A very “sorry” Brook Sample (who hates her last name and job because she goes home smelling like Ranch dressing) was adorable. She is from Oklahoma and currently living in Tucson. She chose a song from Dixie Chicks, “Cold Day in July.” I liked it better than the live version of this song by the original artists. Harry said in terms of presenting herself he thinks she owes herself a little confidence because she has a fine last name, she should be proud to be a waitress and she did a really good job. Jennifer thinks America might love her as much as she does. Keith thinks she has a really good voice—interesting and unique; it’s very special. She receives a yes from all three judges.
Olivia Rox is a 16-year-old who was born into a musical family who encouraged her talent from a very young age. She sang “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. The beginning of the song was dragging a little bit but it progressed well and showcased her voice super well. Yes, I got goosebumps. Harry thinks she is an extraordinarily talented kid. Jennifer thought she did beautifully and is someone who would add a lot to the competition. Keith thought her voice was really unique and refreshing to hear it.
Cover-band singer Jessica Clark did her own take on “Come Together” by The Beatles. While her voice is interesting, the nasal quality of her voices hurts my ears. She makes it through.
Ameet Kanon, an 18-year-old student from LA, sang “Mercy” by Duffy. I liked her voice but no goosebumps. She looks good on camera. She is through.
Kayla Mickelsen was also familiar to me from her auditions for “The Voice.” She chose “Broadripple is Burning” by Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s. I love her. She reminds me a bit of Joey from last year. The judges liked it a lot. She is also through to Hollywood.
Melanie Tierce, a 21-year-old, from Murrie, California had me in goosebumps by the second note. She sang “Rise Up” by Third Day. Apparently Harry was immediately sold on her, too. Jennifer got goosebumps. She had Keith crying. He said it was unbelievably good. Harry thought it was stunning. He thought it was one of the best auditions he has heard in 3 years.
Being Miss Alaska 2014 led to a job in radio for Malie Delgado. She chose Gretchen Wilson’s “Chariot” as her audition song. She has a lovely voice. No goosebumps but it was lovely. Jennifer thought she had a great voice. Harry gave her an analogy of the color blue and how many shades of blue they have in the competition. She is like an aquamarine. He is amazed all these ridiculously talented smart women are coming. He told her it will be a husky dog fight. She will need to yell “mush” as loud as she can. (Well, technically the term is “hike”, Harry). Jennifer and Keith are also a yes for Hollywood. After she walked out, the judges said she was a star.
Ryan stepped into Harry’s role and Harry took over Ryan’s spot. He gives the next contestant some tips on what to say to Ryan to win him over (loves labs, ask about his sister getting married). Brandyn Burnette decided to sing an original song called “Lost.” His voice reminds me of someone I can’t put my finger on at the moment. I love it and I love him. Harry felt the desire to hug him while he was playing piano. Keith gave him a brief standing ovation. Ryan was impressed. He felt the emotion. He sang it beautifully and he liked the lyrics. This gives him the first four-yes vote of the season.
The next contestant’s family are the biggest American Idol fans. They still have every show ever done on a recording (like VHS recording). Kyrsti Jewel believes that American Idol actually gave her her love of singing. Lee DeWyze went over and said hello. Ryan invited them all in for the audition where Kyrsti chose to sing “Mama Knows Best” by Jessie J. WOW! She is a little powerhouse; she needs to learn how to vary her sound because it always on LOUD. She absolutely has talent, but that is the only thing I’d like to see her learn. Harry said she has an incredible instrument – clear, loud, energetic. She receives the three yes votes to move through to Hollywood.
Sarah Hayes thought she was coming in being confident and funny, but she was off-putting. She chose “Hero” by Bonnie Tyler. She forgot the lyrics. But what I started to hear was a person who has a nice voice, but not nearly good enough to even make it to Hollywood. She also needs to lose the gum in her mouth. Then she switches to Invincible. Harry says yes to her because he feels like they are part of the problem of why she was messing up. Keith scolded her gently about how she presented herself was not a good way to audition. Jennifer worried about her because there is only going to be more and more pressure as time goes on. She didn’t hear enough of her voice to know if she can control it enough. Jennifer said no. Keith said the whole audition was unstable. Keith was also a no.
Next up: Philadelphia
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