American Idol Season 14 Hollywood Week Night One

5 02 2015

1385015_10154925704030601_1985407597453397698_nThey are calling up some of their favorites from the auditions to sing right away. They call up Jax from Brooklyn up to sing. She was one I remember well (her dad being a 9/11 responder). She sings “Toxic” by Britney Spears. My first goosebumps of the night. There will be no critique from the judges.

Mark Andrew from the Minneapolis auditions was up next. I remember him as well. Then Emily Brooke (who I don’t remember too well except her name). Crooner Sal Valentinetti was called up. Adam Ezegelian did not sound as good as the audition (maybe nerves?) because he was having to take inappropriate breaths within the song.

Tyanna Jones goes next. Pitch issues still but I still love her. Savion Wright is next (adore him!). Hollywood Anderson performs a weird interpretation of Adele. Shannon Berthiaume (rhymes with perfume) takes on “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. I like her style but I think she needs to work on enunciation within her voice style. Then, she forgets the lyrics. OOPS! But she has little experience singing in front of a crowd, so it is not unexpected. It’s a terrifying thing to do (I have, so I know first-hand; it’s why I stopped singing in public). I feel so sorry for her.

Adam Lasher is definitely top 10 material. The people who are just mediocre or have a common voice who are sitting in the audience are freaking out just about now in the day when they see what kind of competition they are up against, but still it is wonderful that they are cheering for excellence. Harry speaks among the judges that he thinks Adam is a superstar.

Keith calls up Garrett Miles. He is the man who is blind. He sings, “To Make You Feel My Love.” He is a little off-pitch.

A string of bad luck happens for the guitar-playing singers with guitars out of tune. Just as people should stay away from the Adele songs, people should really not sing the “Paris (Oooo La La)” song by Grace Potter either. Trevor Douglas makes his way to the stage. He makes a joke about how he hopes his guitar is in tune. I got goosebumps. He sings the song from The Hobbit, “I See Fire.” It wasn’t perfect but it was pretty damn great.

Joey Cook does her thing on stage. She is unique. Joey is used to playing the accordion with her songs, she is forced to turn to a ukulele and is feeling vulnerable. Jennifer turns to Harry and says she loves her voice.

Amber Kelechi is having a panic attack in the waiting area. I told you she would get eaten alive during Hollywood week. Jennifer and Keith did her a disservice. She wasn’t ready. This is just way too much pressure on this little girl. She thinks her entire family’s fate rests on her getting through Hollywood week. She wants to get her family out of the hood back home. She tries singing “Radioactive.” This is not a song that people need to sing a capella. It needs full music behind the song to make it sound okay. She is brave. I still believe she isn’t ready. I don’t want to see the fall-out of that crushed moment. Harry says to Keith and Jennifer that it was far inferior to the Nashville auditions. Jennifer thought she sounded great. Harry does not.

All the performers asked to sing thus far are asked to come up on stage. Jennifer says they were not all that great today but they are getting the benefit of the doubt and are through the next round. Harry tells everyone else that they are safe…for now.

Day two of Hollywood week commences. The people who have not performed will be called up in lines of 10. After each line has performed they will ask some to step forward and others to stay back. Half of the remaining contestants will be going home.

Reno Anoa’l is in the first group of 10. Country singer Priscilla Barker goes to the microphone. Jaq Mackenzie says her great grandmother and aunt performed on that exact stage. She is the next American Idol because…she is. She is confident, but I wasn’t impressed by her vocals on her audition. She sings “Cool Kids.” She sang it well but there is stiff competition this year. Harry says to Jennifer that she “does that waif thing but she gets loud, too, which is good.” And the cuts happen. Jaq and Reno are through along with some others I don’t recognize. Priscilla is going home. I think that was a mistake. I liked her over Jaq and that is saying A LOT because I don’t like country music.

Some of those cut were Courtney Guns, Tara Honda, and Courtney Zahn.

In the next line of 10 is Erika Washington who sings “This Girl Is on Fire.” And she is through to the next round. It looks like Casey Thrasher is also in the group going through.

Michael Simeon and “Big Sexy” Ron Wilson are in the next group of 10 to perform. They are among those going through. Jacob Tolliver (the understudy for the Million Dollar Quartet as Jerry Lee Lewis) was among those going home.

