jordan - thank goodness for somebody who doesn't over-sing, she's cute and has personality.

I kind of dug Rose, the hippie chick at the end, who isn't the greatest singer but has a quirky charm. I just wonder if she can make it through Hollywood.

I guess I need to mention David Osmond, too. I agreed with the judges - good, not great - but there is clear potential there and an understanding of what it takes to make it in the business.

The judges seemed to like a couple of others, Megan (really personable one that Simon said he'd remember) and Taylor, who I have forgotten already.

I hate to keep saying it but it's still too early at this stage of the game to know how many of the "I'm-Going-To-Hollywood's" really have got game.

Waiting for Hollywood, Pt. 1

As far as audition shows go, this one was good and worth commenting on even though I am really ready for Hollywood. The judges seemed to be way too generous with some mediocre folks that you know aren't ready for the big-time.

Being the huge Journey fan that I am, I LOVED the beginning clip of Randy back in the day. Look, we all have our back in the day pictures that are quite embarrassing (except my 11th grade yearbook picture where I looked like Shaft) but Randy's 80s look was horrible in a decade of horrible looks.

Best of the evening: Jasmine, the 16 year old who sang Fergie although I thought she was a little too nasal; T.K. (who apparently had failed an audition before) over-sang "Imagine" but has a good voice; and the best - Annemarie, the pretty girl that the judges asked to come back and that Simon appears to have a crush on. I think she could go far.

Still, I am waiting for Hollywood.

Louisville ("Loo-uh-vool") Slugs It Out of the Park

One of the best audition shows that I can remember - if not the best. Tonight had a delightful blend of trainwrecks, interesting back stories, potential talents and a few possible Top 24s or Top 12s.

As to the trainwrecks, Math/Chinese language geek Ross provided our favorite moment. As he was, uh, "singing" (what's the Chinese symbol for "I sound like I swallowed steaming gravel"?), Cassandra's bird, Eggs, said, "Did you go poopies?" [Editors note: What other Idol blog in America could give you insightful commentary from a talking bird?]

As to back stories - Alexis, the adorable young blonde with the daughter who sang Dr. Feelgood. Bad song choice but she's cute, has personality and does have a voice. Could put her into the potential category, too. And aren't you glad you learned where the expression, "His name is Mud" comes from?

As to potential, they showed three quick snippets near the end of the show of folks I'll be looking for when they get to Hollywood (and thanks to Diandra's note taking for getting their names): Chris Allen, Felicia Barton from Va. Beach and Ryan Johnson.

As to possible finalists: Joanna Pacitti who sang Pat Benatar. ANYBODY who breaks out my girl Pat gets my attention but she had the Carly Smithson back story of "I tried once before to make it in this business"; a decent voice; a fabulous look - pretty, petite, dark hair, great eyes - that will only get better when the stylists get hold of her; plus the fact that Kara was familiar with her says something. I think she's worth keeping an eye on and I think the producers gave her extended time for a reason.

Finally - LANESHE. Last name Young but does it matter? LANESHE is all we'll need at this point. Forget the back story. It's nice but secondary because THIS CHICK CAN SING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wrote her own song which was nice but secondary because THIS CHICK CAN SING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way to go Loo-uh-vool.

Inauguration Idolation

Inauguration by day. Idol by night. Fox loves me.
Just one hour tonight and it’s always hard to comment seriously on the auditions even when they are two hours. I enjoy audition weeks for their entertainment value and, in a free country, why should I deny someone the opportunity to make a fool of themselves? Tonight was no exception, especially when someone is completely ignorant of the anatomy in front of Nurse Christine. Uh, somebody help me out – which rectum is the right one to sing out of?
Yes, Kara’s dress was hot. Christine and Diandra thought so too, so I know my opinion is purely objective.

A Voice Even a Mother Couldn't Love

Michael Nicewonder, Sandwich Maker. Elementary school medal with taped on fortune. Diandra put it best: “So there are mothers who tell their children that they can’t sing. And they still show up.” I can’t even recall what he tried to sing and does it even matter?

I must say as far as audition shows go, this one was one of the best as far as seeing some people who could go far. I really, really liked the widower, Daniel Gokey, who sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”. I always cringe when people think they can cover the iconic vocalists but Daniel brought it! First thing I thought of was, “this year’s Elliott Yamin.” And the last girl, Lil, who did Stevie Wonder was serious. Very serious.
India (the rapper/choreographer), Anoop-dog (he of the software programmer look) and the band director Asa weren’t bad, either, but are they good enough to stand out against the 100+ that will be in Hollywood?

Yes, Hollywood Week, aka Hell Week, looms. And it’s not good to get emotionally invested in anybody ahead of Hell Week. Especially this year since they are bringing back the team singing. Too many good auditions go up in smoke during H-Week.

Did I mention how good a job I thought Kara did this week?

Hallelujah - I LOVE It So!!!

I know. I should feel ashamed. I should feel dirty. I should feel shallow. Because I find the trainwreck weeks of Idol so entertaining. I know - I should have been horrified at what people were doing to Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive, yet tears of laughter were streaming down my face (I'm purging the demons from my soul by listening to the original now). I know - I am sick but somehow admitting it makes me feel better even if I will return to my addiction tomorrow night.

The talent? Tough to tell just from a 30 second audition. Nobody jaw-dropping. There were a few potentially good people but I've learned you really have to wait until Hollywood to see who has both chops and staying power.

Kara - I really like her and I need to cautious of my comments since my mom and her sister may read the blog. So while I can still contain myself (it's only Week One), I'll merely say I enjoy watching her - did you hear her sing! - and I like the new vibe she brings. I really loved how she got all snarky with Bikini Girl whose continued presence on the show hopefully will be smaller than her swimwear. Time will tell how or if the chemistry develops between Kara and the crew including Ryan. For you MBTI folks, putting together several articles I've read, seeing her tonight and on Letterman last night (no, I am no stalking her), I'd guess ENTJ.

Isn't it great to have Idol back?