Aired 2/3/09
The previews for American Idol's Hollywood week were so overly dramatic I'm not sure whether I'm going to enjoy it or not. The group singing is back, which is not good news to me. Either way, here are some of our impressions of the first Hollywood episode, where the hopefuls strut their stuff without accompaniment.
One of this year's twists: "Idol Boot Camp" is held before the auditions. Makeovers for everyone! But where's Tyra? The contestants also have voice coaches and a surprise mentor: Barry Manilow is back to guide the young'uns. And each year, fewer and fewer of them know who he is.
As in previous years, half go sightseeing, half take the stage in groups of 8 to sing. And that's it—they're in or they're out. Just like that. No second chances like last year.
Lil Rounds belts Whitney a cappella. It seems a little much to me, but the female judges are on their feet. Then Dennis Brigham sings with a deer-in-the-headlights look that is quite comical, unbeknownst to him. He ends up in the line that gets cut. And he shows that he is entirely devoid of class. He thinks America will be mad that he was eliminated. Sorry, Dennis, getting to Hollywood does not mean that you are an instant celebrity, loved by millions. Uh-uh.
Uh-oh, Frankie Jordan appears to be in trouble; she overcooked something. The judges say it's been a rough start. Nathaniel Marshall doesn't look like an idol, but he has a really nice voice. However, he's fallen into the trap of singing something that means something to him personally rather than something that will impress the judges. Then he gets weepy and kind of creepy. And what's with the darling little headband and the weird piercings? It just looks like he's a sloppy eater.
Anoop Desai is next. I like this kid. Jasmine Murray is a gasper, but she's good. And Rose Flack is charming as always but not feeling confident. She does Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay very well. I'd like to see a sing-off of that song between her and Deanna Brown. Fortunately, this entire group (which includes Jason Castro's brother, Michael) is through the first hurdle, yay!
Stephen Fowler is up. Very nice. Jorge Nunez next. Also nice. Von "Over the Top" Smith, sans hat, sings next. He's a good singer but really hard to watch. I'm afraid I disliked him originally and still do. All three get through.
Debra Byrd's advice to pick a song that reflects how they see themselves as recording artists seems to go over the contestants' heads. Or maybe the way these people see themselves is out of touch with reality. I have a firm grasp on the obvious.
Oh boy. Here comes Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle). He's still entertaining but still not that good in my opinion. He gets through again, though. Scott MacIntyre and Frankie Jordan also make it. (Wait, I thought she was already through? The way they edit this I can't keep track.)
The next day, the other half is ready to go and the first half goes out on the town. Jackie Tohn is actually kind of funny. Her performance is way too Amanda Overmyer for me, but I can't help but like her. She makes it.
BFFs Danny Gokey and Jamar Rogers are singing today. Jamar does well. Danny does "Kiss From a Rose." I like him, and Paula is standing. Both of them are going through.
Ick, Bikini Girl, Katrina Darrell, is still hanging around? This time she's wearing a black garbage bag. Okay, not really, but that's what it looks like. She disses Kara again. Simon is still under her spell, making excuses for her that he would never make for anyone else. It would have sounded better with music?!?! I thought the idea of this was to find out how they do without music as a crutch. Music is what made her want to sing in the first place? Yathink? Paula and Kara say no, the guys say yes. Hmm, yeah, didn't see that coming.
Bad news: Jessica Furney doesn't make it! I was really hoping she would. Neither does Sharon Wilbur or Patricia Roman. However, Jeremy Michael Sarver does well and gets a yes. Jesus Valenzuela, who somewhat resembles Colin Farrell, follows him, and gets a no.
David Osmond and Erika Wesley are in the next group. So is Emily Wynne-Hughes, who has been practicing one song, but for some reason she sings one she didn't rehearse. The judges don't like it. Alex Wagner-Trugman, the one who sings in the closet with the mold, David Osmond, and Emily step forward, among others not mentioned, and get good news. Erika won't accept it and asks for a second chance. Even the fact that it's her husband's birthday doesn't sway them. Not relevant, honey.
Alexis Grace, Brent Keith Smith, Anne Marie Boskovich, and Adam Lambert get through.
Tune in tomorrow for more tears, jeers, and cheers!