Gabby Zonneveld sings “Down by the River” by Delta Rae. She has a little mini panic attack on stage (I thought her guitar string broke) and that is how they end the episode.





Amercan Idol Season 14 Kansas City Auditions

21 01 2015

1385015_10154925704030601_1985407597453397698_nThe American Idol bus went to 11 cities and stand-out contestants were invited to Kansas City. Zack Kaltenbach lives in Lee’s Summit and went to the same high school as David Cook. He decides to sing “Grenade” by Bruno Mars which is not really a good audition choice. Harry said it was a flat audition. Keith says the voice needs work. Jennifer says yes and Keith says yes.

Naomi Tatsuoka, age 24, from Portland Oregon is quite the personality but will her voice match? Goosebumps! But then there were these weird moments where she lost me from being over the top. The panel got mixed vibes from her. Keith said she can tap into emotion without the dramatics. Three yeses.

Jhameel, age 24, suffers from OCD and explained very eloquently why he presents himself the way he does to satisfy the tic in his brain. I like his voice. He is unique. Keith thought it was unusual. Yes to Hollywood. I thought

Jasmin Pinena was going to walk in and bomb the way they were setting it up, but this Bronx girl delivered–at first–but she went flat and never recovered from being off key. And the shouting was not good. Jennifer was grimacing. It was a no.

Lovey James (real name Kirsten). She sounds good but it sounds like the original singer of the song. She gets three yeses.

Jess Lamb, age 28, from Cincinnati, Ohio felt she was ready to finally audition. Love her. Harry was someone who inspired her and he looked like a beaming proud papa when she played. Jennifer says she is an artist. Keith said he would stop and listen at an open mic night. Harry says she is the definition of creativity. Harry indulges her in a piano jam and it really makes her day!

“Big Sexy” Ron Wilson is a 24-year-old accountant from Gretna, Florida who was discovered on the bus tour. Feeling shut out by his serenade to Jennifer, Keith and Harry talk and walk out the door. Jennifer loved it. Harry thinks he needs to balance his singing with showmanship. Three yeses.

Ian Subsara, a 28-year-old theater actor from Alden, NY should probably stick to acting. His rendition of “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” was not making me feel like dancing at all. The judges have a little fun with him. It is a no from all.

Ashley Lusk, age 15, from Eureka, Missouri, has a good voice. Not sure about unique though. Josh Sanders, age 26, who is in music retail, from Kannapolis, North Carolina has a great voice. It was so great to see returning contestant Casey Thrasher from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. All three are through.

Joey Cook wants to bring uniqueness back to mainstream. I love her blue hair by the way. She is a 23-year-old server from Woodbridge, Virginia. I really like her voice but I think the accordion should have not have been in there. It was overshadowing her great vocals for me. Keith said she was his favorite voice of the whole day. Jennifer and Harry love her too. Three yeses.

Alexis Gomez is a self-described hippie, Mexican, hillbilly cross. She is a 22-year-old Spanish tutor from Dayton, Ohio. I love her look and she has a good country voice, but remember I don’t like 99% of country music. Jennifer loves the whole package. Harry thinks she was good but not spectacular. Keith was a no. Jennifer says yes. Harry says yes.

Anton Bushner, a 19-year-old farmhand from Parsons, Kansas tells Keith he is his favorite country singer. He is an interesting person. When he sings, his personality completely changes. Keith was tearing up. Harry likes the way he stands, likes the way he shows respect for Keith. Three yeses.

Stephanie Gummelt , an 18-year-old cashier from St. Joseph, MO chose to sing an original song. She has an interesting folk vibe. Jennifer really likes her. Harry wants her to put more breadth of experience behind it and he is a no, but Jennifer and Keith say yes.

Ashley Stehle, age 15, a lifeguard from St. Charles, MO brought a heartwarming story with her. Her parents have been deaf her entire life but through technology her father would hear her sing for the first time. She chose the wrong song. Her father looked like he died and went to heaven but how in the world would the judges be able to say no to her. Jennifer shares that she is having trouble singing a capella. She is switching keys, singing flat. Harry compliments the love of her family and commitment but she is not ready. Keith says it is so heartbreaking because she is a beautiful girl. She asks for one more chance. But the judges all say no and Keith says how heartbreaking it is. I want to support the judges for making a hard but correct decision.

