Pbmom's Blog

Taylor Hicks came along to help out in the pre-auditions. The next young lady is very interesting. She lives off the grid in the elk wilderness of Saddle Mountain (Crawford, Colorado) but they turn on the generator twice a week for American Idol. The nearest city is 6 miles. Fifteen-year-old Jeneve Rose Mitchell chose a The Band Perry song, “Chainsaw.” She was unique and entertaining but I don’t think she is right for Idol. Her facial expressions (her eyes) were distracting for me.   Keith thought she had originality that was compelling. Harry thought it was crazy stupid funk (in a good way) she was playing on the cello. She is a work in progress but boy is there a lot to work with. She gets three yeses. And a huge hug from Taylor Hicks who was waiting with her in the holding room.

And then my DIRECTV bombed out and came back on after a performance I probably wanted to see. The judges were so impressed. She was contestant 47925. Black hair, muted purple dress, black boots that came up to her knees or thighs. Apparently Harry told her she could win the whole thing. Thanks bad weather crashing out my satellite feed.

Shevonne Philidor, a 24-year-old DJ from Tampa, Florida, was trying out for the sixth time. Kory Wheeler returned after auditioning in season 14. I loved both of them. Laurel Wright, a 19-year-old from Maryville, Tennessee, is a musician who auditioned in season 13. She had a lovely voice. All three are through to Hollywood.

Classically trained Joseph Kohlruss, a 16-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona made his entrance to the holding room with an entourage of supporters including dancers.   Oh dear—that tends to backfire—huge ego making up for lack of technique. Here is an example of a person who had a few great notes where you wonder if there could be promise but probably needs a different vocal coach because his pitch sucked. He turned “Hello” by Lionel Ritchie into a song that dragged out and didn’t do him any favors. As the song moved on, I wanted it to stop. I thought it was appropriate that his last line was “I want to tell you so much, I love you.” I really did, but I couldn’t. It was bad. He didn’t seem to suffer from stage fright, so I can’t chalk it up to that either. Jennifer thought it was a super strong voice but it was inconsistent. Keith thought he had a big flexible range but he hasn’t learned how to use it yet. It is a no from all three. But he was classy at the end when he said he appreciated the judges’ honest opinion. He also looked quite humbled.

The next contestant is a Hobbs, New Mexico police officer. The judges had a lot of fun with Reanna Molinaro. Harry wanted her to handcuff him because he wanted to see how fast she could do it and then tried to play the piano like that. She sang Patsy Cline’s “Leavin’ on Your Mind.” I liked it. It was a solid performance. Harry thought she was a pretty good darn singer. He also called it a solid performance. Jennifer thought it was good and hoped for a bit more performance quality to it, but she had a good voice. Keith thought she had lovely voice with a pure country tone about it. Harry went on to say she had a really strong voice and he was extreme pain right now (because he still had his handcuffs on).   Harry asked the panel to please hurry up in giving their decision. Keith hems and haws with his decision leaving Harry to languish in agony, even going so far as fake-requesting her to sing another song, something slow. She gets two yeses; I think Harry was in too much pain to comment.   Harry expressed a desire to be tasered as well, but by her, and not a full jolt.

Kerry Courtney is a 24-year-old hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, who chose the song “Blacksun” by Death Cab for Cutie for his audition. I have never heard of this song before so it was like I was listening to something original. He is unique and I would remember him. His voice is full of emotion and is really good. Keith thought he had a unique style. Harry liked it. He was interested in it and it was quirky and different. Jennifer thought it was super quirky and dark and scary at times, but the sound of his voice was very beautiful. Keith loved it, too. Three yesses.

Shelbie Z? I remember a Shelbie Z, but what season? OH WAIT!! I remember her from The Voice (season 5)!!!   As soon as she said she was a hair dresser, it clicked. She has a massive voice. She chose “Last Name” from Carrie Underwood. Jennifer likes her. Harry doesn’t like her; he loves her. He said people like her are very dangerous in this competition. Keith said yes from him and the other two agreed.

A surprise visit from Kanye West who sang then a rap song written for Jennifer that was beeped out quite a bit. He gets a golden ticket.