Season 8: Audition Rounds Episode 7...I can't make you love me

Season 8: Audition Rounds Episode 7

Our final audition episode took place in New York City and beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico. I've been to San Juan. It is --without a doubt-- the most beautiful and exotic place I've ever been to. Everyone should go if they get the chance. The food is amazing. The scenery is breathtaking. The people are wonderful. And I never saw such a brilliant color of blue as the water in P.R.

Here's the recap for ya:

Jorge Nuñez - I was really impressed with the power behind this guy's voice. I dont' think the show made a big enough deal about him, because he's one of the best vocalists I've heard this season...period. CLICK HERE to watch his audition video.



Melinda Camile - She has some strange ideas--really strange. But her voice is gorgeous. I like her, but all of that stars aligning in the universe stuff has got to go. CLICK HERE to watch her audition video.



Jackie Tohn - She started out singing a weird version of I'm Yours by Jason Mraz....not great. But when she started singing her second song, I realized that she's really great. She has a little bit of scratchiness in her voice that makes it sound different. I like her. She needs to work on the dance moves, though. CLICK HERE for her audition video.



CLICK HERE to see the video for the next three auditions.



Ashley Hollister - She has a sweet voice, but apparently she's not memorable enough for them to feature her, so I'm not guessing she'll make it past Hollywood Week



Kenny Hoffpauer - He seems a little strange. His song choice, again "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, was a little weird. He was trying to sing it like he was in a swing band from the 40s or something....I didn't like it. And I could tell all of that in the 2 second clip they showed.



Kendall Beard - She has a nice, country-ish voice. I have a feeling that we'll see more of her down the line.



Monique Garcia Torres - Another girl who had to rely on a gimmick (this time a cute little brother) to make it through. This was the first time this season (with the exception of bikini girl) that we've actually had a split decision from the judges. It was refreshing. All I can say is, the talent pool was low in Puerto Rico (only 9 people made it), so they must have been really reaching with this one. CLICK HERE to see her audition video.



Patricia Lewis Roman - She has a decent voice, but the judges were right...she shouldn't have tried that Whitney Houston song. When are people going to figure out that the judges don't ever want to hear anyone sing Whitney Houston? I think she's good enough to make it to Hollywood, but not good enough to make it past that round. CLICK HERE to see her audition video.

There weren't too many singers on this episode that really blew me away...in fact, really only one...maybe two if you count Jackie Tohn. I'm just glad the worst part of American Idol is OVER until next January!!

Currently Listening To: I Can't Make You Love me by Bonnie Raitt

Season 8: Audition Rounds Episodes 5 and 6...while my guitar gently weeps

In protest for the lack of substance on the previous two episodes of our American Idol, I am combining them into one blog. Jacksonville and Salt Lake City are not even noteworthy enough to get their own posts....so THERE!

Jacksonville, FL

Well, I knew there wasn't going to be much coming from The Sunshine State when they opened the show with people shouting out to Randy. I didn't figure out until later that the reason they were making such a big deal about Randy was that his last name is Jackson...and they were in Jacksonville. Oh please!


Joshua Ulloa - Who tells this kid that he looks like Justin Guarini? Who even remembers Justin Guarini? I must say, I was surprised at how great his voice sounded, but man, that kid annoyed me! I don't think he has the look or the personality to carry him through Hollywood week, but here's to him for making me gasp with shock as he began singing. HERE is the video.


Sharon Wilbur - If you have to rely on a gimmick (i.e. a friend dressed as a bunny or, in this case, a dog named Sasha), you clearly can't be too confident in your talent. I don't think her voice was anything to write home about. She's been to the school of Britney and Christina where you learn to oversing your songs and mispronounce words such as 'baby' "BAYBAY". HERE is Sharon's video.


Julissa Veloz - When she came on camera, I thought about the quintessential beauty queen...and basically, I thought she would suck. I was, again, pleasantly surprised by Julissa's voice. I don't think she's quite ready yet for Idol. She's not polished enough, but her voice does have a good quality to it. She gets an A+ for personality, though...I thought she was funny and charming. HERE is her video.