Ellen Petersen is a 22-year-old bluegrass band performer from Branson, MO. Ironically Keith was wearing his Branson MO t-shirt to the auditions that day. She has a sweet voice and anyone who can yodel impresses me. Everyone loves it and they think there is so much more in there untapped. They have a little fun with “The Beverly Hillbillies” theme song. Jennifer had never heard of it before. She claims they didn’t have that in The Bronx. I was living in Brooklyn and they got it there.  Perhaps just wrong decade.

Kohlton Pascal is a very insightful young man for being 21 years of age. He travels around playing his music. He sings an original song for the judges. He has a unique voice. Three yeses.





American Idol Season 13 Final Judgment Part 2

13 02 2014

The CJ Harris and Casey Thrasher cliffhanger starts the show. Casey is going through to the top 15. AND SO IS CJ Harris!!!! That was the right decision.

Solo Performances

I was not thrilled with was Marrialle Sellars doing “Wrecking Ball.” It was off-tune. Jena Ascuitto‘s original song was lovely. The first one that sounded good singing “Radioactive” thus far this season was Caleb Johnson. Kenzie Hall has a beautifully unique voice but her solo was terrible. I thought Sandie Lee‘s solo was much better than Austin Wolfe‘s solo but when both had to face the final judgment together, they chose Austin over Sandie.

Rest of The Boys

10. Caleb Johnson

CalebJohnson

11. Ethan Harris

EthanHarris

12. Briston Maroney

BristonMaroney

13.  CJ Harris

CJHarris

14.  Casey Thrasher

CaseyThrasher

15.  ?? Neco Starr or Ben Briley

NecoStarr

BenBriley

Rest of The Girls

9. Marrialle Sellars

MarialleSellars

10. Jena (that’s GINA, not JENNA) Ascuitto

JenaAscuitto

11. Majesty Rose York

MajestyYork

12. Briana Oakley

BrianaOakley

13. Brandy Neelly

BrandyNeely

14. Kenzie Hall

KenzieHall

15. Austin Wolfe

AustinWolfe

Going Home

Sarina Joi Crowe, Nalani Quintello, David Oliver Willis, Savion Wright (are you FRIGGING KIDDING ME???), and Sandie Lee.

Savion Wright deserves to be there. I could do without Briston Maroney. His voice is like sandpaper on my ears. Personal thing. I’m sure others find his voice pleasant.

Twisted Fate

America will decide the fate of Neco Starr and Ben Briley as to who will be the 15th boy contestant. If I have to choose, I prefer Neco’s style of music. I will be voting for him.

Next Week

Next week, AMERICAN IDOL XIII’s“Rush Week” will be LIVE for two nights of performances and the season’s first results show. In a new twist, not all 30 singers will get to perform, as the judges – Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. – will choose only whom they think are worthy of America’s vote, leaving some packing their bags before they get a chance to sing. On Tuesday, Feb. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ETlive /PT tape-delayed), Randy Jackson returns as in-house mentor, and the Top15 girls will take the brand-new stage designed by acclaimed designer Baz Halpin (Britney Spears’ Piece of Me, Pink: Funhouse Tour). On Wednesday,Feb. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), the Top 15 guys do the same.

Then, on the first results show of the season, Thursday, Feb. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 10 finalists chosen by America – five girls and five guys – will be revealed, followed by the judges’ wild card picks to round out the Top 13 finalists.





American Idol Season 13 Final Judgment Part 1

13 02 2014

The talent is abundant; the spaces few. Only 15 girls and 15 boys will go through to the live rounds next week. They had one last chance to impress the judges with their own instruments or the full band or both.

Some standout performances for me were Jillian Jensen (FINALLY they show her!). Her original song was beautiful. Malaya Watson was out of this world. I cried listening to Sam Woolf’s original song that he wrote about his mother leaving. I had goosebumps. My opinion about him has radically shifted. I think it was a mistake letting Keri Ann Roche and Jesse Roach. They were unique.

