There’s nothing like feeling the glee of all those young talents clutching those golden tickets, but the euphoria soon fades to heartbreak once the reality of Hollywood week auditions hits, and Season 11 saw more than 300 grab gold. With that many holding for glory, the guillotine of truth cuts deeper, and some sentimental favorites are already headed home, and some are shooting up on a bullet train to the top.
Johnny Keyser was a singular sensation from the St. Louis auditions, and he only got better for his first of the night performance for the panel. To say he nailed it would really be an understatement, the guy’s voice is like soul syrup, and he’s sure to stay around for a while. Heejun Han really has to struggle to overcome nerves and find his voice, but once he does, boy, does he have it! He did Bolton better than Bolton, and it’s hard not to like this Korean-American who teaches special needs kids, so keep shaking out the stress, Heejun! Elise Testone gave soul and shimmer, and Baylie Brown from Houston proved Season 6 seasoned her voice just right, and Hallie Day outdid her Pittsburgh finish! Jen Hirsch is a hopefully haven’t seen much of, but she shined through her “Up to the Mountain” offering, and managed not to fidget with her hair. Lauren Gray sang for all she was worth, just like in St. Louis, but she sang on too long, oblivious to Randy Jackson’s signals. Phil Phillips proved white soul can be white-hot, with his turn of “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” He admitted he had never flown before, and now, he’d better buckle his seatbelt, since he’s set to soar to the top! Reed Grimm let it be known at his Pittsburgh audition that he had been on stage since the age of two, and he dared to sing about grabbing a Golden ticket (from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”) while everyone was sweating out the Hollywood chopping block, but he scatted straight through again.
Travis Orlando had dreamed of everything but going home after his second try to get past Hollywood week, but again, had his heart broken by Jennifer Lopez’ words of “not this time.” Adam Brock took Jennifer’s words to heart, too, fulfilling her request to do Leonard Cohen’s “Walking in Memphis,” and he walked through his test to stay around, too. Jane Carrey packed plenty for a long stay, too, but on “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” she could bring it as strong as her contenders, so she’ll have to contemplate another try. Steven Tyler did his best to keep spirits up, reminding with rhymes about apes and apricots that the hopefuls had to find their courage, and giving halftime pep talks, and Randy Jackson reminded everyone onstage that “none of you should beg,” as they pleaded for second hearings! David Leather’s, Jr. shares more than youth and geography with Scotty McCreery, because the ladies love him, too, but this 17-year-old doesn’t shun the affection! He sang out Celine Dion for his Hollywood week choice, and he’s held over, now, too. Shannon McGrane surpassed her Savannah audition with Alicia Keys’ “Fallin,’” and Broadway-burlesque singer all on a bun, Angie Ziedermann made it through fine. Jessica Phillips sang with perfect aim at the heart, and had Jennifer Lopez singing along, so expect her and her loving fiancé to stay awhile.
A final selection of near shoe-ins sailed by, including DJ Erika Van Pelt, New York street performer, Creighton Fraker, Aaron Marcellus, Savannah’s “Country Strong” voice, Lauren Mink, and Jeremy Rosado. 16-year-old, Symone Black was all set to seal her audition, too, but with a wary step, she plunged offstage to the floor! The night closed with emergency help being summoned, and in the height of cliffhanger fashion, we all must wait until tomorrow to await Symone’s fate, but assuredly, the show must go on.
“American Idol” airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 PM ET on FOX.
Source: “American Idol” telecast, February 8, 2012, FOX TV.