Jasmine Murray - Anyone who decides to sing a Fergalicious song for their audition, automatically gets knocked down a couple notches in my book. I don't know what the judges were talking about because, yes, she was cute, but sweet Moses that girl sang out of her nose worse than a lot of people who didn't make it through. Good thing she's cute, I guess. HERE is her video.


Anne Marie Boskovich - I guess the American Idol people needed more filler because the whole "go and sex yourself up and come back later" thing was ridiculous. For one thing, the girl looked fine when she went to the audition in the first place. And she didn't really look any different for the second part of her audition. Normally, the judges just rely on Hollywood to give these contestants a makeover (Hello, Clay Aiken)...maybe they should just stick with the singing part of the auditions. I could have done without their fake shock and awe as they beheld the newly transformed Anne Marie--who took off her jean jacket, and that was it! I think Anne Marie has a pretty voice...but she seems more like a stage actress than anything else. I bet she'll be one that ends up more suited for Broadway. HERE is her video.


T.K. Hash - He sang David Archuleta's version of John Lennon's Imagine...which I already didn't like. I hate people taking that song and annihilating it with runs and dragged out notes. That being said, T.K. has a nice voice, but that's about it...I don't think we'll be hearing from him again after Hollywood week. HERE is his video.

So, Jacksonville was a bust! I don't know if we'll see any of these contestants in the Top 12. Anne Marie Boskovich maybe...just because they made such a big deal about her from the beginning.

Salt Lake City

I was slightly more entertained with Wednesday's episode. I've gotta tell you, though, I will be so exceedingly joyful when these stinking auditions are over! One more night of them...I'll just keep telling myself that.


David Osmond - What a sad story about him being diagnosed with MS, and being confined to a wheelchair at times. He still has that token Osmond upbeat attitude, though, and he gave a really good audition. I enjoyed hearing him sing. The judges gave him some advice to help him sort of break free from the Osmond cliche. I think if he takes that advice, he'll be in good shape. HERE is his video.


Frankie Jordan - At first I was impressed by this girl's vocals and style...but then I realized that she was singing an Amy Winehouse song and doing an Amy Winehouse impression. I don't know if she'll have the chops to cut it in Hollywood week. She may end up being a one trick pony. But hey, if the singing career thing doesn't pan out, she can always get a career as an impersonator. HERE is her video.


Megan Corkrey - You know, I'm getting a little sick of the people who exploit something tragic going on in their lives to make a sob story that will look good on TV (the guy a couple weeks ago whose wife had just passed away was one example, and now we have another: a 22 year old girl who is going through a divorce)...now, I don't know the circumstances of her situation...but I do know that it's probably not the best idea in the world to use something like a divorce as leverage to get sympathy votes on the show. That irritates me a little bit. But I do really love Megan's voice. I think it has a beautiful, husky quality about it. And I enjoy its unique sound. Hopefully she'll make it through on the merit of her talent, and not on her personal life. HERE is her video.


Austin Sisneros - This kid is as unassuming and adorable as can be. Fans of the Archuleta will love this squeaky clean guy. About his voice, I wasn't as impressed as the judges. I mean, he's good, but he shouldn't have chosen a song by Train. He really seems like he would fit in the country genre. Maybe he should have picked a Rascall Flatts song. He did sound much better, though, when he sang the Raffi song. Nowhere near as talented as little Archudorable, though. HERE is his video.


Jarrett Burns - Well, it seems like if you want to go to Hollywood you should sing "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. That has officially taken the place of "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys for the most over-used song on Idol. They didn't show much of this guy, but I thought he was ai'ght--in the words of Randy Jackson. HERE is his video.


Taylor Vaifanua - While I have a hard time believing that this girl is only 16 (she looks like she's in her 30s), I was pleased with her voice. I really think she was trying a little too hard this time around, but I hope she can tone it down a little and just rely on her talent, instead of trying to be some crazy character. HERE is her video.


Rose Flack - She is a very Jason Catro-like person. I like her free-spirited style and her voice is lacking control, but it sounds good. I really think she has a good chance at the top 36. Hopefully if she makes it, she'll wash her feet first (did anyone else notice that they were BLACK on the bottoms?). HERE is her video.