Here is the list of those going through based upon what was seen this evening:

Guys

1. Spencer Lloyd

SpencerLloyd

2. George Lovett

GeorgeLovett

3. Sam Woolf

SamWoolf

4. Maurice Townsend

MauriceTownsend

5. Dexter Roberts

DexterRoberts

6. Emmanuel Zidor

EmmanuelZidor

7. Jordan Brisbane

JordanBrisbane

8. Malcolm Allen

MalcolmAllen

9. Alex Preston

AlexPreston

Girls

1. Emily Piriz

EmilyPiriz

2. Jillian Jensen

JillianJensen

3. Malaya Watson

MalayaWatson

4. Bria Anai Johnson

BriaAnaiJohnson

5. Jessica Meuse

JessicaMeuse

6. MK Nobilette

MKNobilette

7. Kristin O’Connor

KristinOConnor

8. Andrina Brogden

AndrinaBrogden

Going Home

Madelyn Patterson, Michael Simeon, Lebryant Crew, Sabrina Lentini, Keri Lynn Roche, Jesse Roach, Casey McQuillen, Nica Nashae, Leah Guerrero. A few others whose face/name I could not place and the names were not said.

Not Sure

They showed solos by Shelby Ann Marie Miller and Connor Zwetsch who performed original songs that were less than stellar. They did not go before the judges so I am assuming they went home.

Cliffhanger

They leave us on a cliffhanger. They ask Casey Thrasher and CJ Harris to come up together and sing more before they can make a decision. The previews say that only one of them will be going through. These guys are both very talented. I would very much for them both to go through.

CaseyThrasher

CJHarris

According to the press release, America will get to vote on who the final contestant will be to round out the top 30 on Thursday night, February 13, 2014.





American Idol Season 13 Hollywood Rounds Week One

13 02 2014

LogoThe contestants have no idea that there is a twist this year in the audition process. Some people will have to sing for their life in an airplane hangar. The judges were divided on the talent of these people. I’ll give you the short version (my opinions):

Johnny Newcomb: I do not think it was good enough.
Connor Swetsch: I liked it; first time hearing her.
Ali Jane Henderson: I loved it; first time hearing her.
Caitlin Johnson: I did not like it. It was bad compared to the first three. I was not a fan of hers in the San Francisco audition.
Adam Roth (the sound healer): I still do not like his voice.
Tristen Langley (Nikki McKibbin’s kid): Not bad.
Morgan Deplitch: No for me; off pitch; last time in Austin she was too breathy.
Stephanie Petronelli (the cheerleader): I still do not like her voice.
Rich Lafleur: Goofed up.
Eric Wood: Liked it; liked him in Austin, too.
Alyssa Siebken: Not good enough.
Neco Starr: Liked him.
Khristian D’avis (aka fake-accent girl): No from me.

They were broken up into two groups. One group would be returned to the airport; one group would be going to the next round. There were 20 people in group 2 who were taken to the hotel. Among those going home was Caleb Hartsfield who is from my sister’s city of Asheville. Too bad; I liked his voice.

There are 180 people going into Day 2.

Day 2

On this day, they put them in lines of 10 and have them sing a capella or with an instrument. In the first line, George Lovett, Sandie Lee, Brandy Neely, John Fox, and Majesty Rose York were through to the group round. Going home were Jack Janowicz from the Omaha auditions, McKenna Dennis from the Austin auditions, Viviana Villalon also from the Austin auditions, and very surprisingly Samantha Calmes who was one of my favorites.

Out of the next group all we know is that Spencer Lloyd would be staying.

In the next group, I thought Austin Wolfe had a good voice. I loved Bria Anai‘s song. I did not like Selena Moreno‘s song, not just because she goofed up but she is not on the same level as some of these other singers. Going through to group rounds were Austin Wolfe, Jessica Meuse, Bria Anai Johnson, Shanon Wilson. Selena Moreno and Lauren Ogburn from the Atlanta auditions would be returning home.

In the next group, I like Sam Woolf but he may not be ready for Idol (at least this year’s talent) Keri Lynn Roche‘s song I loved. I was a “no” for Ayla Stackhouse. I adore CJ Harris. John Martin Davis and Ayla Stackhouse as well as another male who was standing in the forward line in a blue plaid shirt who I cannot identify were going home. Keri, CJ, Sam, and a few others I cannot identify by face are through to the next round.

