The X-Factor USA S3 Audition 2

23 09 2013

The X-Factor USA S3 Audition 2

We jump back to the Denver auditions. Yosselin Marquez is up first singing “Girl” by Rhianna. This is a horrible start. This is not some night out for karaoke (she was using the phone for the lyrics)–this is an AUDITION! Stop it. Stick with modeling. She got four “no” responses. She does not know SIMON? A person auditioning is expected to do their homework.

Thomas Weiderspoon came out singing country hit “Your Man” by Josh Turner. Baby lock ’em doors and turn the lights down low. He is no Scotty. He is not good. All no’s.

Carrigan Bradley was next. They did not show much of the song, but I doubt there is a talent category in the beauty pageants she enters. Amber Ferrari tried to channel Janis, but got Janis’ untalented twin instead. The Group K&B gave it their best effort, but they were not Living’ La Vida Loca. This is very disappointing. Sean Harris knows he can win. Perhaps Lotto but definitely not singing.

Rylie Brown singing “Clarity” by Zedd. For someone who practiced the song everywhere she went I can’t believe she forgot the lyrics!!!! She is upset and her voice cracks. She is very breathy. She has potential if she works hard with a good vocal coach for a few years. I would not have put her through. But the judges did. She better not forget her lyrics again.

Jeffrey Brinkman is from Longmont–the place in Colorado recently ravaged by flooding. This audition likely occurred before those tragic events, so I hope he and his family and friends are okay. He runs a dog day care. I already like him. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker. I was not expecting that voice to come out of that man. I got goosebumps despite his odd phrasing choices. Four yeses.

Back to Long Island, Jocelyn Hinton, self-proclaimed diva, singing Katy Perry’s
“Firework.” Absolutely no. This is a terrible audition song to begin with. This is not a career option for her. She should find employment elsewhere. She became annoying and refused to stop singing. Simon walked her off stage.

Young Rachel Potter was up next. It surprised me that she was almost 30. She chose “Somebody to Love” by Queen with a country twist. She has a fantastic voice. I really like her too. I got goosebumps when she got to the bridge. I don’t know why she reminds me of Lea Michelle from Glee who plays Rachel. The ladies gave her a standing ovation.

Jorge Pena, age 22 who sells ice cream and calls a female “woman.” Pig. He is funny., though and then–yep–creeped out again singing a song “Amame” by Kelly Clarkson & Alexandre Pires. He was average. But I hate his attitude. The judges put him through.

Simone Torres, a Port Jefferson Station resident, was up singing “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett. She has a lovely deep voice. Simon looked very surprised. Moshe has a higher speaking voice. I love her. She is a definite yes from me. And she got four yeses from the judges.

Russ Pouliot spent 4 years with a classically trained vocal coach (why do I think this is going to be a disaster?). “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You” by Elvis Presley. I think he needs to get his money back. It was awful. The ladies tried to get Simon to sing and he tries to imitate Russ. That was great!

Back in Denver, three sisters form the group Roxxy Montana. Singing “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls by Jennifer Hudson. They are superstars!!!! I love them too. Temperance has the better voice by far and could have a great solo career. Simon agrees with me. He asks them to sing an a capella song which again shows Temperance to be the best vocalist.

Back to Long Island, Al Calderon who is designated hostess at a restaurant. He chose “Sara Smile” by Hall and Oates. He is a little pitchy but I like what he did with the song. I attribute the off-pitch notes to nerves. I would say yes to see more of him. He received four yes responses.

Denise Weeks, a subway singer. I like her and her story. She picked “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston to highlight her vocal talents. It was not a good audition. Simon gives her a second chance without the track. It sounded so much better. Now I got goosebumps. Four yeses from the judges.





So You Think You Can Dance S10 Boston Auditions

3 06 2013

Adam Shankman joined resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy.

Ashley Goldman and Phillip Kudryavstev

They are hot! She talks too much. He does not talk at all. But they dance wonderfully together. Vegas!

Natalie Vilos, age 29, from Laie Hawaii

Chose her Halloween outfit to audition. Her moves are not as tight as they need to be for this show. The lamp shade was hiding her flaws. I would say no to her. The judges agree. But before she leaves, Adam dances in it.

John Tesoriero, age 21, Boston

He collaborates with a beat boxer to do something unique. This is definitely that. It would be something I would remember. I think he should go through to choreography. The judges give him that chance. They loved his effort, but it was a no this year.

Katlyn Rodriguez, age 18, Brooklyn

Her little brother filled in for her missing partner. I think the brother was better but he is too young to compete. Mary got all choked up. She also loved her. Yes to choreography. She gets a ticket to Vegas from there.

Jennifer Jones, age 21, Philadelphia

The former ballerina who developed an eating disorder. I think she may be my new favorite. Vegas!

Tommy Tibball, age 21, Ozone Park, NY

I enjoyed his dancing. At first I thought it would be a disaster, but I was pleasantly surprised. Ticket to Vegas!

Jennie Begley, age 24, Aurora, Colorado

Her brother made it possible for her to be there today. I liked her dancing, but I am more of a fan of Jennifer Jones at the moment. Mary and Adam gave her a standing ovation. Adam said it was his favorite audition so far in Boston. Going to Vegas!

Day 2

Jason Kidd, age 19, Baltimore, Maryland

He won 5th place in dancing in germany, representing America. He is an animator. I think he may be as good as Cyrus. Vegas! He reminds me of Josh, mindy’s ex-boyfriend, on The Mindy Project.

Shizzy Shake (Shannon Tarantino), age 21, Bloomingdale, NJ

After watching her interview, I was not expecting her to dance so beautifully. I like being surprised. She might be my favorite contemporary audition so far. Vegas

Elena and Gene Bersten, husband and wife, age 29 and 25, Minneapolis, Minnesota

He has great hips! They were great together. I think they should go to Vegas. They are going to Vegas!

Ernest E-Knock Phillips, age 26, Waterbury, VT

He almost lost himself after his cousin died, but found purpose again as a hip-hop instructor in Vermont. That was a very emotional audition and I could feel his pain. I found myself crying. I saw Adam crying as well. They all send him through to choreography. It is no to Vegas.

Alexis Juliano, age 18, Coral Springs, Florida

Nigel has a soft spot for tappers. I thought she was fabulous. She has a great personality as well. She is going to Vegas!

Anthony Bryant, age 28, Elkin, North Carolina

Ribbon boy from season 1. It was interesting. He always gives the unexpected. I would say yes to choreography to see him without the silly costume. But when the judges want to send him to choreography, he declines. His attitude always gets in his own way. I do not think they should allow him to have a spotlight for another year.

Anthony Savoy, age 24, New York, NY

I got goosebumps and very emotional seeing him dance. I heard his voice. Top 20 material to be sure. After the fiasco with the other Anthony, they said yes to choreography to show people how to accept that humbly, and they made him walk back to the microphone for his ticket to Vegas.

Kate Kapshandy, age 23, Hoboken, NJ

Dances with Maks from season 5. She holds many titles, 2 Latin and 2 in 10 dance. Definitely the best they have showed us so far in ballroom. Mary gives her the first hot tamale train woo-hoo. Adam did a wonderful Bruno imitation (from Dancing With The Stars). Straight to Vegas. And Adam Shankman gets an award from best Bruno imitation EVER.

Toshihiko Nakazawa, age 28, Harlem, NY

He was memorable. His moves are not tight enough. I would have said yes to choreography. But they said yes to Vegas.