We have one more night of auditions, and then next week Hollywood Week begins! Keep checking back on the blog for a contest that will be starting once the Top 36 are selected!!


That's it for now, I'll be posting another blog Friday covering Thursday's episode. Jeffers, out!


Currently Listening To (in honor of the crying kid from Jacksonville who wasn't allowed to play his guitar at the audition): While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles

Season 8: Audition Rounds Episode 4...here comes the sun

Boy, I feel rejuvinated and satisfied after the Louisville auditions. The Bluegrass State provided us with loads of promising talent. There must be something in the water there. I was beginning to think that Season 8 would be a bust...but the sun is shining again!

Joanna Pacitti - I really like her voice, and she is so pretty. It seems like her desire for a singing career is genuine. I guess the producers decided to flip things around and actually just come right out and tell us when contestants have had previous record deals. I must say, it's a little refreshing. I think we'll be seeing more of Joanna for sure. If you want to hear another sample of her music, CLICK HERE

Brenth Keith (Smith) - I think Brent had a really good audition. I like his voice. He also has some previous experience in the industry: he was a contestant on Nashville Star a couple seasons ago. With Brad Pitt looks and a Brad Paisley voice, I'm sure he'll sail through Hollywood week. He had a song on the "Dale" soundtrack, you can watch the video for it if you CLICK HERE. By the way, Simon called him Busker-ish. I had to look that word up because I had never heard it before.

Busker -
noun
a person who entertains people for money in public places (as by singing or dancing), usually while asking for money.

Hmm...seems to me that everyone on American Idol would be a busker then, right? If you use the term more broadly, I guess even Simon would be a busker in that he entertains people in public for money. Interesting.

Matt Giraud - I really like his unique voice. He has a certain unassuming grace about him. Like he's cute and talented, and you want to get to know him better...but he doesn't know any of that about himself. Simon is right, Matt's voice does sound a lot like Elliot Yamin. Hopefully he'll have as much success as Elliot did on the show. I sincerely hope we hear more of Matt later on because he's one of my favorites so far. CLICK Here if you want to see his audition video again. And by the way, if you've never been to a dueling piano bar before, I would highly recommend it. They're a lot of fun if you go early in the evening.

Alexis Grace - Wow. I was blown away by her soulful voice. I was really surprised when she started singing because I was expecting a Jordin Sparks "pop" voice to come out, but instead it was jazzy and cool. Did you notice that Simon told her she has a very commercial face, and then Kara told her to stop wearing pink? I think the judges definitely want to see a makeover happen...and they're hoping she'll stick around. If you want to see a refresher of her audition, CLICK HERE.

By the way, I really appreciate that Kara has constructive and meaningful things to say to the contestants...Randy, on the other hand, rarely offers an opinion unless it's obvious if the person is good or bad. He'll often say, "Well, I don't know, dog, I'm on the fence on this one." or "I don't know, Simon, what do you think?" I'm getting tired of it. Maybe instead of replacing Paula, Kara should get Randy's job. I'd be okay with that.

Aaron Williamson - Ok, so this guy didn't make it, but I want to say something about him. THEY PUT THROUGH STINKING BIKINI GIRL AND THEY DIDN'T GIVE THIS KID ANOTHER CHANCE?! I actually thought that, aside from the shouting, Aaron's energy was charming. And you can tell by his audition video, that he really does have a nice, unique sounding voice. Oh the inhumanity!

CLICK HERE for the audition video of the next 4 contestants.



Kris Allen - Kris chose to sing "A Song For You" made famous by the aforementioned Elliot Yamin of AI season 5. I love that song, but I didn't hear enough of Kris's voice to have an opinion.

Felicia Barton - She sang "Put Your Records On" by Corrine Bailey Ray. I really thought that song choice was a good one. Her voice sounded phenomenal, and she's gorgeous...so I'm sure she'll make it through Hollywood week. CLICK HERE to see a video of her performing an Alicia Keys song...very well.

Ryan P.A. Johnson - Ryan sang "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke (a good song that should be graciously laid to rest by American Idol because it seems like at least one performance of it happens every season). Ryan is part of a Christian band called In Stereo. Check out their Myspace page CLICK HERE. I think his voice is powerful. It was showcased much more in that 10 second video clip on American Idol than it is with his band. But I guess it's the style of music.