Alex Preston, Sydney Arterbridge, Jesse Roach (Cypress, Texas), Brian Watt, Jade Lathan, Lindsay Bell, David Luning and a few others are in the next group. I loved Alex. Sydney’s vibrato bothers me. I liked Jesse. Brian has a nice voice but when I listen to him compared with the others, it is just not as good as some. Alex, Jesse and a few unidentified individuals have made it through to the next round. Brian, Jade, Sydney, David and Lindsay are going home.

Madelyn Patterson is in her own segment for #IdolHollywood or #IdolHome. I felt it would be #IdolHome as I did not enjoy it. Sixty percent felt she would remain in Hollywood and 40% said she would be going home, but she is through to the next round.

In the next group, they showcased Kenzie Hall and Quaid Edward. I don’t think Quaid is ready but he will get there at some point. Kenzie has such an interesting sound and niche in the competition. Kenzie is through and Quaid is sent home.

Then there are 10 people who make it through (but they were in a bunch of different groups). Ben Briley (I did not like this version of “Stars”.) Briston Maroney (Royals? This is a “no” on the song choice for me but the sound of his voice is unique). Dexter Roberts (The one I liked the best out of these three men). Rachel Rollier (I like her voice). Maurice Townsend (Wonderful). Casey Thrasher (Very nice. He did so much better than his audition). Tiquila Wilson (Loved her). Emily Piriz (I did not like her voice today). Malcolm Allen (Goosebumps).

Munfarid Zaidi from a close-by town of Sugar Land, Texas always adds the fun factor to the show. I think Idol needs at least one. I liked Ethan Thompson‘s performance. Austin Percario was okay. Love the rocker Caleb Johsnon. I think Stephanie Hanvey‘s performance to too affected. I loved Kristen O’Connor‘s solo. I also loved Emmanuel Zidor‘s solo as well as Briana Oakley and Jesse Cline. Keith London made an odd choice in song. I loved his voice but I agree with the judges. Allie Odom, Symphony Howlett, Olivia Diamond, Keith London, and Donald Reed are through to the next round as well as Munfarid, Ethan, Austin, Caleb, Stephanie, Kristen, Briana, and Jesse.

For the last line, Malaya Watson was up. I am not sure about her based on this song. I enjoyed Jena Ascuitto‘s performance. Savion Wright, a local Houston favorite (as well as my own), sang a song for his brother who had recently died (at the time of Hollywood week). On February 5, 2014, the Sabine County District Attorney released a statement that said he has turned the ongoing Alfred Wright case over to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. I love Savion. I had goosebumps. All three contestants are through.

Groups

Immediately, Casey Thrasher, Ben Briley and Dexter Roberts teamed up to form the Backstreet Cowboys. Austin contestants Savion Wright, Ryan Clark, John Fox and Madelyn Patterson teamed up. Matthew Hamel, Jessica Meuse, and Clark King teamed up. Clark was losing his voice. Matthew and Jessica found other groups.  Malaya Watson, Christine Collins, Olivia Diamond and Queen Bulls teamed up. Clark King decides to drop out.

Veterans from Season 12 of American Idol, David Oliver Lewis, Sarina Joi Crowe, and Tony Foster Jr. teamed up to form “Three More Days“. They choose “Too Close” by Alex Clare. It was lovely! Well done! But not everyone can go through and this time it was Tony’s turn to go home. He was genuine when he expressed a desire to know why so he could learn from the experience. I thought that was pretty wonderful instead of pouting and demanding to know why. Harry tells him that he looked at his feet too much. Tony has a wonderful attitude. I hope he comes back next year.

Dexter Roberts, Ben Briley and Casey Thrasher, the “Backstreet Cowboys” sing “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. It was the first country boy band and it worked. I loved it. All of them are going through to the next round.

Neco Starr, George Lovett and another individual did “Treasure” by Bruno Mars. I enjoyed this. Paula Hunt, Andrina Brogden and another unknown individual teamed up. MK Nobilette and Briana Oakley were part of another group and they made it through to the next round. Brandy Neely, Emily, and Kenzie Hall were all through. Spencer Lloyd, Megan Miller and Alyssa Siebken teamed up. Megan forgot the lyrics. The group fell apart. Alyssa was sent home but she felt that she was set up by the others.

Other people leaving after group rounds were Madisen Walker, Keith London, Austin Percario, Stephanie Petronelli, and Adam Roth. Tiquila Wilson respectfully quits; she does not feel this is the correct path for her.

