Ryan Seacrest announced at the beginning of last night’s American Idol that it was their “last stop before Hollywood,” which was funny because there was no particular stop, as the producers decided to do a clip show featuring the “Best of the Rest” during their seven-city audition tour.
Featured last night were a couple of hopefuls who we saw last year. Jessica Furney of Wamego, KS auditioned last season singing “Cry Baby” by Janis Joplin. She came to the Denver auditions with a new look and a more refined and “improved” voice, as Randy put it. Jessica switched it up this year by singing “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis, showing her more softer ballad side and got four yeses from the judges. I’m excited to see how she does during Hollywood week, but I also hope she shows the raw, rock side she displayed last year. She has a likeability factor to her, and she kind of reminds me of Kelly Clarkson.
Now, perhaps the main reason I hate montage/clip shows, especially when Idol does it, is because we never get to see more of the talented hopefuls who we may end up in the Top 24. Last night, they showed a montage of people bringing in instruments into the judging room, some saying that they only bring it “for comfort.” Amongst them was Lee DeWyze of Prospect Heights, IL who sang Bill Withers’ classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine.” It’s always neat to see an Idol hopeful come from your home state, so I’ll be watching for Lee during Hollywood week. He gave a little rock flavor to the soulful “Ain’t No Sunshine” with his cool, raspy voice, and reminded me a little bit of season five alum, Elliott Yamin.
I mentioned yesterday that season nine of Idol is probably going to a female winner, but male contestants like Lee and 16 year-old Aaron Kelly of Sonestown, PA are proving that Idol fans may see another male win. Aaron explained that he grew up in a broken home and was later adopted by his aunt and uncle. He sings Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” which features his rich voice, which sounds very mature for his age. I could see him doing real well with country/ballad songs, and adding his voice to his look, he could be packaged into a teen pop star after Idol is over. I say this because he reminds me a lot of season seven runner-up, David Archuleta, and I could already see the millions of teenage girls that Idol pulls in voting every week for this guy.
Aaron wasn’t the only teenager to do well in last night’s clip show, as 19 year-old Hope Johnson of Arlington, TX also made it through to Hollywood. Call me a cynic, but usually with the sob stories the Idol producers muster up during audition weeks, I find it hard to end up liking the contestant behind the story. But in the video package featuring Hope talking about how she “didn’t know [she] was poor when she was little,” I found her whole demeanor to be unassuming and endearing. Hope sings “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, and her voice was light and breathy, and could use a little work especially when she reached for the high notes, but she definitely fits into the country-pop singer mold that’s really popular right now.
At the end, Ryan announced that a total of 181 contestants were sent through to Hollywood week this season, and that Ellen Degeneres is set to take her permanent place on panel next week. I’m still reluctant as to how Ellen will be as a judge, considering her judging skills (or lack thereof) during her guest judge spot during last year’s So You Think You Can Dance, but the teaser for next week’s show seem promising. I think if anything, Ellen will give the music fan perspective, so I’m hoping she plays up to that role as she takes over Paula’s spot.
Stop by for Coffee Talk next week, as we discuss Idol’s Hollywood rounds.
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