Shera Lawrence - Shera sang "I've Got the World on a String," and I thought it really suited her jazzy voice. She seems very sweet. I don't know if she'll stand out enough to survive Hollywood week, though.

Leneshe Young - I think Leneshe is really cutesy. She likes to pose for the camera and be adorable. That kind of annoyed me, but then I realized that this was probably her first time in front of a camera, and I think she'll eventually grow out of that. Aside from that, she has a lot of promise. I loved the sound of her voice, and I think her original song was good. I think we'll be seeing more of her after Hollywood Week. CLICK HERE if you want to see her audition video again.

I don't know how many more audition episodes remain, but I'll be glad when they're over....although Louisville was the bright spot so far this season.

Currently Listening To: Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles

Season 8: Audition Rounds Episode 3...killing me softly (and not in the good way)

I'm getting weary of these audition episodes. I don't know about you, but I found Tuesday night's episode incredibly boring and unbelievably disappointing. The ones who made it were mediocre at best...and the ones who didn't make it were just annoying. Here's a recap of the contestants who made it through to Hollywood.

Tatiana Del Toro - Give me a break! If she didn't make it based on her voice (like Simon said), I don't know how she did it -- her personality was annoying, her fashion was terrible, and that "laugh"? Nails on a chalkboard....it must have been the train wreck factor. Here's this season's Sanjaya...let's just hope this one doesn't stick around so long.

Jesus Valenzuela - I know he brought his kids in, and it was supposed to be heartwarming...but I think this guy learned to sing from listening to some Backstreet Boys album on repeat. I couldn't believe he made it through.

In the middle of the show, for some unknown reason, the producers decided to do a quick montage of 3 contestants who made it through. The fact that they grouped them all together tells me something: these contestants must either be boring or sub par. I honestly don't expect that we'll hear from these people much in Hollywood Week.

John Twiford - Here's a link of him singing with a group called B.O.L.T. You'll have to pardon the video. It's a little cheesy and very annoying...John is the third person to start singing. CLICK HERE. I think his voice is pretty good...but I don't know that there's anything really stand-out about him or his singing.

Allison Iraheta - Allison apparently won an American Idol-like contest on Telemundo. I'm not really sure exactly how she won because, frankly, she's not great. She's cute, and she could win, like a high school talent show, but her voice isn't good enough for Idol. The talent pool in San Francisco must have been pretty sparse. CLICK HERE. to see Allison's performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart on Telemundo. She's got one thing going for her at least, she looks just like Rosie Perez.

Raquel Houghton - Almost as undeserving as miss cheetah print dress (mentioned above), was Raquel Houghton. Oh, and speaking of Cheetah, apparently Ms. Houghton was the lead singer for a Cheetah girls-esque, faux inspirational "believe in your dreams" group called The Valli Girls (are you serious?!) The picture on their myspace page looks like a Spice Girls rebirth for the new generation....not that we ever needed it. CLICK HERE. I'm generally unimpressed with her voice. She sings too low for her register and I don't think she'll make it far.

Maybe I'm just extra grouchy this week, but it seems like the judges were a little liberal with the golden tickets...Anybody else think so?

And now we come to the two bright spots of the evening ("Bright," however, is a relative term...it's like asking for white and ending up with ecru).

Adam Lambert - I really liked Adam's voice...but I was surprised he didn't attempt a pantomime to go along with his Bohemian Rhapsody. Does he need to be so dang dramatic?! I think Adam has potential. His voice is great, but it's almost canceled out by the theatrics. If he can tone it down a little, maybe he'll survive Hollywood Week.

Kai Kalama - I think this guy is handsome, and there's no doubt that he has a very good voice. But unless he changes his style dramatically, he's going to end up with the same fan base as Taylor Hicks, and we all know how successful he's been as the winner of American Idol. His song choice was bad...he should have chosen something a little edgier, that would have made him stand out.

Tune in tonight for the Louisville auditions at Churchill Downs. Here's to hoping everyone sings from the right rectum this time....what was the deal with that lady?