The next group consisted of CJ Harris, Caleb Johnson, Tyler Ahlgren and Matthew Hamel also sang “Too Close” by Alex Clare. Caleb reminds me of the rocker Meatloaf. CJ and Caleb are through; Tyler and Matthew are sent home.

Members of the group “Collision” were all through. The group “Clarity” was made up of Jena Ascuitto, Sikenya Thompson, Munfarid and Allie Odom. Sikenya barely had a voice. She had lost her confidence. The judges encouraged her to push through and she did. Unfortunately Allie was the weaker link and someone has to go.

Savion Wright, Ryan Clark, John Fox and Madelyn Patterson sang “Royals.” I thought it was fine. But John J. Fox of Magnolia, Texas (the town right next to me) is going home.

The next group was Nica Nashae, Stephanie Hanvey, Cara Watson and Jessica Meuse. Stephanie’s mom was overbearing, trying to run the show. I really dislike stage moms like this. The psychology behinds it suggests that they are pushing their children to achieve recognition for themselves. They sing Beyonce’s “All The Single Ladies.” Stephanie was terrible and she goes home, not without some final words from mom.

Terrica Curry, Carmen Delgina and Emmanuel Zidor teamed up to become “Love’s Angels.” Only Emmanuel makes it through.

Loud & Fierce members Malaya Watson, Queen Bulls, Christina Collins, and Olivia Diamond did not do very well. Out of all of them I liked Malaya’s performance the best. They, however, are all through.

At this point 77 contestants remain. Solo rounds start on Wednesday, February 12.





American Idol Season 13 Salt Lake City

8 02 2014

LogoThe next city in the tour is Salt Lake City where 30 talented individuals received a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Radioactive is a really bad song choice with which to audition. Austin Wolfe, a 16-year-old student from Park City, Utah got some of the lyrics wrong. Her voice is nice, but I don’t like the song choice. She is through.

In the first group montage, lumberjack Kylee Adamson, age 18, from Salem, UT has a lovely voice and she is through. Michael Simeon, 19, student, from Lumberton, MS (there is a “lumbar” theme going on here) sings but his voice does not match his face. I loved it. Tessa Norman, a 19-year-old student from Lindon, UT has a pretty smile but an average voice. Jennifer thinks she is going to be a star. Really? I don’t see it.

Samantha Townsend, a 22-year-old nursing assistant from Layton, UT, sounded horrible. Could it get any more nasal? It almost sounds like someone singing with a sinus infection.

I love, love (did I say love) Alex Preston, a 20-year-old student) from Mont Vernon, NH. He sings an original. HE is original. The judges gave him three yeses but they were also impressed with his song.

Fanny-pack Samantha Calmes, is a 25-year-old musical educator, from Hammond, LA. She sings an original song. I am not sure what I make of it. She is interesting. The song sounded more like poetry slam. When Harry asks her to sing something else, she chooses the theme song from The Jefferson’s. I will definitely remember her in Hollywood week.

Next are four contestants from the Idol bus tour. Lebryant Crew, age 24, a real estate manager from El Dorado, AR. He is a minister too. Did he wink at Jennifer or was that Harry? Laurel Wright, age 18, a student from Maryville, TN was next. I loved her quiet voice. They need a folk singer sound in the competition. DJ Bradley, age 20, is unemployed, also from Maryville, TN. He reminds the judges he is not Ed Sheeran (although it does look like him). He is interesting. He is not the best voice in the competition but definitely interesting. I enjoyed the falsetto. He has this quirky vibe and I love quirky. Jennifer is a yes, but what about Harry or Keith? And for a #IdolHollywood or #IdolHome, they ask the audience about Julie Offill. Sixty-seven percent said Hollywood and 33% said home. Keith is a no, but the others are a yes. All the bus tour contestants are through.

Kenzie Hall is a 16-year-old student from Draper, UT. She has a very interesting voice. Three yeses.

Paisley Van Patten is a 25-year-old waitress from Salt Lake City, had a record deal but it crashed because of her addiction. Her fiancé said that if she tried out for American Idol he was not going to remain being engaged. I loved her voice. She receives three yeses.

Emily Rottler was amazing and she is through. She is a 17-year-old student from Salt Lake City.

Dexter Roberts works at “BBFF.” He says it stands for, “Bang, Bang, Flop, Flop” and Keith pipes in “…speaking of Harry’s concerts.” He is a dog trainer, farm hand from Fayette, AL. I liked his voice and he is interesting. Harry thinks it sounded authentic. He gets three yeses.

Ally Roundy is nice, but I did not think she was good enough. Keith thinks this 18-year-old student from Sandy, UT needs a little more time. Jennifer disagrees. Harry said he likes the concept of a diamond in the rough but there was too much rough. She is going home.

Briston Maroney‘s great great grandfather was a recording artist in Nashville. His guitar was passed down and is now Briston’s. But then later he says great grandfather so I think it is more great grandfather. This 15-year-old student from Knoxville, TN has a strange voice but one I would remember. It was very nasal. I am not sure about him–maybe in a few more years. Jennifer said he had a unique voice. Keith says he has a very affected style of singing and is hoping other colors will come out without losing the whole sound. Harry is worried he is going to lose his voice, but he is through to Hollywood.

The next three are in a group. Leia “Fish” Lotulelei, 19, student, Des Moines, WA. I liked the nice falsetto. But we have heard a lot of unique voices. Is his unique enough? Three yeses for him. Sabrina Lentini, 15, student, Tustin, CA has a nice voice. Yes from the judges but she confides that Harry said no. She only needs two. Carson Henline, 16, student, Gunnison, UT, has a powerful but immature voice. It is a no from the judges.

Johnny Newcomb, a 16-year-old student from Tennessee, did a pretty good job. He has an interesting voice although he missed a note or two. Harry thinks Johnny is imitating his idol rather than finding his own. Keith said sometimes people will pull in several elements of different people instead of just one. Jennifer lets him sing one more to get them to change their minds. I would have said yes to him. Jennifer said yes. Harry says no because he does not think he is ready yet. Keith said yes. Jennifer tells him he has to bring the feeling with him to Hollywood. It is not enough just to bring the voice.

Then there is some comic relief between the judges. Harry says if his dentist looked like Jennifer he would eat a box of Oreos just to have her clean his teeth.

Trained in opera, Kimberly Tosti, a 25-year-old marketing coordinator from Park City, UT, gave her best effort. I trained in opera too. It doesn’t mean I could call myself an opera singer. But unfortunately she really cannot sing well. It is a no from all of them.

During a judges’ interview, they wanted to know what was the best advice their parents ever gave. Jennifer said her mother told her “don’t be a baby.” Apparently on her first job she was the only one without a solo. Her mother said, “That’s the business you chose and you better toughen up.”

Carmen Delgina, age 24, is a resale clerk from Las Vegas, NV. Her father is Wonder Mike from the Sugar Hill Gang. It was a bad song choice. I think she has a voice in there but it was sort in and out of different keys by trying to do too many runs. Harry does not think her vocals are strong enough to get her to the end. Jennifer felt she has a God-given voice but it was inconsistent. Keith felt something was disconnecting this beautiful voice with her delivery. Three yeses? I’m shocked. Jennifer thinks she needs to practice.

Next up is Kassandra Castaneda, age 16, a student from Eastvale, CA. Her speaking voice and singing voice are very different. Her uncle gave her his number to give to Jennifer. How funny. I think her voice is better than Carmen but still was average. Harry was not impressed. Jennifer thought it was worthy of going to Hollywood. Keith hears what both Harry and Jennifer are saying and thinks her raw talent could blossom out in Hollywood. He says yes.

Kenneth “Woodie” Gaddie, age 28, substitute teacher, from Maumelle, AR. He has a beautiful voice and is through to Hollywood.

Casey Thrasher is living with his aunt with his two children in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He chooses a song because of an experience he had with Keith. Harry chimes in, “Should we leave?” Keith took a picture with him at the gate of the CMA’s. Keith looks moved that he had that effect but I think Keith is also worried this guy may suck and he would hate that. Jennifer is moved by his emotion. She said it wasn’t 100% perfect but there was feeling and a real voice there. Harry said his drive is strong. Keith said he felt the hunger, drive and desperation to be able to just get a break. Casey gets emotional upon hearing that from him. Three yeses.

At this point, there have been 193 tickets given out, including the 30 given in Salt Lake City.

Last stop: Omaha–Where I lived for 4 years.