Currently Listening To: Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack

Season 8: Audition Rounds Episode 2...Stuck in the Middle With You

2 Audition Episodes down, 4 more to go (according to my count). We've been to Phoenix and Kansas City so far...we have yet to see Louisville, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, New York City, and San Juan.

Last night's American Idol episode was pretty good. I think Kara is going to be my favorite of the judges. That's not saying much, though, since the others bother me so much. Kara seems very real, and like she hasn't been jaded by being part of the most popular show on television yet. I give her until next season when she'll start to get annoying. I like her for now, though.

Here's a recap of the ones who made it...


Ashley Anderson. I think she's a very good singer, but all she needed was a 'diva hand' up there flying around, demonstrating all the notes she was singing...in other words, she's trying to be Mariah Carey, jr.


Casey Carlson. I thought she was very country...even down to the cliche cowboy boots she chose to wear. I think she has a good voice, but her stylized singing tries a little too hard.


Josiah Lemming...eh hem...I mean, Von Smith. This kid is the doppelganger for last season's failed contestant/arrogant cry baby Josiah Lemming. Perhaps producers regretted not letting Josiah go through to the top 12 (I'm sure you remember him, the kid from Tennessee with the fake British Accent who said he was living out of his car as a starving artist). Who knows, but Josiah's twin Von is at least as far as Hollywood. If you can look past his self-indulgent screaming, his voice is actually pretty cool. If he can refrain from wearing the token "I'm trying to be cool" hat during Hollywood week, I might like him more. We'll see.


Michael Castro. Wow. Those Castro kids are just a different breed, aren't they? It's like nothing phases them. They're as laid back on national television as they would be in their own living room...I still haven't decided if I like this quality in the Castro boys, or if it annoys me. It comes across as a little arrogant, but I really don't think they intend to be that way. I think they are just incredibly even-tempered. I think Michael was good, but he may have squeaked by on his brother's good name. By the time he gets to Hollywood, though, he will have doubled his tenure as a singer...so that's good.


Matt Breitske. I really liked this guy. He reminded me of a college friend of mine. I love the husky, bluesy quality to his voice. Very powerful.


Jessica Paige Furney. I was really surprised when Jessica started singing. Her voice is very authentic and natural. I hope she makes it far.


India Morrison. The judges thought she was phenomenal, and she was really good...in comparison to her sister. I think that was their scheme all along. They took the other sister in there to make India look better. I thought India was okay, but I doubt she'll make it through Hollywood week.


Jamar Rogers. His whole audition was just too much. I hate when people do that to a song. He's a decent singer, though...hopefully he'll learn how to take it down a notch.


Danny Gokey. This was our heart-warming story of the evening. I thought he was a good singer, and I think he'll make it to the top 36.



Anoop Desai. I was pleasantly surprised by his voice...and his sense of humor. He probably needs a little bit of a makeover, though. Did anybody else think Simon was being just a little racist with the whole Silicon Valley computer nerd thing?


Asa Barnes. He has a good voice, he's handsome, and he's a nice guy. I'm sure we'll see more of him. His Michael Jackson song choice was a little high-pitched and...in the words of Simon, shrieky, but I still liked him a lot.


Dennis Brigham. I thought this guy was sort of a John Legend wannabe who didn't have half the talent. He may prove better later on, but I wasn't impressed with his audition.


Lil Rounds. I saw this girl's name on a blog a couple weeks ago, and I thought it said 'Lil...like as in 'Lil Kim or 'Lil Romeo...I was expecting some kind of rapper. Needless to say I was surprised when I realized that her name is actually Lil...like as in short for Lillian. I was absolutely blown away by her voice. I think she will definitely be in the Top 36...and it will be a shame if she doesnt' make it all the way to the Top 12.

Now, of course, there have been some contestants who made it through to Hollywood who weren't featured on the audition episodes. Producers promised that we'll get to know everyone by the time the Top 12 comes around.

But is there anyone who has stood out so far to you? Anyone who you think should or should not have been chosen?

I think next week's episodes feature auditions in Salt Lake City and Louisville...check back next Wednesday and Thursday for a recap!

Currently Listening To: Stuck in the Middle With You by Stealer's Wheel